Beginning of the Change

Beginning of the Change

Genesis 28: ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

 

¹⁸ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. ¹⁹ And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, ²¹ so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. ²² And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a ^]tenth to You.”

 

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GOD showed Jacob a gateway to heaven in a mysterious dream. Jacob got excited and wanted to mark the exact location that GOD showed him. He took the stone he used as a pillow and anointed it with oil so it would stand out, even if it rained.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob responded to the dream with excitement.
• Jacob must have realized that everything Isaac told him about GOD was true.
• Jacob vowed the the LORD shall be his GOD and that he would give a tenth back to HIM.

 

It is undetermined why Jacob chose to give a tenth of everything given to him from GOD. Perhaps he recalled what he was told about Abraham giving a tenth of all he recovered  of Sodom’s wealth, to Melchizedek. Or perhaps the HOLY SPIRIT led him to choose this number.

 

He did not say how he was going to give a tenth, only that he would do it. This was a change for Jacob. He was moving from scheming and sneaking around to being generous. GOD’s vision seemed to be the catalyst of change in Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s vow?
• Have you ever been excited about what GOD told you or showed you?
• Are you excited by what GOD is doing and will you show HIM your excitement by being generous to someone today?

Wake Up!

Wake Up!

Revelation 3: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

 

“This is the message from the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know what you are doing; I know that you have the reputation of being alive, even though you are dead! ² So wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely. For I find that what you have done is not yet perfect in the sight of my God. ³ Remember, then, what you were taught and what you heard; obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not wake up, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come. ⁴ But a few of you there in Sardis have kept your clothes clean. You will walk with me, clothed in white, because you are worthy to do so. ⁵ Those who win the victory will be clothed like this in white, and I will not remove their names from the book of the living. In the presence of my Father and of his angels I will declare openly that they belong to me.

 

⁶ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

 

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After working all day, I went to visit someone. It took a while to get there and I spent most of the evening enjoying the time. It was late when I left and I had more than an hour to drive home. About fifty-five minutes into the trip I woke up driving up an exit ramp that was not mine. I slammed on brakes, rolled the window down and drove home locally.

 

• I thought I was awake, but I was sleep driving.
• I was lulled to sleep by the repetitious mileage.
• After waking up, I had to do something different!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, quotes JESUS giving a warning to Sardis. This church thought they were alive, when they were really acting dead. They may have fallen into a false sense of security because of their reputation of being on fire, but JESUS saw they were not walking with HIM.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS wants me to remember what I was taught and what I heard about HIM.
• “My” reputation does not matter, rather doing GOD’s good and perfect will does.
• Waling with JESUS is important to HIM so I should choose to do this daily.

 

Thinking I am awake and being awake are two different things. I mean, I can be doing things that seem right, but I may, in fact, be going through the motions without my heart being filled with the presence of GOD. I can go to church, sing songs and give money without believing in the power of JESUS.

 

GOD wants me to “Wake up” to what JESUS has done and is doing in my life every day. HE wants me to turn from my sinful pats on my own back to see that I need help daily. HE wants me to return back to the days when I was on fire for the LORD because I had just accepted HIM as my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What reputation do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever thought you were doing GOD a favor by doing what feels comfortable to you?
• Will you return to the fire you once had for JESUS so you can make HIM known to many today?

Change

Change

James 4: ⁷ So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. ⁸ Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! ⁹ Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

 

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Realizing that my life was not in a good place, I decided to try GOD as a last resort. I stopped doing the same things “everyone” was telling me to do for “fun” and focus on doing things differently. But it seemed hard because “everywhere” I turned, there were invitations to do the old stuff.

 

• I was trying to start living for GOD, but had the same old habits.
• I was trying to do things that would please GOD, but I had the same old ideas.
• I was trying to fit in with the world and fit in with GOD and it wasn’t working.

 

James provides the solution to the problem of being double-minded. He points to the path of GOD then says “change.” The things that used to be “fun” may not be as fun after all.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s path is not as hard as I think, but it is hard when I am far from it.
• GOD is willing to come near to me when I take steps towards HIS path.
• GOD wants me to change my view of “fun” so I can enjoy life but do it HIS way.

 

Pleasure is not the problem, the definition of what pleasure is can be. I mean, GOD defined a framework for me to choose how to live. I can be free to live as I please within HIS framework. But when I choose to go outside of what GOD defined, I get in trouble.

 

GOD knows I have an enemy that will make me challenge HIS very existence. I will then question everything that HE stands for and make up my own labels for HIM or even ignore HIS existence. I will then create my own definition of “fun” that does not include HIM and put myself and others in harm’s way. GOD wants me to “change” for HIS purpose. I am glad HE comes near to me when I come near to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so passionate about change?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation where you are resisting GOD so you can have “fun?”
• Will you assess your life so you can “change” for the good of GOD today?

Hearing Test

 

Hearing Test

Hebrews 3: ¹⁵ This is what the scripture says:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were
    when they rebelled against God.”

 

¹⁶ Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. ¹⁸ When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. ¹⁹ We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.

 

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Wanting to be mad, I thought of all the “bad” things that had happened. Then I heard something within me say “Let it go. Your hatred is hurting you more than you know.” I had a choice. Let go of the hurt I replayed in my mind or move forward, carrying GOD’s love.

 

• I could not hear GOD when I was fuming.
• I could not hear other people when I was upset.
• I could not hear words of reason when I had anger, rage, slander and hurt in my heart.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns everyone to listen to GOD “today.” He mentions ancestors who heard GOD, but refused to obey as a warning to everyone. Their rebellion caused death and GOD promised they would never reach the promised land.

 

My Observations

• My stubborn heart is no match for GOD.
• Any time I rebel against GOD, I lose.
• Since GOD is pure love, my rebellion is against pure love.

 

Not listening to GOD is a huge mistake, I mean, when I hear HIM tell me “forgive that person” and I don’t, I am rebelling. HE wants me to voluntarily choose love as my path to all my relationships. The more I choose hatred, hurt, and slander, the harder my heart gets. After a while, I get friends who agree with my hatred and slander and we feel better spreading poison versus love. BUT GOD has a remedy

 

HE wants me to see that my heart is on its way to becoming hard and stubborn as those HE did not deliver into the promised land. HE can open my eyes to HIS promises, but I have to be willing to let go of things HE does not want me to have. I am glad GOD wants to be my guide, therefore, I choose to hear HIM.

 

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever knowingly done something wrong and now you have justified your wrong for so long, that it seems like there is no way back to right?
• Will you let go of things that are obviously wrong and allow GOD to rescue you and guide you with the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Return Experienced

 

Return Experienced

Philemon 1: ¹⁵ It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. ¹⁶ And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

 

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Anxious to grow up, I would not wait to be on my own. When I got out into the world, life was not quite as I expected. It had brutal turns and difficult situations. There were times when I had lost hope. But that’s when people reached out to me inviting me to church. A change was presented to me well enough for me to understand and take action.

 

• Things were not going well for me, so I had to change.
• My life was falling apart, so I needed something different.
• Life was more difficult than I thought, so I needed some help that was greater than any human could provide.

 

Paul sends the equivalent of a reference letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He tells Philemon that Onesimus has experienced life in CHRIST and is now a different “employee” because of his belief. Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus as more than an employee, rather someone who has experienced life and can help others by spreading the Gospel.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD is always the answer.
• Life can seem scary and present multiple troubles, BUT GOD is always there with me presenting solutions.
• Life can seem unfair because of my belief in CHRIST, BUT GOD explains to me that I will sometimes be persecuted because of JESUS.

 

Some situations caused by other humans are rotten. I mean, there are some situations that are out of my control that affect me and I feel helpless. BUT GOD is there to provide hope. HE picks me up and shows me that I am protected by HIM.

 

HE safely guides me through life’s experiences and grows my faith along the way. After I have gone through something, I can return to others and help guide him or her through that same thing. I am grateful GOD provides HIS plan for me and guides me through life’s experiences.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to the recipient?
• Have you ever had a difficult experience and came through it?
• What advice would you give people who are going through a similar situation?
• Will you take your life’s experiences and guide others to GOD today?

Impactful Change

Impactful Change

2 Timothy 2: ²⁰ In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use. ²¹ Those who make themselves clean from all those evil things, will be used for special purposes, because they are dedicated and useful to their Master, ready to be used for every good deed. 

 

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Living in a “just enough” fashion had become the norm for me. I felt stuck doing insignificant dead end things. Something had to change, but what. I prayed for GOD to change my circumstances, but nothing was happening.

 

• I wanted GOD to raise me up, but I was not willing to make a change.
• I wanted circumstances to be different without me needing to do anything about it.
• I wanted life to be easy without having to make any sacrifices.

 

Paul gives Timothy some very wise advice. He told Timothy to live a clean life that is dedicated to the LORD, this way he could be used in a special way. Paul had made a significant change in his own life from being a murderer to becoming a preacher of the Gospel and knew what it took to serve the LORD in a
special” way.

 

My Observations

• Yes, I am saved, but my relationship with the LORD is ordinary unless I dedicate myself to HIM.
• Yes, GOD loves me, but there is a part of our relationship that I can choose so HE can use me in a special way.
• Yes, I have a purpose, BUT GOD wants to give me a “special” purpose which requires another level of dedication to following HIM.

 

Change happened when I accepted JESUS as my Savior. I mean, I believed HE forgave me of all my sins. That felt great, but that happened a long, long time ago. HE, however wants me to continue to change for HIS powerful purposes. This requires me to examine my life and ask HIM to rid me of sins that block HIS “special” use.

 

GOD wants “impactful change” from me. Not just ordinary going to church change, but a readiness to be used in a special way. This requires me to ask HIM to help me rid myself of “evil things” so I can be ready for “every good deed.” I will make myself available to GOD.

 

Challenge

• What “special purposes” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted things to change in a greater way, but have not looked at yourself to see what needs to change?
• Will you know that you are saved AND GOD wants to use you for something special, but it will take a change in you so you can be used by GOD in a “special purpose” today?

Finding Solid Ground

Finding Solid Ground

2 Timothy 2: ¹⁶ Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God. ¹⁷ Such teaching is like an open sore that eats away the flesh. Two men who have taught such things are Hymenaeus and Philetus. ¹⁸ They have left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place. ¹⁹ But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: “The Lord knows those who are his” and “Those who say that they belong to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing.”

 

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“There has to be another way” I thought to myself. “Everyone else” was doing better than me and I seemed to be “last.” I was getting tired of being a “goody-goody” and wanted to try some things the church people would call “bad.” I tried some things and lightning did not strike me like I thought. But after a while, I noticed things were getting worse and, on top of that I was not following GOD.

 

• I had lost hope in GOD and my life was a mess.
• I was trying different philosophies of the world but they were not working.
• I got to a point where I needed to return to a firm foundation and had to start over.

 

Paul gives Timothy some great advice. “Stay away from profane and foolish discussions.” The discussions would drive people, who were already away from GOD, further away from seeking HIM. He mentions two people who made up a human philosophy stating the resurrection of the LORD’s people had already happened as though everyone who was still living had missed out. This was false!

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return one day and wants me ready to be with HIM.
• GOD is the only one who knows the day and the hour of JESUS’ return.
• I need to continue life with full belief in JESUS, no matter the circumstance.

 

Seeking other philosophies that seem harmless can be quite detrimental to me. I mean, the lie of “everyone else is doing it” gets me in trouble almost every time. GOD has clear principles that HE wants me to follow. It is not just about being good and following the rules, HE wants me to really know HIM on a much deeper level.

 

HE wants to provide a “solid foundation” from which all my decisions can be made. This requires a change in my life that says “I will follow YOU LORD no matter what. I am glad GOD provides a solid foundation that I can always come back to and teach from.

 

Challenge

• What “profane and foolish” conversations do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted your way so much that you are willing to leave GOD for it?
• Will you review your pursuits and seek the “Solid Foundations” of the LORD today?

Transposed Heart

Transposed Heart

Philippians 1: ⁷ You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. ⁸ God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.

 

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Speeding down the expressway, I was making “good” time. I prided myself on driving fast without endangering slowpokes around me. As traffic slowed up ahead, I did the same. But before I could get near to the car in front of me, another car darted in. This made me mad. The darter then took off on the shoulder and weaved dangerously through traffic with numerous near misses.

 

• I hoped to see him or her in an accident!
• I wanted the worst to happen to the driver to teach him or her a lesson.
• I looked intently to see if there was a wreck that included the darter and was slightly disappointed when I did not.

 

Paul expresses his deep gratitude for those who helped him spread the Gospel of JESUS. Their loyalty to GOD was shown whether Paul was in prison or free. This only came because Saul, now Paul, had a change of heart.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give HIM my heart so HE can change it.
• Slow to anger, and quick to forgive are traits GOD has and wants me to mimic.
• Seeing someone else’s purpose in GOD is HIS desire for me.

 

Being excited about someone who is excited for GOD is what I am supposed to do. I mean, rather than complain about how he or she said something wrong or sang something out of tune or did not give, GOD wants me excited that he or she has accepted CHRIST as the Savior.

 

With this excitement, I should have no complaints. Unfortunately, like the darting driver, I wanted to see people “get theirs.” BUT GOD has way too much grace for that. HE allows him or her to sin, thinking they got away with it. HE also sees my calloused heart and forgives that too. HE says “MY grace is sufficient” and means it. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT gives me a new heart daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart of the writer?
• Have you ever been upset at someone and wanted him or her to fail?
• Will you ask GOD to change your heart versus trying to get HIM to change “that” person today?

Reputation Repaired

Reputation Repaired

Galatians 1: ²⁰ What I write is true. God knows that I am not lying!

 

²¹ Afterward I went to places in Syria and Cilicia. ²² At that time the members of the churches in Judea did not know me personally. ²³ They knew only what others were saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” ²⁴ And so they praised God because of me.

 

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It took time, but my reputation was repaired. I actually did not know what people were saying about me, but it did not seem pleasant. When I walked in the room, the conversation would change. “This stinks!” I said to myself. But I felt helpless to change the situation.

 

• I felt I had to convince people they had the wrong impression of me.
• I felt misunderstood.
• I felt shunned by people and could not do or say anything to make things right.

 

At one point Paul became known for being a murderer. What was worse was, he did the killing in the name of GOD. He thought he was doing what was right according to the Law. BUT GOD intervened. HE called Paul to be HIS servant. Now Paul’s reputation was repaired through much suffering he had to go through.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart where humans cannot.
• GOD has a different view of my reputation and HE loves me beyond my sins.
• GOD gave HIS SON so I could have a good reputation with HIM.

 

People are fickle and reputations come and go. I mean, one day I am in the in crowd, the next, I am looked at as a criminal. BUT GOD changes my reputation. When I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

This does not mean I will not face the consequence of my sins. It means GOD can still use me to grow HIS loving kingdom of redeemed sinners in spite of my sins. I am glad GOD loves me as a sinner and has given me a new name I cannot wait to hear.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine being the writer after having persecuted the people you now have to convince about GOD’s love for them?
• Have you ever been misunderstood or given a reputation that you know is not what is in your heart?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose on your life and allow HIM to clear your reputation HIS way?

Healthy Sorrow

Healthy Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7: ⁸ For even if that letter of mine made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. I could have been sorry when I saw that it made you sad for a while. ⁹ But now I am happy—not because I made you sad, but because your sadness made you change your ways. That sadness was used by God, and so we caused you no harm. ¹⁰ For the sadness that is used by God brings a change of heart that leads to salvation—and there is no regret in that! But sadness that is merely human causes death. ¹¹ See what God did with this sadness of yours: how earnest it has made you, how eager to prove your innocence! Such indignation, such alarm, such feelings, such devotion, such readiness to punish wrongdoing! You have shown yourselves to be without fault in the whole matter.

 

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“I’m sorry” I said to the officer. “You are sorry for speeding or are you sorry you got caught?” was the reply. Actually I was sorry I got caught because I loved speeding.

 

• I was going to speed again.
• I was actually angry rather than sorry.
• I was so fixed on speeding that after the ticket, I invested in a radar detector.

 

Paul speaks about two types of sadness, one that is repentant towards GOD and one that appeases humans. He focuses the believer, who wants to repent, on a sorrow that brings life.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to want HIM in my life.
• GOD wants me to see HIS ways are perfect and mine are not.
• GOD wants me to be sorry for my sinful ways and give them to HIM, for only HE can change my ways.

 

It is humbling to say “I am sorry to the LORD.” I mean, first I must recognize that I am the one in the wrong and need HIS mercy. If I think I am “good” or the one who needs the apology because HE created me, then I will not see HIS deliverance.

 

When I examine my life, I cannot be proud. I mishandle family, friends and situations all the time. I can say “Sorry” all day on a human level, and the faults will remain. BUT GOD is willing to forgive me and cleanse me of anything I have done or am doing or will do. JESUS death was perfection and my belief in HIS resurrection cleanses me of all unrighteousness. I owe my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the two types of sadness?
• What, if any, things in your life can you ask GOD for forgiveness?
• When you admit something to GOD, do you feel free?
• Can you help raise people up from their hurt so they can see GOD as a being of forgiveness? 

Complete Change of Mind

Complete Change of Mind

Romans 12: So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. ² Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

 

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Let me review my life’s checklist. High pressured job chasing wealth? Check. Sleepless nights worrying instead of believing? Check. Hidden sin? Check. Overlooked homeless people? Check. Hiding my relationship with GOD to fit in? Check. Yep, I looked like the rest of the world. I wondered if they will give me a raise?

 

• There have been many times when I hid my relationship with GOD to fit in.
• There have been many times when I committed sin, but hid it to fit in.
• There have been many times when I made sure I knew about the world, dressed like the world and worried like the world so I could fit in.

 

Paul appeals to everyone to become a “living sacrifice.” He goes on to say this requires dedication to GOD’s service, seeking to please HIM in every way. He also urges everyone to stop trying to be like the rest of the world and allow GOD to “transform by a complete change of mind.”

 

• GOD wants me to have faith, so HE will put me in situations that require faith.
• GOD wants me to have pure thoughts about HIS creations, so HE wants me to look at all humans as someone HE loves.
• GOD wants me to have a higher standard, so HE gave HIS SON as the measure of perfection to compare my life to.

 

Becoming a living sacrifice is not easy. I mean, as a person born into sin, I crave what the world offers. When the world says it’s okay to have sex outside of marriage, I crave it. When the world says to medicate my problems away, I crave it.

 

When the world mislabels me, slanders me, and overlooks me based on seeing me, I react with the standard hate filled, argumentative,  validation seeking way. BUT GOD wants another way. GOD wants me to say to HIM, “Here I am, please open my eyes to how YOU want me to think.” I am grateful HE is willing to change my mind.

 

• What standard do you have for yourself or others?
• Are you trying to fit into the world and serve GOD at the same time?
• Will you allow GOD to change your mind on your worries, doubts, fears, lusts, and relationships, so HE can guide you and fill your heart with HIS perfect will today?

Anyone Can Change

 

Anyone Can Change

Acts 22: ¹⁷ “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance ¹⁸ and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’

 

¹⁹ “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. ²⁰ And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

²¹ “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

 

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Assessing where I was in life, I realized I did not like the location. I mean, I blamed everyone for what happened to me, I lusted and acted on the lust a lot, and while I had a good job, it felt dead end. Something had to change.

 

• There was a time when I felt trapped by my life.
• There was a time when I felt things were not going well.
• There was a time when I felt I had reached the top of my purpose and I hadn’t really gone very far in life.

 

Paul told about a very intimate conversation he had with the LORD. He told the angry crowd about the warning JESUS gave him. In the conversation, Paul made it clear how wrong he had been towards GOD’s true followers. JESUS did something strange after the confession. HE protected Paul and gave him something to do.

 

• GOD saw my sin before I was born and still rescued me.
• GOD knew I would not choose HIM yet HE chose me.
• GOD saw the hurt I would cause others, yet HE protected me and sent me to live for HIS purpose.

 

Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that JESUS forgave me for ALL my sins. I mean, even the sins I returned to over and over? Yes, HE forgave those sins. How about the sins I promised never to do, yet did them again. Yes, HE forgave those sins. How about the BIG sins? Yes, HE forgave those sins too.

 

Big, small, hidden and frequent, JESUS forgives those who believe they need to be forgiven. No matter how often or how big the sin, once I realize I need to be forgiven, JESUS is there. HE cannot wait to forgive me so HE can send me out to tell others. I am grateful for HIS everlasting love and forgiveness.

 

• Do you think you have sinned too much to be forgiven by JESUS?
• Are you still wrestling with the need to be forgiven by a higher being?
• Will you surrender your life to JESUS, letting HIM know you are tired of where you are in life so HE can fill it with HIS purpose through the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Change Jobs

Change Jobs

Acts 12: ¹⁶ Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.

¹⁸ Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

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“I can’t do it” I said in the interview. A group of executives wanted me to fire 33% of the staff if I joined the organization. After the interview, back in my home state, someone said “You need to get tough.” The expectation of me was to go along with decisions that could cause many people to lose their jobs, keeping mine in the process.

• There were times when I thought being “tough” was good.
• There were times when I thought nothing of firing people.
• There were times when I was led by the leaders, no matter how poorly they led.

Peter knew the guards were still in close proximity so when they finally opened the door, he told them to be quiet. He had to leave town. Meanwhile the guards, who were probably very tough, panicked. They had good reason. When they could not find Peter, they were put to death by other “tough” guards at the decree of the leader.

• GOD wants me to be wise to the world’s sins but not involved in causing them.
• GOD wants me to understand that I am a sinner who needs JESUS as the answer.
• GOD wants me to know HE can take care of me without the thing I may be holding onto that is harming other people.

“LORD, what do you want me to do?” was the missing question that I never heard or asked during my rapid rise in my career. I just went with the flow. BUT GOD wanted me to be different. HE wanted me to change jobs.

Unlike the world, JESUS showed grace and extreme mercy on HIS creation. This is missing from the world today. Being “tough” and combative is heralded as a badge of honor. GOD wants me to be tough, but to defend those who are being abused, misled and misdirected. HE wants me to stand for HIS entire kingdom, leaving the vengeance and protection to HIM. In JESUS I put my trust.

• Are you pursuing something that may be harmful to you and others?
• Do you think your pursuit will help or hurt GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you consider asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” so HE can guide you to stay or leave for HIM today?

Unknown Change

Unknown Change

Acts 7: ²³ “Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. ²⁴ And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck down the Egyptian. ²⁵ For he supposed that his brethren would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not understand. ²⁶ And the next day he appeared to two of them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brethren; why do you wrong one another?’ ²⁷ But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ ²⁹ Then, at this saying, Moses fled and became a dweller in the land of Midian, where he had two sons.

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“No thank you” was my reply to the normal question “Do you want to hang out in bars tonight?” I was trying something new and wanted to see what a different life would look like. I interacted with a lot of people and they all seemed to ask me similar questions. People knew me as a bar hopping, flirty, fun guy and I wanted them to know I had changed.

• I stopped doing habits that I learned were not pleasing to GOD.
• I stopped doing some known sins so I could listen to GOD.
• I stopped doing what I used to do as a surrender to GOD.

Moses had changed. While he was considered an Egyptian, he was really an Israelite. Stephen explains how Moses killed the Egyptian, thinking everyone would know his honor for his people. They could not see how he had changed, for only GOD knew his heart.

• GOD wants me to change to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM without worries of what people think about me.
• GOD wants me to sincerely live for HIM in spite of the perception people have of me.

Having a personal relationship with GOD changes people. I mean HE gently guides me away from things I thought were pleasurable, knowing they were harmful. When I explain my change to those who participated in the pleasure with me, they look at me as if I have become some kind of judge, questioning if I have become yet another hypocrite.

BUT GOD sees my heart. HE painfully and gently pries the harmful habit or people from my hands and places HIS love in them. HE shows me grace when no one else will. HE is my forgiver. In HIM I place my trust.

• Are you scared to change because of what other people will think?
• Have you walked away from GOD because of a hypocrite?
• Will you return to GOD so HE can heal your broken heart and give you a loving purpose today?

Change for a Dollar

Luke 19: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’

⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’

⁹ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’

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Crying did not help the lost money return. As I sat there disappointed, I realized my day was over before it began. I had lost the money I was supposed to use to keep myself amused the entire day. After the incident, I hated to lose anything. I promised myself I would never be “poor.”

• There were times when I despised being poor.
• There were times when I dreamt of being rich.
• There were times when I dove into the pursuit of wealth at all costs.

Zacchaeus had swindled his way to the top. Not only was he a tax collector, he was the head of those who stole from others. He had a desire to see JESUS and was determined enough to climb a tree to get a better view. JESUS knew who he was and invited HIMSELF over Zacchaeus’s house. Zacchaeus changed and wanted to give than receive.

• GOD wants me to change from being money driven.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as being GOD rather than being led by how much or how little cash I have.
• GOD wants me to think about HIM more than I think about my bank account.

Whether it’s worry or pride, there is a problematic view of money that GOD despises. I’m not saying humans don’t have needs, I am saying that money can drive people to lie, swindle or even preach more about money than they do about JESUS. I, at one time, thought about lying one my resume just to get a better paying job.

GOD wants me to be brave enough to be who HE wants me to be and follow HIM. HE knows my financial status and desires that HE be my provider. GOD has given me an abundance that I can never thank HIM enough. HE gave me HIS SON and I am eternally grateful.

• Are you focused strictly on money?
• How many conversations about money or wealthy people do you have?
• Will you change your desires to follow GOD where HE has you today?

You Are Welcome

Matthew 10: ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

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Listening for the misplaced word or being skeptical was my skill when I attended church. I did not need to know the Bible because I could smell a phony a mile away. “That person is going to talk about money” and many times I was correct. “This place is a sham” I thought to myself.

• I have criticized preachers, teachers and disciples of GOD.
• I have attended church with cynicism.
• I have passed up the homeless thinking “They are just going to use the cash for alcohol or drugs.”

Protecting myself from the dangers of “sneaky people” took me to a place where I could not let my guards down. I was so focused on defending myself that I could not hear what GOD was saying through many people. BUT GOD wanted my heart to change.

• GOD wanted me to open my hurt heart to listen to HIS message through other hurt people.
• GOD wanted me to accept my role of serving others without judging their motive.
• GOD wanted me to give what I have, even if it is only a cup of water in service to HIM.

My heart of stone had to change. It had become cynical, mistrusting and certainly unbelieving. I could not see GOD’s miracles on a daily basis and I wondered where HE was. GOD opened up my heart to trust HIM versus trusting people. HE wants me to listen for HIM instead of listening for mistakes.

Even people with hidden agendas can speak a truth about GOD, so HE wants me to listen intently for HIS words. GOD wants me to welcome HIM by welcoming HIS people HE sends me.

• Are you being critical?
• Do you listen with hurt untrusting ears?
• Are you skeptical of those around you?
• Can you give your hurt to GOD and allow HIM to open your heart to welcome people in instead of pushing them out?

A Nice Prayer to Start the Day

Psalm 119: ¹⁶⁹ May my cry come before you, Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word.
¹⁷⁰ May my supplication come before you;
    deliver me according to your promise.
¹⁷¹ May my lips overflow with praise,
    for you teach me your decrees.
¹⁷² May my tongue sing of your word,
    for all your commands are righteous.
¹⁷³ May your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴ I long for your salvation, Lord,
    and your law gives me delight.
¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise you,
    and may your laws sustain me.
¹⁷⁶ I have strayed like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.

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What I noticed about this prayer is the person asks for help following GOD. Sometimes people tell me “follow GOD” but it is not always that easy. My sinful heart prevents the easiest tasks listed by GOD and soon I find myself not praising HIM or lifting a finger to grow HIS kingdom. BUT GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for understanding of HIS word so I can apply it only to me.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to accept my prayer for it is arrogant to demand anything of HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to teach me HIS decrees so I can praise HIM when I get the knowledge.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to change my stony heart to enable it to accept “all” of GOD’s word.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for help when I start following HIS path.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for the abundant life HE promises me so that I can praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to confess to HIM that I go astray daily and I need HIM to seek me for I would not seek HIM.

This is a marvelous prayer and I am glad GOD inspired Taw to write it.