Water Symbol

Water Symbol

¹⁸ For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, ¹⁹ and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits. ²⁰ These were the spirits of those who had not obeyed God when he waited patiently during the days that Noah was building his boat. The few people in the boat—eight in all—were saved by the water, ²¹ which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.

 

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“Put this tee shirt on” was the statement from the group I volunteered for the day. It had the name of the organization and their slogan. When we were working together, everyone could tell we were all part of a group.

 

• My shirt told others I belonged with the group.
• I wore the shirt without shame.
• While I wore the shirt, I was supposed to be doing what the group was doing.

 

Peter goes into some heavy theology as guided by the HOLY SPIRIT. He explained that JESUS, the only sinless human, died and was raised from the dead to save anyone who would believe in HIM. He then compared Noah’s family being saved to baptism. Both events are symbolic to the salvation through the resurrection of JESUS. Both events required faith and belief.

 

My Observations:

• Just like Noah, who completed his task of building an ark all his life, GOD wants me to be steadfast and not give up.
• Just like water baptism in front of people, GOD wants me to declare my relationship with HIM versus hiding it at convenient times.
• Just like showing up to work, GOD wants me to hold up my end of the promise by living for HIM and keeping a “good conscience.”

 

Living for GOD can be hard these days. I mean, the symbols can be twisted from love to hatred. Some godly symbols can be misunderstood or even thrown in the dirt. BUT GOD is above any symbol.

 

HE got excited when I chose to be baptized because I declared to the world that I belong to HIM. Now HE wants me to wear HIS clothing for all to see. Meanwhile, JESUS is on the throne ruling over all authorities. I am glad I will one day see HIM through cleaned eyes.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention baptism?
• Have you ever tried to hide your relationship with GOD in order to gain something from people?
• If you are hiding your relationship with JESUS, will you unhide it little by little to save those around you today?

Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing

Hebrews 13: ¹⁸ Keep on praying for us. We are sure we have a clear conscience, because we want to do the right thing at all times. ¹⁹ And I beg you even more earnestly to pray that God will send me back to you soon.

 

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Having said the lie, now I had to live with it. Whenever I saw the person, my conscience felt guilty. “Oh great! Now I’ve lied and I have guilt?” How can this be fixed? A thought popped in my head. “Lie again to fix the last lie.”

 

• I was headed down the wrong path.
• I was trying to fix my lies with more lies.
• I was starting to get good at lying versus simply having a clear conscience.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asked for prayer because he knew they could be tempted to do the wrong thing which would lead to a guilty conscience. He must have been going through something difficult because he asked for prayer twice.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gives me rest when I have a clear conscience.
• GOD lets me sleep when I do not lie to HIM or myself.
• GOD provides peace when I desire to do the right thing.

 

Doing what is right can sometimes be hard. I mean, when I get insecure about what I did or am about to do, I may not want to experience any consequences, so I lie or stretch the truth. The problem with that approach, is I still face consequences and lost sleep in the process.

 

Peace and rest are elusive when I do not do the right thing. I’d rather follow GOD and enjoy peace than to live with hidden secrets and mounting sins. I gladly do the right thing for GOD and could use your prayers to keep going, HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is “the right thing” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever done the wrong thing and tried to cover it up?
• Have you gotten so good at covering things up that you now believe in your own lie?
• Will you get some relief from your guilty conscience and confess to GOD that you do not know how to go forward, so HE can step in and guide you to HIS path today?

Purified Conscience

Purified Conscience

Hebrews 9: ¹¹ But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. ¹² When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. ¹⁴ Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

 

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Wanting to serve the LORD was met with “Look at all the sinning you have been doing.” This battle was in my head and in my heart. I was trying to return to the LORD, but I felt my sins were too great.

 

• I did not feel “good” enough to serve the LORD.
• I did not feel “worthy” to serve the LORD in any way.
• I did not feel “secure” enough to know I am a sinner who is saved, therefore I let “my” sin get in the way.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives everyone some great news. “CHRIST has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here.” He then goes on to explain how JESUS was the perfect sacrifice, unlike “useless rituals” that would temporarily cleanse until the person sinned again.

 

My Observations:

• The Good News about JESUS has to remain “Good News” without the need for trying so hard.
• JESUS died for my sins and that makes my relationship with HIM permanent.
• By adding “useless rituals” onto JESUS’ death burial and resurrection, I am enslaving myself rather than being freed.

 

Feeling “not good enough” to serve the LORD is a major problem. I mean, believing that JESUS forgave me of all my sins should be enough, but sometimes I think there should be more. Perhaps I did something to make GOD mad or perhaps I said or did something wrong are the false thoughts that run through my mind. BUT GOD knows about this too.

 

HE took into account the fact that I would doubt HIS power to save me ultimately. HE knew I would try to jump in and start doing stuff to “prove” my worthiness to HIM. JESUS died for my doubt and for my trying to take control from HIM. HIS resurrection clears my conscience, knowing I am a sinner who serves the living GOD. I am glad JESUS took care of it “all!”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “useless rituals?”
• Have you ever felt not good enough to serve GOD or to ask HIM for something?
• Will you consider that you are being lied to and that JESUS was raised from the dead and that is all you and I need for a perfect relationship that is full of power and authority because JESUS has it today?

Conscience Choice

Conscience Choice

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁸ Timothy, my child, I entrust to you this command, which is in accordance with the words of prophecy spoken in the past about you. Use those words as weapons in order to fight well, ¹⁹ and keep your faith and a clear conscience. Some people have not listened to their conscience and have made a ruin of their faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have punished by handing them over to the power of Satan; this will teach them to stop their blasphemy.

 

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Tired of being a “goody-goody”, I dabbled in some things I was taught to avoid. When I tried them out, nothing happened. I thought a bolt of lightning would hit me in the head, but I was able to “get away” with what I was doing. Though something inside me said “you shouldn’t be doing this” I ignored the words of heed. Soon I found my life in a mess.

 

• I was on a path to destruction because I would not listen to my conscience.
• I got practice at not listening to my conscience and became good at doing things that were not good for me.
• My heart began to turn to stone as I did what I wanted to do.

 

Paul gave a pep talk to Timothy, who may have been experiencing worry over not being listened to as he preached about JESUS. Paul provides Timothy with a balanced approach which included a Godly prophecy, faith and a clear conscience. He taught Timothy to stand firm without harming people.

 

My Observations

• GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me to guide me to a better place.
• I can choose to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT or ignore HIM.
• I always, always do well when I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Listening to GOD means surrender to my plans. I mean, when I want to do something that is contrary to GOD, I have a choice to listen to my conscience or not. Unfortunately, many times I have chosen to not listen and I found myself with bigger problems. BUT GOD understood.

 

HE corrected me, picked me up from the ashes and gave me a better path. HE provided for me a path to be able to stand firm against things that cause bigger problems. HE fights my spiritual battles and always wins. I am glad HE cares enough to speak to me and you.

 

Challenge

• What weapons do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever been doubted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you stand firm in your belief in JESUS and allow GOD to guide your thoughts so HE will fight your battles today?

Arouse the Love

Arouse the Love

! Timothy 1: ³ I want you to stay in Ephesus, just as I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia. Some people there are teaching false doctrines, and you must order them to stop. ⁴ Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. ⁵ The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith. 

 

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Angered by the driver darting in front of me, I yelled out in fury. “You can’t do that!” was my outburst. But words were not enough. I darted into the next lane, hoping to pass the reckless driver, but traffic did not allow me to “win the prize” of getting in front. I drove angrily the rest of the trip.

 

• I was affected by something out of my control.
• I was easily taken away from peace to rage.
• I wanted to “teach” the driver a lesson, but this lesson had the wrong motive.

 

Paul warns Timothy about those who were practicing false teaching. He sent an order to stop their practice of arguing over lineage. He also told them to focus on faith in JESUS. Lastly, he presents Timothy with purpose.

 

My Observations

• A pure heart can only be provided by GOD when HE dwells inside me.
• A clear conscience can only be obtain when GOD forgives me.
• A genuine faith can only be fostered when it is placed in JESUS.

 

Believing that I am better than someone else because of my ancestors is a lie. I mean, every human is a sinner, so no one is better than the next. JESUS deserves the praise and that should be my focus. HIS love should be aroused in my purpose.

 

HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who cleanse my heart when I soil it. HE helps me forgive myself when I fail. HE guides me to the truth which is JESUS, upon which I can place my faith. I am glad GOD’s love is aroused towards me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer give the recipient this warning?
• Have you ever wanted to feel superior to someone else?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose for your life and arouse HIS love today?

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? 

Break Thought Patterns

 Break Thought Patterns

1 Corinthians 8: ⁷ But not everyone knows this truth. Some people have been so used to idols that to this day when they eat such food they still think of it as food that belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, and they feel they are defiled by the food. ⁸ Food, however, will not improve our relation with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.

 

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“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Step on a line, break your mother’s spine” were the superstitious rhymes told to me that I quickly believed. I didn’t want to hurt my mother so I avoided stepping on cracks and lines in the sidewalk at all cost. But one dreaded day, I stepped on a crack! I went home later that day and saw she was fine.

 

• There were times when I let superstitions guide my actions.
• There were times when I let old sayings determine my outcomes.
• There were times when I let idols provide me with my path, even though they were powerless.

 

Paul continues addressing an issue that people were concerned about. He lets people know that food does not “belong” to an idol because an idol is powerless. He says “their conscience is weak.” Then he provides the real solution, GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to drop my superstitions, and place my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my control, and place my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my fears, doubts and worries, and place my confidence in HIM.

 

Thinking I can control outcomes is a huge problem. I mean, when I subject my thinking to superstitions and hearsay, I can get tossed around by life very easily. I wind up following something that leads me to a dead end where I cannot answer the question “now what?” when a problem arises.

 

BUT GOD provides the solution. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT, who loves me and is concerned about me. I am led by HIM to the truth, which sets me free. I may sin, but I am freed from the bondage of my sins. I am glad I do not have to let fear, doubt and worry rule when I know GOD is for me.

 

• Are you following superstitions?
• Does your thought pattern automatically begin with negative versus trust in GOD?
• Will you break your natural thinking and ask GOD for the faith, love and hope you need so you can grow in HIM today to bear HIS fruit of the Spirit?

Clear Conscience

 Clear Conscience

Romans 13: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. ² Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. ³ For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, ⁴ because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. ⁵ For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

 

⁶ That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. ⁷ Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.

 

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Being stopped because of a burned out headlight seemed unfair to me, but it was the law. I explained that I was unaware and demonstrated it by turning on the high-beam lights. The burnt out one came on and the other went off. “Okay, you can go” they all said. There were four police.

 

• There have been times when I questioned the law enforcers.
• There have been times when I wondered if I was being singled out.
• There have been times when I felt relieved I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul speak about following laws of people who may not believe in JESUS as their ruler. He knows that no kingdom, good or bad, could be put in place without GOD’s authority. Paul also spoke about paying taxes to show respect. He knew there was something greater at stake.

 

• GOD wants me to know the ultimate goal is to spread who JESUS is.
• GOD knows I need freedom to present the gospel of JESUS.
• GOD reminds me that I am not of this world so even if scoundrels are flexing momentary authority, HIS authority should be my focus.

 

During these days of racial tension over the misuse of authority, I find the timing of this scripture to be amazing. Also, it is tax day in the country I live in so I find that equally amazing. But what am I to learn? Should I just roll over and let abusers continue with injustice on everything Paul mentions? No, but with a different focus.

 

GOD wants me to make HIM my focus. HE is in control of the abusers and HE protects me. Injustice needs to be called out, as long as the end goal is to speak about JESUS. Meanwhile, I will yield to the temporary authority humans have and show everyone the respect JESUS showed me.

 

• Are you mad at those in authority?
• Do you feel you should not yield to their authority because you do not like them?
• Will you see beyond temporary authority and let GOD provide the vengeance HE promised to the abusers while enabling you to continue to speak about JESUS?

Someone Has to Die

 

Someone Has to Die

Romans 9: I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— ² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, ⁴ the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. ⁵ Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

 

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After I returned to attending church, I felt my life was getting better. I mean, the guilt was no longer there and I was now teaching people about GOD. I went back to visit the college I graduated from to see some of my “friends.”

 

“There is a party tonight” people gladly told me. They were proud to do so, because I was the one who used to throw the parties. I knew this was a code word for getting everyone drunk to have sex. “Should I go?” I pondered. I had to make a choice.

 

• There have been times when I wished I could convince people that CHRIST is the answer.
• There have been times when I wanted to tell people I have changed and hoped they could see a difference.
• There have been times when I desired my “friends” to be saved so perhaps, I needed to leave my old life and show a new one.

 

Paul expresses deep sadness over those who overlooked JESUS as the Messiah. He wished he could be the sacrifice who would be separated from GOD forever so all Jews would be saved. He knew this was impossible. Each person had to accept or reject JESUS as the Savior especially since HE chose this group to become a human through.

 

• GOD wants me to desire everyone I encounter to be saved.
• GOD wants me to make a choice to allow my desires to die so perhaps other people can live.
• GOD wants me to anguish over people who have decided to reject JESUS as the one and only Savior.

 

Someone had to die to pay for the sins of the world. Either it was all humans or one. JESUS took on the responsibility of every sin ever committed by every human. HE was blamed, convicted, and murdered for my sins. HE was raised form the dead and holds all power.

 

But what does that have to do with me? HE wants me to die to my old ways so someone else can live. No longer should I crave the old sinful life that seemed harmless, but was filled with pain and death. I am glad GOD helps me to lay down my old life to serve HIM.

 

• Do you anguish over your family’s relationship with JESUS?
• Do you want your neighbors and friends to believe in JESUS as their Savior?
• Are you willing to put your old life to the side so people can see JESUS through you today?

Now We Know

 

Now We Know

Romans 3: ¹⁹ Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment. ²⁰ For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned.

 

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Sitting in court waiting to plea my case, I heard other traffic violator’s statements. “I did not know the speed limit because there were no signs” was the one that interested me. The judge said, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Pay the fine and court costs.” Wow! I was going to use that one. I stepped out of the courtroom and paid the normal fine.

 

• There were times when I knew I was wrong.
• There were times when I did what was wrong anyway.
• There were times when I felt something in my conscience that I was doing something wrong.

 

Paul summarizes the point about the Law of Moses. While it was given to the Jews, it applies to the whole world. The application is not to save the world, but point out that we are sinners.

 

• GOD wants me to know I need HIS salvation.
• GOD wants me to know I am a sinner and need HIS power every day.
• GOD wants me to admit I am wrong and need to be right, but cannot do it myself.

 

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse. All of us have sinned and we are not worthy to judge the one who fell, namely Satan. When he tried to be GOD, he was thrown from heaven. He tempted the first humans in an attempt to block any human from opening his sealed fate. BUT JESUS became that sinless human. I am glad JESUS did not sin and was raised from the dead, just for me.

 

• Are you tired of following so many rules?
• Do you get mad at GOD for pointing out sin?
• Will you change your thinking and be glad that JESUS overcame the Law in order to save you by just believing in HIS loving action for you?

 

 

 

Clear Conscience

Acts 23: Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” ² At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

 

⁴ Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”

 

⁵ Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.

 

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After telling the lie, immediately I asked myself… “What do I have to gain from this lie?” I mean, I had gotten in the habit of lying to cover myself. I was insecure about everything and I felt a lie was easier to live with. I even lied to myself.

 

There were lies I told myself to hide from the truth of my sins.

There were lies I told others to hide the fact that I was an imposter when it came to “being good.”

There were lies I told by withholding my sin and looking at everyone else’s.

 

Paul spoke directly to the church leaders and said his actions were done “in all good conscience.” This meant Paul was as open about his sin as he could be. His motive was purely based on speaking about JESUS being GOD.

 

With this, the high priest had Paul to be punched in the mouth. The high priest did not act like one of GOD’s servants, so Paul acknowledged what he had done based on the scripture.

 

GOD wants me to learn about HIM so I can live with a clear conscience.

GOD wants me to understand what true freedom means.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom so my conscience can remain clear.

 

Sin throws me off. I mean, when I sin, my conscience feels guilty and I look for GOD’s punishment. When I do that, it means I do not fully understand HIS grace. HE forgave me once and for all when HE said “It is finished.”  

 

Yes, there will be consequences to my sin, but knowing JESUS forgave all my sins clears my conscience. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, guiding me away from the stronghold of sin. I may not be perfect, but I am taking a step in GOD’s direction each day.

 

What are you hiding?

Are you looking at someone else’s sins and not your own?

Will you admit your sins to others so your conscience can be clear to speak about JESUS today?

 

False Accusations

Daniel 6: ¹⁹ At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. ²⁰ When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

²¹ Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! ²² My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

²³ The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

²⁴ At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

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“Where is your expense report?” was the strange question that came from my boss at the time. I had given it to him in the usual manner, yet for some reason this one was missing. Fortunately for me I kept copies of all my receipts and gave him a fresh copy.  “Why is this large charge on your expense report?” was the next strange question. I showed him the email from which he requested I expense dinner for the group he was in charge of. “Hmm… something strange is going on” I thought to myself.

• There were times I may have been falsely accused.
• There were times I may have been falsely slandered.
• There were times I may have been falsely punished.

I told someone what was going on and they asked, “Aren’t you nervous?” For some strange reason, I did not feel nervous, because I had done nothing wrong. My conscience was clear.

• GOD says to me “By following ME, your conscience will remain clear.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of ME.”
• GOD says to me “I AM with you even when men say false things against you, for they did the same to ME.”

False accusations come from those who are insecure, power hungry and greedy. They will stop at nothing to get their way, even murder someone. JESUS was the perfect example of following every rule to the letter, yet was falsely accused, even unto death. BUT GOD raised HIM from the dead and now HE has the power to forgive anyone who confesses their sins to HIM.

It does not feel good at all when a person is slandering and falsely accusing me. BUT GOD sees through the pettiness. HE may allow a temporary setback, but HE protects me from harm and goes after my false accuser with a vengeance. GOD is my judge and forgiver.

• Are you being slandered by someone?
• Are you slandering someone?
• Can you stop your false accusations and confess your sins to GOD?
• Will you stop trying to protect yourself from false accusations and simply live for GOD with a clear conscience?

The High Road to True Leadership

1 Samuel 24: ³ He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. ⁴ The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” ⁷ With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

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“Get out of my meeting!” were the disturbing, yet satisfying words I have only spoken once in my career. As I disposed of the blustery person I felt relieved that my meeting would continue, but even more, the blatant disrespect was squelched and no one dared to challenge me like that.

Years later as I tried to change jobs, I went to interview at a company. I prepared by doing research. The next day the interview was cancelled. I was extremely confused and dug a little deeper. The guy I threw out of my meeting was in charge of the department at that company.

• Getting even is extremely satisfying, short term.
• Getting the upper hand is filled with elation, short term.
• Getting rid of blustery, mean, overbearing people is so rewarding, short term.

One might say I did the right thing at the time, but I never went back to the guy to understand what he was going through and why he was so passionate. I was so focused on the matter at hand that I could not see a larger picture of working together.

• GOD wants me to bring people together rather than always seeking ‘my way.”
• GOD wants me to forgive my enemies rather than seeking immediate vengeance on them.
• GOD wants me to see the situation from HIS perspective rather than looking at it from my short term lens.

David took the high road which actually gave him more power than he could realize. The times when I took the high road seemed foolish and downright crazy to most, BUT GOD knows and loves me for it. The high road brings people to GOD!

• Are you in a position where you can harm someone?
• Is your tongue spitting slander or poison about people?
• Can you take the high road and speak praises about “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on “that” person while you pray for them?

Character

Acts 24: ¹⁶ So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

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We were all walking back from a special program that my school had recommended me for.  I was taking High School math in eighth grade. Everyone was proud of me and it made me work harder. On this day we stopped by a local department store to look around. We wandered to the back of the store and lo and behold there were “naked” magazines back there!

I quickly ripped the cover off of one and took a fishing magazine cover and placed it over the pornographic magazine. I wonder how proud my parents and teachers would have been at that moment!

• I can look good in front of humans, but do I look good in front of GOD?
• I can make people believe I am “good” but what does GOD say about my character?
• I can pretend I am walking the straight and narrow but how many times has GOD seen me fall off the path?

Sin and a clear conscience can never go hand in hand. I noticed a very important word Paul uses in this very short scripture namely the word “and.” His conscience was clear before GOD “and” humans. In other words if you read his text messages or burst in on his conversations or read his Facebook page you would see him doing the same thing, living for GOD.

• GOD sees the times I sin “and” HE sees when I live for HIM.
• GOD knows the times I force serving HIM “and” the times when I am sincere.
• GOD looks at my mistakes “and” HE values my character.

There is nothing I can hide from GOD! HE knows every action and every thought. The only way I can bear HIS fruit is to admit my sins to HIM “and” turn away from them little by little. HE wants me to have character in other words HE wants me to act the same when no one is around looking at me.

• Are you acting with character?
• Are you stuck on the cycle of blatantly sinning and asking for forgiveness?
• Are you hiding your sin and waiting on someone to confront you?
• Won’t you claim victory over your problems by admitting your sins to GOD?
• Do you realize that sin has no power over you if you admit and begin to turn away from them?