Addressing Blame

Addressing Blame

Exodus 22: ⁹ “For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor. ¹⁰ If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies, is hurt, or driven away, no one seeing it, ¹¹ then an oath of the Lord shall be between them both, that he has not put his hand into his neighbor’s goods; and the owner of it shall accept that, and he shall not make it good. ¹² But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it. ¹³ If it is torn to pieces by a beast, then he shall bring it as evidence, and he shall not make good what was torn.

 

¹⁴ “And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it becomes injured or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make it good. ¹⁵ If its owner was with it, he shall not make it good; if it was hired, it came for its hire.

 

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GOD continued with HIS discussion with Moses. HE provided rules to guide people in dealing with conflict.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew people would have selective memories when it concerned conflicting situations that needed to be resolved.
• GOD allowed humans to deal with their own situations versus inserting HIMSELF.
• GOD seemed to also be addressing a mindset of blame.

 

Being responsible for an accidental death of an animal meant paying for the dead animal because it was in the care of someone else. This applied to lost or stolen items as well. I believe GOD wants us to see two things, namely blame and responsibility.

 

Before taking on the care of an animal or a thing of value, know that you are responsible for it until it is returned. Blaming the person who put the thing in your care does not go well with GOD, so do not accept the responsibility. The same goes for the person who needs someone to care for something.

 

The owner of that thing needs to be responsible for placing something of value with people who may or may not care. The owner had responsibility of not blaming the caretaker. I believe GOD was demonstrating the care we should have in spreading the Gospel.

 

GOD gave this extremely important message and wants us to care for it without accidental death. HE wants us to be joyful in spreading the Gospel versus blaming HIM. The mindset of blame had to be addressed and turned into a mindset of responsibility.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS rule or responsibility?
• Have you examined your tendencies to see if you blame others easily?
• Are you blaming GOD for anything that you should be responsible for?

Something Had to be Done

Something Had to be Done

Genesis 43: ⁶ And Israel said, “Why did you deal so wrongfully with me as to tell the man whether you had still another brother?”

 

⁷ But they said, “The man asked us pointedly about ourselves and our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ And we told him according to these words. Could we possibly have known that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?”

 

⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. ¹⁰ For if we had not lingered, surely by now we would have returned this second time.”

 

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When “Israel” questioned his sons about the situation they were in, the sons immediately tried to cover up what they actually said. They blamed Joseph, saying he asked questions versus telling the truth that they voluntarily spoke about Benjamin. Instead of going back and forth as to why they were in the situation, Judah spoke up.

 

My Observations:

• Israel’s sons were still trying to protect themselves.
• Israel was being resistant and waited until all the food had run out.
• Judah said in so many words “We have to do something.”

 

Shame and blame were the tactics of the sons of Israel. They seemed to be ashamed they opened their mouths about Benjamin and blamed Joseph for his reaction. Little did they know that it was Joseph who they were speaking to, so they would still be in thins situation.

 

Earlier, Reuben pledged that Jacob could kill two of his sons if Benjamin were not returned. Jacob, otherwise known as Israel, did not accept this plan. But Judah came up with another way to convince Israel. “If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever” was his promise. He would become the walking shame if Benjamin died.  He gave some logic. “We could have been back by now.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this distressful conversation between Israel and his sons?
• Have you ever wanted to avoid getting blamed for something you did or blame someone else for something you should own up to?
• Is it time to face the situation, knowing GOD is with you, so you can be brave and tell the truth?

It’s Your Fault

It’s Your Fault

Genesis 16: ⁵ Then Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.”

 

⁶ So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.

 

 

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Months after becoming pregnant, Hagar and Sarai did not get along. Sarai’s plan to fulfill GOD’s prophecy fell apart quickly. Now she had a mess on her hands. She stormed into Abram basically saying “It’s your fault!”  Abram, not wanting to be in the middle of the mess, said “you deal with it as you please.” Sarai was so harsh that she drove Hagar away.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai seemed to feel insecure about Abram’s promise from the LORD.
• Sarai may have gotten frustrated with people, knowing deep down that she may be the problem.
• Sarai took out her frustrations on Hagar.

 

Seeing Hagar pregnant every day was a reminder that something is wrong to Sarai. How was this promise going to come to fruition, Sarai must have thought. Jealousy, rage and insecurity may have caused Sarai to behave as she did. She was even frustrated with Abram, who went along with a terrible plan.

 

How in the world could GOD clean up this mess? GOD does not react. HE knew this mess would come and accounted for it. Sarai did not know what GOD could do. Same with you and me. We may get frustrated with our current situation, not knowing what GOD has in store. Sarai was frustrated and now Hagar felt persecuted. GOD was needed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the detail of Sarai’s blame of Abram to Moses?
• Have you ever gotten yourself in a mess and wanted to blame other people?
• If it is easy for you to blame other’s for your lack of relationship with GOD, will you ask HIM for more accountability today?

What About Them?

What About Them?

James 4: ¹¹ Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. ¹² God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?

 

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Speeding along in a friend’s car, it felt great to be behind the wheel of something that could really go fast! We were racing each other on the road when suddenly we cam upon several cops who were waiting for us. We were all pulled over. When one of the cops came to my car, I said in my defense, “What about them?” referring to the other speeders who were not pulled over. The reply, “But I caught you.”

 

• I was trying to use comparison as my defense.
• I thought I could use “judging someone else” to defend my breaking the law.
• I also thought I could do what I wanted to do.

 

James addressed judging other Christians. He specifically spoke to this group, probably due to them gathering together in small groups after being scattered by those who persecuted them. They may have begun to judge one another.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to look at myself instead of pointing out what other people are doing.
• GOD wants me to realize I have flaws that I need repaired by HIM.
• GOD wants me to let go of trying to change people who are not willing to change themselves.

 

Being critical of other people can be a defense mechanism for my own shortcomings. I mean, when I look at someone else and talk about him or her negatively, I am taking the lens off of me. BUT GOD sees my shortcomings clearly and wants me to see them too.

 

HE wants me to back off of looking at someone else and to ask HIM for forgiveness for my clear and blatant sins. HE is willing to forgive me and wants me to grow up to do the same. I am glad HE is the ultimate forgiver.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer’s warning important?
• Have you ever been critical of someone and been guilty yourself?
• Will you take some time away from being critical and spend it asking GOD to continue to grow you in areas HE would like to grow you today?

Criticism Reduction

Criticism Reduction

2 Corinthians 2: So I made up my mind not to come to you again to make you sad. ² For if I were to make you sad, who would be left to cheer me up? Only the very persons I had made sad. ³ That is why I wrote that letter to you—I did not want to come to you and be made sad by the very people who should make me glad. For I am convinced that when I am happy, then all of you are happy too. ⁴ I wrote you with a greatly troubled and distressed heart and with many tears; my purpose was not to make you sad, but to make you realize how much I love you all.

 

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“Who did this?” I asked my family in my usual investigative tone. I wanted a confession, thinking this will “grow the culprit up.” Little did I know, I was creating an atmosphere of secrets.

 

• I was being too critical.
• I had not created an atmosphere where improvement is different for each person.
• I was caught up in the fast pace of the world and lost patience.

 

Paul chose to back off from being critical. He knew that something was not quite right with how the people of Corinth were following JESUS. But he had been corrected by GOD himself and did not want others to suffer as he did. Instead, he expressed his love for them.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see HIS grace for my sins.
• GOD wants me to turn my hurt into grace for others.
• GOD wants me to seek grace as a gift that is freely given.

 

Being critical hurts. I mean, when I see something “wrong” I may want it “fixed.” But should “I” be the one fixing it? Not all the time. There are times when it is best for me to back off the situation and ask GOD to intervene.

 

The goal is to keep peace and harmony. This does not mean I should never speak up, but the ratio of speaking up versus letting it go needs to lean towards “letting it go.” If there is a common understanding, then certain words can be misused without me putting a boxing glove in another person’s face. We need each other. I am glad GOD is not critical of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What is the ultimate purpose of the writer?
• Do you see GOD’s grace in the writer’s words?
• How can you reduce your criticism of others in your daily walk?
• What benefits will you receive by creating an atmosphere where people can cheer you along with CHRIST as their motive?

Blamed

Blamed

Acts 17: ⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. ⁶ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” ⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

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Confused by the questions I asked “What is going on?” A group of people were stirring up anger at work and were not thinking rationally, rather they were acting with strong emotion. They wanted to vent their frustrations and decided to take them out on me.

• There have been times when I have been blamed.
• There have been times when I have been deemed guilty by association.
• There have been times when I have been confused because people were angry with me because I supported someone else.

Jason and other believers were dragged before the city officials by angry Jews. The angry mob did not believe JESUS was and is King of kings and Lord of lords. They made Jason and the believers post bond. They were blamed in public.

• GOD knows when people blame me because of my relationship with HIM.
• GOD expects me to be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD understands my confusion when I am blamed and gives me peace beyond all understanding.

Being blamed or persecuted is never fun. No one wants to be the recipient of persecution, especially from an angry mob. BUT GOD knows this will happen to those who truly believe in the LORD.

JESUS said “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” I do not like the blame but I endure it by looking forward to GOD’s reward.

• Are you being blamed?
• Are you being persecuted because of your relationship with JESUS.
• Will you hold onto the peace, provided by the HOLY SPIRIT, that surpasses all understanding today?

Entertained

Luke 23: ⁸ When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. ⁹ He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. ¹¹ Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. ¹² That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.

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After the event I discussed the person on stage. “They were not very good” I commented. I was seeking amusement and had criteria that needed to be met.  Later, I went to a church. “The pastor speaking was not very good”, I said to myself.

• Sometimes I want to be entertained by people.
• Sometimes I view people as something that satisfies me.
• Sometimes I desire people to say the right words at my command.

Herod saw JESUS as entertainment. He heard how JESUS healed people and raised someone from the dead. Herod could not wait for JESUS to do a parlor trick. He even became friends with his enemy, Pilate, for sending him this wonderful stage act.

• JESUS says to me “These are MY lambs, feed them.”
• JESUS says to me “Look at MY people with compassion.”
• JESUS says to me “I can see your heart, fill it with MY love and you will be successful.”

When I look at people as a problem, inconvenience or entertainment, I miss out on what GOD wants me to see. HE desires only one thing that all of HIS sheep come back to HIM. All of us have gone astray BUT GOD desires that all return to HIM. I am grateful for HIS love.

• Do you seek people to entertain you?
• Do you blame people for their behavior?
• Will you show “that” person grace today?

Said and Done

Luke 12: In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. ² For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. ³ Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

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Having the title of a church leader was quite an honor. I mean now I had to step up my game when it came to being “good.” I dressed in the nicest suits and upon entering the building, I kept my dirty mouth outside. Everyone who saw me thought I was doing great at this “GOD thing.”

• There have been many times when I looked clean on the outside and was dirty on the inside.
• There have been many times when I wanted to look holier than I was acting.
• There have been many times when I desired to be revered more than simply following GOD.

JESUS points to the hypocrisy of the church leaders. They could say scripture, attend church regularly and give a lot but were also great at hiding their sin and making others admit theirs. JESUS tore through their charade and says, everything said and done will be proclaimed.

• GOD says to me “Admit your sins so they will have no hold on you.”
• GOD says to me “Acknowledge MY power to forgive sins so you can be free indeed.”
• GOD says to me “Avoid hiding sins too deeply by admitting them to yourself and to ME.”

Maturity means being truthful with myself. It is the understanding that sin has consequence and I need to admit, I have sinned a lot. From lying, to lust, from hatred to hypocrisy, from greed to gross behavior, I have done it all. BUT GOD did something fantastic.

HE saw that I admitted my downfalls to HIM and gave me the ability to speak freely about my sins. HE is the only one who cleans me up and HE can do the same for anyone who comes to HIM. I live defiled, BUT GOD is my savior.

• What sins are you hiding from yourself?
• Are you scared of admitting even you are a sinner?
• Can you stop thinking lowly of others and start admitting your need for GOD on a daily basis?
• Will you open your mouth and admit sins so others can be loosed from their hidden sins today?

Amazing News Told

Luke 2: ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

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“I have to see this for myself” I said to the messenger. I was still in a bit of shock when they said, “Your name is posted, and you have made the Dean’s List.” Considering the semester before was a disaster, I was thoroughly surprised. I told everyone!

 

• When I have great news I want to tell everyone.
• When I have some awesome news I want to tell the world.
• When I have awesome news I want to sit everyone down and tell them what is going on with me.

Being chosen by GOD was one thing, but the shepherds had to go see the amazing news for themselves. They raced to the barn and saw GOD as a baby in the dirty feed trough, just as the angels said. They told everyone of this amazing event and excitement filled the town!

• GOD wants me to spread HIS amazing news.
• GOD wants me to ignite excitement throughout the land.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM enough to tell others about HIM.

What was missing from this passage was complaints about the sheep or ailments of the shepherds or the shepherds not having enough of whatever their fears dictated. It was all about JESUS coming as a human to save mankind. They were excited and so should I. GOD wants me to tell people about HIS amazing news!

• Are you stuck in complaint mode?
• Do you have blame on your mind?
• Can you remove your negative language and replace it with the great news about JESUS?

Sharp Mind

Mark 8: ¹³ And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. ¹⁴ Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

¹⁶ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.”

¹⁷ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? ¹⁸ Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

They said to Him, “Twelve.”

²⁰ “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

And they said, “Seven.”

²¹ So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

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Distracted, I sat in class but none of the information was comprehended. I had other things on my mind and when I tuned in, the instructor was on another topic.

• Sometimes I get distracted.
• Sometimes I cannot comprehend because I get lost thinking of various situations.
• Sometimes understanding is fleeting when I have things on my mind.

With dull, distracted minds, the disciples could not comprehend what JESUS was saying when HE urged them to beware of the Pharisees. JESUS was trying to tell them that even a little desire to be like the Pharisees would ruin a person for eternity. Unfortunately the disciples turned HIS lesson into a blaming session.

• GOD wants my mind to focus on HIS lessons of growth.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS love lessons.
• GOD desires that I wake up my mind to what HE is doing.

Sharp minds have clarity. GOD wants me to clearly see HIS power, HIS love and HIS compassion for me. HE doesn’t want the “situation of the day” to ruin my thoughts of HIM.  HE desires to raise me up. My mind needs to be on HIM daily.

• Are you distracted?
• Is it difficult to hear GOD because of all the clutter in your life?
• Can you take a moment to clear the distractions to focus on GOD’s love for you?

Amazing Accusations

Matthew 27: ¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

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“No I didn’t” was my instant reply when I was falsely accused. “I wasn’t the one! It was him” I said with extended finger. Of course I was right, but they labeled me as a rat who would tell on the mischievous. I was only trying to protect my hide!

• There were times I blamed others.
• There were times I made sure everyone knew the source of the issues.
• There were times I covered myself so I would not get in trouble.

JESUS took the blame to the “great amazement of the governor.” HE knew HE was going to die for the sins of mankind and had nothing to prove or protect himself for. The governor knew his word could bring death to people and was amazed that JESUS would not bow down to such assumed power.

• JESUS showed me HIS resolve by going to the cross and dying for me.
• JESUS showed me HIS integrity to die for me even when I blamed HIM for my problems.
• JESUS showed me HIS love by not speaking a word about my sins and taking on my punishment as HIS.

Not a word was spoken about HIS accusers. HE allowed HIMSELF to be captured, beaten and lied on for me. That is love I can never repay!

• Are you trying to convince GOD how good you have been lately so you can get your way?
• Are you blaming someone else for your problems even though you may be right?
• Can you stand with GOD and allow HIM to remove your barriers instead of squirming out of them by telling on people?

Label Me in Need of Mercy

Matthew 9: ⁹ As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

¹⁰ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. ¹¹ When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹² On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. ¹³ But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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“Those people are bad” I said. I mean look at “them!” “They” are doing [insert sin]. I better tell “them” about “themselves” so “they” will stop sinning!

• GOD said to me “Your righteousness is like a filthy rag.”
• GOD said to me “Your righteousness is like dung to ME.”
• GOD said to me “Your righteousness is a barrier to people accepting ME as their Savior.”

Pimp, hooker, gay, gambler, druggy and racist were convenient labels I placed on “those” people, meanwhile I forgot to say what I was, namely a lust-filled, greedy, power hungry blamer. I had stopped doing several sins only to pick up socially acceptable sins with honored labels.

People would label me as “One of us” or “Wealth Minded” or “Ambitious” or better yet “Calls ‘em as he sees ‘em.” BUT GOD wants me to have different labels.

• GOD wants me to label myself as a “sinner” who needs HIS mercy.
• GOD wants me to label myself as a “dead soul” in need of resurrection from HIM and HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to label myself as a “forgiven being” because I believe that HE (JESUS), died for me on purpose and now lives as my Savior.

“Our” FATHER and give “Us” this day “Our” daily bread show me how GOD wants me to think. HE doesn’t want me to label “those” people rather HE wants me to include myself in “that” crowd.

Drawing people back to GOD means I need to be transparent about my sins, not my accomplishments. GOD doesn't need another perfect sacrifice; JESUS was already the chosen one. HE needs a “sinner” to say “Isn’t GOD wonderful? I did all of this and HE forgave me for ALL of it!”

HE wants me to show what a changed life can be like by demonstrating hope in HIM no matter what the storm brings.

• Are you labeling people?
• Do you think “that” person is bad and you are “good?”
• Can you stop labeling people for a minute and label yourself before GOD?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS forgiveness today?

Fixing People

Matthew 7: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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New at teaching, I stammered through the lesson about sexual purity. At long last, this was now my Sunday school class and we had a great discussion. When class was over a guy shouted from across the room, “Hey we had a great time at the club last night!” This club was known for drunken single people to meet.

• There were times when I used to point out other folk’s flaws.
• There were times when I used to try “saving” people by telling them how wrong they were.
• There were times when I used to say “Do as I say, not what I do.”

Hypocrisy is the main problem with people fixers and I was public enemy number one. “I” had cleaned myself up, why shouldn’t you? “GOD doesn’t like ‘insert sin’” was my hypocritical statement. While the words may have been true, they never included a confession that I too was committing the same sin.

• GOD said to me “Do not judge, or you too will be judges.”
• GOD said to me “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
• GOD said to me “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

When I started looking at my sins I realized a lot of work was needed in my own house. Before I could “fix” someone else, I needed to get help, but where? GOD sent HIS SON to die, raise and live again. HE did this to eradicate my sins and with that truth, I can help someone remove the spec in their eye. Many times I am asking them to remove the plank in my eye.

• Are you complaining about someone?
• Does “that” person or “those” people need to be fixed?
• Why do you spend so much time talking about someone else when you have not admitted to your own sins?

The Call to Return

Jeremiah 2: ²⁶ “As a thief is disgraced when he is caught,
    so the people of Israel are disgraced—
they, their kings and their officials,
    their priests and their prophets.
²⁷ They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’
    and to stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
They have turned their backs to me
    and not their faces;
yet when they are in trouble, they say,
    ‘Come and save us!’

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Pouting, I said “I will not serve you.” My immaturity said it all. I mean, I was not getting my way no matter how hard I was praying. I was tired of “my” circumstance and I decided that GOD must have been the problem.

• When I tried to leave GOD, it was simply an excuse to go my own way.
• When I tried to ignore GOD, it was simply a justification for my abysmal actions.
• When I tried to blame GOD, it was simply a cover up for what I was doing wrong.

Blame is truly easy to do. Instead of taking responsibilities for “my” actions I look to GOD and say, “What is YOUR problem?” I then try to justify my blame by pointing out to HIM how wrong HE is by not loving me the way I think I should be loved. Fortunately GOD is superior.

• GOD has unlimited love for me so HE accepts my return to HIM.
• GOD has endless belief in me so HE receives my return when I believe in HIM.
• GOD has infinite faith in me so HE receives my return when I put my trust in HIM.

Returning to GOD is a must. HE stays right where HE is until I realize that “I” am the problem, not HIM. HE wants me to turn my face towards HIM as I did in my youth. HE wants my childlike trust instead of matured blame and doubt. When I place my full trust in GOD, HE has never disappointed me. When I say “Come save me” HE is there ungrudgingly.

• Are you blaming?
• Do you think GOD or someone else is “the problem?”
• Can you open your eyes and recognize the need to turn your face to GOD?
• Will you grow up and see the immaturity of your relationship with GOD?

Watch What I Say

Proverbs 18: ²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good
    and receives favor from the Lord.

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Words are extremely important I have found over the years. When I say something harsh to my wife it seems like the whole house gets filled with gloom. No matter how simple the word or how complex the thought if the words are negative the whole world will know about it.

• Sometimes I have had words of complaint.
• Sometimes I have had words of disgust.
• Sometimes I have had words of distrust.

The tongue can be filled with poison and tear up my family. I mean I don’t have to be a cream puff if something is going away from GOD rather I have to watch what I say and say it in love.

• GOD wants me to see HIS example when HIS own creation blamed HIM, HE prayed for them.
• GOD wants me to know the power of the tongue can bring life or death.
• GOD wants me to understand that my words will be replayed to me when I am standing in front of HIM one day.

My words have to be chosen carefully so instead of responding quickly, I have to place my words before GOD and ask HIM to modify them before I speak. Only HE can tame my tongue and make it breathe life.

• Are you a harsh speaker?
• Do your words bring life or death?
• How many people have you torn down with your words?
• Can you examine your words and place them before GOD today?
• Will you accept the prayer that any words you say will fall back on you tenfold?

Being Part of the Set Up

1 Kings 21: ⁷ Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

⁸ So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. ⁹ In those letters she wrote:

“Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. ¹⁰ But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.”

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Setting people up for failure was common in the workplace. Give a person a task and don’t give them the resources or support, then write an evaluation on them. Everyone was mad at this consultant anyway, and besides, in my mind he was a jerk!

• JESUS was falsely accused.
• JESUS was murdered by those who didn’t like HIM and who wanted power.
• JESUS was set up for failure by those who wanted HIM out of the way.

Slander is easy when I want to shine, but it takes maturity to confess my wrongs and admit my failures. GOD does not want me to be part of tearing people down rather HE wants me to encourage them to do better. I know everyone cannot be motivated by my words, but I should be ready to speak HIS words when GOD delivers someone to me.

• Are you setting someone up for failure?
• Have you pulled your support back?
• Can you encourage “that” person with words of GOD?

True Leadership

2 Samuel ¹⁵ David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 

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Blame was the name of the game at this particular company. My boss and my boss’s boss played the game extremely well. I wasn’t so good at it but I wanted to get ahead.  With my tiny team of three I worked to get things done. 

One person on my team was quite obnoxious because he was very knowledgeable on the system. Our tiny team would go around in circles because of arguments and discussions brought up by this guy! I thought to myself… I can blame him for our slow delivery. That was a huge mistake!

• I show poor leadership when I blame my people.
• I show poor leadership when I don’t resolve issues quickly.
• I show poor leadership when I am not sure of my direction.

This horrible experience taught me what a poor leader looks like.  After licking my wounds from the beating I received I had a lot of questions. What does a good leader look like? GOD had my answer.

• GOD says in order to be great I must be the least amongst my people.
• GOD says in order to confront people I must understand what love and compassion is.
• GOD says in order to lead many I must follow HIM for HE holds the correct path in HIS hands.

I was so busy trying to be the title that I was not being a good leader. I didn’t know my team, I didn’t know their strengths nor their weaknesses. I focused on the end goal and would get there with a lot of wounds. BUT GOD wanted me to act different. GOD wanted me to treat people right, confront with compassion and reward them for their accomplishments.

He wanted me to accept my position as a leader by following HIM and being led by HIS plans.

• Are you leading a group?
• Do you have Blame on your lips?
• Can you turn your blame into understanding of “that” person?
• Won’t you bring GOD into your leadership style and serve your team rather than forcing them to do your bidding?

Blaming GOD

2 Samuel 6: ⁶ When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. ⁷ The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.

⁸ Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.

⁹ David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?” ¹⁰ He was not willing to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. ¹¹ The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and his entire household.

¹² Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.

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Finally at 12:30AM I went to bed after watching my racy show. This would be a normal day, I thought to myself. As I raced to the airport traffic was unusually thick entering the parking area. I cut it too close and watched the plane pull away from boarding area as I had arrived.

GOD why are YOU doing this to me?! I screamed in my mind!  With the sunken feeling of reality, I booked the next flight, knowing the partner of the firm would be livid. He was!

• Sometimes when things don’t go my way I blame GOD.
• Sometimes when things are going wrong I blame GOD.
• Sometimes when I think things aren’t fair I blame GOD.

David wasn’t supposed to have the ark of GOD on a cart rather it was to be carried by consecrated people as a burden to their sins. David became angry at GOD for killing a person when in reality David was the cause. I can see similar situations in my life when I am mad at GOD but blind to the sin I’m doing in my life.

• GOD wants me to recognize my own sin and admit it ti HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand when I’m blaming HIM and focus on praising HIM.
• GOD wants me to control my contempt of HIM being GOD and thank HIM rather than blame HIM.

With my sin GOD doesn’t always react with punishment. If that were the case, I would have been wiped off the planet years ago. GOD sometimes punishes me and other times HE teaches me with grace, mercy and love. HE is to be praised, not blamed!

• Are you blaming GOD for your circumstance?
• Are you trying to control your situation too much?
• Can you let go of your situation and allow GOD to yield HIS fruit?
• Won’t you review your own life and give HIM areas that are holding you back from greatness?

I do not want to be a scapegoat

Leviticus 16: ²⁰ “Aaron will finish making the Most Holy Room pure and clean. He will finish making the Tent of Meeting and the altar pure.

“Then he will bring the live goat out. ²¹ He must place both of his hands on its head. While he does that, he must tell me about all of the sins the people of Israel have committed. He must tell me about all of their evil acts and the times they did not obey me. In that way he puts their sins on the goat’s head.

“Then he will send the goat away into the desert. The goat will be led away by a man who was appointed to do it.²² The goat will carry all of their sins on itself to a place where there are no people. And the man will set the goat free in the desert.

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A few people caused mischief in the classroom this day. It was fun! They were running around like they had lost their minds while the substitute teacher stepped out. Just like a sitcom, when she returned I was acting crazy.  It looked like I was the ring leader of this craziness and I only joined in at the end!

I was punished for everyone else’s mayhem and sentenced to picking up the room by myself.

• Being the scapegoat feels rotten.
• Being the blame feels terrible.
• Being the scoundrel feels horrible.

I have tried to make others the scapegoat by pointing out their flaws and infirmities. Maybe if I can point to someone else then I won’t be noticed. Maybe I can look better than “that” person then my shortcomings can be overlooked.

• JESUS became the scapegoat for me.
• JESUS was blamed for all of my sins.
• JESUS was sentenced to death because of me.

An innocent man died because of me. While this is a sobering truth it is also a celebration point. HE was raised from the dead and so was I. Every sin I have and will commit has been forgiven!

• Are you making someone the scapegoat for your shortcomings?
• Are you blaming someone else for you behaviors?
• Can you accept your responsibility and confess your sins to GOD?
• Can you admit you are a sinner and know that with confession you gain your power back?

The blame game

Genesis 3: ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

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Laughter filled the room as we tossed the couch pillows around. I had no idea how we started but this was fun until we heard the dreadful sound. “Crash” resounded and our laughter turned into fear.  We had broken a vase in the living room.  

Why did my parents have this vase here anyway? I mean it didn’t have flowers or anything in it. We got the only tape we could find, electrical tape. We taped the large pieces together in hopes of not being caught. “Who broke this vase?” they exclaimed. “I don’t know” was our answer.

• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame other people, attempting to avoid consequences.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame the one who is in authority because their rules are the problem.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame my situation because without it I would obviously be in better shape.

It’s amazing how fast I blame everything else but me when I sin.  It was my parents or my lack of wealth or the professor or the school or that mean person that caused my downfall. GOD wants me to see the situation differently.

• GOD wants me to own up to my sins because this way I can be cleansed.
• GOD wants me to admit my life is headed in the wrong direction unless I believe in HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to confess my wrongs to HIM.

When I blame everyone including GOD, I miss out on the opportunity to grow.  Yes I may avoid a little consequence but failure is my prize when I go down that path. GOD wants me to own up to my sin and this way I can be healed.

• Are you blaming someone else for your circumstances?
• Do you believe your life would be different if it weren’t for “this” person?
• Can’t you open your eyes to see what you’ve contributed to the situation?
• Can you be bigger than “that” person and forgive them?