Defined Lines Not to Cross

Defined Lines Not to Cross

Exodus 21: ¹² “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. ¹³ However, if he did not lie in wait, but God delivered him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.

 

¹⁴ “But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him by treachery, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die.

 

¹⁵ “And he who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

 

¹⁶ “He who kidnaps a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.

 

¹⁷ “And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

 

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After GOD gave Moses the laws concerning the protection of human lineages, HE turns to addressing violent mindsets.

 

My Observations:

• GOD created humans with free will to choose peace or violence.
• GOD may have been addressing a mindset that began after the garden of Eden, namely violence.
• GOD may have been steering humans away from violent acts to see HIS grace, mercy and love.

 

When someone is willing to cross the line and murder someone, hit a parent, kidnap someone or curse a parent publicly, that person is supposed to be seen as dangerous. GOD saw the heart of Canaan and knew his mindset was dangerous.

 

People who followed Canaan would murder, kidnap and harm others, even their own parents. This led to cruel behavior that would put the lineage of JESUS in jeopardy. GOD wants to protect peace. HE made Adam and Eve with peace and serenity. They had everything they needed.

 

But when they chose to be like GOD, as tricked by Satan, all humans faced the choice of violence versus peace. Our sin nature wants control and sometimes that control can lead to a desire to harm other people. GOD was addressing a centuries old issue that still lingers to this day, namely hating other people to the point of violence.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning against violence?
• Have you ever thought about harming someone on purpose to get your way?
• Can you think of ways to love the person you originally wanted harm to fall on them?

Shared Power

Shared Power

2 Corinthians 13: This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. “Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses”—as the scripture says. ² I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment. ³ You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you. ⁴ For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.

 

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“Oooo, I’m telling!” were the words of dread from another kid’s mouth. My teasing had turned into vicious put downs, causing him to go and tell on me. Now I was in trouble!

 

• I dreaded having to face consequence.
• I only wanted to be forgiven without needing to endure any penalties.
• I was mad at being told on.

 

Paul clarifies that he doesn’t want twisted stories. Specific sin needed to have two or more witnesses. The sin needed to be clear and not manufactured by one and planted into others. Paul was given the power to cast out demons and do other miraculous things. He shared in the power of JESUS and wanted to be careful when dealing with blatant sin.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave HIS SON to us so we can share in the power that raised HIM from the dead.
• GOD allowed me to be saved and forgiven of all my sins.
• GOD allows other people to bring consequence on me when I blatantly sin against him or her.

 

Forgiveness is wonderful. I mean, all my sins are forgiven?! Wow! BUT GOD doesn’t like sin, not even the smallest. One bite of a piece of fruit took humanity down. That sin doesn’t compare to all the ones I ever committed.

 

GOD does forgive, and HE protects people. HE sees when I do wrong to others and allows consequence to fall on me. I do not like consequence but I understand when GOD wants me corrected. HE also give me the power to restore those who repent. I am glad HE corrects and restores me.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer’s passion?
• What would you do in his situation?
• Do you feel good when someone gets punished?
• Will you seek restoration instead of punishment and allow GOD to own any vengeance today?

The Grace Effect

The Grace Effect

1 Corinthians 15: ⁸ Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. ⁹ For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. ¹⁰ But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. ¹¹ So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.

 

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“I’m saved for eternity!” is the Good News I accepted at an early age. This came with a calling to tell other people about JESUS. But that did not stop me from wanting to sin. I wanted to fit in with everyone else, so I stopped being the “goody, goody” person and tried what “everyone else” was doing. It seemed like my sin would be caught and theirs wouldn’t. In fact, it seemed like I would get singled out and they would go free.

 

• I had a misconception of grace.
• I thought grace meant I was forgiven for my sins and I did not have to have consequence.
• I was alright with just getting into heaven, so I figured I would live it up here and then I would be in heaven and I could live it up there.

 

JESUS met Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul was headed to murder more followers of JESUS. HE called Paul into ministry by blinding him. Paul had to suffer to tell people about JESUS. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake and left to die. But GOD’s grace kept him working harder than the other Apostles.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to take my sin seriously.
• GOD wants a real relationship with me and HE does not like sin.
• GOD wants me to surrender my life to HIM and to confess my sin to HIM and accept the consequence of my sin.

 

Being a child of GOD is wonderful, but it ain’t easy. Yes I said “ain’t.” I mean, it seems like other people can act like scoundrels and do as they please while I try to do the right thing and face more suffering. To top it off, when I sin, it seems like GOD comes after me with a stick. Well, at least sometimes.

 

GOD’s grace extends into this life. The effect of HIS grace wipes away my eternal consequence, but let’s face it… If I did something harmful to another person, GOD will allow the consequence to sprout up from the seeds of sin I planted. Grace is still there, I just have to understand I am at GOD’s mercy which diminishes getting “my” way.

 

Challenge

• What new observation about grace do you see in what is written?
• What do you notice about being humble in this apostle’s words?
• What misconceptions, if any, do you have about GOD’s grace?
• Do you think sin can keep you blinded so you will not grow to have a true relationship with JESUS?

Clear Example

 

Clear Example

1 Corinthians 10: I want you to remember, my friends, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. ² In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. ³ All ate the same spiritual bread ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself. ⁵ But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert.

 

⁶ Now, all of this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did, ⁷ nor to worship idols, as some of them did. As the scripture says, “The people sat down to a feast which turned into an orgy of drinking and sex.” ⁸ We must not be guilty of sexual immorality, as some of them were—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell dead. ⁹ We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did—and they were killed by snakes. ¹⁰ We must not complain, as some of them did—and they were destroyed by the Angel of Death.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I paid attention to the technique. I wanted to get the movement right for when I did it. The thug saw me looking and motioned a hush finger over his lips. When the unsuspecting guy was going to sit down, he would snatch the chair away. Unfortunately his prey hit his head on the desk behind.

 

• There have been many times when I saw bad examples and got straightened out.
• There have been many times when I saw someone else do the wrong thing and I stayed away from doing the same.
• There have been many times when I saw the consequences of doing the wrong thing, so I avoided it.

 

Paul points out that obedience is not enough. Many people did as they were told, but what was really in their heart was to fulfill their every lust and complain when things were not going as they wished. These people were killed and never made it into the promised land.

 

• GOD wants me to obey but also to do it with a heart given to HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS rules, but do it because I want to be with HIM versus manipulating HIM.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM versus complaining about where I am in the trial.

 

Sometimes the examples don’t seem fair. I mean, I can’t even complain? No. In fact, the more I look at GOD’s word, the more I realize I act like Satan when I complain. He was not satisfied with GOD being GOD so he vowed to take over and do things better.

 

GOD tossed him out of heaven for trying to get his way. GOD wants me to align my desires with HIS and put my trust in HIS hands. I am glad HE gives me mercy so I can praise HIM another day.

 

• Do you have a complaint against GOD?
• Are you going through a trial and are blaming GOD?
• Will you heed the warnings and turn your complaints to true praise for all HE has done for you today?

Kindness Taken for Granted

 

Kindness Taken for Granted

Romans 11: ¹⁹ But you will say, “Yes, but the branches were broken off to make room for me.” ²⁰ That is true. They were broken off because they did not believe, while you remain in place because you do believe. But do not be proud of it; instead, be afraid. ²¹ God did not spare the Jews, who are like natural branches; do you think he will spare you? ²² Here we see how kind and how severe God is. He is severe toward those who have fallen, but kind to you—if you continue in his kindness. But if you do not, you too will be broken off. ²³ And if the Jews abandon their unbelief, they will be put back in the place where they were; for God is able to do that. ²⁴ You Gentiles are like the branch of a wild olive tree that is broken off and then, contrary to nature, is joined to a cultivated olive tree. The Jews are like this cultivated tree; and it will be much easier for God to join these broken-off branches to their own tree again.

 

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After being invited to stay for dinner, I felt like I had a second family. I was delighted that my friend’s parents took me in as they did. I started showing up more and more. Soon I became comfortable in their house. We laughed and played music loudly. Then I heard “Turn that music down and start cleaning up!” Uh-oh. Maybe I was getting too comfortable.

 

• There were times when I took someone’s kindness for granted.
• There were times when I got a little too comfortable with someone’s kindness.
• There were times when I was not afraid of my actions when I should have been.

 

Paul carefully explains to the Gentiles that they should not brag about being added to GOD’s family. GOD showed tremendous kindness when HE adopted everyone who believes in JESUS into HIS family.

 

But while GOD is kind, HE is also severe to those who fall away from HIM. HE cannot wait for HIS chosen people to turn back to HIM, but HE is willing to break off the branch of those who refuse to believe in JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS for the forgiveness of all my sins.
• GOD wants me to be relieved that I can still sin and be saved by grace.
• GOD wants me to reduce sinning day by day so I will not fall into HIS wrath of consequence for sinning.

 

JESUS paid it all. HIS death, burial and resurrection took care of any sin I could ever do. BUT GOD still has another side, namely wrath. HE sees when I try to do things without HIM and allows me to go my own way.

 

I fall into sin and GOD allows a small amount of wrath to come into my life. Fortunately HE doesn’t pour out HIS full wrath on me, just enough to get my attention. I am grateful for HIS correction.

 

• Are you taking GOD’s kindness for granted?
• Do you think HE does not see the sin you are hiding or will not do something about what you have done?
• Will you thank GOD for saving you and ask HIM how HE wants you to follow HIM today?

Provided For

 Provided For

Romans 3: ^25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.

 

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“How will I eat?” and “Where will I sleep?” and “Will it be cold or hot?” and “Bugs… Will there be bugs?” were some of the many questions I asked as I volunteered to go on a missions trip to another country. The missions trip leader relaxed my mind by saying “Don’t worry, everything is taken care of.” This rested my mind a little, but the unknown was still ahead.

 

The unknown can sometimes raise many questions inside me.

The unknown can sometimes make me feel uneasy.

The unknown can sometimes make me question if I will be taken care of.

 

Paul continues writing about the Law of Moses. The Law was given to the Jews but the Gentiles benefit from it because GOD wrote the Law in everyone’s heart. The Law is used to show our need for GOD to save us. But doing the Law does not provide salvation. GOD provided “the means” for which we are saved, namely belief in JESUS.

 

GOD knew I would not choose HIM so HE chose me.

GOD knew I needed to be saved so HE chose to die for me.

GOD knew someone had to die to pay for all the sins of the world so HE chose to die so I could live.

 

Trying to be “good” is fine, but what happens when I mess up? Do I get a “do-over?” GOD showed compassion for me and forgave me of all my sins. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I can be guided daily. HE also wants the best for me, so HE corrects me when I sin. I am glad HE is righteous and I accept HIS correction and eternal salvation.

 

Are you worried about your future?

Do you think your skills or talents got you where you are?

Will you place your faith in JESUS and allow HIM to correct you while providing you with everything you need to fulfil the purpose HE has for you today?

It’s Not My Fault

It’s Not My Fault

John 5: ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. ¹⁰ The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

¹¹ He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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Sneaking off to the movies with someone I was amorous with seemed like a good idea. After my day of enjoyment I found myself having to make my way home. Unfortunately, the person lived in a tough neighborhood. I was chased. “How am I going to explain getting beat up and robbed when I wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place?” Then I questioned the strictness of dating when I made it to safety.

• There were times when I wanted to leave out information so I would not get in trouble.
• There were times when I made sure that I was not the person at fault rather it was someone else’s fault.
• There were times when I was caught in the act and quickly thought of ways of trying to not make it my fault.

The crippled man was healed by JESUS but it does not say that he thanked HIM or found out HIS name. He was so excited that he ran off. Unfortunately he ran into the church leaders who judged him for carrying his bed. “It’s not my fault… I was healed” said the man in a self-protecting way. I would have done the same.

• GOD wants me to take responsibility for my sin.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need HIM so I should approach HIM with my ugly hidden sin.
• GOD wants me to stop blaming everyone else and accept the fact that I can mess up and I need HIS help every day.

Being responsible for my actions may include accepting consequence for decisions that may have hurt me or others. GOD shows me grace beyond belief and this is the great news I can share. Back to the man in this slice of history.

JESUS found him in the temple and said “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” I supposed JESUS had a reason for saying this to the man. Probably the man did something sinful to get into the crippled situation in the first place. I can’t tell. But I do know GOD wants me to sin less and less to stay out of HIS trouble.

• Are you blaming others for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD for what is happening to you right now?
• Will you start accepting responsibility for your sin and allow GOD to use you today?

Not Knowing

Luke 23: ³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

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“Come up here and get your hand whacked” said the new teacher to me. Yes, this was allowed. “I didn’t do anything” I exclaimed. Because we were sitting alphabetically, I was parked next to a couple of people who caused trouble. The teacher could not discern who exactly did what.

• A few times I have been mistakenly lumped into the crowd.
• A few times I have been mislabeled.
• A few times I have been thrown in with those who did stuff that I did not do.

Innocent JESUS was convicted of crimes HE did not commit. HE was nailed to the cross between two criminals to be an example of what not to do. JESUS does something strange. HE prays to the FATHER and says “Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”

• JESUS forgives my many sins that I blatantly and inadvertently commit.
• JESUS knows that I do not know exactly what the penalty is for my sin.
• JESUS wants me to understand, just a little, that HE was blameless and took my penalty for my sins.

“Not knowing is no excuse” I was told when being convicted of a speeding ticket. The same applies to sin, but on a much larger scale. Not knowing JESUS will be no excuse, especially since HE wrote HIS laws on every human heart.

GOD gave me the ability to not choose HIM and HE will help me do just that. When I want to go my merry way, GOD has enough grace to allow me to mess things up and welcome me back when I come crying to HIM for help. GOD’s grace for me is truly amazing!

• Are you misunderstood?
• Are you mislabeling GOD?
• Do you get angry at HIS love because you do not know what HE is doing in your life?
• Will you allow GOD to take care of you even when others are blaming you?

Other Side of the Story

Luke 19: ²⁰ ‘Then another servant came and said, “Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. ²¹ I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.”

²² ‘His master replied, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?”

²⁴ ‘Then he said to those standing by, “Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.”

²⁵ ‘“Sir,” they said, “he already has ten!”

²⁶ ‘He replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ²⁷ But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them – bring them here and kill them in front of me.”’

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Waking up startled, I realized I had slept away the precious hours I was supposed to be studying. I did not understand the material in the first place so the warning of failure, given by the professor, was turning into a reality. There were only a few hours to learn a semester of material.

• There have been times when I did not heed the warnings.
• There have been times when I have been warned but stayed on the wrong road.
• There have been times when I did not adjust my direction soon enough and I crashed.

JESUS continues HIS parable about the king who gave out responsibility while he was away. This time JESUS spoke of a person who did not believe in the purpose given to him. This person did nothing with the money in which he was entrusted. Instead, he wrapped it in a piece of cloth and blamed the king with a misconceived thought.

• GOD wants me to understand “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD wants me to know “Do not fear humans, but fear the ONE who can send you to hell.”
• GOD wants me to be wise enough to recognize HE is watching me every day.

Free will comes with consequences I do not understand. If I were not free to choose GOD then I would simply be an automaton on a symbolic railroad track to destiny that I could not choose. That does not show love.

GOD decided to create me with a choice. I can choose HIM and HIS ways or I can live a purposeless life, thinking I am in control. This parable represents rewards and consequence. I choose to follow GOD who has all the power I need. HE is my refuge.

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Where will you turn to?
• Will you turn back to GOD and allow HIM to do amazing things through you?

Mindset

Luke 15: ¹⁷ “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, ¹⁹ and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants,  ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ²³ And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; ²⁴ for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

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“Aw man, am I going to get punished this time!” I thought to myself. I mean I had promised GOD I would not do this particular sin anymore, yet there I was. My mind started racing as I tried to come up with things to say to GOD. “Maybe I’ll start out with, ‘Remember that time I served those people’?” was the practice in my mind.

• There were many times when I thought about GOD as this ‘graceless’ being.
• There were many times when I looked at GOD as being the ‘ultimate punisher.’
• There were many times when I viewed GOD as an ‘unforgiving tyrant.’

JESUS continues with the illustration of the son who left his father to squander everything. The son was now homeless and worse off than before. When he reasoned that even the father’s servants had it better than him, he decided to practice begging, still having a very wrong view of who his father was.

• GOD wants to have a real relationship with me so I can truly see who HE is.
• GOD wants me to change my sinful view of HIM and stop blaming HIM for not doing enough for me.
• GOD wants me to humbly seek HIM, not demand or command HIM to do stuff for me.

Compassion and love are GOD’s strongest qualities to those who love HIS SON. Yes, HE does allow consequence to happen as part of HIS love, but HE forgives me in spite of my actions. HE has already seen all of my sins, so my temporary goodness is always mired with gunk.

JESUS tries to explain the love of the FATHER who sees my heart a long way off. HE can tell when I have truly given my life to HIM rather than doing life “my” way. HIS compassion is great to me.

• What is your view of GOD?
• Do you think HE has left you?
• Will you stop thinking of GOD negatively and ask GOD for compassion and love today?
• Will you allow GOD to be GOD in your life by confessing how much you are trying to control HIM?

Caught in the Act

Matthew 12: ²⁹ “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

³⁰ “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. ³¹ And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

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“Where did you get the ice cream?” was my parent’s question. I had no answer as I had stolen the money from them. Thus ended my life of thievery. “What are you looking at?” was my gym teacher’s question as I was caught peeping at the girls locker room. Thus ending my, well I don’t know where that was going.

• I have had premeditated sin.
• I have been caught in the middle of my sin.
• I have actually planned out my sin without thinking of the consequences.

When I got out “on my own” I was free to do as I pleased. I could lie, steal, and peep at who I wanted to. Something felt different though. Each conquest felt more and more empty. Something had to change.

• GOD died for me in the middle of my sins.
• GOD rose for me and received all power.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT on me because I believe I needed a Savior.

To those who believe, JESUS sends THE COMFORTER to live inside them. An early warning system named THE HOLY SPIRIT is installed which guides me away from the wrong path and back onto one following CHRIST.

I have a choice, believe in the SPIRIT or not. If I do not even believe in the need for a CHRIST, how can I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT? I find it impossible. The HOLY SPIRIT has a tirelessly thankless job of begging for my forgiveness before the FATHER. GOD wants me to be with HIM and the HOLY SPIRIT is my guide.

• Is it difficult for you to comprehend the existence of THE HOLY SPIRIT?
• Are you aware that the HOLY SPIRIT is GOD dwelling inside of you?
• Can you allow yourself to be led by the SPIRIT today.

Enough is enough

Zechariah 7: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, ¹⁵ “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

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Being held after school was a strange feeling. The teacher knew my friend and I were nerds, but I just wanted to see what it would be like to be one of the “bad” kids for a change. She didn’t hold us there for very long. In fact when it was nearing the time to let us go, she helped us with the upcoming test!

• There were times that I was punished for my actions.
• There were times that I had to face the consequences of my misdemeanors.
• There were times that I experienced justice and I did not like it.

Being put on the right track was important to this teacher. She told us how disappointed she was in our actions, but showed us the right way to go. GOD does the same to me.

• GOD says to me “I have determined to do good again.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD says to me “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.”

I actually knew I deserved to be where I was, in detention. I did not beg to be released or to have my sentence shortened. The same goes with GOD. I mean sometimes GOD sees me trying to go down the wrong path and HE allows consequences to flow in my life. Then HE says “Enough is enough!” and stops the disaster.

GOD shows me HIS mercy and puts me on the right path. HE tells me “Now that I have your attention, treat people with truth, sound judgment and plans for good not evil.” GOD hates liars who try to trap people with twisted words and does not want me to go down that path. HE brings me back to HIM and promises to be the “Faithful and Righteous GOD.”

• Are you being punished for something you have done?
• Have you angered GOD?
• Can you stop trying to hide and confess to GOD today?
• Will you say “I deserve what GOD has dished out” instead of trying to squirm out of HIS grasp?
• Will you look forward to HIS mercy and deliverance?

It is not easy

Hosea 9: ⁸ The prophet, along with my God,
    is the watchman over Ephraim,
yet snares await him on all his paths,
    and hostility in the house of his God.

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“I’ll teach Sunday School” was my noble decision. Read a little and guide people through a few Bible verses was my concept, but I had no idea what I signed up for. The more I taught, the more I had to study. Then I hit a verse that made me want to jump out of this “teacher” job. GOD said “Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.” I noticed GOD was treating me differently than others.

• While others could get away with things GOD held me to a higher standard.
• When other people could do what they wanted to do, GOD held me to a more strict code.
• While others could say what they wanted to say GOD treated me with less tolerance.

Teaching and prophesying for GOD can be a tough road. Humans and even GOD looks at me differently. The desire to have people change their lives over to following GOD can be met with ridicule and at times, persecution. Temptation to simply say what people want to hear pops up regularly. BUT GOD wants me to say what HE says.

• GOD says to me “I did not spare my one and only SON to save all who believe.”
• GOD says to me “Do not speak MY name in vain or make light of MY power.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be proud that you are in MY family rather be thankful enough to teach others.”

Nervousness mixed with confidence is the best way to describe being a teacher of CHRIST. I may “know” something, yet my sinful doubt keeps me from executing GOD’s word flawlessly. Fortunately for me, even though I am held at a higher standard, GOD said “No man will pluck you out of MY hand.” This is comforting and the snares mixed with hostility become bearable.

• Are you in a ministry and still facing persecution?
• Do you find following GOD to be difficult at times?
• Can you rest assured that HE loves what you are doing and asks that you press on?
• Will you allow HIM to protect you in HIS way and keep going anyway?

Standing on My Own

Ezekiel 18: ²⁰ The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

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³⁰ “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ³¹ Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? ³² For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

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Watching the consequence of sin play out, I said to myself “I will never do that!” I heard of neighbors who had been shot or jailed because of theft. I watched executives who were fired because of porn or sex in the office. Then one day I realized, someone may be watching me and saying the same.

• At one time I used to point out sin in others.
• At one time I used to see the wrong people did.
• At one time I used to say “Look at that person and the awful thing they did.”

Talking about other people is an easy way to get the spotlight off of me. I mean it’s easier to tell people what’s wrong with “that” person than to admit my own sin. BUT GOD knows better.

• GOD says to me “All have sinned and fall short of MY glory.”
• GOD says to me “Confess your sins and believe in your heart that JESUS died for your sins and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “Get a new heart and a new SPIRIT simply by turning to ME.”

I can no longer blame someone else for the sins they commit. I can’t even blame them if their sin affected me. All I can do is confess my sins to the LIVING GOD and praise HIM for my forgiveness. My sin is my sin and I need to stand on my own and ask GOD for HIS favor.

• Are you blaming someone for the situation you are in?
• Do you think it it their sin that caused you to be where you are?
• Can you let go of their sin and look at you own heart?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Escaping Wrath

Jeremiah 25: ³⁰ “Now prophesy all these words against them and say to them:

“‘The Lord will roar from on high;
    he will thunder from his holy dwelling
    and roar mightily against his land.
He will shout like those who tread the grapes,
    shout against all who live on the earth.
³¹ The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth,
    for the Lord will bring charges against the nations;
he will bring judgment on all mankind
    and put the wicked to the sword,’”
declares the Lord.

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Standing outside I could see the clouds turn from dark black to pea soup green. The winds began to swirl and I could actually see a twister being formed. The alarms went off and we went into the house and hid in the basement.

• GOD’s wrath is similar to the worst weather I have experienced.
• GOD’s wrath is like a tornado.
• GOD’s wrath is comparable to typhoons, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, monsoons, avalanches and volcano eruptions all rolled up into one event.

It is strange how humans limit GOD’s wrath only to the weather. Since my insurance policy covers “Act of GOD” claims, then why doesn’t it cover when GOD is upset with my sin and has said “Enough!”? As much as I like to present the soft forgiving side of GOD, HE does have wrath that I must recognize and respect.

There is absolutely no escaping HIS wrath when HE gets upset. While HE is “Slow to anger” it does not say HE is “Impossible to anger.” Turning away from GOD too long can lead to GOD showing HIS wrath here on earth. HE tells me to turn my face to HIM or I will experience a cup of HIS wrath, whether I try to pray it away or not.

• GOD says to me “Accept my SON and MY eternal wrath will be turned away.”
• GOD says to me “Sow MY kingdom and you will reap benefits, sow your own sin and you will reap MY wrath.”
• GOD says to me “All have sinned and fall short of MY glory so choose this day who you will serve.”

GOD is not a pushover by any means. HIS wrath is not only on an earthly scale, HE holds the universe in HIS hand and will destroy it to eliminate sin. The only escape is to believe the HIS SON, JESUS volunteered to take the full wrath that was meant for me, onto HIMSELF. Since HIS SON had to be punished for me, GOD has zero tolerance for my lack of belief in HIM, yet HIS grace is poured out to me daily otherwise I would be destroyed. GOD is gracious in the midst of wrath.

• Do you believe in GOD’s wrath?
• Do you only attribute blessings to GOD and “bad” things to evil?
• Can you see that everyone is evil and GOD demands cleansing only through HIS SON?
• Will you give your life to GOD today?

It Starts With Reality

Isaiah 59: ²⁰ “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

²¹ “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.

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“I don’t know” were the first words I could think of to deflect the wrath of my parents when asked who broke the “insert object.” Spray paint on the dented car was my way of concealing the accident. A friend of mine said these words to himself that made me think about the path that I was on… “I’m lying even when I don’t have to lie, what do I have to gain by that?”

• There were times where I did not want to face consequence.
• There were times where I did not desire to be the blame.
• There were times where I did not want to confess because I might not get my way.

Little did I know that one lie piles on top of another and then another. Soon I was living in a pseudo reality that I cannot remember what the truth looked like. One day I sat at my desk and said “No more lies!” I looked at my resume and took all the false statements of where I wanted to be versus what I had truly accomplished. What do you know, it worked!

• GOD wants me to see that I am a sinner and I need HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to recognize that “I” am the problem, not HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need to own up to my sins and accept HIS consequence in order to grow up and truly have a relationship with HIM.

Little by little I started telling the truth in other areas of my life. Soon I was excelling because I could get help from those who had been in my shoes and faced the same problems or overcome the difficulties I was going through. I found people who were there to help me and I soon realized that GOD was doing the same.

HE wants me to confess my sins to HIM, acknowledging that they are against HIM. GOD forgives me when I acknowledge I need HIM.

• Do you need to be forgiven or are you digging in your heals in your reality?
• Are you growing up or do you still have to be right?
• Can you allow GOD to give you the consequence you deserve so HE can grow you?
• Will you open up your eyes to start seeking HIM again so HE will always be with you?

The Other Side of a Whooping

Psalm 118: ¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
¹⁷ I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
¹⁸ The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

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Driving to my apartment I realized I was on my own. No more parents to answer to, no more professors to get graded by. I was free to do what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I can join the crowd and fit in! When I did, it seemed like stuff would happen to me and no one else. I mean when I would do what everyone else was doing, something “bad” would happen to me and it seemed like everyone else would get away with whatever they were doing!

• My sins have consequences on earth.
• My sins have consequences that harm me.
• My sins have consequences that spring up in “crops” of seeds I’ve sown.

The old saying “what goes around comes around” is based on a Psalm that says “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them…” In other words, it seems like I can’t do what other people can “get away with.” GOD has a different standard for me.

• GOD holds me to a higher standard because I am HIS child.
• GOD treats me different because I am supposed to represent HIS holiness.
• GOD chastens me to a point, not because HE hates me, but because HE loves me and wants me to stay on HIS path.

GOD’s whooping is not a fun whooping and doesn’t always seem one for one. I mean sometimes the sin may be “small” but GOD sees something bigger in me and will not stand for it. Yes HE has grace, but HE also has wrath. HE demands my attention and desires that I follow HIM, HIS way. This is not arrogant since HE did so much for me.

The great thing about GOD is, HIS wrath for me is never eternal. HE pulls back and picks me up and says, “I love you.” HE opens the gate foe me to HIS house and I will praise HIM!

• Are you being chastened by GOD?
• Does it seem pretty harsh?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and will not destroy you, but make you stronger?

Time Machines Do Not Exist

Psalm 76: ⁷ It is you alone who are to be feared.
    Who can stand before you when you are angry?
⁸ From heaven you pronounced judgment,
    and the land feared and was quiet—
⁹ when you, God, rose up to judge,
    to save all the afflicted of the land.
¹⁰ Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

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“You know what’s really disappointing, I trusted you” were the words that turned me around. After losing the trust of my supervisor I felt miserable. Now I was being watched carefully on a job that I hated anyway. What hurt the most is I had trust placed in me, lost it and could never gain it back.

• Sometimes I blow it with people and I cannot gain their trust back.
• Sometimes I make permanent mistakes with people and I cannot win them over.
• Sometimes I burn bridges with people and they cannot be rebuilt.

It seemed like GOD was angry at my slothful ways. I was definitely on the wrong path and this incident with my supervisor proved it. I had to wake up and place my fear back in GOD rather than fearing a shrinking bank account. I had to get restraint.

• GOD allows me to be as wild as I want to be, but HE would rather have me fear HIS ways.
• GOD allows me to not follow HIM, but HE would rather that I fear HIS wrath.
• GOD allows me to get angry at HIM, shake my fist at HIM and threaten to move away from HIM, but HE would rather have a peaceful loving relationship with me that has power.

I do not have a time machine to go back and fix all the ills I have created in life. GOD allowed me to feel HIS wrath in a very small way many times. BUT GOD is the ultimate forgiver. HE chastens me rather than destroying me. HE adds restraint to my ways that tend to run away from HIM and HE holds on tight. I can now praise HIM for holding onto me instead of letting me run further away from HIM.

• Are you looking back at past mistakes?
• Do you think reviewing the past will help you right now?
• Can you let go of the past and hold onto GOD?
• Will you stop looking into the future and look at the here and now?
• Will you fear and praise GOD today?