Clean Shining Linen

Clean Shining Linen

Revelation 19: ⁵ Then there came from the throne the sound of a voice, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!” ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. ⁸ She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God's people.)

 

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Feeling pretty hungry, I decided to leave work and go to lunch. I looked in my wallet and had just enough money to buy my lunch. Yes, I said money and not a debit card. I knew of a place that I could get a full meal for the amount I had. I ran into a person who asked me for some money.

 

• I had to decide if I was going to eat or help this person eat.
• I had only enough money for one person to eat.
• I missed lunch that day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an amazing sight. He witnessed every person who believed in and served the living GOD, wearing “clean shining linen.” He then was given where the clothes came from. “The linen is the good deeds of GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be one of “HIS people” so I can enjoy an eternal relationship with HIM.
• GOD sees every deed I did and will do, and HE turns the good ones into “clean shining linen.”
• I sometimes question why do good, when I have problems that need a good deed.

 

“What about me?” is the question I sometimes ask GOD. I mean, it seems like when I have the least amount of money, someone comes up to me and asks for my last dollar. “Come on GOD, can’t YOU plan a little better?” I question HIM in frustration. BUT GOD is gentle with HIS response with me.

 

HE gently says to me “Do it this time and trust that I have much more for you.” I sigh and obey HIS leading. Every time I have done this, HE blesses me here on earth and in heaven. I then feel foolish that I did not want to serve in the first place. I am glad GOD gives me many opportunities to do HIS good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Does it seem like the writer was having a hard time describing what he saw and heard?
• Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of doing something good for someone versus taking care of your own dire need?
• Will you continue to seek doing GOD’s good deeds, knowing HE sees you and loves every good deed you do in JESUS name today?

Useful Life

Useful Life

Titus 3: ¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos to get started on their travels, and see to it that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives.

 

¹⁵ All who are with me send you greetings. Give our greetings to our friends in the faith.

God's grace be with you all.

 

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Getting deeper and deeper into trouble, I found my life a mess. Even the parties and living it up seemed empty. When I looked around, I had helped no one but myself and even that was old.

 

• I tried “the good life” and that was getting old.
• I found my heart empty as I sought pleasure, but trouble outweighed my pursuits.
• I felt that there was more to life that seeking what others called “living the life.”

 

Paul sends final greetings to all believers of JESUS. In this greeting, he urges people to “do good” and “provide real needs.” He then drops a bombshell by saying “They should not live useless lives.”

 

My Observations

• GOD cursed the earth when sin entered it, but I still have to live here.
• Heaven is a destination, but earth is where I live
• Some of my life should be dedicated to serving the LORD.

 

Seeking pleasure as medicine can sometimes work, but not always. I mean, when I only seek the pleasures of life, I fond myself wanting more and more of them. Soon, I cannot discern from “needing” pleasure versus “wanting it.” When the waves of life hit, the world’s pleasures seem empty. BUT GOD’s path is full of life.

 

HE wants me to fill my heart with other people and seek HIS kingdom first. Sometimes the world’s pleasures will be included and sometimes difficulty will arise. HE opens my eyes to the fact that through it all, HE is there and walking strong with me. I am grateful for HIS constant love for me an you.

 

Challenge

• What life is the writer referring to?
• Have you been trying really hard to live life and it just does not seem to be working?
• Will you see GOD in all you do so HE can walk solidly with you through trouble and good times, so you can live a useful life for HIM without pressure today?

My Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with the fact that YOU love him or her dearly. Open eyes to servanthood and also bring servants into lives who need to be served today. Help us understand the true meaning of abundant life because the world has tried to change the definition. Guide us to YOUR plan today. amen

Fit to Do Good

Fit to Do Good

Titus 1: ¹⁵ Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. ¹⁶ They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.

 

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Testing the waters, I said a “bad” word. I had not done so before. It felt strange, but nothing happened. No lightning bold from the sky. Soon “bad” words were part of my language amongst “friends.” Peeping in the girls locker room felt weird. But soon I joined in with the guys and we talked about what we saw. Lying about results felt wrong. But when I learned how to “spin” the conversation to make myself look good, it didn’t feel like I was lying.

 

• I gave myself permission to do what “I” wanted to do.
• I was opposed to doing wrong at first, but got used to it quickly.
• I did not know that other parts of my life were being affected by my degrading character.

 

Paul warns Titus to remain pure in all he does. He spoke to Titus about keeping his mind and conscience pure and focused on GOD, otherwise it they could become defiled, hateful and disobedient.

 

My Observations

• GOD forgives me for my sins, BUT HE wants me to have more than forgiveness.
• GOD has a plan for me which includes an abundant life with HIM.
• It takes effort on my part to choose GOD’s ways over the slippery slope of sin.

 

Doing sin and justifying what I’ve done is not good for anything. I mean, when I fall into the hole of temptation, I forsake GOD and leave HIM to do what I want to do. Then I crawl back to HIM, asking forgiveness, especially when things are going wrong. There has to be a better way! GOD has one.

 

HE preempts my thinking by providing me with the HOLY SPIRIT who guides me away from the sins of my youth. HE then gives me purpose to stay on HIS path rather than falling away easily. HE knows I will still sin, BUT HE also knows I am growing up to handle more responsibility. I am glad GOD has a wonderful plan for me.

 

Challenge

• What lifestyle is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever decided that GOD is too harsh?
• Are you too tough on yourself?
• Will you accept the LORD’s forgiveness and seek HIS ways so HE can use you in a mighty way today?

Not My Will

Not My Will

Acts 21: ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

¹⁵ After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. ¹⁶ Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

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Excited that I was going to finally have sex, I figured out my plan down to the letter. I would “borrow” the car pick up the girl from her house, have sex and go back home. The plan was brilliant. When I asked for the car, I was met with “It needs a new radiator. It’s not going anywhere.”

• Many times I have been prevented from doing what I wanted to do.
• Many times my plans have been derailed.
• Many times my will was pointed in a, not so good, direction.

A huge crowd tried to persuade Paul from going to Jerusalem. When they heard the prophecy of his imprisonment, and knowing what happened to JESUS, they wanted to play it safe. But Paul was not persuaded. He knew he had to lay aside his will and live for GOD.

• GOD wants me to lay aside my will for HIS.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice my will and live for HIM.
• GOD wants me to see my will can get in the way of HIS will.

“YOUR will be done”, are hard words to say. I mean, I want to be in control of the situation or get my way. BUT GOD loves when I say and mean those words. When I want to do something sinful and back off because of GOD said not to do it, HE rejoices and rewards me.

HE also loves when I do something HE wants me to do, especially when I don’t want to do it; like apologize first, or give my last dollar to a homeless person or call the lonely even though they have never called me. I am glad to do GOD’s will for it has many rewards.

• Are you frustrated because you are not getting your way?
• Do you think your way is aligned to what GOD wants in your life?
• Will you take a moment and ask GOD to do HIS will in your life even if it means to let go of something precious to you?

Meanwhile

Meanwhile

John 11: ⁵³ Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. ⁵⁴ Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.

⁵⁵ And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. ⁵⁶ Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” ⁵⁷ Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

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After observing what everyone was doing, I could see the flaws. I quickly assessed what to do and began to tell them the corrections. When things were going as “I” expected, I took a break. Someone came to me with “suggestions” on how I could have handled things better. I did not notice “my” mistakes.

• There have been times when I wanted to see people act like me.
• There have been times when I desired to see the results of what “I” told people.
• There have been times when I paid so much attention to what other people were doing, that I forgot to do the things I was supposed to be doing.

The church leaders had taken their hatred of JESUS to the final level. They banded together to kill HIM using legal technicalities of the Bible. They spent their time, in which they should have been preparing for the Passover, spying for JESUS in a quest for murder. Meanwhile, JESUS prepared to save the world.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love every day.
• GOD wants me to sing praises to HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS every day.

When I sing, praise and speak highly about JESUS, there is no room for hatred in my heart. Unfortunately, it holds true for the opposite. When I try to control others, or get mad at them easily or speak slanderous words, I am not filled with GOD’s SPIRIT and am acting on my own.

GOD wants me to bring people to HIM and let go of them. I can only run one life, which is mine, and most times I do not do that very well. BUT GOD forgives me and I am delighted to tell others HE can do the same for them.

• Are you busy thinking what someone else should be doing?
• Do you easily see the flaws in others and not yourself?
• Will you take a step back and allow GOD to grown them and you in HIS own way today?

Following the Example

Following the Example

John 8: ²⁸ Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. ²⁹ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” ³⁰ As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

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Frustrated, I stopped following the instructions. “What’s wrong?” said the expert. “I cannot understand what you are talking about and you are moving too fast” was my reply. He stopped speaking, came over to me and showed me how. After seeing how it was done, I could easily follow the example.

• It’s easier for me to see how something is done.
• It’s easier for me to see an example so I can mimic the teacher.
• It’s easier for me to see what needs to be done so I can come up with my own ideas and do them.

JESUS tells the church leaders they will kill HIM by crucifixion, then they would truly know HE is GOD. They had no idea HE would be raised from the dead. Many people believed in HIM as HIS words pierced their hearts. Could I do the same?

• JESUS gave me many examples that I can do in my power.
• JESUS showed me how to pray for “us” instead of only praying for “me.”
• JESUS taught me that all humans are worth seeking, even those I can easily hate.

I cannot “Be JESUS” to someone. I mean I cannot die for the sins of all humans, nor can I send the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort the hurt. But I can follow HIS example and care for people. HE showed massive compassion for the hungry, poor and lost. HE cried over those who had nowhere to go.

JESUS has so many examples that I can do right now that I wonder why I ask HIM the question “What do you want me to do?” He would probably say “Pick any example and do it today.” I am grateful HIS expectations of me are easy and HIS burdens are light.

• Who’s example are you following?
• Are you looking to GOD as your answer?
• Will you allow HIM to heal, comfort and grow while you simply serve?

Controlling

Controlling

John 7: ³² The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. ³³ Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. ³⁴ You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.”

³⁵ Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? ³⁶ What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”

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Planning my route was difficult this day. For some reason, several tempers had flared and multiple fights were planned in different parts of the playground leaving the school. In fear, I went an extreme route, that was several blocks out of the way, just to get home. “Why can’t this just be easy?” I exclaimed.

• Sometimes life seems out of control.
• Sometimes life seems like a huge problem.
• Sometimes life seems to bring raging out of control situations that affect me.

The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring about JESUS. They felt their controlling power slipping away. They wanted to get control of this situation so they sent officers to take HIM. JESUS knew what they were doing and addressed them directly. “You will seek ME and not find ME and where I AM you cannot come” was HIS disturbing news.

• JESUS wants me to let go of my control of HIM.
• JESUS wants me to allow HIM to do things HIS way and in HIS time.
• JESUS wants me to put HIM in control of my decisions, expectations and outcomes.

Trying to control GOD is like trying to control a raging storm. It cannot be done. GOD’s power is uncontrollable, by me. BUT GOD controls HIMSELF to love me instead of hating me for my sins. HE says to me “You are mine” so I can never put GOD under my feet and control what HE does.

I can control one thing, namely believing that HE knows what is best for me. GOD keeps HIS promises, always! HE wants me to be with HIM eternally and sends me out to seek those who seek HIM. I am grateful HE wants me.

• Are you trying to force GOD to act the way “you” want HIM to?
• Do you think that because you stopped doing a few sins, you are better than “that” person?
• Will you stop trying to control GOD with your smelly righteousness and allow HIM to control your path to guide people back to HIM today?

Compelled

John 4: ⁴ Now he had to go through Samaria. ⁵ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

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“Get up and volunteer” was the sensation I felt as the preacher asked if anyone would join him on a missions trip to a country on another continent. I had barely seen this continent let alone travel somewhere else. I had to go. Something was pressing me to focus on this trip.

• Something inside of me prompted a desire.
• Something inside of me overcame my fears and gave me peace.
• Something inside of me bubbled up joy, excitement and peace all at the same time.

JESUS “had to go” to Samaria, even though it was way out of HIS way. It was a place HE had to see. He returned to a place where HE wrestled Jacob and blessed him in the process. JESUS showed HIS humanity, however, by being tired from the walk.

• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to guide me daily.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to prompt me to do HIS will.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to have me participate in HIS glorious plan.

I can hear from the HOLY SPIRIT every day if I would just listen. HE guides me to speak about JESUS to the right person at the right time. HE does not prompt me to harm others, rather draw them to the kingdom with love in mind.

• What leads you to do something?
• Are you listening to your own desires or is GOD leading you?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to someone in need today?

Who to do it for

Mark 14: After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. ² But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar of the people.”

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“Do I have to go?” was my question filled with dread. “Yes” was the answer and off we went to church. As I sat through the boring exposition I dreamt of other things I could be doing. “Man! I could be playing with my friends right now” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I reluctantly do things.
• Sometimes I am not really present because I didn’t want to be there in the first place.
• Sometimes I am in a place for what “I” can get out of that place.

The church leader’s hearts were filled with so much poison that they could not hold it any longer. “This JESUS guy has got to go!” I imagined they said. “If we can fool the people then maybe HIS death will look like HE deserved it” is another thought.

They did this during the most holy time of celebration, the remembrance of GOD’s deliverance by passing HIS people over from death. They didn’t want an uproar from the people so they waited. They did not know who the Passover was for.

• GOD wants me to worship HIM not the building I go to.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS direction not just do things out of habit.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIM not just celebrate traditions.

Attending church and celebrating special days in which GOD did something significant to all of mankind should not be taken lightly. GOD doesn’t want me celebrating the day, rather HE wants me to celebrate HIM.

HE should always be my focus but sometimes I slip into the comforts of blindly gathering without even mentioning HIM. Food and drink are wonderful, BUT GOD is my reason for celebration.

• Do you attend church without thinking about your relationship with GOD?
• Do you have big plans for a special day without once asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Will you stop doing things to be noticed by humans and do things strictly for GOD today?

Accepting Bribes

Daniel 5: ¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

¹⁷ Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

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²² “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. ²³ Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.

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One day I got a notification from the worst boss I ever worked for. Mean, belligerent and condescending was his style. He was reaching out to me because he had moved on to a new position and wanted to bring aboard a team of his own. I was unemployed at the time and money was running quite low. “I wonder if I should work for this guy” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I would do some crazy things for money.
• Sometimes I would lose myself in order to get some money.
• Sometimes I would become something that I did not like in order to gain a little money.

Life’s hardships can bring on challenges that make me think twice about following someone who has no integrity. I mean maybe I can put up with pretending to be something I am not for a little while, you know, until I “get on my feet”, right? Wrong! GOD says something different.

• GOD says “I want you to follow ME not money.”
• GOD says “I want you to be single minded not double-minded.”
• GOD says “I want your entire heart and there is no room for money and ME.”

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Belshazzar was not only celebrating money, he figured he could use it to solve his problems with the Living GOD. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. HE took Belshazzar’s life that night.

GOD wants me to see this example and chose to follow HIM. Just like Daniel turned down the bribe, GOD wants me to say “No” when it comes to dirty money. No matter how difficult things may look, GOD is there to guide me.

• Are you constantly thinking of money?
• Would you do anything for money right now, even lose your own personality?
• Can you stop following money and start following GOD today? 

Having Resolve

Daniel 1: ⁸ But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. ⁹ Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, ¹⁰ but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”

¹¹ Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, ¹² “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. ¹³ Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” ¹⁴ So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

¹⁵ At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.

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“No” was my answer when the fella’s decided to go out “drinking and clubbing plus, plus.” My resolute statement made them look at me strangely. They did not say much to me from that point on. I could not read their mind but the looks on their face seemed to mark me as a betrayer to their confidence. I was no longer in the “club.” “Maybe I should have gone with them” I thought to myself

• Sometimes I questioned standing up for GOD.
• Sometimes I wondered what it would have been like if I folded to my resolve.
• Sometimes I wanted to quit following GOD because it seemed like everyone else was having more “fun.”

Blinded by “success” I questioned GOD. I mean these people seemed to be doing extremely “well” while I seemed to be getting kicked out of inner circles. GOD had to speak to me about my question.

• GOD said to me “I AM the way the truth and the life. Do not be afraid of humans and their lack of resolve.”
• GOD said to me “There is no other GOD but ME. Follow ME with all your heart, mind and soul.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL bless you abundantly for following ME.

Despite my flawed thinking, I continued. I mean who was I to go against GOD? After a while those people who asked me to hang out with them, vanished one by one and soon I was put in their place. GOD took his time but it was better to wait on HIM.

• Are you afraid of taking a public stance for following JESUS?
• Are you ashamed of declaring you follow GOD because the people around you will ostracize you?
• Can you agree to have add some resolve to follow GOD’s ways to your daily walk little by little?

Getting Too Comfortable

Psalm 2: ¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
¹² Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

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We used to have a saying, “Don’t put your feet up on the boss’s desk” which meant don’t get too comfortable because that person is still your boss. I mean come on, this company won’t miss this ream of paper or they won’t mind if I slip off and do personal stuff while I am supposed to be working.

I sat on a team that was investigating a person who got so used to taking the company’s stuff that he took $600K worth of stuff. This scared me so much that I made sure my expense reports were impeccable!

• There were times when I would treat GOD with a little too much familiarity.
• There were times when I would treat GOD as if HE wouldn’t mind my tiny sin.
• There were times when I would treat GOD like HE never gave me any path to follow.

Yes I know it is very confusing to have a sin nature that is passed down from generation to generation through birth. I do know that I am in the group where it says “all have sinned and come short of GOD’s glory.” But there has to be more to this relationship with GOD than being “good” sometimes and sometimes being “bad.”

• Trust is what GOD wants me to give HIM rather than giving it to money or humans or myself.
• Faith is what GOD wants me to plant in myself and others leveraging “trust” to grow it to maturity.
• Belief is what GOD wants me to have in HIS SON on a daily basis, knowing my sins have been wiped out by HIS death.

The sin nature thing is difficult. It wars and rages inside of me letting me know I am not perfect. BUT GOD loves when I focus on HIM for just a moment and give my heart and mind to HIM. HE wants me to have a healthy “fear” of HIM where I fear not following HIM than getting the accolades of mankind.

• Are you treating GOD with too much familiarity?
• Do you think GOD won’t mind if you keep doing what you are doing?
• Can you give GOD a second, then a minute, then an hour, then maybe a day?
• Will you focus on maturing in GOD by learning of HIM?

Remember Me for This My GOD

Nehemiah 13: ¹⁴ Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.

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Another truck pulled in and I slugged over to unload it. A coworker of mine said, “Let’s hide until the next truck comes.” I thought “Good idea!” I mean it was hot and I could use a break anyway. When the next truck arrived, the supervisor met us. “Where have you been?” he questioned. I stammered over my words but could not find a good retort. “I wonder if they will hire me next summer” I thought.

• Sometimes I’m remembered by my pitiful actions.
• Sometimes I’m remembered by my actions that aren’t so good.
• Sometimes I’m remembered by my sinful actions.

As I was being shaped by the wrong people I made some horrible mistakes which caused several people to remember me in the wrong way. They remember the lazy oaf who slipped off work to goof off while getting paid. If I went to them this day, they would probably say “Yeah I remember. You caused production to be low that day and we did not get the account.” While that is not true, it could have happened that way.

• GOD wants me to grow up and be mature.
• GOD wants my actions to be focused on HIM rather on what I can get out of the deal.
• GOD wants me to serve not scheme.

Integrity is what GOD wants from me. Throw in a little character and fortitude to do what is right and I will have the whole package for giving GOD some great memories of me. HE wants me to serve and believe and have faith when it does not seem like the right thing to do. When all have fallen away HE wants me to stand firm for HIM, yet be graceful when HE blesses me.

These are times GOD remembers.

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you doing things the GOD will have good memories over?
• Are you doing things to get your way or to serve GOD?
• Can you focus your tasks on pleasing GOD today?

Should I get involved?

Genesis 34: ⁵ When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he did nothing about it until they came home.

⁶ Then Shechem’s father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob. ⁷ Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.

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Flight delay number two got me home extremely late.  I just wanted to go to bed but, alas, I had to drive home. As I reached my neighborhood, I noticed a car with four people sitting in it parked near my block. It was a strange place to be parked but I could definitely see a vantage point on houses nearby.

“Should I call the police?” I thought to myself. Then another thought popped in my head “If I call the police then they will come to my house which is in sight of these guys. Maybe I shouldn’t. And besides, I’m tired!”

• Fear of retribution makes me not get involved.
• Selfishness makes me steer clear of someone else’s situation.
• Calculating how much time will be spent helping someone else makes me say no way, my time is too precious.

It is so easy for me to overlook what is wrong when I’m selfish. I mean I can bury my head in my work and overlook what is harmful to someone else. I can say “not my problem” but I will scream for help if it were. What should I do?

• GOD wants me involved with other people to help them in difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to stand up to something that is wrong or harmful.
• GOD wants me engaged with my neighbors to cry with them, protect them and serve them.

Yes it takes more energy, but GOD wants me to help others especially when I don’t feel like it. By the way, I did call the police and they did catch the guys.

• Are you afraid of getting involved?
• Have you practiced overlooking wrongs for so long that you won’t confront them?
• Are you the one in the wrong?
• Can you get involved in a loving way, removing your opinion and giving the gift of GOD?

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?

GOD knows

Acts 7: ³³ “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

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On the way back to school I was pulled over for speeding and received a hefty ticket. A month later on the way to court, I was driving the speed limit when a car sped past me yet I was pulled over and given a ticket!

With two tickets under my belt and having barely enough money to pay rent and school I hoped to save up to pay the second ticket which caused a lapse in the fine. Now I owed more! “LORD where are YOU?” I screamed.

• There are times when GOD seems to have disappeared.
• There are times when GOD seems so far away.
• There are times when GOD seems like HE isn’t listening or doesn’t care.

When the pressures of life come crashing at my door I sometimes cave in and just want peace. It makes me want to be silent about the goodness of GOD and slink back in a hole. BUT GOD says something different!

• No matter how difficult the situation may seem GOD is there with a plan of salvation.
• No matter how tough the going gets GOD is there to fight my battles.
• No matter how bleak the situation looks GOD is there to give me peace.

Moses knew he was chosen for something but wasn’t quite ready for what GOD had in store for him. GOD had to take him through the desert otherwise known as “difficult times” to prepare him for true leadership. GOD does the same with me. HE has and is taking me through difficult times to show me HE is in control.

My tiny wisdom and tenacity are useless in difficult situations, BUT GOD’s plans are marvelous and HE is building my faith to follow HIS ways.

• Are you trying hard to fix your situation?
• Are you trying hard to fix “that” person?
• Won’t you let the person or situation go and watch GOD work HIS plan?
• Can look at “letting go” as not giving up rather you are yielding to GOD and not seeking credit?

Am I Listening?

John 18: ³⁶ Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

 ³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

   Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

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Winning is the prime objective in business. If you are not a winner, you are a loser! I took that to heart and “won” quite often. After numerous promotions I was summoned to take on another challenge. Get rid of a large number of employees so the company could remain profitable.

I heard the voice of compassion say “don’t do this.” Was I getting soft? Where did that come from and why now?

• GOD speaks to me every day I just don’t listen to HIM.
• GOD speaks to me and tells me to serve HIM I just want my way.
• GOD speaks to me with love and compassion expecting me to follow HIS example I ignore it and crush my opponents.

People have said to me “I can’t hear GOD” and I tell them I hear HIM every day and ignore HIM often. Because I don’t fully trust HIM or I want my way, I ignore HIS cry to be compassionate or kind, or pure, or loving. But when I do listen to HIM marvelous thing happen!

• When I listen to GOD I reach people for HIM.
• When I listen to GOD I always benefit.
• When I listen to GOD I change my ways instead of getting my way!

Miracles happen in front of my face and situations disappear before my eyes when I listen to GOD long enough. It takes my seeking heart to want to hear HIM.

• Are you seeking GOD or your own way?
• Have you intentionally tried to follow HIS ways?
• Will you try to learn about GOD for the purpose of having a better relationship with HIM?
• Do you know the truth?