Good Power

 Good Power

Romans 12: ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

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After working hard for months, I sat for my evaluation. I received a “Good” as the performance rating. I was furious. ‘After all that hard work, you mean to tell me that it was ‘good’” I said. Good meant “doing as expected” and I felt I exceeded expectations by staying late and doing more. I wanted better than “good.”

 

• There were times when I felt “Good” was not powerful.
• There were times when I felt good people finish last.
• There were times when I felt great was better than good.

 

Paul continues with his radical words given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. He speaks about not taking revenge. This was strange because the law said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In other words if someone does something bad to you, it is your right to do something bad to them. But GOD wants a different way.

 

• GOD wants me to leave vengeance up to HIM.
• GOD wants me to feel sorry for my enemies because HE felt sorry for me.
• GOD wants me to use good as a powerful weapon that overcomes evil.

 

“Great” is not suggested to be used to overcome evil, but “good” is. Being good when there is a chance or even the right to do evil, puts me in a better place with GOD. HE sees my “good” effort and rewards me.

 

Meanwhile, HE says “Let ME handle the evil this person has done to you.” GOD’s wrath on enemies is nothing to gloat at, but to be feared by all. I accept the powerful weapon of good to fight against those who purposefully do evil.

 

• Has someone done something evil against you?
• Do you want to take revenge out on “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on who HE chooses, meanwhile keep doing what “everyone” considers good so HE will be please with your actions?

Community

 

Community

Romans 12: ⁹ Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. ¹¹ Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. ¹² Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. ¹³ Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.

 

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“Leave him alone!” someone shouted at the bully who was about to attack me. I had taken a shortcut through an unfamiliar neighborhood and was just about to enter familiar territory when I ran into this guy. I did not know the person who came to my rescue, but it was welcome. I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked through my community.

 

• There were places I lived where I felt at home.
• There were places I lived where I felt safe and secure.
• There were places I lived where I felt I was being watched over versus picked over.

 

Paul provides an overlooked definition of love, namely community. This act of love is quite different because it requires an explosion of energy towards a group of people. The act of love must be completely sincere.

 

• GOD wants me to hate what is evil and hold onto what is good so I can protect others.
• GOD wants me to be eager to show respect to others to help them grow.
• GOD wants me to work hard in my community, serving HIM with full devotion, remaining patient in troubled times, praying, sharing and opening my home to strangers.

 

Community can start where I live. I mean, I can serve those who live in my apartment, dorm or block. If anyone wants to do evil to those around me, I can stand in the gap for the injustice. GOD is very serious about how HIS creations is treated. HE sees when each person has been wronged.

 

HE wants me to bring community to people who may not have experienced HIS love. I can take community to work, social gatherings and relatives. GOD wants my community to grow and I can do it with love.

 

• Are you around a group pf people yet you feel lonely?
• Do you expect people to show you love first?
• Will you start small by showing people respect and serving those in need with your talents and treasures today?

 

Tell It

 Tell It

Acts 23: ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” ¹⁸ So he took him to the commander.

 

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

 

¹⁹ The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

 

²⁰ He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. ²¹ Don’t give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

²² The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

 

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“Don’t be a tattle-tale” was the unwritten code. In other words, when you see something that is wrong, don’t tell anyone or face the consequences. But when I saw a person I knew about to get beat up, I had to do something. I told on the bully.

 

• There were times when I had to tell someone about impending injustice.
• There were times when I had to stand up for someone who couldn’t stand up for themselves.
• There were times when I had to let others know about the disregard for another person.

 

Paul’s nephew informed him of the plot against him. Paul sent him to the commander to tell the details of the plot. The commander listened to Paul’s nephew and told him not to tell anyone he had reported this to him.

 

• GOD wants me to know I will be protected when I have to tell about a bully.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees the bully so I can have courage that I am doing the right thing when I inform others.
• GOD wants me to know HE does not take injustice lightly.

 

Standing up for someone is not easy. I mean, it seems like I would get in trouble if I told about abuse of power. BUT GOD wants me to worry more about following HIM than of the temporary power the thugs yield.

 

GOD’s power is everlasting. HE wants me to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. HE knows there will be some who will never turn to HIM. Some of those people may even try to recklessly harm others, not knowing their demise. I am grateful GOD enables me to stand firm because of HIS promises to me.

 

• Do you see injustice but are not doing anything about it?
• Are you worried about what others will think of you if you told on someone?
• Will you ask GOD for courage and protection as you speak on “that” person’s behalf today?

Cannot Be Stopped

Cannot Be Stopped

Acts 4: Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, ² being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. ⁴ However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

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“Grow people and take the high road” were words I placed in my heart as I led an organization. One person approached me and said “We are going to get rid of you and those who support you and I will wipe that smile off of your face.” I could see their efforts to put pressure on me increasing. I prayed “LORD, protect me.” One day they approached me and said “We are going to let you go.” Wait, I prayed. What happened?

• There were times when I prayed and expected GOD to do what I thought HE should do.
• There were times when I prayed against those who were doing wrong and it seemed like they won anyway.
• There were times when I prayed and it seemed like GOD just ignored the prayer and let those who were doing wrong, have their way.

The church leaders, who had JESUS killed to protect their wealth and status, saw the people getting excited about HIM. They figured they would put a stop to this by arresting the disciples. But it was too late. The people believed wholeheartedly in JESUS, never to return to religious bondage.

• GOD wants me to see HIM at work even when people are against me.
• GOD wants me to see HE is in control when people are confronting me for serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS SON has won the war and the battle, even when it feels like I am losing.

GOD’s power cannot be stopped. HIS salvation cannot be stolen, even though sometimes it looks like the enemy is winning the battle and the war. BUT GOD steps in and saves. HIS love is a fire that cannot be put out.

After being released from that job, I wondered what I would do. Shortly after, many people from the old position called, asking for advice and prayer. I could be used to point people to GOD now more than before. GOD sustained me and grew my faith in HIM. I am grateful for the things HE puts me though so I can see HIM all the more.

• Are you going through a situation even though you have honestly been serving the LORD?
• Are people, who call themselves Christians, persecuting you instead of celebrating your service to the LORD?
• Will you praise GOD and serve HIM anyway, knowing HE hears you and is excited about what you are doing for JESUS?

Mad Enough to Kill

Luke 4: ²⁸ So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, ²⁹ and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. ³⁰ Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

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“That’s the last straw” I said out loud. Tired of being pushed around, I went to the gym and started lifting weights. I was so mad at bullies who got their way that I spent hours in the gym sculpting my physique. One day I went to a bar with other muscular guys. One guy with us was very volatile and decided to pick a fight with others. “Wait a minute… this looks familiar” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I was bullied.
• There were times when I wanted to be the bully.
• There were times when I was the bully.

Anger about JESUS claiming to be GOD rose quickly throughout the synagogue. The crowd was so filled with wrath that they wanted to throw JESUS off of a cliff, but HE managed to escape. Their anger rose quickly.

• GOD wants me to keep my eyes open when I get angry.
• GOD wants me to add grace and mercy to my anger so I can still hear HIM.
• GOD wants me to grab hold of my wrath and give it to HIM instead of displaying it to others.

Anger, upset and disgust are the seeds to hatred. When I water them they get planted deeply in my heart and soon I am consumed with wrath. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me so HE can guide me away from wrath, back to peace.

GOD wants me to examine my anger and if I cannot diffuse it, give it to HIM. HE desires that I not look at “that” person with disgust but add prayer and love towards them. HE gives me the ability to turn my bitterness into HIS sweet grace filled way.

• Are you mad?
• Do you get angry easily?
• Are you ready to get back at someone?
• Will you allow GOD to diffuse your anger and replace it with HIS love today?

Fight Club

Matthew 26: ⁵² “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. ⁵³ Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”

⁵⁵ In that hour Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. ⁵⁶ But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

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“Stand up to him” were the words shouted from the crowd at me. We circled each other and the crowd grew around us. I had not been in this position before, but had seen it many days and was not about to back down. Bored with our circling, someone pushed us towards one another. The fight began.

• Some days I have had rage.
• Some days I wanted to fight.
• Some days I desired to be the one who won!

Being the scrawny underdog, many people cheered me on or at least I thought so. I can’t quite remember seeing how I was getting beat up. The teachers pulled us apart and the thug was taken to the principal. I never fought again but I lifted weights and grew large just in case.

• GOD wants me to “Put my sword away” and find an alternative to fighting.
• GOD wants me to “Call on my FATHER” when I am in danger.
• GOD wants me to “Sit in the temple courts” instead of looking for fights.

Picking fights can spread to other areas of life. At work, at home or even at church I can look for a fight and most of the time I will find one. BUT GOD wants something different. GOD wants me to carry peace instead of a weapon, just as HE did. Though I may have strength, HE wants me to show weakness so HE can be made strong.

In these days of human strength and bullying in business or politics, showing weakness is unheard of and even viewed as pitiful. GOD wants me to be strong enough to bring peace instead of a fight. That is love!

• Are you picking fights?
• Do you look to have your way so you practice your words to win the argument?
• Will you put down your “sword” and ask GOD for peace in your heart today?

Why So Angry?

Jonah 4: But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. ² He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. ³ Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

⁴ But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

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“Pray for your enemies?” I exclaimed! I had been wronged and I did not want these people to remain on the planet let alone have them prosper. GOD was firm with HIS message and I had to finally relent. “LORD, please protect those who set out to harm me. Enable them to know YOUR SON in a saving way. Bless their efforts that are pleasing to YOU.”

About a year later I received news that my adversaries were in fact doing quite well. “See! I knew you would be a gracious GOD!” I pouted.

• Sometimes I want to pout about what GOD is doing in someone else’s life.
• Sometimes I want to be the one on top and those who oppose me, on the bottom.
• Sometimes I want to see the demise of people rather than an escalation.

“Serves them right” were the words I had in mind as I could just picture something bad happening to my foes. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD says to me “Is it right for you to be angry when I am not?”
• GOD says to me “Will you take MY yoke on you and learn from ME how to be slow to anger?”
• GOD says to me “Can you see that I have held back calamity and MY love is abounding?”

Grace and compassion was the true lesson. I had to spit out my poison and release all the bitterness I had over “those” people in order to see just how blind I was. Over time I was able to truly ask GOD to work in their lives. GOD shows me extreme compassion and wants me to do the same.

• Are you mad about something someone has done?
• Are you busy spreading your bitterness?
• Will you listen to GOD asking you to pay attention to HIS compassion?
• Can you take GOD’s example and spread a healthy dose of compassion to someone today?

Forgiven and Protected

Joel 3: ²⁰ Judah will be inhabited forever
    and Jerusalem through all generations.
²¹ Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged?
    No, I will not.”

The Lord dwells in Zion!

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Bullies have always made me angry in a strange way. I mean when I feel bullied, I feel a mixture of rage and helplessness. At one point in my life, I could not take bullying any longer. I went to the gym and put on muscles. I later found the bullies getting bigger and stronger. What was I supposed to do?

• There have been times in my life when bullies have had their way with me.
• There have been times in my life in which I have been intimidated.
• There have been times in my life that seemed unfair because bullies walked right up to me, hit me and dared that I get back up.

Intimidation is a method of wielding power and GOD cannot stand when anyone flexes their muscles at someone else. What I am saying is GOD does not like intimidation, nor does HE like when someone bullies me or if I think I can bully anyone else.

• GOD says to me “Stand still and know the power of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”

JESUS gave me a difficult example to follow. HE said “When someone slaps you on the cheek, turn your face so they can slap the other.” This is not an exercise in face slapping and weakness rather it is an exercise in strength. HE wants me to allow HIS wrath to build up against the intimidator while HE gives me strength to stand firm on my beliefs.

Backing down from a fight takes more strength than I realized. It takes strength to hold my tongue from the bully who blasts me with words of intimidation. It takes strength for me to slow down from the road raged driver. It takes strength to allow GOD to show HIS strength while I watch. GOD forgives me and protects me daily!

• Are you being bullied?
• Do you have someone who is trying to intimidate you into doing something you do not want to do?
• Can you stop trying to fight and allow GOD to fight your battle?
• Will you stand still and know GOD’s power?

Not Making Waves

Psalm 17: ⁶ I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
    turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
⁷ Show me the wonders of your great love,
    you who save by your right hand
    those who take refuge in you from their foes.
⁸ Keep me as the apple of your eye;
    hide me in the shadow of your wings
⁹ from the wicked who are out to destroy me,
    from my mortal enemies who surround me.

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Critical of the person on stage I left thinking “What a waste of my time! I could do that better!” In later months I had my chance. I got in front of a crowd and gave it my all. When the evaluations came in I found out my rating was “okay” at best. Some liked my presentation style while others groused about my lack of real world examples.

I decided to shrink out of the public eye and not make waves anymore instead of improving and trying again. My peers made similar mistakes, but they kept trying and improving. Meanwhile, no one was approaching me for assignments. I was on the “bench” because I wanted to hide.

• Sometimes harsh critics make me want to hide.
• Sometimes bullies make me want to stay inside.
• Sometimes my mistakes make me want to crawl in a corner and shrink away from the crowd.

Taking the “not making waves” approach did not work for me. I mean, it’s easy to sit on the sideline criticizing others and thinking “If I just put my head down and do my job then maybe I won’t be noticed and I could get my check each week”. I was wrong. Even with that approach things did not go as planned. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “Live for ME” which means sometimes I will be misunderstood.
• GOD says to me “Present MY message in love” which means I have to get out of my comfort zone to proclaim HIS name.
• GOD says to me “Follow ME” which means I may be slandered, accused and sometimes thrown out because that’s the path JESUS took.

JESUS thought “being GOD” was nothing to achieve. HE became a human and tried hard to deliver a message. HE was ridiculed, slandered and even murdered for proclaiming HE was GOD! Now HE wants me to do the same? Yes! But if GOD could not convince humans, who am I? I am the person HE made, sent to the other people HE made to bring them back to HIM. As long as I keep my intentions focused on GOD, HE will help me bear fruit!

• Are you trying to hide?
• Do you criticize others from the sidelines while not being in front?
• Can you stop hiding in life, get out of your shell and go where GOD sends you?

GOD Protects Me

Psalm 3: ³ But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

⁵ I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

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Laughing and joking was our way to unwind from the precarious day at school. The two of us were in the home stretch and knew the schedule well. We figured that if we got off the bus one stop earlier, then we could start our mile walk home, that is unless another bus were to come.

A thug called for us to stop. We kept going. Then another appeared from nowhere. We looked at each other and took off in separate directions. I conveniently ran to where I worked, which is amazing that I was that close in the first place and my friend ran into the supermarket who’s parking lot we were crossing. I asked my boss to call the cops and when it was clear, my friend and I connected and walked home.

• Many times I have faced some very dangerous situations.
• Many times I have been surrounded with problems on every side.
• Many times I have seen assailants come up against me.

I have no idea why there are those who think they can rob, assault or kill, but they exist. Sometimes the question is, “Why does GOD allow me to be robbed, assaulted or on the brink of being killed?” Here is what I have noticed in my life.

• GOD has put a shield around me in some very dangerous situations and I am still here.
• GOD is the ONE who lifts my head high when I call on HIM.
• GOD is the one who sustains me when I falter.
• GOD protects me on all sides even though many foes may surround me.

I have been robbed, punched, bullied and bruised; BUT GOD protected me the entire way! HE surrounded me so many times that I cannot begin to count. GOD is my salvation!

• Are you surrounded by something that is causing you to worry?
• Do you have something or someone who has caused you fear?
• Can you thank GOD for protecting you?
• Will you rely on GOD’s protection rather than living in fear?

GOD’s Leadership Style

1 Kings 12: ⁷ They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. ⁹ He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

¹⁰ The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. ¹¹ My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

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Gruff, pushy and cocky were my observations of those who made it to the top. It seemed as if the mental bullies made it, while the faint at heart could only sit back and be destroyed. Something had to be done.  I took a deep breath and slathered a thin layer of toughness on the outer shell of my personality. It worked!

I then began to toughen up my shell to face those who were arrogant and annoying! One day I realized I was on my way to becoming them in order to fight them.

• Just because I have the title, doesn’t make me a leader.
• Just because I am in charge, doesn’t mean I can force people to do my bidding.
• Just because I am the designated leader, doesn’t make my leadership style better.

My tough exterior was slightly misguided.  I thought I had to become tough “like” the bullies instead of recognizing where true power comes from.

• GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove.
• GOD wants me to recognize true power as being the person who knows when “not” to use it.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS power and let HIM fight the battles instead of thinking I have to do all of the fighting.

The toughness GOD wants me to have is dexterity to stay with HIM when I think I should handle the situation on my own. GOD wants me to remain strong in faith rather than relying on what I can see, touch or feel. HE wants me to follow HIS ways which are the ways of a servant. This sounds counterproductive, but GOD’s ways always yield fruit.

• Are you the faint at heart?
• Do you lack faith?
• Can you toughen up your faith in GOD which will give you a different kind of toughness?
• Can you stop trying to be like people and focus on your growth in GOD?

Revenge or grace

Exodus: ²² “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. ²³ But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, ²⁴ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵ burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

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Exhausted from track practice I slumped toward my locker. A football player walking on the opposite direction decided to hit my scrawny frame in the chest. I literally saw glowing things so I know what people mean when they say they saw stars!

This amongst other bullying activities made me life weights. No one was going to push me around anymore!

• When I get mad I want revenge!
• When someone does me harm I want to harm them.
• When I am the target of hatred I want to give them a taste of their own medicine.

After lifting weights and putting on a few muscles I noticed people picking fights rather than letting me have peace. “Should I learn to fight” crossed my mind. BUT GOD wanted me to behave different.

• GOD wants me to turn rage into Grace for that’s what HE shows me daily.
• GOD wants me to forgive rather than show revenge for the sole purpose of drawing people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to bring peace rather than picking fights to demonstrate the same love HE showed me.

GOD created the “revenge laws” AND HE demonstrated the payment for the law by dying for my sins. HE paid the price for all revenge and wants me to show love instead of hatred.

• Did someone treat you wrong?
• Are you ready to fight them?
• Can you stop thinking about the wrong they have done and think about the grace GOD wants you to show?

Hate is such a strong word!

1 John 2: ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

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If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bully. I mean it seems like I have run into them all my life.  I mean there was the guy in fifth grade and there was another in high school and some more at work only they bullied with words. 

“I just HATE them” is what I felt so I began pushing back.  I mean bullies aren’t going to push me around anymore! I lifted weights to fend off the physical bully, and learned snappy, cutting retorts to slice down the political bully. Soon I found myself going after these bullies because I could stand toe to toe with them.

• Mild forms of hatred turn into large forms of hatred with me.
• Mild forms of hatred are disguised in me as “things I don’t like” about that person.
• Mild forms of hatred expose themselves when I could care less what happens to the person.

Even when I isolate myself or segregate myself or even separate myself from them it still doesn’t seem to work. I still think about them and stew over what they have done. I don’t want them to have mercy, BUT GOD does.

• GOD wants me to love people, especially my enemies.
• GOD wants me to love people, even those who are difficult to love.
• GOD wants me to love people, ignoring their sin to win them over.

It is not GOD’s wish that anyone perish so why do I give up on that person so easily? GOD desires that I have patience with them because HE has patience with me.

• Do you dislike someone?
• Is there someone in your life who just makes you sick?
• Is there a popular person who you just rile about?
• Can you turn your thoughts into positive ones for “that” person?
• Won’t you try to understand GOD’s love for you AND “that” person?

You are wonderful!

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

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Blissful was my existence as I did not recognize insults at one time. Passive aggressive barbs would fly over my head until I realized the laughter was not “with” me rather “at” me. “Okay, if that’s how you’re going to play then I’ll sharpen my tongue and see how you like it” I thought to myself.

When I laid into the first few people I tore them to shreds and I realized I had to back it off just a tad. After a while I could stick you instead of stabbing you. I had perfected the insult. I mean they know I’m just joking right?

• My cynicism does not help anyone grow.
• My sarcasm does not show anyone the right path.
• My pessimism does not foster innovation.
• My nihilism does not encourage a positive atmosphere.

People are hurting and I can’t say I’m immune. Call me sensitive or too serious but I can only stomach negative talk for a very short period of time. In fact my patience for slander is zero and my tolerance for negative is nil. What can I do about a society who makes heroes out of slanderous bullies?

• GOD wants me to encourage people one at a time.
• GOD wants me to show others “they can” do accomplish their goals it they are aligned with HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a positive light in this dark world.
• GOD wants me to build people up even when they are shooting barbs at me.

My job is to build people up whether they think lowly or highly of themselves. I should not evaluate whether you need to be built up, it should just be part of me. Encouragement is a weapon that fights off worry, doubt, fear, loneliness and a host of ills that press against us.

When I encourage others I encourage myself. Building people up takes practice and helps me grow in the process.

• Are you in need of encouragement?
• Do you know GOD made you special and wonderful?
• Can you accept the fact that HIS plan for you is to make you great?
• Won’t you encourage others for the purpose of building them up to see and hear CHRIST?

Bad Bosses and Bullies

Romans 12: ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Over the years I have had some great bosses and some not so great bosses. One in particular was always snooping around my desk when I was out of the office.  I had no idea what he was looking for so I planted some bad ideas and false information. He used this information and got in trouble. It felt good until I was dragged into the mess.

Maybe I should have just communicated with him in the first place.

• I will continue to run into bosses, peers and employees who don’t have my best interest in mind.
• I will continue to run into people who will do anything to get their way.
• I will continue to run into those who will take me down just for the fun of it.

I got tired of being bullied and decided to fight back and during each battle someone lost. Being a fighter is what I had become and that’s not where GOD wanted me to be.

• “Vengeance is mine” says GOD because HE doesn’t want anyone to harm me or them.
• “I will repay” say GOD because HE wants to give the oppressor ample opportunity to change their ways.
• “Feed your enemy” says GOD because HE wants to show HIS mercy to all.
• “Give your enemy something to drink” says GOD because HIS grace is complete so serve a complete meal, drinks included.

Well, I didn’t read that I should “feel” like doing all of the above, it just says do it.  The more I serve my enemies the better I become at serving from the heart. GOD’s message to me is “put evil in its place by doing what is right.”

• Is someone bullying you?
• Do you seek revenge on “that” person?
• Can you “leave room for GOD’s wrath?”
• Will you let GOD’s vengeance fall on that person while you show him or her love?
• Can you find it within yourself to do what is right in GOD’s eyes instead of doing what feels good?

GOD’s protection

Acts 22: ²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

 ²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

 ²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

   “Yes, I am,” he answered.

 ²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

   “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

 ²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

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Project after project I was determined to do my best but it was difficult. It seemed like I kept running into one of those bosses, who wanted to be an obstacle, but somehow they would disappear and I would still be placed on the best projects.

This angered my belligerent boss. I sensed he was out to get me so I worked harder to win him over. The harder I worked the madder he got. He insulted, yelled and screamed at everyone and I was no exception. I was in a bad position but somehow I got promoted. It was because the head of the department knew I was part of a Bible study of a good friend of his.

I had no idea I was being watched by the family.

• GOD protects me especially when I am being mistreated.
• GOD watches over me when things go wrong.
• GOD uses a chain of events that I cannot perceive to guide me, watch me and guard me.

Paul never knew he would be protected just by being born as a Roman citizen. GOD used this link in the chain of events know as Paul’s life to protect him to do GOD’s will. HE has done the same for me many times when I look back but I couldn’t understand HIS protection while I was going through the trial.

• Are you going through a trial that seems hopeless?
• Have you noticed GOD protecting you during your trial?
• Won’t you stop feeling like “woe is me” for a moment to notice GOD’s love for you?

What do you do when they are kicking you?

Acts 7: ⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

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Bodybuilding was my excuse for lifting weights but in reality I got tired of being pushed around. I just wanted a peaceful existence but I seemed to attracted “intimidators.” From scrawny to brawny I transformed myself into one of the in crowd. Now I could do the intimidating even to my enemies!

• Fighting evil with evil never works.
• Protecting myself from intimidators causes me to fight under my own strength.
• Feeding my temper and rage only leads to disaster.

Instead of praying for my enemies, I wanted to take them down.  My motto became “I’m not going to take this anymore!” I found myself fighting my way to the top and being called “brave” during the ascent. Was it “bravery” or “bullying?”

• Obtaining my own strength will wear out, but GOD’s strength remains forever.
• Obtaining my own wealth will disappear, but GOD’s wealth will never be stolen or rust.
• Obtaining my own pleasure will satisfy me for a moment, but GOD’s way will satisfy me eternally.

I will be the first to say “don’t take my kindness for weakness.” GOD however has taught me that it is HIS strength that makes me mighty.  HE will take care of my intimidators, slanderers, and those who seek only their way. My job is to pray for their wellbeing and hope GOD will intervene in their lives so one day they receive the ultimate gift of true salvation through JESUS.

This isn’t easy so HE gives me practice on a smaller scale daily.

• Is someone kicking you while you are down?
• Are you being intimidated?
• Do you know you will be truly blessed by praying for your enemy?
• Won’t you let GOD take care of the vengeance and you take care of the grace?

Bad times are being used for good.

Acts 7: ⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

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Survival was my goal growing up in the city.  I weighed as much as a wet gnat, had un-comb-able hair, tattered clothes and my fighting skills included hiding inside of my nylon jacket. After coming though bullies, robberies, threats and other evil sorts, I wonder how I ever survived.

• When I’m going through difficult times it’s hard to see the good that can come out of it.
• When I’m faced with forces of evil people it’s hard to see GOD at my side.
• When I’m placed in unfamiliar territory with mean people I feel trapped and helpless.

Guns, gangs and graft have never been a match for my GOD.  I have faced muscle bullies and corporate bullies alike, each meaning harm and sometimes it was personal. While I couldn’t see it then I can definitely look back and see GOD was there protecting me all the time.

• In spite of the bullies, GOD protected my passage safely to and from school.
• In spite of evil people, GOD raised me higher than most people during my corporate tenure.
• In spite of thieves, GOD has provided abundantly for me and my family.

GOD has used evil situations to enable me to turn my face back to HIM. Many times I have lost focus on HIM and HE showed HIS unfailing love for me blessing me in spite of me. Now I know “what was meant for evil is now being used for good.”

• Have you been bullied or abused?
• Are you being falsely accused about something?
• Do you realize your story can help someone who is going through the same situation?
• Won’t you tell others about GOD’s blessings in spite of your situation?

I just don’t like “that” person.

1 John 2:  ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. ¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

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Walking down the hallway after practice was a delight because it meant I could go home and get rest. Out of nowhere one of the football jocks appeared in front of me, balled up his fist and punched me in the chest.

You would think that wouldn’t cause much strife, but I was so skinny that I looked like the number “1.”  He actually knocked the wind out of me and I literally saw planets dance in my head has I gasped for air. You know… I really didn’t like that guy!

• There are people in the world who want to harm me just for being me.
• There are people in the world who don’t have my best interest in mind.
• There are people in the world who have deep rooted issues that want to take it out on me.

Over the years the face of the bully has changed from the guy who wants to hit you to the power hungry control freak women or the politically savvy guy with the pretty face wielding a dagger behind his back. These are all bullies nonetheless. GOD wants me to treat them differently.

• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be stronger and let GOD do the fighting.
• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be wiser and use love as my weapon.
• Now that I’m strong enough to fight bullies back I should be graceful because GOD is graceful to me.

It’s easy to love people who love me BUT GOD wants me to love those who actually don’t like me at all. Believe it or not, HE loves “that” person too.  I sometimes feel justified for my anger, mild dislike or hatred of enemies but GOD doesn’t look at them, HE looks at me. HE knows the people who will have no part in HIM but expects more out of me.

I can pretend to be part of GOD’s family, but if I carry around hatred for another one of HIS humans then my problem isn’t with them, it’s with GOD. Race, gender, age, class, sexual preference, or political affiliations seem to be hot beds of hatred and arguments for “easy” believe-ism. BUT GOD just wants me to show “love” so that HE can draw people to HIMSELF.

• Do you have a problem with someone?
• What is truly in your heart when you think of “that” person?
• Can you focus your hear on serving that person instead of getting even?
• Can you pray for GOD to bless “that” person and leave it at that?