Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle

Genesis 14: ⁸ And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim ⁹ against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. ¹⁰ Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. ¹¹ Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. ¹² They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

 

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Having studied the land, Lot chose to move to an area that had lush greenery. Sodom and Gomorrah “looked” like a great place to live. But Lot did not study the inhabitants. They were fully against GOD and possibly did as they pleased, thinking it was freedom. Their ingenuity led them to possibly build a replica of what they thought, the Garden of Eden looked like.  But neighboring kings were jealous.

 

My Observations:

• Lot may have wanted the best but at a cost of compromising his values.
• Lot had no idea he would lose all of his stuff and be taken as a slave.
• Lot was probably in anguish, not knowing what would become of him.

 

Not knowing the terrain, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in terror. They may have thought they had an advantage by outnumbering the opponent. But their advantage was turned into a disadvantage because of the unfamiliar tarpits. Their opponents may have known where each tarpit was and could navigate the terrain with ease. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.

 

All their stuff, including Lot and his stuff, were taken. The replica of the Garden of Eden was left desolate. The marauders took everything and went back to their land. Human ingenuity was used against human ingenuity.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the uneven number of kings against kings to Moses?
• Are you looking at something from a human perspective without consulting GOD?
• Are you willing to take a moment to ask GOD if the plan you are about to do, is HIS versus yours?

Free Will Established

Free Will Established

Genesis 2: ¹⁵ Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. ¹⁶ And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; ¹⁷ but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

 

After creating a perfect place with beauty that could be enjoyed forever, GOD placed man in the garden and gave him something to do. The trees would grow themselves and provide fruit. Water was plentiful so no plant suffered. There was no rot or disease or bug infestations.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the first human something to do for his enjoyment.
• GOD provided everything the first human could ever need.
• GOD also gave the first human a choice to obey by providing something he should not do.

 

Two trees were GOD’s and millions, if not billions of trees were for the first human. Each plant, bush, or tree would provide enough food for every animal, bird and fish. GOD probably had other conversations with the first human, but those are not recorded. HIS command, however, is recorded. HE distinctly told the first human not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. HE even gave the consequence. Death.

 

“What in the world is death?” would have been my question. GOD did not reveal the total conversation with the first human, but somehow, the message was conveyed. This was the very first command. No other rules. No sacrifice. No laws. Just eat and tend to the food provided.

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD emphasize this command to Moses?
• Even with plenty, have you ever wanted what someone else had?
• Have you considered how much or how little you surrender yourself to GOD by choice?

Heart Soil

Heart Soil

Hebrews 6: ⁷ God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated. ⁸ But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.

 

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“Ha, ha, you don’t even know how to curse right” were the words that fueled me to learn how to curse “right.” I practiced my foul language and got it down to a science. After a while, I was listening t how comedians used this language in jokes. I soaked in every word I could listen to.

 

• The more garbage I listened to, the more desensitized I became.
• I used foul language to joke, but eventually used it to increase the level of an argument.
• I wound up expressing frustration with foul language and brushed it off to “everyone else uses it.”

 

Paul the assumed writer, gives two types of soil, one that grows useful plants and one that grows thorns and weeds. Rather than looking at this as farming tips, Paul may have been speaking about the condition of the heart.

 

My Observations

• Things that are placed in my heart will grow into something good or something terrible.
• GOD wants to place HIS word in my heart, but if I have filled it with the garbage of the world, there will be no room for HIM to live.
• GOD gets excited when I listen to HIM and HE grows “plants that are useful” from me listening to HIM.

 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are all things that can grow from my heart when I listen to GOD. I mean, when I follow HIS ways, the fruit of the SPIRIT overflows from my heart.  Unfortunately, the opposite happens when I purposefully disobey HIM.

 

When I put the world in my heart, it grows greed, hatred, lust, blame and unhealthy self-consciousness that reverberates through all I do. Lies appear to be real and the false Utopia of the world crashes down on me. BUT GOD cleans my heart and cultivates a place where HE can live and grow me. I am glad GOD chooses to stay with me.

 

Challenge

• What soil sticks out to you from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to stop a behavior, but didn’t see how to?
• Have you checked your heart to see if you have fallen?
• Will you allow GOD to cleanse your heart HIS way so you can bear fruit for HIM today?

Three Choices

 

Three Choices

1 Corinthians 2: ¹⁰ But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. ¹¹ It is only our own spirit within us that knows all about us; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. ¹² We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.

 

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Worried, I sat awake in the middle of the night. After a string of good bosses, I ran into yet another poor leader. I ran through my options. Make an adjustment to “my” style was my first thought. Second, I could seek advice from some “successful” people. I wonder if there was a third option.

 

• There have been many times when I tried to do things under “my” own power.
• There have been many times when I tried to do things using advice from “successful” people of the world.
• There have been many times when I tried to do things that have not been given to me, and I pouted over what was not mine.

 

 

Three beings are spoken about in Paul’s description. He starts off speaking about the HOLY SPIRIT, which GOD revealed HIS secret. He then spoke about the human spirit that knows our successes and failures. The last being is the spirit of the world that looks great to many but leads to a destructive path.

 

• GOD wants me to be led by HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make my choices by using HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make HIS secret known, namely that JESUS is the only Savior of the world.

 

Though the world may scoff at GOD’s SPIRIT, HE is not to be mocked. Every choice I make should be based on the purpose of GOD. “What about me?” the world will place on my mind. I mean, don’t I have to live in the world too? Yes, but HE wants me to live with the purpose HE has given me. I surrender my choice to the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

• Are you trying to do things under your own power?
• Are you seeking the tactics of the world to be “successful” to those around you?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you and be a good steward over what HE has given you today?

Bad Introduction

 

Bad Introduction

Romans 5: ¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

 

¹³ To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

 

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“Go ahead, try it”, were the words of the dare. I had not used a “curse” word in my life and I was dared to do so. I said the word and received laughter. I then tried all kinds of “curse” words and soon they were part of my normal language. What’s the big deal? I fit in.

 

• There was a time when I wanted to fit in.
• There was a time when I would follow what the crowd did.
• There was a time when I did the wrong thing and felt part of the crowd.

 

Paul mentions the beginning of sin through Adam. His sin was disobeying GOD by eating from the one tree he was told to stay away from. Satan tempted Adam into eating the fruit, twisting GOD’s command.

 

What’s the big deal? Adam fell for the temptation and death was introduced to humans. All humans now deserved to be separated from GOD because of one simple act that did not seem to be a big deal.

 

• GOD knew sin was introduced to me before I was born.
• GOD knew I would choose sin over HIM because everyone around me are sinners too.
• GOD knew HE had the only remedy to my sin, namely HE had to die just for me.

 

It’s not fair, one would say. I mean, everyone has to go to hell just because of one person? Yes. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to take on the punishment HE decreed. Anyone who sins deserves death, no matter how small the sin.

 

This, seemingly extreme, sentence was overcome by JESUS. “I’ll die for everyone”, HE volunteered. JESUS enabled me to not suffer for eternity.  I am truly grateful HE broke the pattern of death for me.

 

• Are you excusing what you are doing because everyone else is doing it?
• Have you or others declared you as “good?”
• Will you look to JESUS as the only one who is good and seek HIM for salvation and guidance today?

Fork in the road

Fork in the road

John 5: ²⁸ Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. ³⁰ I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

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Driving around this particular large city was frustrating at best. I mean the signs were confusing and driving by GPS was difficult. When the direction was given to turn onto a street, there I faced a fork in the road. I had to make a decision without help from the GPS. I chose wrong and ended up adding another twenty five minutes onto the trip. We were now close to being late.

• Sometimes I feel lost even with directions.
• Sometimes I want my decisions to be right and yet they end up wrong.
• Sometimes I want to choose the correct path, but wind up on the very wrong path and don’t know how I go there.

JESUS clearly states that everyone will face HIS judgement. There will be two choices, life or death. HE says something strange when presenting this fork in the road. HE says “³⁰ I can of MYSELF do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and MY judgment is righteous, because I do not seek MY own will but the will of the Father who sent ME.” JESUS shows a glimpse of how HE works.

• JESUS says to me “Satan accuses you every day to the FATHER.”
• JESUS says to me “The FATHER forgives those who truly believe in HIS SON.”
• JESUS says to me “I listen to the FATHER and will judge who HE says to judge.”

Every day I have a choice, follow GOD or not. It is that simple. This fork in the road can sometimes seem difficult even when I the directions are being told to me. BUT GOD did not take any chances. HE knew I would make the wrong choice and go down the wrong path.

JESUS saw me sinning and volunteered to take my punishment. The fork in the road is, “Do I believe I deserve to be punished for sin I easily fall into” or better yet “for sin I was born with?” The answer is, YES. I believe I deserve an eternity of separation from GOD, but JESUS rescued me and I am forever grateful. I am glad HE guides me to the correct path.

• What path are you on?
• Do you believe in your fallible instincts?
• Will you stop guessing at life and believe in the One who can save you, namely JESUS?

Popularity Contest

Matthew 27: ¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶ At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” ¹⁸ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

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“Who should I pick for the team?” I asked. I had someone in mind, but figured I would ask the question anyway. A name was given to me that was different than I expected. “I wonder if everyone knows this person” I thought to myself.

• There have been times I have made decisions based on popularity.
• There have been times I have asked the crowd what I should do.
• There have been times I have tried to absolve myself from the decision by asking the crowd.

Going with the crowd seems like a harmless solution sometimes. I mean this way I can have a lot of people vouching for me and I can remain “in favor.” BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD wants me to make the right choice which is sometimes unpopular.
• GOD wants me to stand for what is right not what is popular.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS lead which can sometimes be the most unpopular direction.

Keeping people out of harm and guiding them to belief in CHRIST is very unpopular at times. Pilate had a choice to let JESUS go free and get rid of a well-known felon, but chose the popular route to his demise. GOD wants me to be brave enough to decide HIS way even when it is not popular.

• Are you choosing based on popularity?
• Do you follow the crowd a lot?
• Can you choose this day who you will serve, yourself or JESUS?

When in Blank do what the Fill in the Blanks do

Leviticus 18: The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ² “Speak to the people of Israel. Tell them, ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ You must not do what the people of Egypt do. You used to live there. And you must not do what the people of Canaan do. I am bringing you into their land. Do not follow their practices.

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“Grab a sheet” said the people on my floor. A frat was having a toga party. I had no idea what type of party this was going to be so I watched everyone get dressed like Caesar and tromp to the party. As the alcohol poured the people got wilder and wilder. “I wonder if I should stay” crossed my mind.

• The crowd will always want to be wild.
• The crowd will always want to justify its actions.
• The crowd will always want more instead of holding back.

Many times I followed the crowd and it seem to always end up in the same place, regret. You would think I would have learned from the first time but the crowd sounds so fun and so convincing. What am I to do?

• GOD says I brought you out of the crowd for MY purpose.
• GOD says I took you out of situations so you could follow ME.
• GOD says I rescued you from MY wrath and focused it on those who choose to turn away from ME.

GOD says “Follow ME” and he means it in a loving way.  I have a choice to follow HIM or not. HE forgives me for my sins but loves when I choose to leave the sin alone.

• Are you following the wrong crowd?
• Do you think the crowd you are in is righteous?
• Can you ask GOD where HE wants you to be?
• Won’t you check your own motives to see if they align with GOD?

"That’s pretty judgmental of you"

John 8: ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

   But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

   ⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

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One defining moment of my life that told me I was on the wrong track was a conversation I had with my wife. Well actually she was my fiancée at the time. It was about a friend or relative deciding to “live” with someone.

By this time I was in the middle of study at a seminary and I quickly retorted to the position by saying “they shouldn’t be doing that.” She responded, “That’s pretty judgmental of you.” Wow! Was I on the wrong path?

• GOD does not like when I go on a hunt looking for sinners to clean up.
• GOD despises when I certify myself as being cleaner than someone else.
• GOD loathes any act of tripping someone else up just to look better.

Many times I get confused with eradicating sin. Yes, I am supposed to teach others what GOD wants from me and that includes letting go of sin however the main message I need to say is JESUS died for the multitude of sins I commit daily!

Judging others who have not sinned against me is so easy to do. The news parades mean nasty people who deserve sentencing in front of me daily. My once positive outlook on life turned into blanket statements like “they shouldn’t be doing things like that!”

• Instead of looking at the sin others commit, I need to seek the good GOD sees in them.
• Instead of finding who to blame, I need to find who needs grace.
• Instead of being very aware of GOD’s message of judgment, I need to become familiar with HIS message of mercy.

JESUS quietly bends down and writes my sins on the ground. “Cast a stone at that person you don’t know, I dare you” is what I hear. Now this doesn’t mean I should be a pushover and let a people sin against me without repercussion rather as I tell the person I must remember how I sinned against GOD and possibly them.

• Are you ready to judge that person?
• Have you admitted the sin you have committed?
• Are you busy comparing yourself to someone else trying to look good to GOD?
• Won’t you look at your own sins for a change and openly admit them to GOD and others?

Peer pressure got to me!

Luke 23: ²² For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

 ²³ But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate decided to grant their demand. ²⁵ He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

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It felt great being on my own for the first time. I could do with my body or someone else’s body, what I wanted to. When I got around the crowd, I could be the life of the party.  My language changed from holier than thou to holy . My peers egged me on.  I was the “man” or so I thought.

• Each time I choose my sinful life over JESUS I lose.
• Each time I downplay my relationship with JESUS HE does the same to me.
• Each time I stand for “nothing” I’m actually standing against what JESUS says.

Pilate could care less about JESUS as he saw HIM as only a mere man. I guess sometimes I do the same.  Oh yes I know HE is GOD and HE died for my sins, but I treat HIM like HE isn’t quite in charge of my life rather I am. 

With bad plans in hand I go about trying to please myself or others not once considering what GOD wants.  When I even think I’m not going to get my way, my nerves get on edge and sin ensues.

• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure isn’t easy but it’s the right thing to do.
• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure actually makes me make some hard choices about my current behavior.
• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure seems to never look easy but has always benefit me and those around me who I feared.

Killing an innocent man to protect his wealthy lifestyle and power is definitely a bad decision, BUT GOD looks at my life and says my sins are equal if not worse than Pilates because I know better.

• Are you afraid to audibly say JESUS’ name to “certain” people?
• Do your peers enjoy your sin?
• Will your peers get punished for the sin you commit?
• Will you get punished for the sin you commit?
• Does GOD punish anyone or is HE just a big pushover?
• Does GOD’s love for me have room for me to ignore HIM or even go against HIM?

Denial of GOD only makes it worse.

Luke 22: ⁵⁹ About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

 ⁶⁰ Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. ⁶¹ The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” ⁶² And he went outside and wept bitterly.

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“Come on let’s go out to the bar” was the beginning of a weekend of bad decisions. I would just have a few drinks, flirt a little, dance a little and release some of the cares I had from the week.

That phone number along with my pounding head would once again keep me from going to church. I mean GOD will understand the need to release my anxiety by having a little fun right?

• It’s amazing how much I deny GOD’s words on a daily basis.
• Many times I don’t believe GOD would do anything to any human.
• Sometimes I think it’s crazy to believe in demons.
• Other times I question the existence of Hell and the possibility of me going there.
• Still other times I dare GOD to sequester consequences on the sin I’ve just committed.

Invisible, inaudible and only words and feelings describing HIM make GOD look like a fable to me sometimes. Then that thing would happen. A difficult situation that requires HIS mighty power would somehow pop into my life at the wrong time. “GOD I need YOU” I would cry out!

• You would think GOD would say, “But you sinned when you knew better”, but HE doesn’t.
• You would think GOD would say, “You should have thought of that before you got yourself in this mess”, but HE doesn’t.
• You would think GOD would say, “You flat out denied me and chose sin to solve your problems”, But HE doesn’t.

Why doesn’t HE say these things about me? It’s GOD’s loving nature that pursues me even when I try to go my own way. I deny HIM, HE pursues me trying to get me to see that my sinful plan won’t work. Only HIS plans have a future so I can’t deny HIS words, existence or JESUS’ position as GOD the SON.

• Are you denying GOD by the sin you are planning?
• Did you deny GOD last night?
• Which part of the Bible don’t you believe?
• Are some of the miracles far-fetched to you?
• Won’t you stop trying to figure GOD out with your mind and add faith to your heart?

My fight should not be with GOD!

Luke 19:  ²⁶ “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

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Many times I have prayed for something very specific.  “LORD please let me pass this test” or “LORD please make this cop change his mind about giving me this ticket.” Sometimes these requests were answered with a “yes” and other times “no.”  GOD seemed random and harsh.

I mean I followed a couple of HIS “rules” yesterday, I went to church this month at least once and I tithed in offering this time, yet I’m in this mess. GOD’s way seems too hard, maybe I should find another way.

• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me I joined a group of people who would be persecuted.
• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me I stopped fighting with HIM and began serving HIS humans.
• When I believed JESUS is GOD who died specifically to save me earthly rewards don’t excite me as much rather I seek heavenly rewards.

My plans will not get me very far without GOD and my complaints about HIM are quite arrogant. “Why do YOU do things ‘this’ way or ‘that’ way” are words that should never cross my lips. I need GOD in every plan and in every battle. My fight is not with HIM because HE saved me and wants the best for me.

• GOD wants my faith.
• GOD wants my time.
• GOD wants my service.
• GOD wants my belief.
• GOD wants my love.

HE specifically gave me talents to use for the furthering of HIS kingdom. My fight should be against the things that prevent me from using those talents for HIS purpose. Instead of fighting GOD my battle is with me.

• Has GOD given you talent or gifts or abilities that you are wasting serving yourself?
• Have you asked GOD “what do YOU want me to do?”
• Are you chasing after someone else’s love and not pursuing GOD’s love?
• Yes times are difficult and GOD still wants you to serve, now what?

I think I’m getting stupider!

Luke 2: 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

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The older I get the dumber I think I am. I’m not talking about in men’s eyes, I’m talking about as it relates to GOD. I have followed GOD for a long time and you would think I would be perfect by now. Well, it’s quite the opposite.

• The older I get the more sins I commit.
• The older I get the more grace I need.
• The older I get the more I set GOD up for failure in my eyes.

Fortunately for me GOD forgives me daily. HE knows my weaknesses and looks beyond them because I am something special to HIM.  HE places obstacles in my way to make me stronger in the faith and HE never ever leaves me alone.

• Only GOD can help me grow in wisdom.
• Only GOD can help me grow my faith.
• Only GOD can help me grow favor with HIM and man.

When I focus on my situations and problems I act “stupider and stupider” doubting HIM and worrying about my situations. But when I focus on GOD and HIS mighty power that raises me up from the dust then I am growing in wisdom, faith and favor.

• Do you think you “know it all?”
• Are you deliberately seeking GOD’s wisdom?
• Will you drop “your will” and seek GOD’s will today?

Satisfying the crowd is easier but deadly.

Mark 15: ¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

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Comedy was something I have always loved perhaps because it was my way of escaping pain. I wasn’t a good comedian, but I had a strange sense of humor that I never turned off. I constantly had an audience and I felt I would disappoint them if I didn’t say something that would make them laugh.

The elite group on campus approached me one day. “Wow” I thought to myself, “I finally fit in.” They said “We would like to make you one of our notables namely Campus Clown.” I guess satisfying the crowd didn’t gain me anything.

• Sometimes it’s easy to go along with the crowd, but if they are wrong it can be deadly.
• Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in everyone else’s complaints, BUT GOD despises my complaints.
• Sometimes it’s easy to join in on sinful behavior because everybody is doing it, BUT GOD wants me to be different and stand firm.

Pilate was a great politician who had the power to release JESUS but chose to go with the crowd to save his reputation. Unfortunately he will remember his poor choice forever. This example lets me know I need to watch which crowd I am going with.

• GOD wants me to stand out instead of fitting in.
• GOD wants me to stand firm instead of choosing sin.
• GOD wants me to stand up instead of sitting in.

I sin on a daily basis. I am no better than Pilate, but I have chosen to believe JESUS died specifically for me and now I can choose to stay out of the crowd and depend on HIM.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What part of your soul are you giving up every day?
• Can you depend on GOD more and accept your differences?

Feeling Helpless?

Matthew 8:  ¹ When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ² A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

 ³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

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Being all alone with an injury was one of the many fears I had to face in life. Sitting in my apartment I clutched my chest in riveting pain. I couldn’t breathe and I was too scared to move. This was different than a pulled muscle or gas. I felt helpless.

I called on the LORD and made empty promises of the sins I would never do again. After a while the pain subsided enough that I could drive myself to a friend’s apartment who promptly took me to the doctor. Looking back, there was nothing I could do to make myself better.

• Sin in my life is like a physical ailment, I can’t remove it.
• No matter how hard I try, my sin condition permeates my soul and I need someone else to remove it.
• When I look at my sinfulness I feel helpless because I feel that GOD has the right to ignore me.

Just like a physical ailment sin is a deadly condition that leads me to eternal separation from GOD.  My thoughts and actions are sinful and I need help with my condition. Fortunately for me I have someone I can call on.

• When troubles get to difficult for me I can call on the LORD and HE is willing to rescue me.
• When I am feeling low and nothing is going right I can call on the LORD and HE is willing to pick me up.
• When I am broken by wrong choices, bad decision or misguided plans, I can call on the LORD and HE is willing to heal me.

It feels great to be able to call on the LORD and ask “If you are willing…” HE is faithful and willing to help me with my needs!

• What difficult thing are you facing in life?
• Have you reached out to ask GOD if HE is willing to help?
• Do you have the faith to know HE will do just as HE says HE will?