Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

============

 

Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

Contented Faith

Contented Faith

Hebrews 13: ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” ⁶ Let us be bold, then, and say,

 

“The Lord is my helper,
    I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”

 

============

 

After assessing my “needs” I got frustrated and nervous. My car was approaching 300,000 miles and I still had bills. A position at work came with a car. I fixated my thinking on this position as my way out. I did not get the position at first so I complained to GOD.

 

• I looked at “everything” as being a mess.
• I was exhausted trying to keep up with expenses.
• I was not content with where I was with anything.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some extremely sound advice. He probably saw how society focused on the latest thing, causing people to have an insatiable desire for more and more. Discontent over food, living arrangements, clothes and amounts of money needed to be addressed. He said “be satisfied.”

 

My Observations:

• Discontentment makes me deaf to GOD, but when I am content, HE speaks softly to me.
• Thanklessness makes me look at my stuff as old, worn out and embarrassing, but when I am thankful, GOD provides what I need at the right time.
• Unhappiness makes me see GOD as the problem, but when I seek joy over happiness, I see problems differently and know I need GOD to fight my battles with the enemy.

 

Satisfaction can be a fleeting thing. I mean, the world presents satisfaction as receiving pleasure over seeking GOD’s kingdom. Each moment needs to be compared to someone else’s life with visual proof that life is great, when it isn’t. GOD has a remedy for this quandary.

 

Contentment, thankfulness and joy opens my eyes to a special part of GOD that is beyond salvation. Yes, JESUS died for my sins and I am eternally saved, but what about this life? GOD knows there will be trouble and wants me to use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attempt to rob my great relationship with GOD. I am satisfied with where, what and who I am in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention abandonment when it comes to money?
• Have you ever thought GOD was not with you because of your lack of funds or things or people were not acting like you wanted them to?
• Will you use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attack on you so you can be satisfied wherever GOD sends you today?

Double Life

Double Life

2 Timothy 2: ¹⁴ Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.

 

============

 

Choosing a club to go to had some thought to it. “No one would know me at this club” I thought to myself. This way I could pick someone up and no one would know it. The next day I went to Sunday School to perform my assistant duties. “Hey! Didn’t we have a great time at the club?”, someone embarrassingly exclaimed in church. I didn’t know I was seen.

 

• I was ashamed of mentioning GOD when I was at the club.
• I was ashamed of mentioning the club when I was at church.
• I was ashamed of my double life.

 

Paul gives a stern warning to pass on through Timothy. Instead of having religions quarrels, “win full approval in GOD’s sight.” This requires only two things; not being ashamed and teaching correctly the message of GOD’s truth.

 

My Observations

• My life is flawed and through GOD’s forgiveness I am made whole.
• My life is shameful and through JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection I can live eternally.
• My life is broken and through the HOLY SPIRIT I am put back together.

 

All of us are sinners. I mean, if anyone says “I am without sin” he or she is really lost and does not know who GOD is. But there is one who is sinless, namely JESUS. HE is the only one who can forgive me for my sins.

 

HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me when times get difficult. HE restores my soul. I am no longer ashamed to mention JESUS every day because HE is worthy to be praised.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “full approval in GOD’s sight?”
• Have you ever tried to please humans and what you were doing conflicts with the word of GOD?
• Will you resolve the conflict you have with GOD and not worry about what humans think so you can be “fully approved” by HIM and teach HIS true message today?

Unstoppable Effectiveness

Unstoppable Effectiveness

Philippians 1: ¹² I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. ¹³ As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. ¹⁴ And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.

 

============

 

Being at a church that boasted about diversity, I was led to speak about the misuse of rules and race to keep people blinded. I said it in one statement. “Must do’s and skin hues equals bad news” regarding decision making. I then said “JESUS does not look at the outside but the inside.” That was the last time I was allowed to speak.

 

• I was not allowed to speak, but it did not stop me from speaking.
• I was not allowed to communicate, but it did not stop me from communicating.
• I was not allowed to deliver the message of salvation, but it did not stop me from delivering the message of salvation.

 

Paul was jailed by the church leaders. They had the power and the connections to silence who they saw fit. But Paul could not be silenced. GOD had appointed Paul to speak boldly for and about HIM, no matter where he was. He did so and it was effective.

 

My Observations

• No matter where I am, GOD wants me to carry HIS name before me.
• No matter what circumstance I am in, GOD wants me to remember that I am a spokesperson for HIM.
• No matter who is trying to suppress GOD’s message of love and salvation, HE wants me to continue to be bold .

 

Slander, canceled platforms, power moves and other manipulation cannot stop GOD’s word from being spread. I mean, after self-examination, asking GOD for forgiveness, a change of heart for people and asking GOD for HIS words, I should feel ready to speak. But there have been times when I felt embarrassed or fearful to speak about GOD.

 

When I got a title, I felt it inappropriate to be bold for GOD. When I was lusting in bars I felt the same way. GOD forgave me, picked me up and said “Go make disciples” to me anyway. HIS message cannot be stopped. I am glad HE can still use me even when I am broken or displaced.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer’s purpose is?
• Have you ever been removed, silenced or slandered and thought GOD can no longer use you?
• Will you speak boldly about JESUS no matter where you are today?

With All Confidence

 

With All Confidence

Ephesians 3: God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages, ¹⁰ in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms. ¹¹ God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence. ¹³ I beg you, then, not to be discouraged because I am suffering for you; it is all for your benefit.

 

============

 

Evaluating what I had done on the previous day, I could not think of a specific “sin” that warranted this type of disaster. Everything had gone wrong this particular day and I asked GOD, “What’s going on?” in a “Why me” sort of fashion.

 

• I thought I could control GOD by sinning less.
• I thought my sins would get a reaction out of GOD, causing HIM to punish me.
• I thought I was the cause of the disaster because maybe I overlooked a sin.

 

GOD’s plan was immense and hidden until JESUS was revealed. Paul wrote about this huge plan that was laid out and executed by GOD. Redemption happened through JESUS, making the impossible, possible. Sin could no longer stop anyone from going into GOD’s presence to ask for anything and to be forgiven.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s power is far greater than I can something “I” can harness.
• GOD’s wisdom is manifested in many forms I can see daily.
• GOD’s purpose cannot be stopped, even by some sins I do or not do.

 

Thinking I am in control of GOD makes me lose my confidence. I mean, When I want things to go a specific way, I may try to act “good” during the period of time I am seeking my desire. Unfortunately, if I get what I want, I sometimes forget that the blessing came from GOD and return to sinful ways.

 

BUT GOD saw this fickle behavior and added it to HIS plan, HE knew HE needed something fool proof. Redemption needed to be permanent and indestructible. When JESUS was raised from the dead, HE opened the door to the FATHER to anyone who will walk in. I am glad I can confidently go to the FATHER because of what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Who is the focus of the writer?
• Have you ever been discouraged, thinking you were the problem?
• Will you praise GOD for HIS eternal purpose and walk into HIS presence because JESUS made a way to HIM for you?

 

 

Greetings and Gratitude

 

Greetings and Gratitude

Romans 16: ³ I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in the service of Christ Jesus; ⁴ they risked their lives for me. I am grateful to them—not only I, but all the Gentile churches as well. ⁵ Greetings also to the church that meets in their house.

 

Greetings to my dear friend Epaenetus, who was the first in the province of Asia to believe in Christ.

 

============

 

“Why are you always smiling?” someone asked me in a mildly grumpy tone. I had to tell the truth. “I smile because of you.” I learned from someone, that a smile warms the heart and provides a nice entrance to any room. After a while, my team could feel how thankful I was, just by my smile.

 

• There have been people who greeted me with thanksgiving.
• There have been people who seemed grateful for me and made me feel good.
• There have been people who have worked hard for me and I needed to show my gratitude towards them.

 

Paul shows his gratitude in his greeting. This strange breech of protocol has Paul greeting people in the middle of the letter versus at the beginning. With few words, Paul greets Priscilla and Aquilla and tells everyone about their strong faith in the LORD. He also mentions Epaenetus, a bold person who was first to believe in JESUS in the province of Asia.

 

• GOD wants me to greet people with thanksgiving.
• GOD wants me to value what people have done for the LORD.
• GOD wants me to mention people to others and explain their service to the LORD.

 

Genuine people I have met seem to shy away from bragging. I mean, they are too busy being genuine, that they have no time to speak for themselves. GOD wants me to mention these people to others, in a thankful way. HE also wants me to mention their dedication to the LORD so they can be encouraged. I am grateful to all who believe and wonder if GOD sees them. HE does see you.

 

• Are you grateful for someone?
• Does your heart bubble over with joy when you see “that” person?
• Will you mention how grateful you are to those who are serving the LORD today?

Something to Say

Something to Say

Acts 21: ³⁷ As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”

 

“Do you speak Greek?” he replied. ³⁸ “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

 

³⁹ Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”

 

============

 

“We need you to go on stage and tell everyone about the new service” one of the higher-ups said. Up until this point I had a lot of opinions about it and voiced them regularly. Now that I had to speak about the new service, I felt speechless.

 

• There were times when I had to prepare myself with something to say.
• There were times when I had to study to have something to say.
• There were times when I had to be forced to have something to say.

 

Paul asked the commander “May I say something to you?” He had an explanation on his mind that he was prepared for. Paul had no idea he would be in this situation, so how could he be prepared? He probably remembered the other beatings and imprisonments and knew if he’d ever got into this position again he would be ready with something to say.

 

• GOD wants me to always be prepared to say something on HIS behalf.
• GOD wants me ready to speak about JESUS in a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to place HIS love in my heart so I can always speak from the heart versus thinking of what to say.

 

Experiencing GOD’s grace gives me something to say all the time. I mean, when I open my eyes to what GOD has done today, I can say something about HIS grace that I may not have seen yesterday.

 

GOD wants me to accept HIS life of purpose in teaching people about JESUS as the only Savior. This may cause turmoil to some and eternal comfort to others. BUT GOD is please when I have something to say about JESUS. I am glad HE gives me something to say.

 

• What would your last words be?
• Would you continue with trying to get your way or hold onto that argument if you were on your death bed?
• Will you practice your last words with everyone, teaching others about the love of JESUS being the solution to all issues today?

Boldness

Boldness

Acts 4: ²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

============

Tired of being bullied, we decided to walk out. Thugs had robbed us long enough and threatened our safety once too often. One acquaintance got a little too excited when all of the students got outside. He jumped on a car and began bouncing on the hood. The police grabbed him. I and others went to the station to explain what happened.

• When I feel empowered I act bold.
• When I feel protected I act bold.
• When I feel I have nothing to lose I act bold.

Peter, John and those who repented, for believing JESUS should have been executed, were now praising GOD and praying to HIM earnestly. They had been threatened once too often and had to do something about it. They asked GOD for boldness to speak up about JESUS even though the government and church leaders would persecute them.

• GOD wants me to be bold about HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for boldness.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for healing, knowing it only comes from HIM.

Boldness means speaking up even when the situation may have negative consequences. Boldness for CHRIST means living for HIM even when others try their best to prove away HIS daily power by labeling it as something else.

One can speak only what is in one’s heart. If GOD is not there, then of course HIS name will never be mentioned. BUT GOD wants my heart to be “Filled with the HOLY SPIRIT” so I can speak boldly about JESUS, the CHRIST who saves all who believe. I am grateful for JESUS.

• How often do you argue against speaking about JESUS?
• Do you feel HIS name should never be mentioned?
• Do you think your conversations, thoughts and actions are pleasing to GOD?
• Will you stop being a tool against GOD and speak up for HIM today by mentioning JESUS’ name with boldness?

Political Suicide

Political Suicide

John 12: ⁴² Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

============

“Will you say a brief word of encouragement about GOD to a large group of employees?” someone asked me. Thinking this would be political suicide, I declined. I mean, people possibly know I believe in GOD and that should be enough, right?

• I have hid my belief in GOD, in the past.
• I have been bold about GOD when no one could see or hear my words, in the past.
• I have gone to church and felt that was enough, in the past.

There were some who believe in JESUS, but were too afraid of their political or social standing among the crowd. For some, their titles were more important than speaking boldly about GOD, Mine was. BUT GOD wanted something different from me.

• GOD wants to say “well done” when I follow HIM.
• GOD wants to give me heavenly rewards for serving those HE sends me to.
• GOD wants to praise me like when all of heaven rejoiced when I accepted CHRIST as my Savior.

All powerful, all knowing, all seeing and everywhere are a few attributes of GOD. Yet, this incredible being wants to praise me. HIS only desire is that I mention that JESUS decided to become human and take my punishment of death. While it seems easy, it isn’t.

The social status and political praise of humans can sometimes get in the way. GOD wants my whole heart and sometimes I have to decide whether I will serve HIM or men. I choose GOD.

• Who are you serving?
• Are you afraid to tell people you fully believe in GOD?
• Will you drop your façade today and tell someone about your belief in JESUS?

Disassociation

Luke 22: ⁵⁴ Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. ⁵⁵ And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. ⁵⁶ A servant-girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’

⁵⁷ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said.

⁵⁸ A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’

‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied.

⁵⁹ About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’

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

============

Wanting to be part of the organization, I went along with the idea of shoplifting some pants. I had no money and this certain pants was a requirement. I was used as a distraction while the others loaded up on our “uniform.” Later, while walking back to our apartment, I was stopped and questioned. “Were you with them?” “No” I replied in a bold faced lie.

• There were times when I lied to save my hide.
• There were times when I disassociated myself from others in order to stay out of “trouble.”
• There were times when I went with the immediate thought, never considering what would happen next.

Bold impetuous Peter, who showed strong faith, denied any association with JESUS. He did this three times only feet away from HIM where JESUS could see and hear him. Peter was reminded of JESUS’s prediction when the rooster crowed. He had officially renounced any association with GOD.

• JESUS wants me to tell people that I am associated with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to shine my light before all humans in order to bring people to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to put HIS life ahead of mine in order to bring those around me to HIM.

Protecting my association with GOD is important to HIM. HE said “For whoever is ashamed of ME and MY words, of him the SON of Man will be ashamed when HE comes in HIS own glory, and in HIS FATHER’s, and of the holy angels.”

It takes practice to not go along with the crowd and to say “yes” to what GOD wants me to do. Usually it means not sinning this time and to help someone in need. Instead of a vacation, maybe GOD wants me to go serve for a change. The world would call me crazy, but GOD loves my attempt to relate to HIM.

• Are there areas of your life in which you have disassociated yourself from GOD?
• Do you go along with the complaining, lustful, power hungry crowd?
• Would GOD say you are telling people about HIM regularly?

Excuses

Luke 14: ¹⁵ Now when one of those who sat at the table with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!”

¹⁶ Then He said to him, “A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ ¹⁹ And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ ²⁰ Still another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.’ ²² And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.’ ²³ Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.’ ”

============

“Will you tell people about GOD in a 30 second message?” someone asked me. Afraid of offending my following and for fear of my job, I said “Not this time, I believe someone else should do this.”

• I remember times when I was too important to speak about GOD.
• I can recall moments when I could have spoken about GOD, but did not.
• I reflect on times when GOD wanted me to speak on HIS behalf, but something “I” wanted got in the way.

JESUS seems to be telling a statement rather than a story as HE speaks to the crowd. HE spoke of three people who made excuses for not coming to the “Great Supper.” Possessions, business or jobs and family were the excuses made for not answering the Master’s call. What should I do when GOD calls me?

• GOD wants me to respond when HE calls me to do something for HIM.
• GOD calls me to serve HIM daily, all I have to do is listen.
• GOD wants me to be excited about speaking about HIS SON, especially to those who will hear it.

Age, race, gender, time, health, finances or worry are all great reasons for me not to speak about GOD. I mean I’m only one person right? Kinda. GOD wants me to see I will always have an excuse not to speak about HIM. There will never be a good time for me to talk about HIM. BUT GOD is still worthy to be praised.

HE wants me to see opportunity to speak about HIM on a daily basis. No longer am I ashamed of JESUS and HE is no longer ashamed of me.

• Are you making excuses for not speaking about GOD?
• Do you speak about GOD only during times of plenty?
• Can you stop being ashamed of GOD and speak of HIS grace today?

Faith of the Cup

Matthew 20: ²⁰ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

²¹ “What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

²² “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered.

²³ Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

============

“LORD I choose to follow YOU” were my words as I reviewed my ambitions. I wanted to change for the better so things would go smoothly for me. No sooner than I spoke these words, it seemed as if life got harder, much harder. “Wait, I thought life would be easier if I followed CHRIST.”

• I used to think following CHRIST would make life easier.
• I used to think following CHRIST would make my life problem free.
• I used to think following CHRIST would make all of my issues go away.

Heaven on earth was what I sought and this was my mistake. Following GOD not only meant dropping some bad habits, it meant I needed to mature in understanding HIM. HIS love for me is everlasting in spite of what is going on.

• GOD wants me to be mature enough to see HIS love in the middle of the storm.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I do not misinterpret HIS love.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes and follow HIM no matter what is going on around me.

“”Can you drink from MY cup?” is what he asks the sons of thunder and me. JESUS knows in life I will have an opponent that is sly and cunning. HE knows battles will come daily and my hope needs to be placed in HIM. I have faith in the cup.

• Are you going through a trial?
• Do you think you are all alone even when there is a crowd around you?
• Can you stop focusing on the circumstance and focus on GOD?

Bold and Daring Protection

Isaiah 27: ² In that day—

“Sing about a fruitful vineyard:
³     I, the Lord, watch over it;
    I water it continually.
I guard it day and night
    so that no one may harm it.
⁴     I am not angry.
If only there were briers and thorns confronting me!
    I would march against them in battle;
    I would set them all on fire.
⁵ Or else let them come to me for refuge;
    let them make peace with me,
    yes, let them make peace with me.”

============

Frustrated because of our tardiness, I sat trying to get into a better mood. The camper was broken “again” and we sat on the edge of the road. “This is a mission’s trip, for GOD’s sake! We can’t be late!” The driver said something strange “I don’t like these drivers, they could hit you.”

I wondered why he was not considering how we could get the camper fixed. After about forty five minutes the restless group left the camper after a round of murmured complaints. Suddenly a car seemed out of control headed towards us and, at the last second, gained control and barely missed us.

• Sometimes I complain.
• Sometimes I murmur.
• Sometimes I get frustrated that I am not getting my way at the time I want it.

GOD saved us in spite of our complaints and we had to pray for forgiveness and protection. I mean my mind was not on GOD but on blaming the driver for not being prepared and blaming the pastor for putting me in the slowest most broken down vehicle. My mindset was not on fruit and GOD showed me HE expects different.

• GOD said to me “I want your entire mind and soul.”
• GOD said to me “I want to be first in your life, no matter what the circumstance.”
• GOD said to me “I will watch over you as you attempt to bear fruit.”

We made it safely to our destination and the trip was very fruitful. GOD protected us during more car mishaps. We even got lost for four hours, but that is another story! GOD’s methodology was extremely strange, but effective. HE was able to tear through my rotten core to see that I was the one who needed to change. GOD protected me.

• Are you complaining?
• Do you have a problem with someone?
• Can you stop and look to GOD to be your refuge?
• Will you stop fighting and start believing?

Standing Firm

Esther 3: After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. ² All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

============

Each morning I would perform my ritual of listening to a well thought out GODLY message at work. One person took it upon himself to start a network where he would give the message and people would forward the voicemail to people throughout the company.

When that person left the company people looked around for another person who would take on this daily daunting task. When they asked me I thought to myself “I can’t show I follow JESUS, I may offend my employees who do not believe.” I declined.

• There have been times where I have been ashamed of GOD.
• There have been times where I have hidden my beliefs in order to gain whatever.
• There have been times where I have backed away from GOD because I was in a business setting.

I went to church so wasn’t that enough? I mean the company policy says we need to have extreme diverse views so I had to be quiet, right? Wrong!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid of humans who can harm the body but fear GOD who can harm the soul.”
• GOD says to me “If you are ashamed of ME then I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD says to me “I raised you up to certain levels for MY purpose.”

God did not put me in a job just to become rich and hide who HE is. HE cannot be secondary to my life, but many times I treated HIM like HE was a closet genie. I would pull HIM out in secret and put HIM away when HE fixed the problem, meanwhile I could sin and be part of the crowd. It seemed like a pretty good life.

GOD wants me to follow HIM, proclaim HIS word, profess HIS SON and when someone threatens my livelihood, move on knowing HE will protect me. GOD is the answer, not mankind.

• Are you bowing down to the god of money?
• Do you fear being as bold as GOD is calling you to be?
• Do you think you will hurt someone’s feelings if you spoke up about your relationship with GOD?
• Can you start by confessing your relationship with GOD, having no expectations of people converting to your beliefs right away?

I can be bold!

2 Timothy 1: ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

============

Seems like whenever I want to do something wrong, I hide my relationship with GOD. When the fellas were standing around with their chatter, the last thing I wanted them to know was I follow GOD.

I mean it seems like as soon as I mention GOD, JESUS or the HOLY SPIRIT the whole room would turn dull grey and the mourning march song would start playing. “Maybe I should just join in” is the thought that popped in my mind.

• Whenever I want to cut GOD out of my life I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel GOD is being unfair or too harsh I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I think the crowd’s ways are better than GOD’s ways I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel it necessary to hide my relationship with GOD I’m on the wrong path.

GOD wants me to be bold about my relationship with HIM.  HE doesn’t want sin to get in the way of the example HE is trying to show through me.  This means I have to part company with some of the people who want me to remain unfocused.

• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me bold.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me brave.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me believe.

Now instead of lust for things I can show love to people. HIS SPIRIT shows me the way to self-discipline and couples me with HIS unmatched power so I need not hide. I can tell people about my relationship regardless of human consequences. I may not be part of “that” group anymore but remaining in the LORD brings me eternal rewards and favor.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD to do what you want to do?
• Do you find yourself mentioning GOD less and less?
• Can you take a deep breath and be bold about your relationship with GOD today?

Am I ashamed of GOD?

Luke 9: ²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

============

“Born again people are so annoying” a person said to me. They went on to say “they stopped me and tried to force their religion down my throat.” “This is awkward” I thought to myself. “What should I say? Should I tell them I am a follower of CHRIST? No way, that would be too embarrassing! I know… I’ll just keep it to myself and avoid the conflict.”

• I get ashamed of GOD when I am in the middle of sin.
• I get ashamed of GOD when I want to fit in.
• I get ashamed of GOD when my position in life is more important than telling people about GOD’s one and only SON.

I never use the words “I’m ashamed of GOD” but my actions speak volumes. GOD wants me to never be ashamed of HIM or HIS ways. I have to admit, some of GOD’s ways are weird. That’s because I am looking at them through tainted lenses.

• It’s weird to give when I don’t have much BUT GOD loves when I do.
• It’s weird to pray for my enemies to prosper BUT GOD loves when I do.
• It’s weird to be humble especially when passive aggressive arrogance is the way to a fortune BUT GOD loves when I am humble.

GOD loves when I take my will and submit it to HIS structures. One such structure is telling people about my sin and the forgiveness JESUS gives me all while not being ashamed. This boldness will bring persecution from humans and I won’t have my lustful way. BUT GOD will be pleased and will not be ashamed of me when HE returns.

• Are you ashamed of GOD?
• Do people know you are a child of GOD?
• Does “that” person know you are a child of GOD?
• Do people know the sinful you or the GODLY you?

You are made to "change" others, not have others "change" you!

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 by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither 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. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

==========================

I went to a party at work once and there were people telling foul jokes after getting drunk out of their minds. I was conflicted because at that time, years ago, I had just returned to serving CHRIST. I didn't know much about the Bible and I avoided church because of the hypocrisy.

There I was not knowing what to do. Join in as I have in the past or stand firm. I chose to stand firm while not judging. "How 'bout a drink?" they would ask. "No thanks", I replied. Then the question would come out. "Why not?" Now, there is nothing wrong with drinking, but I had just made a promise to GOD that "I" would no longer drink.

What was I going to say? Should I tell then I turned over a new leaf for CHRIST? Should I tell them I am a new creation? This is my chance to shine some light into the world! So I muttered "I stopped drinking" and before I went into why someone interrupted us and my words about CHRIST never came out.

I wonder what I would have said then. Now I know. After many encounters similar to this one I would say the "right" thing to the crowd I am speaking to. What's the right thing?

Well, on occasion I blurted out "it's because of CHRIST that I don't drink any longer." Of course my statement was full of pride and judgment so the crowd slowly crept away from me.

Another occasion I tried to be sly and 'slip JESUS in' by saying "I just started going to church" as weird as I felt, a couple of people complimented me and resumed their conversation. Wow, that was anticlimactic. Where were the pats on the back and the angels singing?

"Salt and light" are not "pride and judgment."
"Salt and light" does not expect fan fair.
"Salt and light" does things to celebrate what GOD has done for them. HE did everything for us now we are to be salt and light to celebrate CHRIST. "
"Salt and light" points people to CHRIST and does not focus people on our actions.
"Salt and light" leads people and does not blame them.

• Are you ashamed to admit you are a Christian to that person or group?
• Have you hidden your light just to fit in?
• Are you blaming someone for your situation?
• Do people around you praise GOD because of your life or are they running away from you?