Unwarranted

Unwarranted

Revelation 6: ³ Then the Lamb broke open the second seal; and I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” ⁴ Another horse came out, a red one. Its rider was given the power to bring war on the earth, so that people should kill each other. He was given a large sword.

 

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Walking down the hall after practice, I was met with a fist in the chest. I saw stars and in a dizzy state fell against the lockers. Tired of bullies, I wanted to get “big.” I lifted weights and became stronger. One guy at the gym who was bigger than me wanted to go to a bar to pick on people. “No thanks” I replied.

 

• I thought that fighting was a good idea until I was invited to do the bullying.
• I thought that I needed to be prepared for battle, so I wanted to get my defenses up.
• I thought that if someone was combative, I needed to be combative to “win.”

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the second living creature say “Come!” after the second seal of Satan’s sentence scroll was opened. A spirit of combativeness was unleashed, causing people to fight and to kill one another. This is the second step in tearing down Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD showed us how HE would take down Satan’s kingdom by using unwarranted fights.
• War can easily happen when the heart is ready to fight.
• Destruction is the solution of war.

 

Fighting stinks and unwarranted fighting stinks more. I mean, whether passive or aggressive, attacks, combat and war only ends up in destruction. No one wins. BUT GOD has a remedy. JESUS.

 

Every human is capable of war because there is a war inside us. At times we fight against GOD by trying to get our own way and other we side with HIM by trying to get HIS way. Fortunately for us HIS will, will be done.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer?
• Have you ever been so frustrated that your only way out is to fight?
• Will you mimic JESUS and drop your defenses by adding love as your weapon today?

Entrance Plan

Entrance Plan

1 John 3: ¹¹ The message you heard from the very beginning is this: we must love one another. ¹² We must not be like Cain; he belonged to the Evil One and murdered his own brother Abel. Why did Cain murder him? Because the things he himself did were wrong, and the things his brother did were right.

 

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After a colleague was “reduced” from the workforce, I felt enraged. Me and another peer decided to meet with the leader of the organization. We prepared for the meeting by discussing how outraged we were, as if we were putting on combat gear. The meeting kept getting moved, but when we had it, we lit into the leader.

 

• I was preparing to be heard, not to hear.
• I was furious and all I could think about was rage.
• I did not have any room in my heart for the leader we met with.

 

John took everyone back to the foundational action all believers in CHRIST should have, namely “love one another.” He gave the first example of hatred by showing how Cain despised Abel’s “right” actions. He explained that Cain was so consumed with hatred, that he murdered his brother. John may have written this to ward off any feelings of hatred the persecuted people may have had.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the commandment to “love one another” because HE is love.
• When I take love into places where war is expected, better things happen.
• GOD’s love is the only cure for the hatred that seems to be spreading more rapidly than usual.

 

Being enraged can cause me permanent damage. I mean, when I get so mad at this person or that person, I am willing to cut him or her off from GOD’s message of love. This requires that I examine my heart, because if I don’t want everyone to believe in CHRIST, I may not be on HIS side.

 

GOD wants everyone redeemed, even those who may have wronged you and me. HIS grace far exceeds any that you and I can imagine. HE loves those who hate people. HIS grace can cover a multitude of sins. I am glad GOD has provided an entrance plan to address arguments, namely love one another.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used Cain as the example?
• Have you ever been so enraged that you did not think of your words or actions which may have been hatred?
• Instead or preparing for combat, can you take love into your conversations?
• Will you examine your heart and your words to see if there is any slander, prejudice, judgment or even hatred so you can give them to GOD for HIM to cleanse your heart today?

Agreement

Agreement

1 Timothy 5: You must teach and preach these things. ³ Whoever teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the true words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching of our religion ⁴ is swollen with pride and knows nothing. He has an unhealthy desire to argue and quarrel about words, and this brings on jealousy, disputes, insults, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. 

 

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Hearing what the other department was saying, I immediately came up with my rebuttal. After my argument was presented to management, the other department leader came back with a counter argument. This went on for a while. Finally, management told us to get ourselves together because we were getting nowhere!

 

• I was ready to argue.
• I was ready to fight.
• I got myself prepared with one side of the argument.

 

Paul warns Timothy to stick to the doctrine of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. He also warns that there will be those who believe in and teach a different philosophy to address life’s problems.

 

My Observations

• Instead of arguing, GOD wants me to simply believe in JESUS.
• Instead of getting tripped up by life’s issues, GOD wants me to focus on JESUS as the answer.
• Instead of wondering if a human philosophy is working or correct, GOD wants me to teach about JESUS.

 

JESUS is the way the truth and the life. HE says this. This means to me, that I need HIM to have a relationship with GOD the FATHER. The things I learn must align to this belief, otherwise I could be tempted to follow something that seems right, but may be tearing me away from GOD.

 

I may even gather more facts that back up my stance, but if these facts leave GOD out of the equation, they are not facts at all. I gladly give up on things that do not agree with the fact that JESUS loved me enough to die for me and is now alive provide me with eternal life.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who do not believe in the doctrine of JESUS?
• Do you feel you need to argue and fight over something?
• Will you soften your heart and allow GOD to come into your life so HE will teach you the truth and help you teach others about the love of JESUS today?

Bright Side

Bright Side

Philippians 2: ¹⁴ Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, ¹⁶ as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.

 

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“The problem with this place is…” was my normal statement. I could spot what was “wrong” a mile away. I also had fallen into a habit of complaining about “bad” service. I had experienced “good” service and compared it to those who could not roll out the red carpet to me. This gave me ground to “argue” about payment or even getting more out the deal.

 

• I had become a habitual complainer.
• I had become combative and argumentative.
• I could not tell my adversaries about CHRIST, but I won the argument, or so I thought.

 

Complaints and arguments dim the light CHRIST wants us to shine, according to Paul. As we navigate this world full of combative, demanding and selfish people, complaints and arguments go unnoticed. Only GOD’s light will show up different.

 

My Observations

• Growing up to walk in GOD’s light is hard for me but necessary.
• Reducing complaints so GOD can be seen is much better path for me, and is not easy to do, but necessary.
• Reducing arguments so GOD can be heard provides a rich environment for all, which is not always easy but necessary.

 

Protecting myself from bullies of all kind, overt and passive, led me to shameful tactics that included complaining about people and arguing against them. This combative approach toughened me up to face those who attacked me. BUT GOD’s light shining through me was dimmed at each “win.’ Someone has to lose win “I” win.

 

Also, the enemy found a way to perpetuate his complaints about each person. He doesn’t have to go before GOD complaining about a person when he has enlisted people to complain about each other. GOD’s light requires peace, love, joy, patience, and gentleness, to name a few. I am glad HE helps me reduce complaints and arguments, and hope someday they will be extinguished.

 

Challenge

• What stands out about the writers warning?
• Have you ever assessed how much you complain about people or “that” person?
• Is it easy for you to argue or to help someone see a “better” way?
• Will you seek to show GOD’s light by reducing your combat and looking for ways to help everyone “win” versus someone losing his or her life for eternity?

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?

Litigious

Litigious

1 Corinthians 6: If any of you have a dispute with another Christian, how dare you go before heathen judges instead of letting God's people settle the matter? ² Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? Well, then, if you are to judge the world, aren't you capable of judging small matters? ³ Do you not know that we shall judge the angels? How much more, then, the things of this life! ⁴ If such matters come up, are you going to take them to be settled by people who have no standing in the church? ⁵ Shame on you! Surely there is at least one wise person in your fellowship who can settle a dispute between fellow Christians. ⁶ Instead, one Christian goes to court against another and lets unbelievers judge the case!

 

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Wanting to show who was in charge, I met with the legal team to discuss a dispute “I” had with another company. Since “they” were acting like jerks, “I” wanted to change the contract to add a few fines. “You can’t do that” the legal team advised. I was furious.

 

• There have been times when I wanted to go to court to get “my” way.
• There have been times when I wanted to show who really had the “power.”
• There have been times when I wanted to sue a group for a simple matter.

 

Paul attempts to grow this group of believers without saying the words “Just grow up!” They were taking disputes to court and letting unbelievers judge the case. Paul explains that those who believe in JESUS will one day judge the world, the evil spirits who tempted us and the one who devoured us.

 

• GOD wants me to seek peace with those who believe in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to use HIS wisdom in settling disagreements.
• GOD wants me to take peace before HIS throne so I will not act like Satan who brings accusations against me every step of the way.

 

Litigiousness also means acting combative, contentious, disputatious, disputative and argumentative. This disruptive behavior destroys the harmony GOD seeks. It also shows just how much of a child I have been when seeking “my” way and throwing a legal tantrum.

 

This behavior shows up in other areas of my life. When I complain about the way other people do things or get mad at GOD while trying to explain to HIM how “good” I have been. GOD wants me to seek HIS peace with everyone and leave the vengeance to HIM. I am grateful for HIS grace that is truly sufficient.

 

• Are you mad at someone to the point of trying to sue?
• Are you seeking advice from those who do not believe in JESUS?
• Will you stop trying to build “your” case and examine your heart to see if you are acting with hatred or love today?

Following the Fallen

 

Following the Fallen

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁰ By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. ¹¹ For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

 

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Watching a “successful” person was my way of getting ahead. If I could just mimic a few characteristics of “that” person, then I could be a “successful” too. I read articles, books and listened to words from the person I followed. But then it happened. That person fell from the grace of the public. Oh well, on to the next person.

 

• There have been many people I have admired.
• There have been many people I have followed to get their advice.
• There have been many people I have sought after to try to be “successful.”

 

Paul addresses an issue in Corinth. Some people were following him, others Apollos, and others were following Peter. This caused quarrels that were brought to his attention. Paul could have said, “Just follow what I say”, but he knew that was not the answer.

 

• GOD wants me to build a following for HIM.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM rather than to me.
• GOD wants me to follow CHRIST and not the preacher of the day.

 

Humans rise and fall. I mean, one day I am preaching CHRIST, the next day I have fallen into sin. GOD knows the human heart. HE also knows how desperately wicked each human really is. HE supplied the only cure, namely HIMSELF.

 

JESUS volunteered to die for all humans and was raised from the dead. JESUS deserves the following for HE and HE alone never fell. I gladly follow JESUS over any human.

 

• Are you following a certain person?
• Do you admire their success?
• Will you take a moment to reassess who you are following and see if you are following JESUS with a personal relationship today?

False Facts

False Facts

Acts 19: ³⁵ The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? ³⁶ Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. ³⁷ You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. ³⁸ If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. ³⁹ If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. ⁴⁰ As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” ⁴¹ After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

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With passion, I quoted some information to a group. After many moments of arguing, someone pulled me to the side and said “The information you are quoting is wrong.” The person showed me the correct information and I was thoroughly embarrassed. I had to now, go and correct what I had passionately argued over.

• There were times when I wanted to be heard more than being right.
• There were times when I wanted to exert power, so I got into arguments.
• There were times when I quoted things as fact when they may not have been true.

An official of the city was finally able to quiet the rioting. But when he spoke, he told everyone about Ephesus being the guardian of the temple goddess Artemis and her relationship with heaven. He quoted this as an undeniable fact. The crowd dispersed, but what was heard?

• GOD wants me to learn about HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is the only GOD.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth about JESUS being the one and only SON of GOD.

Being part of a group can sometimes outweigh telling the truth. I mean, when I feel empowered to speak “a” truth, it feels good to be validated by a local group. BUT GOD wants me to be brave enough to speak “the” truth.

GOD is the only GOD. There is no other. HIS SON, JESUS, along with the HOLY SPIRIT are inseparable, all knowing, all seeing and all powerful. HE revealed facts that cannot be refuted and JESUS’ return cannot be stopped. I am grateful for these facts in which I live my life by.

• What facts are you willing to die over?
• Are the facts you live by worth losing eternal life?
• Will you place your passion on JESUS versus manmade facts that conveniently change often?

Fight Club

Matthew 26: ⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

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“Stand up to him” were the words shouted from the crowd at me. We circled each other and the crowd grew around us. I had not been in this position before, but had seen it many days and was not about to back down. Bored with our circling, someone pushed us towards one another. The fight began.

• Some days I have had rage.
• Some days I wanted to fight.
• Some days I desired to be the one who won!

Being the scrawny underdog, many people cheered me on or at least I thought so. I can’t quite remember seeing how I was getting beat up. The teachers pulled us apart and the thug was taken to the principal. I never fought again but I lifted weights and grew large just in case.

• GOD wants me to “Put my sword away” and find an alternative to fighting.
• GOD wants me to “Call on my FATHER” when I am in danger.
• GOD wants me to “Sit in the temple courts” instead of looking for fights.

Picking fights can spread to other areas of life. At work, at home or even at church I can look for a fight and most of the time I will find one. BUT GOD wants something different. GOD wants me to carry peace instead of a weapon, just as HE did. Though I may have strength, HE wants me to show weakness so HE can be made strong.

In these days of human strength and bullying in business or politics, showing weakness is unheard of and even viewed as pitiful. GOD wants me to be strong enough to bring peace instead of a fight. That is love!

• Are you picking fights?
• Do you look to have your way so you practice your words to win the argument?
• Will you put down your “sword” and ask GOD for peace in your heart today?

Speak up humbly

Genesis 44: ¹⁴ Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his brothers came in, and they threw themselves to the ground before him. ¹⁵ Joseph said to them, “What is this you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?”

¹⁶ “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my lord’s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.”

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After another friend of mine was released I figured something had to be done.  I scheduled a meeting with the head of the very large department to give him a piece of my mind.  We sat and discussed what was going on.  He seemed cordial listening to my rants.

I later spoke to someone about my approach. They insisted that I had made a terrible mistake and I should do damage control. I had made an enemy because my approach was abrasive.

• Sometimes when I think I’m right I speak up loudly.
• Sometimes when I speak up I forget who I am talking to.
• Sometimes when I forget who I’m talking to I may use words of rage.

Depending on who I am speaking with, common conversation could be words of condemnation. Information has to be worded carefully to convey the right message to be heard rather than repulsed.

Judah did not recognize his brother Joseph but knew he was a man of great stature. Joseph could have Judah thrown in jail or killed instantly so Judah spoke with humble words. He thought about his approach and didn’t blurt out what was on the top of his head.

• GOD wants me to consult HIM before I address people.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for the message before I respond.
• GOD wants me to humbly deliver messages rather than adding my poison.

Actually I should speak to everyone with tact. Building people up should be top of mind. My humble tongue helps the situation.

• Do you speak to people abrasively?
• Do you have harsh words for people?
• Do you feel people need to hear you or should you humbly request to be heard?
• Can you ask GOD for your words before you speak them?

How should I act when I am wrong?

Genesis 32: ⁴ He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. ⁵ I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

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With the aroma of a freshly cooked meal I returned to work. Thinking my plot had worked I went home for the day.  The next day my supervisor popped in for a surprise visit. He said hello and left.  He then popped in again about 30 minutes later. He said these words that are etched in my mind, “I am very disappointed in you. I thought you were different and I find you sneaking off work.” To this day I wish I could apologize to him.

• When I mess up, it eats at me.
• When I mess up, I feel like I’m on the outside.
• When I mess up, I really want to fix what I broke.

I guess I’m wired to be a fixer. When it seems like something is broken I try to fix it, especially broken relationships. But what happen if I really messed up? How should I act?

• GOD wants me to humble myself when I mess up.
• GOD wants me to lower my expectations of thinking “I” can fix the situation.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIM to work on everyone’s heart including mine to mend the relationship.

Jacob had stolen his brothers’ inheritance and their father’s heart. He was deceitful and crafty and when GOD told him to return to his brother he was full of fear. His expectations were very low about the relationship so he sent a bribe ahead of his meeting. GOD made him humble and HE wants me to be the same.

• Are you struggling to find a situation where you were wrong?
• Do you even realize when you are wrong?
• Are you going to hold on to your wrong and try to justify it?
• Won’t you humble yourself and apologize, maybe even send a gift?