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?

They just don’t understand

Acts 25: ¹⁸ When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.

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“Shocked” was the look many people gave me when I told them I was going on my first missions trip. “Why now?”, “why you?”, “don’t we have enough problems here?” were only a few of the questions I got as I discussed my plans. Funny, these questions were from people who claimed to follow CHRIST.

• It seems like there are times GOD has me do some unusual things that benefit the kingdom.
• It seems like there are times GOD directs me to do things people don’t understand that benefits the kingdom.
• It seems like there are times GOD leads me to places I would never go but it benefits the kingdom.

GOD desires that no one will perish and HE wants anyone who is willing to go out and spread HIS message of love, grace and mercy. HE wants me to be open to going to my neighbors, my city, other states and even other countries if HE tells me to.  This openness is the beginning of compassion for “all” humans not just the ones I would choose.

Many people will question the timing, method or reason for me serving GOD.  It seems like each time I have gone on a trip, money was an issue or some event was in conflict or some other reason was a better option. Even writing down a daily devotional is questioned as people ask “why do you do that?” or “why make yourself look bad?” There is a harsh reality to relaying HIS message that must be coupled with “love.”

• GOD’s message will remain strange to those who are not seeking HIM but I must try anyway.
• GOD’s method will be doubted by those whose faith is small but I must have faith anyway.
• GOD’s timing will seem inconvenient to people but I must accept HIS timing and HIS plan.

Paul tried to explain JESUS’ resurrection to people who could care less. They treated him like some religious fanatic and he was ostracized. GOD desires HIS simple message of love to be given even though people may not receive it.

• Are you trying to live for GOD and people do not understand what you are doing?
• Are people confused by your decision to serve GOD more and more?
• Can you stay the course while delivering HIS message with love, compassion and grace?

Am I missing something?

John 17: ¹ After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

  

 “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

 

² For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. ³ Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. ⁴ I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.

 

⁵ And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

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After reading this, I could not find a situation in my life that would do these words justice. All I know is that there must be something really big that I am missing. A flood of questions came to mind.

• You mean to tell me GOD is greater than science or the human will?
• Can’t I just be good? Yes I sin but compared to “those” people over there I’m doing pretty good. 
• Why can’t GOD just accept the way I want to worship HIM and make everything good the way I want it?

 

Then I realized, all of my questions are coming from a sinful position. With my questions, I am trying to make GOD bow down to me while attempting to justify my ways. It’s a difficult thing to say “I need you to save me LORD” if I think nothing is wrong with me.

 

• What I am missing is a full understanding of what sin is.
• What I am missing is why I have to go through a sometimes difficult life to get to a place I have never seen or touched.
• What I am missing is why I have to be the one who serves or sacrifices my money or gives in to arguments to keep peace.

 

I mean science says life was created by two mega planets colliding, so what if I’m wrong about this “GOD” thing?

 

Faith was the one word that came to mind as I asked “what am I missing?”

 

• It’s actually harder for me to reject the “fact” that GOD always existed rather than two objects always existing.
• It’s harder to believe I can ever be good enough to deserve GOD’s love rather than GOD showing “pure” love by dying for me.
• It’s harder for me to believe everything will be fine on earth when I have seen it deteriorating rather than believing JESUS is building a perfect eternal spot just for me!

 

Do you believe?

 

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?