Made Specific

Made Specific

Ephesians 4: ¹⁶ Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.

 

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Waking up slightly later than usual, I realized I had to catch a flight. I rushed out the house and sped to the airport. To my dismay, the traffic getting into the parking garage was fierce. I ran to the gate only to watch the plane pull away. I was supposed to present my part to a client that afternoon in another city.

 

• I was not available to present my part.
• I was part of a team and I had a specific role.
• I did not do my part as I should have.

 

Under the control of JESUS, Paul explains that each person has a specific role to play. HE made each person different to play a specific role in the whole body.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to surrender my life so HE can be in control.
• GOD made me specifically to grow the body.
• GOD wants me to do my part to build the body up in HIS love.

 

Human love is incomplete. I mean, one person has a tiny piece of love, but not the totality. Under the control of JESUS, we are put together as one single body. Each person has a specific role to play in HIS love.

 

Every action placed under HIS control has a purpose that HE uses to draw HIS kingdom together. HE knows where the missing pieces fit and each piece is just as important as the next. I am grateful GOD made me to be part of HIS family and has given me a specific purpose.

 

Challenge

• What concern is the writer addressing?
• Do you feel alone or feel as if you are not quite fitting in?
• Will you enjoy the fact that GOD made you for a specific role and needs you to do your part so HE can reach those who HE will draw to HIMSELF through you today?

Made for This

Made for This

Ephesians 2: ⁶ In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. ⁷ He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. ^8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. ¹⁰ God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

 

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“Come on in!” a greeter said to us. It was our first time packing food for a well known group who provides hunger relief. She seemed to be perfect at making us feel welcome. The people who served there were also great at what they were doing. Our trainer was patient with all of our questions. He helped out as we worked through the day.

 

• It seemed like each person was made for what they were doing.
• I could see the excitement in their heart by their actions and their words.
• They seemed like they were at peace with what he or she was doing.

 

Paul introduces us to the sovereignty of GOD. He explains that we were made by GOD for a “life of good deeds.” This is a strange thought, because some of the church leaders presented GOD as something or someone who serves us and gives us stuff. Paul also addresses the source of true grace.

 

My Observations

• GOD has prepared good deeds HE wants me to do.
• GOD made me to be in union with CHRIST JESUS.
• GOD gave me grace before I chose HIM, so I cannot give myself credit for HIS love.

 

Any good deed deserves thankfulness, but it really should go to GOD. I mean, HIS gracious gift of JESUS is the only action that makes us do what is good and pleasing to HIM. GOD showed HIS extraordinary greatness by reaching down and picking all of us up through faith in JESUS.

 

HE saw the calamity I was headed for and rescued me from myself. He then planned a life of good deeds I can do for others so they may see HIS great grace. I gladly accept HIS plan for me in service to others.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about your efforts?
• Have you ever wanted to hear “thank you” from people?
• Will you give GOD thanks for making you the way you are and for giving you “good deeds” for you to do, to draw people back to HIM through the love of JESUS today?

Spiritual Beauty

Spiritual Beauty

1 Corinthians 15: ⁴⁰ And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; the beauty that belongs to heavenly bodies is different from the beauty that belongs to earthly bodies. ⁴¹ The sun has its own beauty, the moon another beauty, and the stars a different beauty; and even among stars there are different kinds of beauty.

 

⁴² This is how it will be when the dead are raised to life. When the body is buried, it is mortal; when raised, it will be immortal. ⁴³ When buried, it is ugly and weak; when raised, it will be beautiful and strong. ⁴⁴ When buried, it is a physical body; when raised, it will be a spiritual body. There is, of course, a physical body, so there has to be a spiritual body.

 

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Driving vacations have been special to me when the destination was unknown. One memorable vacation was spent driving up the coast of one particular state. We left a familiar beautiful place and ran into unfamiliar beaches with sea lions sunbathing. Another place had tall cliffs with the ocean cascading a wonderous backdrop. Yet another place had tall wide trees and ferns adorning their feet. Each had its own beauty.

 

• I appreciate nature more and more.
• I like to look up and see the beauty way up in the sky.
• I enjoy experiencing beauty even if it is a creepy spiderweb spun with precision.

 

Paul speaks about beauty in nature, He talks about the unique beauty each area brings. Right outside, there is beauty in everything. He then spoke of how beautiful and strong each person will be when raised from the dead. No more weakness or decay, rather an everlasting beauty.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see the beauty in HIS creation each day.
• GOD wants me to know that one day HE will transform my body into something beautiful and eternal.
• GOD wants me to know HIS definition of beauty is far above that of a human.

 

”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as the saying goes. But the true beholder is GOD. HE seems to delight in unique things. He made every drop of water in the ocean and every grain of sand on a beach.

 

I can marvel at what HE made and know this pales in comparison to what HE has in store for those who believe in HIM. I am glad HE sees the beauty in me and other believers in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• When you look at nature and life, do you see GOD as the creator?
• What does seeing GOD in creation have to do with your resurrection?
• Do you know GOD is far more concerned about you than HE is about a planet?
• Can you see the inner beauty in you and others more and more today by being reminded by nature?

Creator’s Choice

Creator’s Choice

1 Corinthians 15: ³⁵ Someone will ask, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” ³⁶ You fool! When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies. ³⁷ And what you plant is a bare seed, perhaps a grain of wheat or some other grain, not the full-bodied plant that will later grow up. ³⁸ God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body.

 

³⁹ And the flesh of living beings is not all the same kind of flesh; human beings have one kind of flesh, animals another, birds another, and fish another.

 

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Art was my favorite class. I could do something very different than the next person and my work would still be appreciated. I learned to color outside the lines in coloring books. Doodling helped me rest my mind and drawing cartoon style soon became a desire.

 

• I love creativity.
• I appreciate what people can come up with.
• I enjoy seeing other people’s talents.

 

Paul attempts to address questions people may have about the after-life. One question is “What kind of body will they have” in reference to being raised from the dead. He harshly points us to the Creator. He uses an analogy that humans can plant seeds but only GOD can make the seed that is planted.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to reduce my wondering “Why HE made me the way I am.”
• GOD wants me to be excited that HE created me with excitement.
• GOD wants me to appreciate that HE created me one of a kind and was pleased.

 

What I am and what I will become is up to GOD. I mean, HE is the one who shaped me in this body and when HE transforms me into the “proper body”, that too will be HIS choice. The exception will be I will have full appreciation of HIS artistry.

 

HE creates humans with unique nuances as well as animals and birds and fish. Not one thing is the same. GOD’s perfection is an art. I appreciate that GOD enjoys uniqueness.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever asked GOD “Why did you make me this way?”
• What is the writer’s reaction towards questioning the body type in the after-life?
• Which word comes to mind when recognizing GOD’s creation of you or other’s; appreciation, harmony or purpose?

Love Who You Are

 

Love Who You Are

Romans 9: ¹⁹ One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” ²⁰ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” ²¹ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

 

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Broke, nappy hair, skinny and torn up clothes made me a target for ridicule from several angles. On top of that, I was sometimes blamed for the skin I wore, let alone the glasses that screamed “Don’t ever date this nerd!” “Why did YOU make me this way?” I cried out. To GOD. I got no answer.

 

• There were times when I shouted out blame so I could feel better.
• There were times when I spit poison at parents, teachers, and bosses, for making me a certain way.
• There were times when I felt misunderstood mainly because I did not understand myself.

 

Paul continues with the difficult subject of trying to explain why GOD made humans the way HE made them. The underlying question would be, why didn’t GOD just make everyone love HIM and believe in HIM? Paul does not address this question, but it is still there. He does, however, mention GOD’s right to make us the way HE pleases.

 

• GOD wants me to know HE made me special and with care.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE has a purpose for how HE made me.
• GOD wants me to love who I am so I can love others the way HE loves me.

 

Loving the way GOD made me is important. I mean, when I blame GOD, it means I am dissatisfied with what and how HE does things. The real reason I blame is to take charge or say to GOD, “Move over and let me show YOU how it should have been done.”

 

Looking back, I can see how beneficial it was to be me. I could talk to other broke, nappy haired, malnourished people and point them to GOD. HE would then fill me up so much that I would not just stop there. I could speak to those who ridiculed me about JESUS, and do it in a loving caring way. I am grateful GOD has a purpose for me, special or common.

 

• Are you full of blame and lacking in taking responsibility?
• Do you fight easily and surrender slowly?
• Will you give your blame and rage to GOD and love how HE made you so HE can clean your heart to use you for HIS purpose today?

Special Name

Luke: ⁵⁹ So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. ⁶⁰ His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”

⁶¹ But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” ⁶² So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.

⁶³ And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. ⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. ⁶⁵ Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. ⁶⁶ And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

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When we stopped at a tourist novelty store, I quickly went to the key rings. I was elated to find “my” name hanging on one of the rows. “Wow!” “I am special!” I thought to myself.

• At one time I thought my earthly name was special only when other people thought it was.
• At one time I thought the name my parents gave me was to be protected because of the possibility of embarrassing them.
• At one time I thought I could work hard and someday make a “name” for myself amongst humans.

Zacharias was muted because he did not truly believe GOD would give him and Elizabeth a child. This was no ordinary child, but a child ordained to be the prophet to announce JESUS. GOD named this child for HIS purpose, not just a label to be bragged about by family members.

• GOD has a special name for me that I cannot wait to learn.
• GOD has a special name for me that no one else has.
• GOD has a special name for me that has a meaning and a purpose.

When GOD named me, it was more than a label stamped on a keychain; it was special to HIM and me. HE named me with a purpose and wants me to fulfill this purpose daily.

• What is the name GOD has given you?
• Are you seeking to serve GOD in order to find out what your name is?
• Can you ask GOD to guide you in the purpose HE has for you this day?

Nicknames

Mark 3: ¹³ And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. ¹⁴ Then He appointed twelve,  that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, ¹⁵ and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: ¹⁶ Simon,  to whom He gave the name Peter; ¹⁷ James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; ¹⁹ and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

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“Professor”, “Captain Naps” and “Skinny Minnie” were a few nicknames I was given based on my appearance. I wore glasses thus the nickname “Professor.” Sometimes the nicknames given to me were flattering like “He-Man” while others were degrading and need not be mentioned.

• I have been called all sorts of names.
• People have labeled me based on their perceptions
• Many labels given to me were not pleasant.

JESUS saw something in a few of HIS disciples that needed to be called out in a different name. HE saw a solid foundation in Simon so HE named him Peter meaning “The Rock.” HE gave James and John the name Boanerges meaning “Sons of Thunder.” Later HE named Judas “The Betrayer.”

• JESUS names me based on my actions.
• JESUS names me based on my heart.
• JESUS names me based on my relationship with HIM and my attitude towards HIS ways.

GOD sees all that I do and hears every word I say. HE sees my sin as well as any deeds HE deems as good. HE then says to me “And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.” GOD’s name for me is based on love and when I receive my new name I will understand my fulfilled purpose.

• Is your current name “doubter” or “worrier” or “full of fear?”
• Do you think you are ugly based on what mean people have called you?
• Can you see the beauty inside of you that GOD sees?
• Will you accept HIS new name for you?

Do something with the gift

Matthew 25: ¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

²¹ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

²² “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

²³ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

²⁴ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵ So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

²⁶ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? ²⁷ Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

²⁸ “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. ²⁹ For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ³⁰ And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

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“Why am I this way?” I exclaimed to GOD. I mean at times it seemed like I was wrong for every situation. People were telling me how wrong my looks, clothing, choices and personality was for a given situation.

• Sometimes I feel wrong for the job.
• Sometimes I feel wrong for the situation.
• Sometimes I feel wrong for society.

Can’t I just sit in my house and talk to no one? I mean it beats rejection, coercion, blame and other unkind stuff the world dishes out. BUT GOD wants me to do something with the gifts HE has given me.

• GOD wants me to reach those HE has given me with my personality.
• GOD wants me to reach those only I can reach because of the way HE made me.
• GOD wants me to reach those who HE sends me to.

When GOD made me and “that” person HE said it was perfect. This is exactly how I made you and I want you to use that to bring people to ME. When you use your gifts for me, I will bless you!

• Are you hiding?
• Do you feel inadequate or making others feel the same?
• Can you use the simple gifts GOD has given you to bring others to HIM?

Simply Be

Matthew 12: ¹⁵ Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. ¹⁶ He warned them not to tell others about him. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

¹⁸ “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
¹⁹ He will not quarrel or cry out;
    no one will hear his voice in the streets.
²⁰ A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
²¹     In his name the nations will put their hope.”

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When yet another request came from the church I was reluctant to say yes this time because I was the trustee chair, deacon, accountant and teacher. My, get it done, attitude had caught up to me and now I was weary. “Does GOD want me to carry all this weight?” I asked.

• Sometimes I try too hard to please GOD.
• Sometimes I feel the more I do, the more GOD is pleased.
• Sometimes I anticipate GOD’s love through my actions.

Facing burn out, I finally had to say “No!” Does GOD want us to work our fingers to the bone trying to be forgiven for our sins? NO! In fact GOD made it easy.

• JESUS became the chosen servant for me whom the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT delight.
• JESUS proclaims justice to the nations through me whenever HE sends me to HIS people.
• JESUS brings justice, victory and hope to all nations; this is where I place my trust.

What does GOD want from me? What does HE want me to do? How often should I do it? Should I sell everything and live in a desert, proclaiming HIS name? all of these questions raced through my mind. GOD says to me “Just Be.”

“Be the person I made you to be” is what GOD says to me. HE made me with a purpose and I am the only one who can reach “that” person with the message of grace from JESUS. Serving is nice, wearing myself out is not. GOD wants me to simply “be.”

• Are you trying to make GOD do something by working harder?
• Do you think GOD will love you more or less depending on how much you work?
• Can you place your total trust in JESUS’ salvation so your works become a gift rather than an obligation?

Sticks and Stones

Matthew 11: ¹⁸ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”

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“You are a…” were words that used to affect me greatly. I mean the deliverer must be an expert in the matter so when someone delivers the blow, “You are an idiot” I must be an idiot right?

• I have been called many names.
• I have been labeled many things.
• I have been placed in a box by shortsighted people.

Character is something done, good or bad that is not seen by anyone. When I am trying my best to follow GOD’s ways, yet someone labels me otherwise, then I must not get upset because I am in good company.

• CHRIST was slandered and accused falsely.
• JESUS was called all kinds of names because HE did not meet human expectations.
• Our LORD was labeled a sinner, though HE committed no sin.

Insecure people dream of what they can call other people. They take the spotlight off of them in order to place it negatively on another person. GOD does not want me to retaliate with sophomoric retorts. HE asks that I rise above the words and pray for those who shoot the darts.

• Are you the butt of jokes?
• Do you feel insecure because of something a person has called you or labeled you?
• Can you stop listening to insecure people who do not have your best interest in mind?
• Will you listen to GOD who loves you and created you with a purpose?

You are Made Special

Matthew 5: ¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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After returning back to church from years of absence, I felt my life was going to get back on track. The next day some guys at work travelled out of town on a business trip and they asked me a question no one had asked me before. “Hey, do you want to come out with us to a strip club?” “Why yes of course I will go with you!” I replied. I didn’t want to look like a wimp even though I was scared!

• There have been times I went with the crowd when I shouldn’t have.
• There have been situations that I should have said “NO” to.
• There have been circumstances when I could have been a good example and decided not to.

Pleasing people sometimes means doing the wrong thing. I went with the crowd and did not find the “fun” the guys wanted me to experience. The next Sunday when I was back in church, I felt slimy and guilty, as if everyone in the congregation had watched me enter the dive.

• GOD says to me “You are the salt of the earth” and I am supposed to preserve life, add flavor and heal ailments like salt does.
• GOD says to me “You are the light of the world” and I am supposed to show everyone I meet that HE is first in my life.
• GOD says to me “ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Whenever I lose my saltiness or hide my light, I never succeed with my plan. In fact, I find that my plans fall apart rapidly. The crowd that cheered me on to do the wild act disperses and I am left there having to account for my act, alone. GOD wants me to be truthful to HIM and HIM alone.

HE wants me to do HIS deeds on a daily basis so that people can be drawn back to HIM. HE made me so I am supposed to serve HIM all of my life.

• Are you hiding your GODLY relationship?
• Are you following the crowd?
• Can you stop trying to please humans and start trying to please GOD?

You Can Only Move Forward

Ezekiel 46: ⁹ “‘When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.

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After the accident I said “I wish I had anticipated the patch of ice.”  After getting stitches I said “I wish I hadn’t tried to smash that brick on the ground.” After failing the test I said “I wish I had studied more.”

• There have been times I have regretted.
• There have been things I have done I wish I could have taken back.
• There have been paths I have gone down I wish I never went.

Regret has the same beginning as rewind or replay. The tape keeps playing over and over in my mind and I just sit there and brood over the mistake. Is there a way to fix my past? Yes!

• GOD says to me “I AM the alpha and omega, beginning and the end.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL wipe away all of your tears.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL take your sins and remove them as far as the east is from the west.”

Forgetting is something that is virtually impossible to do. BUT GOD gave me a remedy. HE says “Let ME take care of the past and I will guide you in the present to provide for you a wonderful future.” HE wants me to stop looking back and start looking forward to what HE is doing and is going to do. GOD has a plan for me and has taken into account all the mistakes I will ever make.  HE wants me to move forward!

• Are you stuck in the past?
• Are you constantly making the same mistakes over and over?
• Can you stop looking back and move forward with GOD?
• Will you start trusting GOD’s plan HE has for you rather than being crushed by “that” mistake? 

Being Called “Names”

Isaiah 51: ⁷ “Hear me, you who know what is right,
    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
    or be terrified by their insults.
⁸ For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
    the worm will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
    my salvation through all generations.”

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“Skinny Minnie, Captain Naps, and Floods” were some of the hurtful words people threw at me during one stage of my life. I tried to adjust. “Slow Poke, Weak, and Pitiful” were other words given to me by jocks. So, I tried to adjust again. Even more sinister words were given to me as labels as I grew up, some by those I thought I could trust. “Hmmm.”

• There have been people who have hurled insults at me.
• There have been people who have placed me in a box and stuck a label on it.
• There have been people who decided in their mind that I am not a “good fit” for whatever.

When I received the insult, at first I would try to brush it off but then after a number of people said the same insult, I wondered, “What is wrong with me?” I mean I was skinny, so what? I was born into this culture, what am I to do?

• GOD says to me “I made you and I AM pleased.”
• GOD says to me “I have given you MY words, love those who insult you.”
• GOD says to me “Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults, for I AM the everlasting GOD who loves you and has given you a purpose.”

Fearing what someone thinks of me can lead to losing my identity. I try so hard to please the crowd that I wind up looking like them and acting like them. Soon I am off the track that GOD has me on. BUT GOD sees me and says to me “You are fine.” No need for many other words, no need for a long pep talk. GOD says “MY righteousness will last forever, MY salvation through all generations.”

GOD surpasses those who hurl insults or wield their power over me in an effort to keep me down. HE says “Keep going” in spite of their attempts. GOD is my rock.

• Are you being held back by someone?
• Do you replay their insults in your mind over and over?
• Can you look past their attempt to control you and let GOD have your life?
• Will you look to HIM for your salvation in this situation and eternally?

GOD Knows

Psalm 139: ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

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²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Name calling was a pass time of the kids in my neighborhood. I was called “Captain Naps” because of my hair. I was called “Mr. Peabody” the cartoon dog because of my professor like glasses. I was called “Skinny Minnie” because of my frail stature. I was called “Holey Moly” because of the holes in my pants and the list goes on. The desire to fit in seemed so far away.

• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t fit in.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t measure up.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t have the right people in my corner.

After childhood I matured and realized that people are fickle and I am in that crowd. One minute I praise someone, the next I have a rock in my hand ready to stone them. BUT GOD has grace.

• GOD created me exactly how HE wanted me to be.
• GOD knit me together in my mother’s womb meaning HE chose my parents.
• GOD made me fearfully and wonderfully and set my life on a path of purpose.

People can try to derail the purpose GOD has for me. I can buy into the negative poison that is spit at me or I can say “no!” GOD made me with a purpose, namely to proclaim the greatness of HIS SON and sometimes I use examples rather than words. GOD needs to search my heart on a daily basis to buffet my offensive ways so HE can keep my purpose focused on everlasting ways.

• Are you down on yourself?
• Do you wish you were born into a different family?
• Can you accept the fact that GOD made you exactly as you are and HE is excited about you?
• Will you live your life with purpose rather than being blown around by the winds of human perception?
• Will you praise GOD today for making your life have meaning?

I know what I know

Job 19: ²⁵ I know that my redeemer lives,
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

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I used to marvel at eloquent speakers. It seemed like words would flow from their lips so smoothly that any audience would be mesmerized. As I stood in front of my first audience in a speech class I could feel the audience slip away. What was in my mind wasn’t coming out of my mouth, well not as I wanted it to.

When I was challenged by a pastor to go out and tell people about CHRIST, I said “I don’t know the Bible and I am not a good speaker.” He said “What’s that got to do with it?”

• Sometimes I think I have to be someone else in order to be used by GOD.
• Sometimes I think I have to know it all and be polished in order to be used by GOD.
• Sometimes I think I have to do something very different in order to please GOD.

Quite honestly I think GOD is crazy. I mean HE couldn’t have meant to create the person I am. HE couldn’t have meant for me to have gone through life the way I did. HE couldn’t have meant for me to make mistakes on a minute by minute basis, right? Well…

• GOD made me for HIS purpose and it’s up to me to realize what that purpose is.
• GOD made me and said “Beautiful and wonderful” and it’s up to me to accept HIS glorious creativity in my person.
• GOD made me and knows my circumstances, situations and desires so it’s up to me to grab ahold of HIS ways and follow HIM until the end.

I’m not saying I am going to give up seeking GODLY perfection rather I will lighten up on myself which in turn may help me lighten up on others. I will now go out and teach about CHRIST without thinking I have to be perfect or have the right words all the time. In fact GOD said “I will give you the right words at the right time.” I may not know much, but I know what I know and GOD is pleased with it.

• Do you feel inadequate when it comes to your relationship with GOD?
• Are you focused on what someone else is doing rather than thanking HIM for HIS relationship with you?
• Can you praise HIM for making you the way HE made you?
• Will you ask HIM to share HIS purpose for you today?

“Whose” am I?

2 Kings 11: ¹⁷ Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. 

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As the conversation was headed in the direction of discussing body parts again something was different this time. I don’t know if it was the mix of people or if it was the fact that I was growing up but I felt like I should not be in that place.  I excused myself and didn’t join in this time.

• When I am with the crowd I forget who created me.
• When I want my way I forget I was created with a purpose.
• When I see everyone else doing stuff I want to join in, even if the “stuff” is wrong.

There comes a time where the “stuff” gets old. I mean the party does end and a new day has to be faced. GOD opened my eyes and showed me the mundane nature of my pitiful existence. HE wanted something different.

• GOD wants me to recognize the HE created me and I should not complain about who I am, where I came from or where I am now.
• GOD wants me to know that I am HIS and so is “this” day that HE created.
• GOD wants me to know that the more I can focus my attention on HIS kingdom the less the world has a grip on me.

Living a life of purpose means knowing “who” I belong to, namely GOD. The more I understand GOD’s ownership, the less I fear and the less I get upset about something not going my way. GOD owns everything, even the machine that breaks down or the body that just won’t seem to heal fast enough.

I am GODs’ creation. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. My purpose is to serve HIM.

• Do you think you are alone?
• Do you believe you are self-made?
• Can you realize you and your circumstance are in GOD’s hand?
• Will you give GOD your life so HE can take it to new heights?