Given a Peek into the Plan

 

Given a Peek into the Plan

Genesis 18: ¹⁶ Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. ¹⁷ And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, ¹⁸ since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? ¹⁹ For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” ²⁰ And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, ²¹ I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

 

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JESUS and the angels had another reason for showing up. While they told Abraham and Sarah, they would miraculously have a child, they also came to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

My Observations:

• GOD did not have to tell Abraham about the plan, but informed him, possibly as a warning to everyone.
• GOD gave Abraham directions on how to act by telling him to “keep the way of the LORD.”
• GOD made sure the future of Abraham’s children would continue if they did “righteousness and justice.”

 

GOD allowed people to freely sin, possibly showing grace that humans would question. HE does not mention the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in these words, but later Abraham knew that’s what was going to happen. GOD’s grace for sin seems strange to those who want to see HIM apply HIS judgement, but what’s missing in this blind view is maybe GOD is showing you, the reader, grace to give you time to turn to HIM.

 

The people in Sodom and Gomorrah had sinned enough. GOD’s ways are not our ways, so HE allowed the sin to reach a certain point, then HE said to Abraham, HE was going to put an end to it. This group of people were intelligent enough to create the human’s version of the Garden of Eden. Wells watered the plants so there was plenty.

 

But where there was plenty, there was sin. They had done everything without following GOD or listening to HIM. Eventually they had reached a level of depravity that was so great, GOD had to put an end to it. GOD intervened and included Abraham in on the plan.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waits to intervene when we sin?
• Are you busy questioning why GOD does things the way HE does without seeing if HE is giving you grace?
• Are you willing to surrender your thoughts, ways and actions to GOD, so JESUS can be LORD of your life today?

Strange Graceful Conversation

Strange Graceful Conversation

Genesis 3: ²⁰ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

²¹ Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

²² Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— ²³ therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. ²⁴ So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

 

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After creating a place that had everything and people who could enjoy it, Satan tempted humans to sin, possibly to avoid the sealed up sentence of his demise. He was sentenced anyway but so was the man and woman. The ground would no longer respond the same and the garden was off limits to humans. The trees that brought life and knowledge were off limits. This portal to heaven was closed off.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS held a conversation with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT saying “Behold, the man has become like one of US.”
• JESUS sacrificed an animal to make clothes for the man and woman.
• JESUS drove them out of the garden and placed a cherubim, or a guardian angel, in the way of the entrance.

 

It seems harsh at first glance that humans had to leave the garden. BUT GOD could have immediately intensified the punishment with immediate death. BUT HE didn’t. Instead, HE showed grace by hiding their nakedness and providing, only in a way that would be more difficult.

 

The land would need more attention outside the garden. Humans would be different too. Knowledge of good and evil would prove to be a problem because now there was a war inside of every human ever born. This war is called free will. Choice between GOD’s way versus being GOD became the battle. Fortunately JESUS saw this and knew what HE was going to do.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation?
• Can you see the grace that HE showed to HIS creation, even thought the stakes were extremely high?
• Can you look back on your life to see where GOD has shown you incredible undeserved grace?

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual Awakening

Genesis 3: ⁶ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was ^]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

 

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Belief in the lie Satan told and implied and inferred, caused the woman to innocently want more than she already had. She wanted to be “wise.” She did not know what she was missing, but, for some reason, felt she was missing something. The lie worked! Her husband was right there. He too was curious about what would happen. He had never seen death and probably wondered what it was.

 

My Observations:

• Both man and woman could physically see so the “eyes” here are spiritual eyes that provides awareness.
• Shame seemed to be the first thing they experienced when they became aware.
• Everything became different from both of their perspectives.

 

Feeling inadequate or different or ashamed came from something seemingly innocent, namely eating. Humans compare sins like murder, adultery, or lying and label them as “big” sins. But eating something from GOD’s tree took down all of humanity! One bite doomed all humans to death. Satan had won, or so he thought. He didn’t know that GOD had already made a plan for the fall.

 

GOD never changed in the situation. HE was still GOD, but now the relationship with HIS creation was spiritually different. They would now see HIM as someone to question or blame or doubt. No longer was anything HE made,  “good” enough. They would try to make their own solutions to problems that did not exist.  Fortunately GOD knew how to fix this.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into detail to Moses, regarding the woman’s desire to be “wise?”
• Have you ever wanted something that was possibly not good for you, yet you wanted it more and more?
• Will you give your desires to GOD and ask HIM to align them to HIS will today?

Unstuck on Titles

Unstuck on Titles

3 John 1: ⁹ I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. ¹⁰ When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church!

 

¹¹ My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God.

 

¹² Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true.

 

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“Do you believe in JESUS?” someone laughingly asked me. “I am the head of the deacons and the chairman of the Trustees” I replied. “Yes, but do you believe in JESUS?” was the follow up question that I could have simply said “Yes” to.

 

• I was seeking a title in church without knowing it.
• I wanted to be known for “my” accomplishments.
• I wanted a resume versus GOD’s kingdom to grow.

 

John addressed church pride. He provided two opposing examples, namely Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first was the example of arrogance while the latter was the example of truth. One liked church titles, power and to be “heard” while the other built a reputation of serving people with the truth.

 

My Observations:

• Having  a title in church is okay as long as I use the title to help organize who does what.
• Recognizing JESUS as the only one who is the head of the church, makes me less prone to desire what should be HIS.
• My motive for serving in church should be based on the truth that JESUS rose from the dead and wants everyone to believe in HIS saving power.

 

Sometimes titles can trip me up. I mean, whether it is corporate or public or church, titles can make me think I am more special than others. If the title gets to my head, then my actions and words begin to leave GOD out and the focus becomes more on “my” title or the brand of the church. BUT GOD wants to be known.

 

HE wants my words to point to HIM constantly. The whole purpose of gathering together in the first place is to recognize JESUS as the Savior while addressing barriers to this belief. We sing, pray and acknowledge JESUS while not turning into the world. I gladly give up titles to be known for speaking GOD’s truth.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer warn not to imitate?
• Have you ever wanted a title or wanted to be recognized as a public figure?
• Will you point your life to CHRIST whether you have a title or not so HE can draw many people to HIMSELF through you today?

Have Been Versus Is

Have Been Versus Is

1 Corinthians 5: ⁹ In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. ¹⁰ Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. ¹¹ What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.

 

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Over the course of my life I looked exactly like everyone else. I tried to fit into the world, so I picked up its behaviors. I read this list which included immorality, greed, idol worship, slander, getting drunk and being a thief. Yes, I have been all of the above.

 

• There have been many times when I have looked just like the world.
• There have been many times when I just wanted to fit in so I acted like “everyone” else.
• There have been many times when my own lusts made me choose to act like the world.

 

Paul gives a very strong warning about “someone who calls himself a believer but…” The “But” in his statement is very strong. He implies the person does not really believe JESUS is the only answer but mouths the words of GOD by mentioning HIM on occasion to manipulate people in immoral, greedy, idol worshipping, slanderous, drunken and thieving ways.

 

• GOD wants me to be able to confess when I sin.
• GOD wants me to be ready to admit a fallen state in hopes that I can be restored.
• GOD wants me to use the fruit of the Spirit, especially “self-control” to keep from falling back into the ways GOD dislikes.

 

Restoration can happen to anyone. I mean if I fall to being immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderous, drunk or a thief, I should be removed from leading in any gathering of believers as a leader. Fortunately, GOD wants to use sinners to spread HIS message.

 

If I confess this behavior and truly repent or stay away from old behaviors, then I can be restored and useful to lead people to CHRIST. Yes, GOD takes sin seriously and so should I. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads on my behalf, who restores me and who leads me daily.

 

• Are you trying to stay away from people you have judged?
• Do you think you heart is perfect and other people have imperfect hearts?
• Will you stop applying this list to other people and examine yourself to see if there is something blocking you from speaking boldly and truthfully about JESUS today?

Knowing and Doing

 

Knowing and Doing

Romans 14: ¹⁴ We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵ I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. ¹⁶ Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. ¹⁷ So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. ¹⁸ I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. ¹⁹ I don't do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. ²⁰ If I do what I don't want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.

 

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“How old are you?’” was the very pointed question to me. Reading between the lines, I sensed the person was trying to point out my lack of experience. “Tell the truth” was the voice inside me. I added four years to my age, placing me in the group that was “experienced” but not “over-experienced.” This lie got me nowhere.

 

• Many times I know what is right but I do not do it.
• Many times I know the right way, but something pops up inside me and I go the wrong way.
• Many times I know how I could be successful, but I follow my instincts and fail.

 

Paul is expressing some serious pain in this passage. He explains that he knows the Law is holy and spiritual. He then explains that he has a desire to follow the Law but winds up breaking it because of the sin inside of him. He’s not the only one.

 

• GOD knows I have sin living inside me.
• GOD made my soul so HE is the only one who knows how to cure it.
• GOD knows how to handle the sins I so easily fall into.

 

All humans sin. As I stated many times before, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying ‘You have mud on you.’” I mean, we are all sinners trying to compare our sins to each other so we can tell other people they are sinners.

 

BUT GOD sees something different. HE sees my sins and loves me so much that HE wanted to save me from my destruction. HE knows I want and desire sin, even though I know the Law. To help me with the war inside me, GOD placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to win the battles and the war. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to guide me back to HIS ways.

 

• Are you conflicted?
• Do you know the right thing to do but are afraid to do the right thing?
• Will you ask GOD for bravery to live for HIM so HE can help you win the war inside you today?

Urges

Urges

Acts:5 ¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

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“Don’t go in that room while we are gone” was the statement given to me. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that I had a restriction, I only wanted to go in “that” room. I thought of excuses for being in the room, but the door was closed most of the time.

One day, the door was left open. I put one foot in the room to test it out. Nothing happened. I went in boldly and became comfortable, too comfortable. They caught me in the room and I could not remember the “excuses” I made up.

• Sometimes I get urges that were prompted by someone telling me what I should not do.
• Sometimes I get urges to do something I am not supposed to do.
• Sometimes I get urges from something I was exposed to.

Fed up, the high priest and other church leaders had the apostles arrested. BUT GOD sent angels to release them, telling them to speak the “words of this life.” Early in the morning, they could not do anything else but teach.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so my urges point to serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so I desire to do what HE says.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling so I want what HE wants.

Urges can be great when pointed to GOD. I mean if I got the urge to speak to someone in an encouraging way, expressing GOD’s love, then HE would be extremely pleased. Unfortunately some of my urges come from places of temptation. Any follow through on those urges are against GOD.

Obedience to GOD makes me place my urges under HIM so I can exercise self-control and bear the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful GOD leads me not into temptation but delivers me from evil.

• What urges are you following?
• Are you asking GOD “Should I be doing this” or acting on your own urges?
• Will you stop fighting GOD by not exercising self-control and present HIS gift of love through kindness and peace today?

Wanting

Wanting

John 20: ¹¹ But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ¹³ Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

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Turning over in the warm bed, I woke up with a strange thought. “Why am I so rested?” I glanced at the clock and realized I had overslept. “ now had ten minutes to get dressed and run to the bus. I grabbed my stuff and ran, hoping along the way. With only a few houses to pass, I could see the bus pull off. I would be late. It was raining.

• Sometimes I really want something.
• Sometimes I really desire to get what I want.
• Sometimes I really get upset when I do not get what I want, especially if it is not something “bad” for me.

Mary stood at the tomb weeping. She came to the tomb wanting to see a dead body. Maybe if she saw the dead body enough, she could let go. But there was a problem. JESUS was gone. Two angels asked Mary “Why are you weeping?” as if to say “What do you want?” Mary wanted a dead body.

• GOD wants me to want HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS mighty power.
• GOD wants me to place “my” wants in HIS hands so I can remain calm and get excited over HIS timing and the way HE does things.

Not knowing the big picture, sometimes “my wants” may be misguided. Let’s get back to the bus story. I decided to walk to catch my next connection, one mile away. When I arrived, someone who was driving to the school recognized me and gave me a ride. I arrived early.

Not every problem is a problem. Yes I do not like going through problems, but I have come to understand that something good comes on the other side. Mary would soon find out that she should not want a dead body, rather a risen Savior. I do not know what today brings but I want what GOD wants.

• What do you want?
• Do you desire for everything in your life to be smooth and without problems?
• Will you give your “wants” over to GOD and allow HIM to show you HIS plan HE has for you today?

Part of a Plan

Part of a Plan

John 19: ¹⁹ Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

²⁰ Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

²¹ Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

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“Come along side me” one leader persuaded me. I worked hard and, sure enough, the person became successful. I was excited to be part of this person’s success.

• There have been times when I was part of a larger plan.
• There have been times when I helped someone become successful.
• There have been times when I enabled someone to reach their potential with a small contribution of my talents.

The church leaders put Pilate in a bad political light. He may have decided to impose retribution on them by placing a sign over JESUS stating HE was from a less significant town and HE is “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” This sign was embarrassing to the church leaders and they wanted it changed. Little did they know, Pilate’s retribution was speaking the truth.

• GOD has used my sin for good.
• GOD would prefer that I follow HIS ways and actively be part of HIS plan.
• GOD wants me to be successful and has a marvelous plan for me.

Being part of GOD’s plan always happens. GOD knew HIS creation would turn evil and murder JESUS. HE also sees my sin and knows the damage I do will still work out for good. But what about those who murdered JESUS? They will face eternal consequence. What about my sin?

JESUS says “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness.” When I give my life to GOD, I am no longer on the “evil” side of the plan. GOD rescues me and places me on the winning side. I crave to be part of GOD’s plan of love.

• Which side are you on?
• Are you doing things for yourself, never once thinking about GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to use you to bring many people to HIM without fear today?

Hunger

Hunger

John 6: ⁴⁷ Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. ⁵⁰ This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

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“Of course” was my answer to the question, “Do you want to work hard to get ahead in life?” I was hungry to live “the good life” and no one could stop me. “Of course” was my answer as I contemplated sex for the first time without being married. I mean, I really wanted to, and everyone around me had already done it. “Isn’t that concept old fashioned anyway?” I rationalized.

• There have been many things I have been hungry for.
• There have been many desires I have wanted to fulfill.
• There have been many times I pushed and pushed until I got what I wanted.

JESUS explains that HE is the bread of life. HE came down from heaven to save the world from eternal separation from HIS grace. HE points out that even though the Jew’s ancestors had all of their earthly needs met, they died anyway. Did they get what they wanted? Yes. But there was so much more.

• GOD wants me to understand that my entire existence is for HIM.
• GOD wants me to have my eyes opened to the fact that HE is the only reason for everything that I do.
• GOD wants me to be hungry for HIM every day.

Desires can get in the way of a great relationship with GOD. Each time I put my desires into action without asking GOD to guide them, I fail miserably. GOD has a spiritual plan for me that is manifested physically, emotionally, psychologically and philosophically.

HE knew I would never choose HIM so HE put a plan into action that could not fail. HE gave HIS own life for me. HE made my life simple. Believe in HIM and live. I am glad HE accepts me with my flaws.

• What are your desires?
• Do you crave something that you should be giving to GOD and allowing HIM to say “No” or “wait” or “yes” to?
• Will you stop thinking GOD is made for you and allow HIM to grow you into the fact that you are made for HIM?

Joy

John 3: ²⁷ To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. ²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” ²⁹ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. ³⁰ He must become greater; I must become less.’

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Grousing all about, I could tell I was not very approachable. I was having a bad day and people could tell from my face that I did not want to be bothered. I felt comfortable being miserable that day. I can’t even remember the circumstances that put me in the bad mood, but I’m sure I was justified, right?

• Sometimes I just want to be in a bad mood.
• Sometimes I just want to be mad.
• Sometimes I just want to feel low because I “deserve” some things I am not getting.

John explains to his disciples, it is alright that JESUS is making HIMSELF known as the Messiah. He then tells them a quick parable of the joy a friend receives while attending the wedding of the bridegroom. John felt that joy.

• GOD wants me to have joy in my life.
• GOD wants me to ignore the things that can take my eyes off of HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS power in the middle of my storm.

Joy is something that cannot be explained. It supersedes happiness, problems and any negative thoughts or words. True joy only comes from heaven. GOD opens my eyes daily and shows me HE is still with me no matter what is going on. I must make JESUS great and myself small, which in turn, makes my problems small. I am grateful for the joy HE has given me.

• What mask are you wearing?
• Are you hurt and letting people know about your pain?
• Do you know GOD feels your pain and wants you to give it to HIM?
• Will you release what is going on in your life and fill the void with the joy of GOD 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?

Looking Back

Luke 9: ⁵⁷ Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”

⁵⁸ And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

⁵⁹ Then He said to another, “Follow Me.”

But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

⁶⁰ Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

⁶¹ And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.”

⁶² But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

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Stressful was the only word to describe this particular job. Long days and even longer nights, I toiled to make sure everything was maintained in this politically charged climate. When I left the company after years of fighting, I sat at home, worried about my income. “I miss the perks” I thought. “I remember being sent to an island retreat.” I wonder if they would take me back.

• There have been times when I wanted parts of my sinful lifestyle.
• There have been times when I did not want to accept today so I looked back at yesterday.
• There have been times when I was overwhelmed by current situations so I desired comfortable circumstance.

JESUS gives some very surprising words to those who really wanted to follow HIM. HE basically says “I AM homeless” and “Dead people hold onto dead people and get stuck where they are” and “By looking back, you can never look forward.”

• GOD says to me “Do not worry about your possessions for they will come and go.”
• GOD says to me “Life and death are MINE to own and MY relationship with you is extremely important.”
• GOD says to me “Do not look back on your sinful lifestyle as something to be gained but focus on growing MY kingdom.”

When I experience extreme loss, it feels like I have nowhere to turn. I wanted my “old” life back. BUT GOD wanted something much different. HE wanted me free to serve people and to see that HIS way is far better than mine. HIS word can be spread without money, or family guidance.

HE asks me to trust HIM more and more each day and to let go of the old and focus on the new life HE has for me. HE guides me daily through HIS amazing word.

• Do you feel lost?
• Have you experienced a great loss of possessions and loved ones?
• Will you allow GOD to comfort you by letting go of past possessions, relationships and lifestyles so HE can transform you into a much stronger you?

Desire to Win

Luke 3: ¹² Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”

¹³ And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

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“How did you beat him?” I asked. “It’s my secret” was the reply. I watched him play the game again and noticed he was taking money out of the bank as his opponent wasn’t looking. He was cheating! This seemed like a great idea. “Maybe now I can win” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I would do whatever it would take to win.
• There were times when I would stretch the truth in order to win.
• There were times when I would cut corners, stack the deck and lean things in my favor in order to win.

John said to the tax collectors “Collect no more than what is appointed for you” knowing most of them would skim a lot off the top for themselves. The industry was corrupt and it was widely accepted amongst people so their practices, while sneaky, were accepted. BUT GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD says to me “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is HIS delight.”
• GOD says to me “The LORD wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair.”
• GOD says to me “Use honest scales, honest weights, and honest measures. I am the LORD your GOD, and I brought you out of Egypt.”

Honesty should be placed higher than winning every time. The desire to please GOD is in fact “winning” every time I play. Whether it is a game or a business deal, GOD wants me to ask HIM “How do you want me to handle this transaction?” HE can decide the outcome and when HE does, I win every time because I accept GOD’s will.

• Are you hung up on winning?
• Do you lie to yourself in order to justify your actions?
• Can you stop trying to win and start listening to GOD who always has a great plan for you?  

I Want To

Matthew 23: ³³ “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? ³⁴ Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. ³⁵ And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

³⁷ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁸ Look, your house is left to you desolate. ³⁹ For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

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Zealous in my position, I sought out those I could fire. I mean if you weren’t pulling your weight I would have a much needed discussion with you. This was a very long way from where I started. At one time I could not stand to see someone fired.

• Positions were important to me at one time.
• Titles were important to me at one time.
• Authority was what I sought after even at the expense of someone’s demise.

JESUS made it very, very clear of HIS plan to condemn HIS enemies to hell. Those who would do anything for power and authority would have the blood of the innocent heaped upon them. From slanderous words to the act of killing, GOD hates those who hate others. HE sees my actions and knows my ambitions.

• JESUS longs for me to desire HIM.
• JESUS often looks for me to seek HIM.
• JESUS wants me to be willing to receive the rescue HE sends me.

Spiritual blindness can be cured by giving a simple answer to this question, “Do you want to be healed?” The answer from me is “I want to.” JESUS gets delighted by that answer and blesses me abundantly!

• Are you ambitious at some else’s detriment?
• Do you believe you are doing the right thing by tearing someone else down?
• Do you want to be healed of your spiritual blindness?
• Will you say to GOD “Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD” today?

Power of Unity

Matthew 18: ¹⁸ “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

¹⁹ “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

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Purity of prayer is what I believe GOD is looking for. I mean I believe HE wants to get to the heart of the matter, but sometimes my heart my not be focused on GOD, rather my own selfish ways.

• Many times I want “my” way.
• Many times I desire what “I” want.
• Many times I hope to get what is good for ”me.”

“I”, “me”, “my” prayers do not work when there are more than one person involved. If two people oppose each other and are fighting, quite honestly I do not know how GOD sorts out the selfish prayers of the bitter hearts. I honestly believe HE ignores the prayers due to selfishness. How can HE hear the prayers?

• GOD wants me to unite with others and pray together.
• GOD wants me to put aside my selfish ways for a moment in order to have a successful prayer.
• GOD wants me to come together “In HIS name” so HE can come along side of “us.”

Gathering in CHRIST’s name means “my” and “our” motive is only for GOD’s will to be done. We are gathering to ask GOD about something HE wants to grant us. Of course HE wants to give it to us! HE gets so excited that I am uniting with others for HIS purpose that HE gladly bestows it on “us” in abundance.

• When is the last time you gathered with a group to pray for something GOD wants versus individual’s needs?
• Can you drop your selfishness long enough to unite on a common purpose for GOD?
• Will you ask for something amazing to happen like maybe your entire neighborhood accepting and following CHRIST?

Putting Words in Mouths

Matthew 16: ²¹ From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

²³ Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

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“You won’t die” were my words to the person I donated blood platelets to. I mean this was my desire and I truly meant it with the best intentions. BUT GOD had other intentions.

• Sometimes when I speak about GOD, humanity is mixed in.
• Sometimes when I talk about HIS power, my sinfulness is mixed in.
• Sometimes when I utter words about GOD, I place my desires over HIS supremacy.

“GOD won’t do this” or “GOD won’t do that” may be my hopes, but may not be quite true. Peter did not know GOD’s wonderful purpose of saving mankind. He saw JESUS as the next great leader who had some better parlor tricks than anyone else. His statement “YOU are the CHRIST” was doused by saying “YOU won’t die”.

Peter did not know GOD’s intention to save the world through HIS death and resurrection so he put words in HIS mouth.  

• GOD wants me to ask what to say before I speak.
• GOD wants me to tell the truth in love speaking only from what GOD has to say.
• GOD wants me to not be afraid to give the hard news of the reality of HIS plan.

Worry ensues when I go against GOD’s plan. When HE wants to “ruin” me and I don’t want to be ruined, I worry and perhaps put words in HIS mouth. HE has taken me down many times only to build me up better than before. Following GOD’s plan means I allow HIM to be supreme. I do not have to place human words in HIS mouth.

• Are you secretly trying to steer GOD?
• Do you find yourself trying to get your way by saying you are exercising faith but you are really exercising worry?
• Can you stop trying to manipulate the situation and allow GOD to transform you into something greater?