Response to Frogs – Hard Heart

 

Response to Frogs – Hard Heart

Exodus 8: ⁸ Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, “Entreat the Lord that He may take away the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord.”

 

⁹ And Moses said to Pharaoh, “Accept the honor of saying when I shall intercede for you, for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only.”

 

¹⁰ So he said, “Tomorrow.” And he said, “Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the Lord our God. ¹¹ And the frogs shall depart from you, from your houses, from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only.”

 

¹² Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh. And Moses cried out to the Lord concerning the frogs which He had brought against Pharaoh. ¹³ So the Lord did according to the word of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courtyards, and out of the fields. ¹⁴ They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. ¹⁵ But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said.

 

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Frogs were everywhere. Pharaoh begged Moses to pray to the LORD to remove the frogs. He said he would let the people go if the frogs went away. Moses prayed to the LORD and GOD did what Moses said.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was in trouble and said whatever it would take to get out of trouble.
• Pharaoh did not ask his magicians to get rid of the frogs.
• GOD revealed HE listened to Moses.

 

Seeing his land become overrun with frogs, Pharaoh lied to get his way. We have done the same thing when we told GOD “I will never do that again.” Moses prayed to the LORD and may have even specifically said, “Leave the frogs in the house and let them die there.” GOD listened to Moses’s prayer and killed the frogs.

 

Pharaoh, who made additional work for the Hebrews, now had to clean up frogs. The Egyptian people had to have seen the futility in praying to the frog god. They also had just spent an entire week digging for water that had turned to blood. They were tired and their houses and land stank with dead frog smell. Pharaoh’s response was a hard heart, which meant he did not care that his people were tired, nor would he let the Hebrews go.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the frog plague?
• Have you ever promised something to GOD and took back your promise when you got relief?
• Can you see the value in keeping your promises to the LORD?

Either One or the Other

Either One or the Other

James 3: Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! ⁶ And the tongue is like a fire. It is a world of wrong, occupying its place in our bodies and spreading evil through our whole being. It sets on fire the entire course of our existence with the fire that comes to it from hell itself. ⁷ We humans are able to tame and have tamed all other creatures—wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ⁸ But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. ⁹ We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! ¹¹ No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. ¹² A fig tree, my friends, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

 

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Laughter was my attraction as I approached the crowd. Jokes about a particular teacher made us giggle. They teasingly added my name with the association of this teacher. I quickly disassociated myself from the teacher in front of everyone. Little did I know, the teacher was coming down the stairs and heard my words.

 

• I was trying to be a good in front of the teacher and side with the mean crowd.
• I was trying to side with both sides.
• I was trying to fit in all over the place.

 

James addressed double-mindedness in a different way. He talked about the “tongue” being tiny, yet very powerful. The words spoken can be full of hate or love.  He then explains how words affect who we are.

 

My Observations:

• My words need to be tamed so I can speak about JESUS without sounding hypocritical.
• My words need to turn into actions so they should not be filled with hate or slander.
• My words need to be gentle so I can be consistent in my actions.

 

Poisonous words are dangers to speak. I mean, joining in with the crowd may seem like a good idea, but when it includes talking about someone in a negative way, I become susceptible to adding poison to my own heart without knowing it. This poison seems innocent, because “everyone else” is doing it. BUT GOD wants better.

 

HE desires that I tame my tongue so it is not wild and full of venom. HE sees my thoughts and gives me a choice. Either choose poison or “sweet water.” In other words, choose GOD or choose the world. I am glad GOD can help me with my words so my heart can be healed.

 

Challenge

• What comparisons does the writer use?
• Have you ever said something that seemed like an innocent comment about someone, but was a negative joke?
• Will you ask GOD to help tame your tongue so you can present GOD to others in a loving, peaceful way today?

Being Sure

Being Sure

James 1:  ⁶ But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. ^7-8 If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.

 

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Facing an offer for a new position, I made a decision to go forward. But then the question came up “Are you sure you want to do that?” Those words were now in my mind and I questioned the decision I was about to make. I went back and started asking questions. I almost lost the position I was about to accept.

 

• I believed what was told to me and I started planning to move forward.
• I was introduced to doubt and I could not stop doubting.
• I lost my assurance when I began to doubt.

 

James addressed fear and doubt. He gave some tough words. “When you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all.” He was taking their hysteria of being chased by religious murderers and giving them a pep talk to keep them focused.

 

My Observations:

• News will say terrible things, BUT GOD is in control of my destiny.
• People may try to add doubt to my journey, BUT GOD gives me sure footing.
• Humans may think they have the answer, BUT GOD is the one and only answer I need.

 

Sometimes the future looks bleak especially when looking through human eyes. I mean, when I look through the lenses of hate, greed, envy, lust, or pride, I get on a path that is always filled with worry and self-doubt. BUT GOD has another way.

 

HIS plan, on the surface, looks weak and pitiful. HE wants me to simply show others HIS love, not human defined love, rather HIS love. GOD’s love cannot be tainted by humans. It is the strongest weapon in the arsenal GOD gives me. HE wants me to believe HE and HE alone loved me and has a plan for me. HE does not want me to doubt that plan. I am glad GOD loves me so much that HIS plan for me is one I can be sure of.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the words “not doubt AT ALL?”
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you or HIS plan HE has for you?
• Will you let go of doubt and believe that GOD’s plan HE told you long ago is still solid ground even though other people may have poisoned your mind with his or her doubt?

 

Double Life

Double Life

2 Timothy 2: ¹⁴ Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.

 

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Choosing a club to go to had some thought to it. “No one would know me at this club” I thought to myself. This way I could pick someone up and no one would know it. The next day I went to Sunday School to perform my assistant duties. “Hey! Didn’t we have a great time at the club?”, someone embarrassingly exclaimed in church. I didn’t know I was seen.

 

• I was ashamed of mentioning GOD when I was at the club.
• I was ashamed of mentioning the club when I was at church.
• I was ashamed of my double life.

 

Paul gives a stern warning to pass on through Timothy. Instead of having religions quarrels, “win full approval in GOD’s sight.” This requires only two things; not being ashamed and teaching correctly the message of GOD’s truth.

 

My Observations

• My life is flawed and through GOD’s forgiveness I am made whole.
• My life is shameful and through JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection I can live eternally.
• My life is broken and through the HOLY SPIRIT I am put back together.

 

All of us are sinners. I mean, if anyone says “I am without sin” he or she is really lost and does not know who GOD is. But there is one who is sinless, namely JESUS. HE is the only one who can forgive me for my sins.

 

HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me when times get difficult. HE restores my soul. I am no longer ashamed to mention JESUS every day because HE is worthy to be praised.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “full approval in GOD’s sight?”
• Have you ever tried to please humans and what you were doing conflicts with the word of GOD?
• Will you resolve the conflict you have with GOD and not worry about what humans think so you can be “fully approved” by HIM and teach HIS true message today?

Multiple Lives

Multiple Lives

Colossians 3: ¹⁴ And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

 

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“You have to be tough” is what people told me at work. This was the advice to be “successful.”  “You have to be smooth” is what my “friends” said as we entered bars and clubs. This was advice to get a “hook up.” “”You have to be friendly” or “You have to be punctual” were other words of advice that I tried to be.

 

• It was exhausting trying to be what everyone else expected me to be.
• It was hard trying to separate acting one way with one group and another way with the other.
• I was living multiple lives and at times they conflicted.

 

Paul addressed the conflict that resides in everyone. One part is sinful and the other is of GOD. People may have struggled with the “war within us” and did not know how to keep it together. One part of life would be solid while the other unraveled.  What was the solution?

 

My Observations

• Love is an eye-opening approach that GOD gave me to help me make better decisions.
• Adding love to my multiple lives reduces them into one life.
• GOD is love and wants me to use HIS way in all situations.

 

When my life is falling to pieces, love can keep it together. I mean, I can always depend on GOD loving me when the world does not. GOD’s love is unstoppable and it overcomes every situation I can face.

 

HE wants me to consider love as the glue that holds everything together. Instead of approaching situations with the way the world expects, GOD wants HIS love to be shown. If I “win” everyone else must “win” and the only way to do this is to show HIS love. I am glad HE loved me first.

 

Challenge

• What is the “perfect unity” the writer speaks about?
• Do you feel you are living multiple lives?
• Will you give all your actions, thoughts and concerns to GOD who is love and will provide love to you today?

Resolute

Resolute

Colossians 2: ⁴ I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. ⁵ For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.

 

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Wanting to grow, I listened to “successful” people. One person on the rise gave me some advice that seemed a little off, but what did I know. It turns out, this person ended up being fired for fraud.

 

• I did not know who to believe.
• I tried to go on instinct but wasn’t getting anywhere.
• I listened to people who I thought had it together, but it turned out that they had flaws.

 

Paul gives a stern warning about people who are deceivers. These people provided very convincing false arguments that seemed to be good at the time. Paul commends those who had “resolute firmness” as they decided to stand for CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Seeking human wisdom can sometimes get me in trouble, but GOD never fails me.
• Getting advice from people who do not believe in JESUS may lead me away from HIM.
• GOD wants me to have absolute resolve in my belief in JESUS.

 

No turning back, is a term used to illustrate going down a path and not returning back to the beginning of the path. When I decided to believe in JESUS, this was a one way path. All troubles, trials and tribulations  I face on the path should not turn me away from JESUS. Unfortunately there have been many times when I felt like giving up on HIM.

 

My walk was not as firm when I fell into temptation or when another path seemed “greener.” I would go with the flow of human advice and wind up in worse shape than the path I was supposed to be on. Fortunately for me, GOD welcomes me back to HIS path. HE picks me up and gives me resolve to follow HIM no matter what.

 

Challenge

• What deception do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was “wrong”, yet you pursued it anyway?
• Will you seek the one and only truth from which you can base all your decisions, namely believing in JESUS today?

Light Fixture

Light Fixture

2 Corinthians 4: ³ For if the gospel we preach is hidden, it is hidden only from those who are being lost. ⁴ They do not believe, because their minds have been kept in the dark by the evil god of this world. He keeps them from seeing the light shining on them, the light that comes from the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. ⁵ For it is not ourselves that we preach; we preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶ The God who said, “Out of darkness the light shall shine!” is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts, to bring us the knowledge of God's glory shining in the face of Christ.

 

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Entering the dark room at night posed more of a challenge than I thought. After the move, nothing was organized. Boxes were everywhere and so was furniture. I had plugged in a light, but it was not connected to a light switch. I tripped on something hard and fell on unpacked stuff. I finally made it to the light. I switched it on and could see the mess.

 

• The light was placed where it was.
• The light was useful when it was shining.
• The light could not warn me of obstacles when it was switched off.

 

Paul speaks about Satan blinding the minds of people. Satan wants to keep people from seeing the true light so he attack’s the mind. GOD, on the other hand, placed the HOLY SPIRIT in the heart of believers. The only job for the believer is to be a light fixture.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to shine the light HE provided in the middle of the darkness.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS light shining in me so those around me will not stumble over obstacles.
• GOD wants me to preach JESUS CHRIST as LORD of my life in a way that people can hear.

 

Sometimes I think I have to do a lot of activity to please GOD. I mean, I think I have to serve on several committees, argue about the Bible, give until it hurts and cry when GOD is not meeting “my” expectations. BUT GOD feels different. HE said “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

 

He simply wants me to praise HIM for what HE did for me in the middle of my problems. HE also wants me to be thankful for “everyone” around me, even those who I have been bitter towards for years. Shining GOD’s light happens on everyone, even myself. I’m talking about forgiveness. I am glad GOD gave the gift of light to anyone who will accept it.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt GOD needs you to work hard?
• What does the writer say about the source of “the light?”
• Will you relax and simply “be”, so that GOD’s light can shine in you and through you today?

Decision Making

Decision Making

Acts 1: ²¹ “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

²³ And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and said, “You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen ²⁵ to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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After being out of work for a while, I finally got an interview. We had a great discussion and I felt pretty good about the position. Walking with GOD with total reliance was a bit new to me. Previously, I relied on my strength, thinking it was me who made it to the top. Now humbled, I needed a job.

During the interview, the person said something strange. “We are in charge of the tech that enables porn to go into the rooms.” I got an offer, but turned down the job.

• Some decisions are hard.
• Some decisions seem extreme to make.
• Some decisions look easy on the outside, but are really hard to make when it comes to GOD.

The disciples took finding another person, as part of their ministry, seriously. This person had to have been there at the beginning, when they were called by JESUS, all the way to the time HE was risen. They still could not decide. They asked GOD to make the decision.

• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to ask HIM first.
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to allow HIM to say “no” or “wait” or “yes.”
• When I need a decision, GOD wants me to see that HIS choice is always the best choice.

GOD sees though the scheme when I run up to HIM with my mind made up first, then asking HIM to just go along with “my” decision. Like a kid waiting until the last minute to ask, “Can I go out to the party with my friends who are waiting outside?” GOD sees through the pressure tactic, just like a parent would.

Unfortunately sometimes GOD says “yes” to something I should not have. HE grieves when I ask for something that goes thoroughly against HIS ways. BUT HE is full of love and allows me to fail and come back to HIM. The lesson from the pain grows me to ask HIM first then wait for HIS answer and accept HIS decision. I am glad I can put my decision before HIM.

• What decision do you have to make?
• Are you trying to make the decision on your own?
• Will you ask GOD and accept HIS answer, knowing HE has what is best for you in mind?

Stability

Luke 21: ²⁹ He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig-tree and all the trees.³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

³² ‘Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

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Disturbed at the situation, I asked a few people for advice. Unfortunately, each person had their own way of dealing with the puzzle. Some used rage and forcefulness while others used cunning and wit and another used empirical information. What should I trust?

• Sometimes when I need to make decisions, I get confused.
• Sometimes when there are many viewpoints I try to get the truth, but truth seems “relative.”
• Sometimes when I am faced with large circumstances, I want to make the best choice and not waiver.

JESUS continues with HIS discussion about the end of the age. HE tells a parable about humans recognizing that spring is near by their observation of the budding of the trees. HE tried to tie this analogy to recognizing the signs of the times.

• GOD wants me to recognize the signs of the times.
• GOD wants me to understand that even though there will be a “falling away” from HIM, I must hold onto HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS words so I can make better decisions that are based on HIS truths.

Looking back, the best decisions I have ever made were those based on following GOD. Humans can try to put their political spin on things or their negative view, BUT GOD’s word provides me with a stable path to walk on. Any and every circumstance I can face is addressed through statements given by GOD to me through many prophetic writers.

 JESUS says something extremely important. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will never pass away.” I choose to seek HIS words as mu stable foundation.

• Do you waiver from the philosophies of humans?
• Do you try to join superior groups only to find they are infallible?
• Can you stop seeking human wisdom and seek GODLY wisdom, knowledge and understanding today?

All Taken Care of

Ezekiel 11: ¹⁹ I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. ²⁰ Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

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When the storm of life hit me again I started praying more and attending church more. When the storm subsided, so did my prayer and church attendance. I figured “GOD won’t mind.” I mean I am not doing anything “bad” I am simply too busy for church right now.

• Sometimes my heart is divided between world and GOD.
• Sometimes my heart is as hard as a rock and I cannot hear GOD.
• Sometimes my heart is not focused on following GOD because I followed HIM yesterday and that should be sufficient.

Having a divided, stony selfish heart keeps me from reaching my true destiny namely being related to GOD. Doublemindedness and lukewarm behavior are things GOD despises. HE does not want me to dwell on the fence and pander to groups who will never follow HIM. GOD wants me to be different but how can I change?

• GOD said to me “I will give you an undivided heart.”
• GOD said to me “I will remove your stony heart and give you a heart of flesh.”
• GOD said to me “I will be your GOD.”

In every one of those statements GOD said “I will.” This means I do not have to do anything but be willing to let HIM do what HE has to do. I do not have to be better than the “that” good person over there rather I need to simply allow HIM to modify my heart the way HE wants to.

Following GOD on my own is extremely hard. I mean all the reading, studying, praying and believing can be exhausting! BUT GOD makes following HIM easier when HE places HIS SPIRIT inside me. HE renews my strength daily and tells me to let HIM do the work while I watch HIM. I can truly praise HIM for who HE is.

• Do you think you need to clean yourself up?
• Do you feel obligated to “do” more for GOD instead of just “being” for GOD?
• Can you allow HIM to change you divided heart?
• Will you let GOD remove your stony heart and replace it with a heart of flesh?
• Will you let HIM place a new SPIRIT in you today?

Times of Plenty

Jeremiah 34: ⁹ Everyone was to free their Hebrew slaves, both male and female; no one was to hold a fellow Hebrew in bondage. ¹⁰ So all the officials and people who entered into this covenant agreed that they would free their male and female slaves and no longer hold them in bondage. They agreed, and set them free. ¹¹ But afterward they changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed and enslaved them again.

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“LORD, I will never do that again” were my words of fear. I had come through a trial and did not want to go back through another one like it. I decided I would not sin at all, not even the littlest sin. I mean, if JESUS could spend HIS whole life without committing a single sin, I certainly could for the rest of my life. After dropping off old habits things seemed to be going well for me. “You should stop sinning” were my immature words of judgement as I tried to get others to have what “I” had.

• It is sinful to think I can be sinless.
• It is sinful to think others need to clean up their act.
• It is sinful to think my righteousness keeps GOD’s wrath at bay.

I traded one sin for another, namely blindness. I had declared myself righteous and had not stopped to ask GOD what pleases HIM. When I realized what I had done, I returned to old sins. Now I was confused. BUT GOD straightened me out.

• GOD said to me “While your righteousness is like filthy rags, MY righteousness is pure.”
• GOD said to me “Turn from your sins without turning to yourself.”
• GOD said to me “Live your life a living sacrifice that all may go well with you.”

I soon realized that I was trying to manipulate GOD instead of serving HIM. GOD wants me to deny sinful indulgences “for” HIM, not to protect myself “from” HIM. When the trial is over I have to be on my guard even more. I should be hypersensitive to being susceptible to sins of puffing myself up and a judgmental attitude. And when I sin, I should keep my promises to GOD even though I feel sorry for myself. GOD is there to forgive and it is up to me to have the right attitude that pleases HIM.

• Are you experiencing GOD’s wonderful time of peace in your life?
• Do you feel you earned HIS peace?
• Will you take off your blinders and realize you are a sinner and GOD’s mercy is a gift?
• Will you stop trying to earn GOD’s love and accept HIS wonderful gift of freedom from sin?
• Will you keep your promises with HIM so all will go well with you?

Thermometer or Thermostat?

2 Kings 18: ⁵ Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. ⁶ He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. ⁷ And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.

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Sitting in a crowd of old “friends” I felt a little awkward. I had given up a lot of the things everyone was doing and people urged me to join in. It won’t hurt, I thought to myself. Soon I found I was acting one way around people at church and another around people I would “hang” with.

• When I am double minded I flow with whatever crowd I’m with.
• When I am double minded my opinions change in fear of not being liked by the crowd.
• When I am double minded I may flip flop and not support any direction.

Double minded behavior feels great “in the moment” because I am comforted by the crowd, but I end up lacking because any opposing opinion of mine gets discounted. What should I do about flipping with the crowd?

• GOD wants me to hold fast to HIS ways which in many instances are against the crowd.
• GOD wants me to keep following HIM even when the path seems to disappear.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS commands even when I stumble and fall.

Fear of the crowd makes me change like a thermometer. When the crowd is one way, so am I. BUT GOD wants me to be like a thermostat. HE wants me to walk into a crowd and set the temperature rather than being affected by what’s going on around me. Thermostats can be changed by the owner to be set at the temperature HE needs it to be. Thermostats live a life of purpose.

• Do you change your words with the crowd?
• Do you feel you have to “fit in” so you are willing to compromise your relationship with GOD?
• Can you give more and more of your life over to GOD daily?
• Won’t you let GOD be the owner of your life which gives you purpose?

Change of plans may not be a good idea

1 Samuel 28: ⁴ The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. ⁵ When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 

⁶ He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. ⁷ Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

“There is one in Endor,” they said.

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“LORD please make me wealthy” was my childish prayer at the time. With bills mounting high and no relief in sight, fear fell over me and I didn’t know where to go. I did not hear anything from GOD. No signs or people or bags of money from heaven. I devised a plan. “Powerball!” I immediately bought a lottery ticket and pledged to give a tenth of my millions to the closest church.

• Fear makes me turn from GOD.
• Fear makes me murmur at trials GOD takes me through.
• Fear makes me put my hope into something other than GOD.

When I am filled with fear, I see things differently. I “react” instead of consulting GOD and sometimes put my trust in something other than HIM. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM in the middle of my fear.
• GOD wants me to understand HE loves me in the middle of my trial.
• GOD wants me to tell others of HIS might even before HE delivers me out of my troubles.

Fear makes me change my plans and run away from GOD. I seek comfort somewhere other than where GOD tells me and my plans fall apart rapidly. When I seek GOD’s face I come through the trial triumphant, no matter what I’m facing!

• Are you facing a trial?
• Do you feel alone?
• Can you seek GOD instead of dreaming of a plan that doesn’t have HIM in it?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS success instead of yours?

How do I treat people?

Deuteronomy 25: ¹³ Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. ¹⁴ Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. ¹⁵ You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. ¹⁶ For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

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Please bring some canned food to give to the poor.  I looked in our cabinets and noticed all of the name brand items and a few “generic” labels we had not eaten. I packed the generic labeled cans and sent the people on their way. I mean we weren’t going to eat it anyway. Why let it go to waste? Meanwhile I hosted a dinner party with the finest food you could eat.

Soon after, it was time to drop off items to charity.  I found stuff we didn’t want and dropped these misfit items off. I mean maybe someone else can use these unwanted items. Meanwhile I bought fancy gifts for others.

• Treating people differently is so convenient.
• Treating people with different standards is so easy.
• Treating people with varying measures ignites my prejudice.

When I treat someone different because of their status I fail miserably. I cheat them out of a full blessing GOD may have wanted them to have. That kind of behavior can creep into other areas of my life. I can cut corners when serving one group versus another. In business I could lean favor to the rich and lean heavily on the poor. What does GOD want?

• GOD desires that I treat everyone equally serving wealthy and poor.
• GOD wants me to treat everyone with the same respect so I won’t fear one over the other.
• GOD wishes that I treat others with the same love that I wish others would treat me.

Whether it’s business, charity or just plain old service, GOD wants me to be the same to everyone, treating them with respect, kindness and love.

• Do you talk about people?
• Are “they” doing “it” wrong?
• Have you examined yourself to see if you are treating one group different than another?
• Won’t you start treating people the same no matter how painful it may be?

GOD hasn’t changed HIS mind

Deuteronomy 1: ⁸ “I have given you all of that land. Go in and take it as your own. I took an oath. I promised I would give the land to your fathers. I promised it to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I also said I would give it to their children after them.”

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Crisp air takes my mind back to my first career type job I had. For the first time in most of my life I did not have to return to school. I was working every day! I prayed for the first time in a long time. “LORD please make me successful.” There were no expectations, no definitions, and no exceptions to my prayer.

I felt a sense of peace after that prayer, almost like “It’s already done.” Little did I know, GOD had an incredible journey that would take years to unfold. There were many turbulent times that I felt like giving up. HE made me wildly “successful” from a human perspective. That sense of peace actually told me HE would do it and HE did.

• Sometimes I can’t see the end of the road because I’m too busy looking at the problems.
• Sometimes I can’t see progress in my journey because I’m too busy looking backwards.
• Sometimes I can’t see grace because I’m too busy looking at judgment of others.

GOD said HIS people would receive the land and they did. GOD said humans would have a difficult time on this planet and they are. GOD never makes a statement and then change HIS mind or change the rules. HE lives by HIS decree and once it is spoken it cannot be retracted.

• GOD said to me “I loved you before you were made.”
• GOD said to me “I made you in MY image and you are beautifully and wonderfully made.”
• GOD said to me “I will be with you always.”

When HE sealed my eternal relationship with the HOLY SPIRIT, HE enabled me to always have a way back to HIM when I sin. HE guides me on the correct path and HE delivers on ALL of HIS promises. My expectations are sinful and somehow HE corrects me and delivers me to the right place. HE makes me “successful” in HIS eyes and that’s all that matters!

  

• Are you waiting on GOD’s blessing with a certain expectation of what “success” looks like?
• Do you set goals for GOD that HE will never meet?
• Won’t you tear down your expectations of GOD and praise HIM for the blessings HE is giving you?
• Can you accept HIS promises HE is giving you and recognize HIS daily grace?

Being indecisive hurts me

Genesis 19: ¹⁵ With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.”

¹⁶ When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.

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In the distance I could see the green light.  “I wonder if I can make it” I thought to myself. Another thought popped in my head “No I can’t make it” unfortunately the second thought came a little too late for my raggedy car that would lung forward upon braking too hard. A third thought popped in my mind that said “Go!”

My hesitation caused the driver in the intersection to turn left in front of me and we had a head on collision.

Being indecisive about doing right makes me hesitate.

Being conflicted about moving forward makes me double-minded.

Being uncertain about going in a direction makes me question my faith.

Even when dire situations were presented I froze or made a decision that in retrospect could have been better. I sometimes wonder how I am alive. I wonder if I am being watched over.

GOD grabs my hand when I am about to go off HIS path.

GOD leads me in the path of righteousness when I want to drift from HIS way.

GOD protects me from HIS wrath even though I deserve HIS wrath.

GOD grants HIS mercy on me even though I do not deserve it.

When I hesitate to follow GOD it seems like I collide with life. I mean when my decisions don’t include HIS permission, I run into obstacles that perhaps HE puts in my way. GOD wants me to have faith in HIM and HIS plan. HE will provide.

Are you indecisive?

Are trying to go down multiple paths and are exhausted?

Can you make up your mind by asking GOD what does HE want you to do?

Once you choose your direction can you continue to add GOD to your plans?

Ask and believe

James 1: ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

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“What should we do next” were the horrifying words from my team.  This was the first time I had led a project and I had micro-managed us into a corner where we had to make some difficult decisions. “I know” I said to myself. “I will listen to everyone and get all the opinions on how to fix the problem.”

When I opened the opinion box I unveiled a storm of differing views and I looked crazy trying to agree with everything. Now my team started doubting if we were going in the right direction.

• When I get confused I seem double minded.
• When I get lost I feel unstable.
• When I get disorganized my thoughts race and I grapple with the issue.

When a challenge appears I tend to “think” my way out of the issue but this sometimes gets me deeper into hot water. Now what should I do?

• GOD says “ask ME for wisdom and I will give it abundantly.”
• GOD says “no matter how lost you get I will be there for you.”
• GOD says “I am not looking for fault in you rather I am looking for you to believe.”

GOD only wants faith from me.  HE desires that I believe HE has the answers and I can ask HIM for as much wisdom as I can handle.  HE will heap a generous portion on me when I believe solely on HIM. If I seek other crutches I can be blown and tossed by the wind.

I’m not saying avoid seeking wise counsel, what I am saying is let GOD be my guide.

• Are you confused?
• Do you lack wisdom in something?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom?
• Can you let HIM guide your words and actions today?