No False Barriers

No False Barriers

Genesis 24: ⁵⁴ And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”

 

⁵⁵ But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.”

 

⁵⁶ And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master.”

 

⁵⁷ So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.” ⁵⁸ Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?”

 

And she said, “I will go.”

 

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Ready to go back to Abraham, the servant asked to leave with Rebekah. But the brother and her mother asked for Rebekah to stay for “at least” ten days. Abraham’s servant reminded them of the supernatural agreement. They asked Rebekah if she wanted to go. She agreed.

 

My Observations:

• Laban and Rebekah’s mother may have gotten nervous overnight and wanted some time to talk to Rebekah to rationalize what was about to happen.
• Abraham’s servant was convinced that the LORD had orchestrated the circumstance.
• Rebekah spoke up and said she will go.

 

Everyone else seemed to have an opinion about Rebekah’s life, but Rebekah had the last word. She may have seen through her brother’s and mother’s concern and made a decision to not delay. GOD orchestrated a strange situation that suddenly came up.

 

One day Rebekah was doing chores as usual, then next day, she was about to leave forever. This would have been difficult to understand for any family. But Rebekah may have also known in her heart, that GOD would take care of her. She agreed, possibly because of her faith in the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this small conflict?
• Has GOD ever told you something and the next day, you second guess what HE said?
• Will you remain prayerful when someone puts up a false barrier to what GOD wants you to do?

Barriers Removed

Barriers Removed

Hebrews 11: ²⁹ It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up.

 

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“But I don’t know anything about the business side” was my nervous response when offered a position I was unfamiliar. My entire career had been spent in technology and I was now being asked to move into operating the business from a nontechnical view. “Don’t worry about it” was the response. They cleared all barriers to getting the position.

 

• I felt I did not have the skills to do the position.
• I wondered why I was chosen for the position.
• I nervously stepped into the position and made it safely through.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives a strange example of faith. He mentions the Israelites “ability” to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land, while the Egyptians could not. Many of the Israelites were nervous and later they complained about Moses and ultimately, GOD. Yet GOD protected them.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protects me in spite of my doubt, fears and worries.
• GOD knew I would mess up and HE protects me anyway.
• GOD sees all hearts and protects me from those who try to stop me from serving HIM.

 

Serving GOD pleases HIM, but causes the enemy to get upset. I mean, when I put my mind and heart into action for doing something meaningful for CHRIST, GOD gets excited. Unfortunately, it causes me to rile up Satan who, in turn, tries to place obstacles in my way. BUT GOD sees the obstacles and removes them.

 

It is not because I am faithful and sinless, it’s because HE is faithful and sinless. JESUS faced every temptation I could ever face and more. HE did not sin when tempted and was murdered by HIS own creation. HE was raised from the dead and provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live in those who believe in HIM. HE did it all and did not rely on my faulty faithfulness. I am glad GOD is faithful to me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention faith when it came to the unfaithful Israelites?
• Have you ever sinned and were nervous about receiving punishment from GOD?
• Are you doubting HIS love for you because of your current situation?
• Will you believe in HIS power over your situation and believe HE is faithful to you even though you cannot possibly be faithful to HIM because we are all sinners?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please protect this reader from his or her thinking. Please guide us from worry, fear and doubt. Show us YOUR faithfulness, especially when we are unfaithful. Thank YOU! amen

Powerful Weapons

Powerful Weapons

2 Corinthians 10: I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you—I who am said to be meek and mild when I am with you, but harsh with you when I am away. By the gentleness and kindness of Christ ² I beg you not to force me to be harsh when I come; for I am sure I can deal harshly with those who say that we act from worldly motives. ³ It is true that we live in the world, but we do not fight from worldly motives. ⁴ The weapons we use in our fight are not the world's weapons but God's powerful weapons, which we use to destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments; ⁵ we pull down every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God; we take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. ⁶ And after you have proved your complete loyalty, we will be ready to punish any act of disloyalty.

 

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Feeling worried about the impending news, we gathered in a conference room and spoke only about the potential layoffs. No work was being done. I felt quite helpless. One person walked in the room with a smile that was genuine.

 

At first we thought she was coming in to say she was told she had a job, or perhaps she was relieved to be let go. She said, “GOD has this.” We all felt better.

 

• I looked to the world for answers.
• I tried to mimic people who the world said was “successful.”
• I valued bottom line figures over things I thought were weak.

 

Paul spoke about his approach to spreading the Gospel of JESUS. Some may have said his approach was weak because did not use manipulative words to gain trust in groups as the world would do. He could have replied harshly, but he recognized using GOD’s weapons would be more important.

 

My Observations

• Strongholds will be torn down when I use GOD’s weapons.
• False arguments will eventually reveal the truth when I use GOD’s weapons.
• Proud obstacles that deter people from knowing CHRIST will be overcome when I use GOD’s weapons.

 

You mean to tell me I have to fight with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control? These sound weak! I mean, what about using the world’s tactics that seem to work for famous people? GOD’s weapons are more powerful than the rich and powerful.

 

HE wants me to be genuine with my belief in HIM to solve every problem that may arise. I sometimes want to jump in with “my” plan and HE tells me to “be patient” because HE is building the faithful side in me. GOD knows my circumstances and provides abundantly. I am glad HIS weapons are at work when I cannot see them.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the writer’s view on worldly motives and weapons?
• Are you trying to fight strongholds, false arguments and proud obstacles using worldly tactics and feel you are losing?
• Will you trade in the world’s weapons for more powerful weapons that only come from GOD today?

Remove Obstacles

Remove Obstacles

1 Corinthians 9: ¹² If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we have an even greater right?

 

But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ. ¹³ Surely you know that the men who work in the Temple get their food from the Temple and that those who offer the sacrifices on the altar get a share of the sacrifices. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord has ordered that those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.

 

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“But I don’t have any money to get there” was my statement. “Don’t worry about that, we will pay for you to get there” was the reply from the company. “But I don’t have a place to live” was my reluctant reply. “Don’t worry. We will put you in a hotel for a couple of weeks to find a place.” I had no other barriers so I took the job.

 

• I have seen the world remove barriers when it came to making money.
• I have seen the world remove any excuse for not getting something accomplished.
• I have seen the world remove any obstacle to the success it wants to achieve.

 

Paul speaks about “those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.” He speaks about the Law of Moses that GOD put into place stating those who tend to the temple are able to eat part of the sacrifice. In other words, they received part of the donation. But Paul did not force this right.

 

• GOD wants me to remove barriers to hearing HIS word.
• GOD wants me to remove excuses to listening to the Gospel of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to remove obstacles to following CHRIST as the Savior.

 

Removing obstacles requires additional sacrifice to help immature or blind people see. I mean, when I cannot grasp how to do something, I sometimes need an example to show me how it is done, then I can do it willingly. GOD removed an impossible to overcome obstacle for me.

 

HE needed a sinless human to die for the sins of humans. JESUS, being GOD the SON, volunteered. HE became a human, was tempted in every way and did not sin. HE was murdered and was raised from the dead as the risen Savior. I am grateful HE removed this obstacle so now I can have an everlasting relationship with HIM.

 

• Are you within your rights, but these rights may be a barrier?
• Are you at a decision point where you have to choose GOD or “the right” which could be an obstacle?
• Will you temporarily remove any obstacle to seeing or hearing GOD so “those people” will someday mature to follow HIM on their own?

Remove Barriers

Remove Barriers

1 Corinthians 8: ⁹ Be careful, however, not to let your freedom of action make those who are weak in the faith fall into sin. ¹⁰ Suppose a person whose conscience is weak in this matter sees you, who have so-called “knowledge,” eating in the temple of an idol; will not this encourage him to eat food offered to idols? ¹¹ And so this weak person, your brother for whom Christ died, will perish because of your “knowledge”! ¹² And in this way you will be sinning against Christ by sinning against other Christians and wounding their weak conscience. ¹³ So then, if food makes a believer sin, I will never eat meat again, so as not to make a believer fall into sin.

 

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“Put on your best” were the words of someone, I think. We were all dressed in suits and dresses, giving our “best” every Sunday at church. The SPIRIT of the LORD moved me to go out into the neighborhood and invite people. “No thanks, I don’t have anything to wear” was the barrier presented to me.

 

• There have been many things I did that were a barrier to someone.
• There have been many things I did that may have caused someone to stumble.
• There have been many things I did that seemed harmless to me, but were harmful to others.

 

“Be careful” was Paul’s warning. He was addressing a question about food offered to idols. He replied with a statement that idols have no power. But he warns everyone who believes to be careful not to make a believer fall into sin. If there is a person who is “weaker in faith”, be careful with liberties.

 

• GOD wants me to use discernment around people who are just starting to know CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to drop my assumptions that everyone is at the same maturity level.
• GOD wants me to keep my liberties to myself if they will cause a person to fall into sin.

 

“It’s all good” is not all good to everyone. I mean, when I am speaking to someone, my relaxed attitude towards something may cause a person to doubt a truth I may have spoken about JESUS. This truth may cause that person to sin. Now I have caused a sin against CHRIST.

 

GOD wants me to be willing to make adjustments to the way I do things so I will be inviting rather than offensive. This only goes so far. The message of JESUS is quite offensive and HE does not want me to stop speaking about HIM. But I can stop wearing suits, eating certain things and going to buildings on certain days “temporarily” while I am with a person who I may offend. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you being offensive and are unaware?
• Do you follow customs versus being led by the SPIRIT?
• Will you examine your habits and see if the good ones have become a barrier to GOD and ask HIM to remove it immediately today?

Breakthrough On Its Way

 

Breakthrough On Its Way

1 Corinthians 2: ⁶ Yet I do proclaim a message of wisdom to those who are spiritually mature. But it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world—powers that are losing their power. ⁷ The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made. ⁸ None of the rulers of this world knew this wisdom. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ However, as the scripture says,

 

“What no one ever saw or heard,
    what no one ever thought could happen,
    is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.”

 

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Rain kept falling for hours on end. This was the largest rainfall in years. On the way home, we were trapped by one flooded street after another. When I thought the route was clear, another flooded street seemed to emerge. “If I could just get to the other side of the flood, I would be alright” I thought to myself. Moments after that thought, the water began to recede on the street we were on.

 

• Many times in my life it seemed like I was trapped by life’s barriers.
• Many times in my life it seemed like there was no way out no matter how hard I tried.
• Many times in my life it seemed like life brought on tremendous blockades to the promises I had in store.

 

Paul speaks about the wisdom of GOD. The rulers of this world thought the message of JESUS could be stopped, so they killed HIM. BUT GOD made the impossible happen. JESUS was raised form the dead, releasing anyone who believes, from the bondage of sin.

 

• GOD wants me to know HE has already overcome my circumstance.
• GOD wants me to focus on the choice HE made before the world was made.
• GOD wants me to see the very thing HE prepared for me because I love HIM.

 

Secret wisdom cannot be tapped into without belief in JESUS. I mean, GOD chose us four our glory because HE loves us. JESUS did the impossible and came back to life. Meanwhile, the rulers of this world saw their power diminish steadily.

 

The powers that try to block GOD’s message will recede like flood waters. Nothing and no one can stop GOD’s message from being told from HIS chosen people. I am grateful GOD chose me to proclaim HIS message.

 

• Do you feel trapped?
• Do you think the rulers of this world can stop the message of GOD that HE has in store for you?
• Will you focus on GOD’s wisdom, knowing the barriers you face are temporary and diminishing each day so the very thing GOD prepared will happen today?

Gracious Roadblocks

 

Gracious Roadblocks

Acts 25: Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, ² where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. ³ They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way. ⁴ Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. ⁵ Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

 

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After the third round of interviews, I knew I had the job. I mean, this was a very large company who needed people and I was willing to work for them. I waited a week and did not hear from them. I called and they told me that the position was put on hold. A week later the company announced they would cut 100,000 jobs.

 

• There were times when I pouted about what was going on.
• There were times when I wished something would play out the way I wanted.
• There were times when I wanted things to go my way.

 

The church leaders wanted to assassinate Paul, so they tried to convince Festus to have him moved back to Jerusalem. Festus told the church leaders to come to Caesarea instead. Little did everyone know, Paul was being protected.

 

• GOD knows the plans HE has for me, plans to prosper me.
• GOD knows when I am about to be ambushed, so HE protects me.
• GOD knows the best place for me and provides protection for me that I cannot see or understand.

 

Looking back on many roadblocks, I can see how I was being protected versus restrained. I mean, GOD opened up new paths I would have never traveled. HE changed the course of my life and protected me from fulfilling my lustful desires that would have ended up in doom.

 

When I think of a way, GOD always has a better way. HE watches over me and for that, I am truly grateful.

 

• Are you facing a roadblock?
• Does it seem like deliverance is coming too slow?
• Will you allow GOD to protect you and see the roadblock or delay as part of HIS plan for you?

Another Route

Another Route

Acts 19: ⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

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“There is no way to get there” were the sad words. “I’ll take you was my response. The roads were icy so many of them were closed. I tried the normal routes, only to be met with barriers. A thought popped in my head. “Try a route that is slightly unorthodox.” The back roads were open and even more treacherous. After much prayer and passing over 100 overturned trucks and cars, we made it. Now I had to make it home.

• There were times when it seemed impossible to get to the destination.
• There were times when it seemed like barriers kept popping up and I would never reach the goal.
• There were times when I felt like giving up, but was too deep into the journey to stop.

Paul spoke in the synagogue because it seemed like the right place to discuss the Messiah. He tried to reason with the church goers for months, but the crowd became obstinate. Paul and the disciples moved their gathering to a lecture hall where they could speak freely about JESUS being the Messiah. This was a better route.

• GOD wants me to know there will be barriers to speaking about HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that obstacles will be placed in front of me.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to provide another route to bring people to HIM.

Sometimes it feels hopeless, especially when the obstacles pile up all at once. BUT GOD shows HIS great plan and somehow clears the right path for me to follow. Time after time HE has provided when I could see no provision. I am amazed at HIS love.

• Are you facing an overwhelming number of obstacles?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you allow GOD to show you another route so you can see HIS power today?

Easy to Believe

Luke 11: ⁴⁵ Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.”

⁴⁶ And He said, “Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. ⁴⁷ Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ⁴⁸ In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ ⁵⁰ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, ⁵¹ from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.

⁵² “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

⁵³ And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, ⁵⁴ lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.

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“All you need to do is believe that JESUS died for your sins and is raised from the dead” someone told me. It was very exciting to hear. I was so excited that I wanted to do more. I read about GOD, sang about HIM and attended gatherings about HIM regularly.

But when it was my turn to tell someone about HIM I gave them my list. “Go to church, give when it hurts, stop sinning and study only the Bible.”

• There were times when I added hurdles to getting to GOD.
• There were times when I added steps to getting to GOD.
• There were times when I had people do things I could not even accomplish.

JESUS blasts the lawyers of the church for holding people to a standard they could not keep. HE saw through their controlling methods that forced people to look at GOD as impossible to please. HE said the blood of the prophets will fall on those who hinder the kingdom.

• GOD wants me to know that a relationship with GOD is “free” in spite of what blind greedy people will say.
• GOD wants me to know HE took care of everything in spite of the messages that make people “try harder.”
• GOD wants me to know that HIS power is permanent in spite of my thoughts that my sin is greater than HIS grace.

Adding burdens to JESUS’s salvation is probably one of the largest crimes GOD will remember. HE wants me to give a simple message that HE loves HIS creation and the worthiness of the relationship comes from HIM. Since HE said “MY grace is sufficient” then is all I need.

• What burdens are you putting on others in order for them to “believe” in GOD?
• Do you think your rigor is a standard for which others should meet?
• Can you stop adding “your” burdens on others and give them a simple message of HIS love today?

Drive and Determination

Mark 16: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. ² Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. ³ And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” ⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. ⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

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Ignoring all the rules, I noticed one person rise to the top. He pushed at people and ignored what they did and who they were. “Maybe I should be pushy so I can get ahead” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to be the one who pushed people around.
• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to “do what it takes” to be perceived as strong.

When everyone who followed JESUS was in hiding, two Mary’s were still plotting how to serve HIM one last time. They had no tomb to give HIM so they wanted to do something special for HIM even though HE was dead.

On Saturday the two Mary’s began their plan by buying the best spices they could. On Sunday, at the crack of dawn, they put their plan into action, but they ran into a snag. “Who will roll away the stone?” They did not know it was already taken care of for them.

• JESUS wants me to have drive to follow HIM especially when it seems like HE is silent.
• JESUS wants me to have determination to serve HIM even when it feels hopeless.
• JESUS wants me to have fortitude to continue especially when life puts huge stones in front of me.

Gentleness instead of pushiness is a great way to demonstrate determination. The two Mary’s, while determined, did not plot to hurt people in the process of serving GOD, Their plan took drive that only came from GOD and they would not stop until they did what they sought out to do. I appreciate their gentle example.

• Are you willing to give up when GOD wants you to continue?
• Do you think drive and determination looks like pushiness?
• Can you change your perspective of drive and determination to add faith and fortitude to continue in the plan GOD has for you?

Breaking Barriers

Matthew 15: ²¹ Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. ²² A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

²³ Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

²⁴ He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

²⁵ The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

²⁶ He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

²⁷ “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

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Fear of another race came quite naturally for me. My neighborhood was full of people who looked like me and acted like me. Then high school came. I travelled out of my neighborhood to attend a school where the students were multi ethnic. All of my assumptions about “those” people were challenged.

• Fear of others who did not look like me was a barrier.
• Assumptions of others who did not look like me was a barrier.
• Wanting others to act like me was a barrier.

If I wanted “friends” I needed to change my thinking, quickly! How?

• GOD said to me “I came to save those who are lost.”
• GOD said to me “I came for all mankind.”
• GOD said to me “I came to show you how to love the world.”

JESUS could read the racial and gender barrier easily. HE could see into the hearts of those around the Canaanite woman and leveraged the situation to break down barriers with HIS words and actions. HE wants me to do the same. HE wants me to humbly serve those who do not look or act like me and serve those who do.

GOD wants me to take down barriers to HIM to enable many to follow HIS ways.

• Are you racially blind?
• Do you feel inferior or superior to another gender?
• Can you remove barriers to people coming to CHRIST today?

The ONE WHO Breaks Through Walls

Micah 2: ¹¹ If a liar and deceiver comes and says,
    ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’
    that would be just the prophet for this people!

Deliverance Promised

¹² “I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
    I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture;
    the place will throng with people.
¹³ The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
    the Lord at their head.”

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“Drinks are on me” was a statement I thought was cool! One of the partner’s at the firm I worked at would say this on occasion and everyone would get a treat. He made plans that seemed like they would work but they were based on “half-truths”. In six months he died and we could not land the account he was working on. “Aw man!” I was hoping he would help me with my career!

• There were times I placed my trust in those who told little white lies.
• There were times I placed my trust in those who would twist words into a plausibly deniable truth.
• There were times I placed my trust in those who did not mind covering up huge blunders in order to make themselves shine.

Polished and gruff was the demeanor of this person. I thought I needed to become like him but something was wrong with the approach in my spirit. I would need to learn how to believe in a twisted direction and say what people wanted to hear. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Speak the truth in love.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the deliverer.”
• GOD says to me “Put your trust only in GOD, your LORD and SAVIOR.”

When I placed my trust in HIM, mighty things happened. I was thrust into new heights I could not imagine. GOD was the ONE who broke through barriers and enabled me to be lifted up. HE did not do this without purpose. HE wants me to speak about HIS SON so that many will turn to HIM.  Instead of selfishly thinking about a career, HE wants me to have compassion for those around me. GOD is the head of my life.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think there is no way out of your situation?
• Can you stop placing your trust in “that” human and put your trust in GOD today?

Removing Obstacles

Isaiah 57: ¹⁴ And it will be said:

“Build up, build up, prepare the road!
    Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
¹⁵ For this is what the high and exalted One says—
    he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
    but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.
¹⁶ I will not accuse them forever,
    nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
    the very people I have created.

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Sleep could not find me; rest hid its face as well. I tossed and turned trying to think of how to solve a problem at work and I just could not think of the answer. Suddenly I got the answer in the middle of the night. I was so excited that I got up and wrote down the answer. The next day I went into work only to find the rules had changed and another obstacle was put in place.

• Many times I have faced obstacles.
• Many times the road seemed impossible to travel.
• Many times it seemed like giving up was the best option.

“Why try if ‘they’ are going to make up new rules on the fly?” I thought to myself. I mean sometimes the obstacles seem too large and come too often. Shouldn’t I just run and hide in a cave, never to talk to anyone again? I mean, why try?

• GOD said to me “I will prepare your road for you.”
• GOD said to me “I will remove the obstacles out of your way.”
• GOD said to me “I will revive your spirit for MY sake. I know your sins and I will not accuse your of them forever.”

After the rules changed once too often, the leadership was removed and soon I had a group of people who seemed to be helpful rather than accusatory. I could thrive and the barriers were removed without me lifting a finger. GOD made me realize that I sometimes place barriers in the way of others and I should remove them as much as possible. In spite of being sinful, GOD blesses me anyway.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you stop being angry at GOD for a moment to notice HIS compassion?
• Will you allow HIM to remove the obstacle in HIS time?
• Can you be content with where HE has you until HE removes the barrier you are facing?

Removing the Blockage

Psalm 19: ¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
³ They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
⁵     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

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Breathtaking is the only word that I could use to describe the landscape as I came around a curve in the road. The ocean was in front of me, mountains behind  and the sun hung brightly in the sky. At that moment I could only see the majestic work of GOD. As time passed, I saw traffic, I saw the problem of the day in my mind through voicemail, and I saw reports from my desk. I drowned out seeing GOD with the noise of my surroundings.

• Many times I cannot see GOD because of what I’m looking at.
• Many times I cannot hear GOD because I’m too busy listening to problems or myself.
• Many times I cannot feel GOD because I think HE is “upstairs” or away from me in some distant galaxy, only doing big things.

Broken stuff, bank accounts, car trouble and my physical body can block me from noticing the little and the large things GOD does. I can get so caught up in the problem of the day that I cannot notice GOD’s creative work. I may even say “How does looking at the ocean solve the broken appliance in my house?” BUT GOD says something different.

• When I can slow down to notice GOD’s mastery, I can obtain peace that HE can handle my tiny problem.
• When I can slow down to see GOD’s majesty, I can see HE is concerned about every detail of life, mine included.
• When I can slow down to listen to GOD’s magnificence, I can understand HE is right here and not in some distant location.

GOD is surging through everything in front of me. HE is all round me and sometimes I need to step outside, quiet myself down and look. Gratitude for HIS work makes me hear HIM a lot better than a complaint for where I am. When I can truly marvel at HIS decision for creation, I can see HIS concern for me.

• Are you so focused on your problem that you can no longer hear GOD?
• Do you see GOD’s creative work around you?
• Can you slow down, look outside and marvel at what GOD has created for a moment?
• Will you simply praise HIM for who HE is?

Success in the Makings

1 Chronicles 18: ⁵ When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand of them. ⁶ He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought him tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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¹² Abishai son of Zeruiah struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.¹³ He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.

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Boss number twenty two came through the revolving door and was super zealous and quite curt in her discussions. She was very demanding and it seemed like I needed to saddle up for the very long journey of oppression. After staying up most of the night, I was able to get the presentation just right but traffic prevented me from delivering it on time.

“I’m going to be fired” I thought to myself. I hurried into the meeting, late. I turned on my laptop in hopes that I could slip the new presentation in, but the look from my boss made it known I was in the toilet.

• When trouble comes I feel distressed.
• When the pressure is on and I miss on my delivery I feel pain.
• When I am surrounded on all sides and there seems to be no way out I feel like giving up.

One of the high ranking officials in the room asked about some detail from the area I was responsible. I quickly responded and it actually was better that my presentation was not shown as it kept down the number of follow on questions. “Good job” grunted my boss afterwards.

• Sometimes trouble is placed in front of me by GOD to help me grow.
• Sometimes obstacles are placed in front of me by GOD because HIS plan is better than mine.
• Sometimes barriers are placed in front of me by GOD to prevent me from messing up.

There is a way that seems right to man but GOD’s ways are far above any thought humans can have. GOD knows just when to place a barrier in front of me to slow me down when things aren’t aligned with HIS plan. I must recognize and appreciate the barrier because that may be GOD saying “It’s not ready yet.”

• Are you anxious?
• Are you tired of waiting for “it” to be ready?
• Can you recognize when GOD is slowing you down to prevent you from crashing and burning?
• Won’t you try again, but this time ask GOD for HIS victory to shine through whatever you are doing?

Asking GOD the right questions

1 Chronicles 14: ¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”

  

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Struggling to get the extremely large piece out of the garage, a few of us tussled with what I call “the Rock of Gibraltar furniture.” Three of us put our heads together, plotting our path carefully, hoping the furniture would get lighter. As we saddled this mountainous piece of furniture in our hands we struggled at the first set of steps just getting it into the house.

Once in, we had to climb steps, I believe these folks had 50,000 or so. I walked backwards and the other two gentlemen were on the end, pushing upward. When we reached the top of the stairway to my dismay, there were boxes blocking our path. We were holding this heavy thing and could not set it down!

• Sometimes I run into obstacles and feel discouraged.
• Sometimes I run into barriers and feel like giving up.
• Sometimes I run into road blocks and feel like dropping heavy loads.

My tendency is to “plan” better and cut GOD out of the picture. I mean we could have checked the full path and been successful right? Wrong! The path was clear but boxes were placed in the path as we were on our way. GOD wants me to plan but do it in a different way.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM if I should even be doing what I’m doing.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for success rather than focusing on my own power.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to handle extremely large problems as well as the small.

David’s army was but a flea compared to the Philistines. BUT GOD was with David and nothing could stop him. When GOD is with me who can be against me? GOD’s power is infinite, so it is up to me to ask HIM the right questions to determine my success that day.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think you can accomplish things on your own power?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?
• Will you look to GOD to provide “success” to you HIS way?

You just never know

1 Chronicles 10: ¹³ Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, ¹⁴ and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

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Another mediocre review left me wondering if I would ever advance. It seemed like a mystery I just could not solve. It also seemed like the oppressors had a few of their buddies in mind to keep them in power. I decided to do my work for the LORD instead of working for these guys.

Years passed and it seemed like nothing changed, but one day I was called into the office and they asked me if I would take on more responsibility. I said yes and that led to other promotions. Soon I was over the department where I felt oppression. It wasn’t by my effort.

• Sometimes barriers seem immovable.
• Sometimes difficult people are placed in my path.
• Sometimes I think I have to be the one who works hard to get to where I want to be.

Looking back I see times where I wanted something so bad I could just taste it. That’s when I would buckle down and work harder only to be disappointed and knocked to the ground. I left no room for GOD to say “Yes” or “No”, in fact I wouldn’t consult HIM at all. BUT GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to have desires but let HIM steer the outcome.
• GOD wants me to have dreams but point my dreams to HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to have wishes but include HIM on all phases of accomplishment.

It is GOD who raises me to heights I never knew existed. HE has placed me in front of the kings of this world and opened my eyes to understand JESUS is the KING of kings. When I let go of my desires and allow GOD to steer the outcome, I end up in a much better place. HE grows huge fruit in my life and I am filled with gratitude.

• Are you feeling oppressed?
• Do you feel held back?
• Can you allow GOD to deal with “that” person?
• Can you dream a good dream and allow GOD to handle how the dream comes to fruition?

GOD chooses some strange methods

1 Samuel 14: ⁶ Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

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“You have a great idea! Why don’t you run with it? But you don’t have any budget” were the words of the guy who was trying to trip me up.  The idea was huge and would require a lot of resources. I felt trapped.

• Sometimes when I face a giant circumstance I panic.
• Sometimes when I face a huge situation I get scared.
• Sometimes when I face a humongous obstacle I fall down and get tired of running.

After the trapped feeling was over, the LORD blessed me with a confusing peace. I made some phone calls and got people to volunteer their efforts in this huge undertaking. To my surprise, we were more than successful! I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.

• GOD has all the power so I need to trust HIM.
• GOD has all the might so the situation has to bow to HIM.
• GOD has all the strength so the circumstance will be in trouble if it tries to get in the way of GOD’s plan.

Fear has a tendency to blind me and make me think there is no way out. GOD laughs at the circumstance because HIS might is incredible! HE provides manna and incredible dwelling places. His desire is peace and wants me to feel HIS love on a daily basis.

I can face the day without fear and know HE is my deliverance!

• Are you facing a giant?
• Do you realize the giant has to bow down to GOD?
• Can you look to GOD and be filled with courage this day?
• Won’t you stop groveling at the circumstance and get up because GOD is with you?