Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

 

Arrogant Mindset with a Tiny Army

Exodus 14: ⁵ Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” ⁶ So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. ⁷ Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. ⁸ And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. ⁹ So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

 

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Seeing the empty fields and empty houses, Pharaoh realized that he lost his entire workforce and no one was available to do the work. He immediately forgot the horrors Egypt had just experienced. He believed he was a god who could fix this problem by bringing the children of Israel back as slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh’s arrogance blinded him into thinking he could force Israel back into slavery with his tiny army.
• Pharaoh possibly stole the best animals from the Israelites before they left, giving the Egyptians only a tiny army.
• Since Pharaoh did not believe that GOD was greater than him, he went to get the children of Israel with boldness.

 

Arrogant, power hungry people boldly lead people into destruction. This godlike figure was revered, talked about and honored by his nation’s followers. No matter how bad it got, his followers would obey his commands and never turn to the one and only true GOD.

 

Millions of people were up against hundreds of soldiers. They had herds of cattle, gold, silver and plenty of strong men who could fight the Egyptians. But Pharaoh had instilled the one thing that he felt could make people bow down to him, namely fear.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s change of mind?
• Have you self-examined the roots of your fears?
• Do you have limiting beliefs that GOD is not working in your favor?

You Gotta Be Kidding

You Gotta Be Kidding

Genesis 19: ¹² Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place! ¹³ For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

 

¹⁴ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.

 

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Majority ruled in Sodom. Everyone else was doing whatever they pleased and Lot seemed like a judgy nag. The angels asked Lot if he had any other relatives in Sodom, because they were going to destroy the city with the people in it because their sin had reached a point of no return. Lot went to his future sons-in-law, begging them to leave. They scoffed at him in disbelief.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s future sons-in-law were probably raised in the Sodomite ways.
• Angels are not all knowing, so they asked Lot about his relatives.
• GOD sent the angels to do a special intervention for the first time.

 

Destroying a beautifully made city seemed preposterous to Lot’s future sons-in-law. Why would GOD destroy anything? Sounds like the questions of today when GOD says HE will destroy the earth. The imminence of destruction was seemed like a joke.

 

The angels knew what they were told to do and when. Destruction of the city would happen whether Lot stayed or left. This is the second time Lot had to be rescued. The choice of the city that looked so great was a disaster. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why do the angels explain why they were there to Lot?
• Have you checked to see how much grace GOD is extending to you?
• Is GOD about to do something in your life that requires you to realize how great HIS grace and power really is?

Different Than a Tantrum

 

Different Than a Tantrum

Hebrews 6: ⁴ For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; ⁵ they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. ⁶ And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame.

 

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“I’m not going to serve YOU anymore” was my threat to GOD. I was tired of the hypocrites and saw no difference from those who were supposed to be “good” and those who were supposed to be “sinners.” And it didn’t seem like I was any better off trying this “GOD” stuff. I was still broke, alone and failing.

 

• I threw a tantrum and left GOD.
• I wanted to try “pleasure” as a way to cope with the burdens of life.
• I gave up following GOD to try something different and ended up worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asks a very deep rhetorical question. “For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again?” He was not speaking about falling into temptation, rather walking away from believing in JESUS as the Savior for some other belief. It means there was a clear understanding of the faith in JESUS and a choice to not believe.

 

My Observations

• My salvation began before the beginning of the world.
• Once I accept CHRIST as my Savior, I am eternally saved.
• Even when I throw a tantrum and try to stop serving GOD, HE is still with me.

 

Abandoning the faith is different than throwing a tantrum. I mean, when I am not getting “my” way, I may try to force GOD’s hand to make thing happen the way I think they should. This is not a good practice, but HE gently guides me back to HIM. But what about those who pretend to be saved?

 

Whether it is for fitting in or it felt like the right thing to do at the time, but now this other thing feels like the right thing to do, these people publicly abandoned faith in JESUS. In pondering this, it could mean that the initial “belief” was not belief, rather a possible deception. GOD knows who is HIS and HE will never leave those who believe in HIM. I am glad GOD forgives my tantrums and brings me back to the faith.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “Abandon the faith?”
• Have you ever wanted to stop following GOD because you were not getting your way?
• Will you check your relationship with GOD by understanding the foundation of JESUS as your Savior, so you can focus on HIS growth HE has for you today?

Small reference, huge message

Small reference, huge message

Acts 2: ²⁵ For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

²⁷ For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

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In the department gathering, normal activities were discussed. This was a very large department so there was a lot to be said. In that meeting there was a tiny mention about my promotion. Reality sank in as I had already accepted the responsibilities but now others knew.

• One small mention about me meant a lot.
• One tiny mention about me was incredible.
• One miniscule mention about me showed others where confidence was placed.

David wrote some great things about his relationship with GOD. He speaks about the confidence he has because of the LORD. Excitement exudes from his words as he writes about joy and hope. He makes a tiny, but huge mention about JESUS, the HOLY ONE not being allowed to see corruption.

• GOD loves me and give me confidence.
• GOD loves me and fills my heart with joy.
• GOD loves me and has opened my eyes to the salvation of JESUS.

Only GOD can open the eyes mankind. JESUS has done all HE could to show HE loves us, even to the point of death. But death could not hold HIM. HE is alive and is building a place for those who believe in the need for HIS salvation. I am grateful HE never leaves me.

• What are you seeking?
• Are you looking for an existence with no consequence at the end of life?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and see HIS desire for you to turn back to HIM so HE can be with you eternally?

Description

Description

Acts 2: ²² “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— ²³ Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; ²⁴ whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

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“Can you describe the person?” inquired the police. I could not because the incident happened so fast. “I believe they were wearing a green coat” were my useless words. Startled after the near mugging, I only wanted to get home.

• Most times I am not thinking of describing someone.
• Most times I look at people and never retain the information.
• Most times I cannot remember the qualities of a person unless they did something that stood out.

Peter describes JESUS in a different way. He tells the people about JESUS from a GOD perspective. He did not talk about weight, or height or amounts of money.

• GOD wants me to see HIS qualities of love.
• GOD wants me to know HE is made up with grace, mercy and power.
• GOD wants me to understand that JESUS is alive and death could not hold HIM.

It’s amazing how distorted the message of JESUS can become. HIS amazing act of love can be tainted by political power mongers and greedy church leaders who’s hearts are mostly on expenses.

I love the humility of JESUS. I mean giving up everything just for me is absolutely amazing. No other thing people bow don to can say the same. I am grateful for HIS love.

• Are you confused about love?
• Do you think being part of a crowd means you are loved?
• Will you seek the ONE who showed ultimate love for you by believing in JESUS today?

Limited Sight

Limited Sight

John 6: ⁴¹ The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” ⁴² And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

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Amazed at my neighbor’s words I asked more questions. “This park has more than two water fountains” they said. “Go on” I said. But when they got to the part where they described the high number of slides and swings, I just couldn’t believe it. I had never seen such a place that had that many slides and swings. I became skeptical of the whole story. I mean the park near me only had two swing areas!

• There have been times when I did not believe because I could not conceive it.
• There have been times when I have been skeptical because I could not envision what was being told to me.
• There have been times when I denied what was said to me based on my knowledge.

When JESUS said “I AM the bread of life”, the Jews booed HIM off the stage. They immediately became skeptical of HIM because they could not conceive of GOD becoming a human through a virgin. “Joseph and Mary are HIS parents” so HE must be lying, they thought. BUT GOD knew some people would have limited belief.

• GOD wants me to believe in all of HIS word HE gave me.
• GOD wants me to believe in difficult concepts that are above human thinking.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS SON who is GOD, and became human, died because of my sins and is now alive building a place for me to reside with HIM forever.

“What parts of the Bible do I really believe?” I asked myself. Do I really believe that JESUS is GOD? Do I really believe that GOD created everything? Do I believe in demons, heaven, hell, miraculous healing, oceans that can part, life after death, eternal judgment, birth into sin, food that pops out of nowhere or someone who can raise the dead?

At one point I said “no” or “I only believe in parts of the Bible.” BUT GOD laughs at my belief, or lack thereof. GOD opened my eyes to just a glimpse of HIS amazing power. Every miracle that was ever recorded about JESUS did happen and can happen today. I am glad GOD helps me drop the limits I place on HIM.

• What limits are you placing on GOD because you have not “seen” HIM the way you want to?
• Are you skeptical of HIS love, protection, provision or power?
• Will you ask GOD to increase your faith so you can see HIM more and more each day?

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?

Be Prepared

Luke 17: ²² Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. ²³ And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. ²⁴ For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. ²⁵ But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. ²⁶ And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: ²⁷ They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. ²⁸ Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; ²⁹ but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. ³⁰ Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

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Running to the gate in hopes of catching the plane ended up in true disappointment. I could literally see the plane being pushed away from the gate. A sinking feeling came over me. The fact that I missed my flight was not so permanent, but I was supposed to meet one of the higher ups who was trying to land a huge account. I had stayed up late preparing and overslept.

• I have missed buses because I was late.
• I have missed trains because I was late.
• I have missed planes because I was late.

JESUS warns the disciples about human history, except HIS examples were extreme. During the times of Noah, the people had turned from GOD. The people of Sodom did the same. In both accounts, JESUS mentions their destruction. The people stopped being prepared and fell asleep.

• GOD wants me to remain awake towards HIS love each and ever day.
• GOD wants me to look for JESUS’ return every day.
• GOD wants me to be prepared for HIS return by looking for HIS lost people each and every day.

Falling asleep on GOD is easy to do. I mean when things are going well, I have a tendency to pray less and sometimes forget HE is even there. Even when I go through difficult times, I forget that GOD loves me with extreme love. GOD wants me to be prepared for bad times and good. HE wants me to understand that HIS everlasting love never fails.

• Have you fallen asleep on GOD?
• Do you want to force HIM to reveal HIMSELF to you the way “you” want?
• Will you wake up and get prepared by seeking people who need to hear the message of GOD today?

Needing Proof

Luke 16: ²⁴ “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

²⁷ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ²⁸ for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ ³⁰ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ³¹ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

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Feeling a bit unassured, I asked around to see if one of the higher ups was telling the truth about promoting me. When word got back to the person about my inquiries, they said, “I’m sorry, you may not be a fit for this opportunity.”

• There were times when I did not trust what was told to me.
• There were times when I did not completely believe in what was handed to me.
• There were times when I was taught something, yet doubted what I was taught.

JESUS completes HIS recollection of the situation by telling the nameless rich man’s desire. The rich man begged for more comfort in eternity, remembering how comfortable he was on earth. Abraham, who showed his faith on earth, said “No, it’s too late.” Bargaining, the rich man begged specifically to send someone who would rise from the dead. “People won’t believe”, Abraham said.

• GOD wants me to believe in what the prophets wrote.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS plan of salvation for HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to believe in things that are far out of my reach, yet easy for HIM.

Creation, life after death, Heaven and hell, demons and angels, and miracles are things GOD tells me to believe in, yet there were many times when I doubted. I went for the next best thing which was proof. I needed proof that everything happened as it was told. So I dug into research and could only come to one conclusion, GOD IS. I now fully believe and beg HIS forgiveness for needing proof.

• Do you doubt GOD’s love for you?
• Are you blaming HIM for your life or are you grabbing onto HIS love for you?
• Can you accept JESUS as your savior today without requiring more proof?
• If you need love, will you seek what HE says about HIS love for you today?

Shame Line

Mark 15: ²⁷ With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. ²⁸ So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.”

²⁹ And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, ³⁰ save Yourself, and come down from the cross!”

³¹ Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. ³² Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.”

Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him.

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“You must attend the meeting” said my employment lawyer as she coached me through maximizing the exit package. During the meeting I could hear overt conversations. “Why is he presenting? He won’t be here anyway.” Another said “Maybe he is trying to do a last ditch effort to save his job.”

• There have been times when I have been shamed.
• There have been times when people who once were “with” me, said plenty of words against me.
• There have been times when I could hear the insults and could not even respond.

Powerful people tried to add insult to injury as they looked at JESUS in disgust. GOD was lumped in with the bad guys even though HE committed no sin. Known felons were not insulted, but JESUS was. Even one of the criminals, who was dying right next to JESUS,  hurled insults at HIM.

• JESUS says to me “They will hate you because of ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Insults never feel good and I have dished out many. Looking back I have joined in on the shame line to hurl insults at people, maybe not at their face, but in smaller gossipy places. GOD has forgiven so much from me. HE took the shame without cursing as HE said “FATHER forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” I am grateful for HIS shame.

• Are you full of shame right now?
• Have you joined in to shame someone even if it was done in gossip?
• Will you give your shame to GOD, whether you received it or dished it out, today?

Dishing It Out

Mark 18: ¹⁶ Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. ¹⁷ And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, ¹⁸ and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ¹⁹ Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. ²⁰ And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.

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“She is a drunk” laughed the students in my class. I joined in on the laughter as I did not like this teacher anyway. She seemed to be very mean and I enjoyed everyone bringing her down a notch.

• There have been times when I joined in with those who mocked people.
• There have been times when I felt great being part of the crowd who was ridiculing a person.
• There have been times when I delighted in talking about a person in a negative way.

JESUS was going to be executed, yet the soldiers took time to stage a fake military leadership gathering in order to mock HIM. The planning took time so that all the soldiers could be there, more than likely standing in their ranks. Hundreds gathered. It must have taken hours as they stood waiting to get their turn to get their jab in. Some thought “Maybe I’ll hit HIM with a stick.”

• GOD wants me to understand I have the same hatred as any other person.
• GOD wants me to know that only HE can remove my hatred and replace it with HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to remember what HE went through in order to rescue me.

JESUS had a beating that was fueled by misguided hatred. That hatred started out as a small ember of dislike, then grew into a raging fire of hatred. GOD wants me to realize that I may not like everyone, but I need to love everyone, just as HE does.

• Is there someone in your life who just rubs you the wrong way?
• Are you letting that person transform you into a cold bitter person?
• Can you examine your heart and ask GOD to transform it into HIS heart of compassion?

Prove It

Mark 14: ⁶⁰ And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶¹ But He kept silent and answered nothing.

Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

⁶² Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

⁶³ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? ⁶⁴ You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

⁶⁵ Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

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“Please supply your driver’s license, passport, five years of bank statements, seven years of taxes, birth certificate and social security card please” was the overwhelming request made to me as I was going to assume a house note. “Why do you need all of this?” I asked. “To prove who you are” they said.

• There have been times when I had to prove my identity.
• There were times when I had to carry the right paperwork around with me to prove who I was.
• There have been times when I was worried about people believing in my identity.

“Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” was asked by the church leaders in an assumed authoritative way. They questioned JESUS as if to say “Prove it to us and we will let you go.” Their arrogance was noted by JESUS and HE answered “I AM” stating HE is GOD. They were furious!

• JESUS wants me to know HE IS the great I AM.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS GOD.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS alive, just as HE said HE would be.

“You will see the SON of MAN sitting at the right hand of the POWER, and coming with the clouds of heaven” were the words that incited pure anger. The church leaders decided to prove their power over JESUS by beating HIM, but they had no power at all. JESUS allowed every blow because HE wanted to forgive me for my sins.

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Are you busy trying to make HIM prove HIMSELF in your life?
• Can you stop forcing GOD to show you signs and allow HIM to open your eyes in order to do a marvelous work in you?  

First Reaction Training

Mark 5: ²¹ Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. ²² And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet ²³ and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

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³⁵ While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” ³⁷ And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. ³⁸ Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. ³⁹ When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

⁴⁰ And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ⁴¹ Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. ⁴³ But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

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As a friend told his story to me, I immediately applied skepticism to his words. I mean how can he say “GOD” spoke to him? What made HIM special? I didn’t believe his story and chalked it up to him wanting to be special.

• Sometimes I do not believe.
• Sometimes I do not think other people can have incredible supernatural stories.
• Sometimes I do not trust in other folks words, instead I am skeptical.

“Prove it to me” was my thought. Years later I had an amazing experience that GOD had taken me through. As I tried to explain to people, the situation I was met with skepticism. “Wait, it really did happen” I explained. I remembered my skepticism of my friend and I believed his story.

• GOD wants me to believe.
• GOD wants me to believe early.
• GOD wants me to believe early enough not only to be rescued, but others to be rescued as well.

JESUS was summoned by one of the church leaders who truly believed in HIM. “Please heal my daughter” was the request, having nowhere to turn. JESUS raised his daughter from the dead though people ridiculed HIS diagnosis. HE healed her so they would “only believe.” HE wants my “first” reaction to be that of belief.

• Are you Skeptical?
• Do you doubt GOD’s Power?
• Will you put your trust in GOD today and Believe?

Fate of the Seed

Matthew 13: ³⁶ Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

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GOD put me here for a purpose, namely to speak about HIS SON. Everything else is a distraction. Yet I find myself focused on the things and worries of the world. People tend to pop up with new shiny messages that keep me from focusing on the glory of GOD.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face each and every day.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM, not in humans around me.

One day GOD will harvest those who believe in HIM. I’m not just talking about HIS existence. I’m speaking about HIS love. The way HE died and was raised from the dead. I’m talking about the HOLY SPIRIT who was sent on my behalf, who now lives in me. That belief!

GOD does not want me to be part of the weeds, so HE grows me to bear fruit.

• Are you being distracted with the things of the world?
• Do you desire to be grown?
• Can you allow yourself to be led of GOD’s SPIRIT today?

Passed the Sign

Matthew 12: ³⁸ Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

³⁹ He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰ For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ⁴¹ The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. ⁴² The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

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Wow, this sure feels wrong said my internal compass. I looked down and checked the GPS and saw the words “Rerouting” over and over. I had accidentally turned the volume down and could not hear my phone begging and pleading for me to turn around. Meanwhile, I had passed a massive sign that would have easily shown me the way, even without a GPS.

• There have been times I have ignored the signs.
• There have been times I have turned down the volume and listened to my own direction.
• There have been times I wanted to see a sign when the sign was already given to me.

When I say to GOD “Just give me a sign” I may have already passed up the sign HE gave me. I am then forced to turn around and travel a very uncomfortable road, relearning lessons I should have paid attention to in the first place.

• GOD has given me HIS ultimate sign, namely JESUS.
• GOD has already done enough to show me HIS love, all I have to do now is praise HIM.
• GOD is greater than any prophet or king and HE came to earth in the form of a human to be murdered just for me.

When I want GOD to give me my way, I scream out “just give me a sign” or I hunt for signs that give me evidence of HIS love. HE has already given me plenty I need only to ask HIM to “Open my blind eyes to YOUR blessings” daily.

• Are you blinded with your desires that you have already passed GOD’s sign for you?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to do HIS will and to stop seeking the comforts of this day?
• Will you turn to CHRIST so HE will be your sign?

Belief in the Return

Isaiah 11: ⁶ The wolf will live with the lamb,
    the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
    and a little child will lead them.
⁷ The cow will feed with the bear,
    their young will lie down together,
    and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
⁸ The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
    and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
⁹ They will neither harm nor destroy
    on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.

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Prediction after prediction came and went. One guy had people sell everything because the end of the world was supposed to happen in the 70’s and again in the 80’s and again in 2012. I love reading about the future, but I never get excited about a person’s prediction of the world’s demise.

• I believe that JESUS is GOD who became human to be blamed and murdered for my sins.
• I believe that JESUS spent time on earth after HIS resurrection but has left to build a new place for those who believe in the grace of HIS actions.
• I believe that JESUS will return soon and the scripture listed above will be very real.

Because I believe, I look out for HIM every day. I expect HIM to tear open the sky with power and glory. Until then, my job is to be ready. I must serve people here on earth while doing my job as if GOD were my boss.

• GOD wants me to live for HIM daily and remain prepared for HIS return.
• GOD wants me to never give up on waiting on HIM, but be cautious about false predictions about humans.
• GOD wants me to be useful here on earth so I do not have to give up in order to wait on HIM.

Waiting on GOD means staying focused on those around me. Providing food and shelter and spiritual growth is a daily task. I do not have to stop, sit in a corner and wait. GOD sees every action and HE wants me to make the best of my life.

• Are you sick and tired of your circumstance?
• Have you stopped believing in JESUS’ return?
• Do you think HE has forgotten about you?
• Will you put your trust back in HIM today and remain steadfast in your belief?

Arguing for GOD is not my job

Psalm 83: ¹⁸ Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—
    that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

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Sitting at the lunch table I engaged in the debate of GOD’s existence and why JESUS is of utmost importance. I wasn’t very equipped but tried to answer their hidden agenda questions. I fumbled through my answers. Another time a very known religious group rang my doorbell and challenged my knowledge of the Bible. I fumbled through my answers. “I know… I’ll go to Bible school so I can argue with these people” I said to myself, tired of getting beat up in these debates.

• At one time I used to think GOD needed me to prove HIS existence.
• At one time I used to think GOD needed me to argue what’s right and what’s wrong.
• At one time I used to think GOD needed me to debate with people with other “religious” views.

This chapter was extremely harsh in that the writer was asking for calamity of his enemies who laugh at GOD and mock HIM. It reminded me of the times I faced people who refused to turn their face to GOD and I felt I had to say something in HIS defense. Looking back I see it was my faith that was in question not theirs.

• GOD wants me to have enough faith in HIM to deliver a message of love rather than proving someone to be “wrong.”
• GOD wants me to have enough faith in HIM to plant seeds of love in people rather than arguing and proving them “wrong.”
• GOD wants me to have enough faith in HIM to allow people to be who they are and to open my mouth and say “I believe” and let that be enough.

GOD does not need me to prove HIS existence, nor does HE need me to prove JESUS, who is GOD, died for me. GOD wants my faith to rely in HIM and HE wants me to prove HIS existence through showing “love” for my neighbor. Once I stopped arguing I noticed a strange thing, people started asking questions about my relationship with GOD. HE delivered people to me to love and they now follow HIM because GOD draws people to HIMSELF.

• Do you feel you need to argue GOD’s existence?
• Do you need to debate the existence of demons and angels?
• Can you ask GOD if HE wants you to do that?
• Will you have the faith to open your mouth and simply say “I believe in GOD” rather than fighting?

Scheming is never a good idea

Judges 21: ¹⁸ We can’t give them our daughters as wives, since we Israelites have taken this oath: ‘Cursed be anyone who gives a wife to a Benjamite.’¹⁹ But look, there is the annual festival of the Lord in Shiloh, which lies north of Bethel, east of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”

²⁰ So they instructed the Benjamites, saying, “Go and hide in the vineyards ²¹ and watch. When the young women of Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, rush from the vineyards and each of you seize one of them to be your wife. Then return to the land of Benjamin. 

²² When their fathers or brothers complain to us, we will say to them, ‘Do us the favor of helping them, because we did not get wives for them during the war. You will not be guilty of breaking your oath because you did not give your daughters to them.’”

²³ So that is what the Benjamites did. While the young women were dancing, each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.

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²⁵ In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

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Holding my breath and wishing everything would go well, I sat next to my potential buyer. He drove around the parking lot and everything seemed to work just fine.  He agreed to give me the maximum asking price and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I mean just a couple of week prior, the car stopped on the side of the road.  “It’s not my problem anymore” I thought to myself as I handed him the keys.  He called me two weeks later asking if I knew the car had major issues. “What [lie] should I say to this guy to get him off my back?”

• There is a way that seems right to me that is not.
• There is a path that is very wide and sometimes I choose to remain on it.
• There is a pile of money that sometimes drives my deepest decisions.

It seems like when I want to do something wrong, I can find a crowd to support my efforts.  They will look and act like me and I can do as I please because everyone else is doing it this way. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM no matter how many people agree to do wrong.
• GOD wants me to do what’s right not what’s popular.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS plan instead of making up my own.

There is a way that seems right to a man, BUT GOD’s way in infinitely above mine.

• Are you thinking of a gimmick to bring people to GOD?
• Are you worried that your efforts are failing?
• Can you allow GOD to thin your tools and grow you HIS way?

Do I really believe GOD will fix it?

Luke 8: ²⁴ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

   He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

   In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

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Amazing accounts of miracles peaked my curiosity about the concept of “GOD.” Were these accounts true or were they made up? I questioned GOD and demanded that HE show me one of these “miracles.”

“If you are GOD then show me YOUR power!” I would exclaim. Yeah, I wouldn’t want to be standing next to me either.

• JESUS’s miracles were meant to show the world HE cares, not as a parlor trick.
• JESUS’s miracles were meant to establish that GOD became a human yet remained connected to the ultimate power of the FATHER.
• JESUS’s miracles were meant to get everyone’s attention so they would not reject HIM rather embrace HIS gift of love.

GOD left my question unanswered. I read the Bible and got a sense of peace that GOD wants me to understand HIS unending love for me so HE gave just the right account of HIS love so I can manage through life’s difficult circumstances.

Whether I believe these miracles happened or not, JESUS is still GOD and is capable of doing anything and HE doesn’t need my permission to be GOD even if HE doesn’t perform a miracle for me.

The Bible helps me understand how to navigate “this” or “that” circumstance while remaining faithful to the one and only GOD. Now I am connected to GOD who has all the power to lead and protect me.

• Do you believe in the miracles listed in the Bible?
• Do you agree these miracles are listed to bring all humans back to HIM in a loving way?
• Will you drop your doubt that GOD cannot handle your circumstances, even your repeated sin?

How random is GOD?

Luke 2:  ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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In the past I pondered GOD in disbelief. I demanded HE show HIMSELF, speak or perform a miracle each day. When HE ignored my demands I pouted and questioned not only my relationship with HIM but even HIS very existence.

During the moments I did believe I didn’t respect HIM saying, “it isn’t fair that you chose that person to be rich and not me.” GOD seemed random to me.

• GOD is not random I am.
• GOD is not random rather sometimes I want my way and don’t get it.
• GOD is not random rather my faith lacks focus on HIS commands, decrees and wishes.

HIS favor is special and is set aside for those who believe in HIS SON, HIS love and HIS position as GOD. HE adores when I fully believe in HIS grace and mercy for me especially when I show it to someone else.

Funny, when I focus on HIS love for me, I really don’t have a problem following what HE wants me to do. I am never embarrassed to mention JESUS and peace seems to permeate my soul.  Life on Earth is temporary but HIS love for me is everlasting!

• Can you praise GOD without questioning HIM?
• Will you give up your will and allow HIM to do some amazing things in your life?
• Are you anxious for something?
• Can you give up your anxiety and allow GOD to show you HIS plan?