Dead Right

 

Dead Right

Revelation 16: ⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to burn people with its fiery heat. ⁹ They were burned by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God, who has authority over these plagues. But they would not turn from their sins and praise his greatness.

 

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“You may not want to do what you are about to do” was the warning I received. But I felt strongly that “I” could do the thing I was trying to do. I did the thing and was able to complete what I set out to do, but the consequences of what I did were not accounted for.

 

• I was right, but ended up figuratively dead.
• I was able, but did not take into consideration the consequences of my actions.
• I did what I did and said what I said, but ended up in a worse situation than before the warning.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the fourth angel pour out the fourth bowl containing GOD’s anger out on the sun. People were burned and they knew this was a curse from GOD, yet they refused to turn from their sins. They may have figured that they would be in control by rebelling against GOD directly.

 

My Observations:

• My heart needs to be protected from getting cold and stony against GOD.
• Whatever is in my heart will come out in my words and actions.
• GOD sees my heart and want to change it to follow HIM in a loving way.

 

I can do anything, but is anything I do good for me? I mean, if I rebel against GOD, is that a good idea? No! Unfortunately, there are times when I don’t want to listen to the warnings or even the corrections sent by GOD.

 

Fortunately for me, HE sends HIS soft correction to me and allows me to come back to HIM. HE always accepts my ask for forgiveness and restores me fully. Anyone who refuses to ask GOD for forgiveness may experience the pain of HIS wrath.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer include who had the authority?
• Have you ever done something wrong and deserved to be corrected?
• Will you seek GOD’s correction in your life so HE can forgive you and set the wonderful plan HE has for you into action today?

Speak up humbly

Genesis 44: ¹⁴ Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his brothers came in, and they threw themselves to the ground before him. ¹⁵ Joseph said to them, “What is this you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?”

¹⁶ “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my lord’s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.”

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After another friend of mine was released I figured something had to be done.  I scheduled a meeting with the head of the very large department to give him a piece of my mind.  We sat and discussed what was going on.  He seemed cordial listening to my rants.

I later spoke to someone about my approach. They insisted that I had made a terrible mistake and I should do damage control. I had made an enemy because my approach was abrasive.

• Sometimes when I think I’m right I speak up loudly.
• Sometimes when I speak up I forget who I am talking to.
• Sometimes when I forget who I’m talking to I may use words of rage.

Depending on who I am speaking with, common conversation could be words of condemnation. Information has to be worded carefully to convey the right message to be heard rather than repulsed.

Judah did not recognize his brother Joseph but knew he was a man of great stature. Joseph could have Judah thrown in jail or killed instantly so Judah spoke with humble words. He thought about his approach and didn’t blurt out what was on the top of his head.

• GOD wants me to consult HIM before I address people.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for the message before I respond.
• GOD wants me to humbly deliver messages rather than adding my poison.

Actually I should speak to everyone with tact. Building people up should be top of mind. My humble tongue helps the situation.

• Do you speak to people abrasively?
• Do you have harsh words for people?
• Do you feel people need to hear you or should you humbly request to be heard?
• Can you ask GOD for your words before you speak them?

How should I act when I am wrong?

Genesis 32: ⁴ He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. ⁵ I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

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With the aroma of a freshly cooked meal I returned to work. Thinking my plot had worked I went home for the day.  The next day my supervisor popped in for a surprise visit. He said hello and left.  He then popped in again about 30 minutes later. He said these words that are etched in my mind, “I am very disappointed in you. I thought you were different and I find you sneaking off work.” To this day I wish I could apologize to him.

• When I mess up, it eats at me.
• When I mess up, I feel like I’m on the outside.
• When I mess up, I really want to fix what I broke.

I guess I’m wired to be a fixer. When it seems like something is broken I try to fix it, especially broken relationships. But what happen if I really messed up? How should I act?

• GOD wants me to humble myself when I mess up.
• GOD wants me to lower my expectations of thinking “I” can fix the situation.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIM to work on everyone’s heart including mine to mend the relationship.

Jacob had stolen his brothers’ inheritance and their father’s heart. He was deceitful and crafty and when GOD told him to return to his brother he was full of fear. His expectations were very low about the relationship so he sent a bribe ahead of his meeting. GOD made him humble and HE wants me to be the same.

• Are you struggling to find a situation where you were wrong?
• Do you even realize when you are wrong?
• Are you going to hold on to your wrong and try to justify it?
• Won’t you humble yourself and apologize, maybe even send a gift?