Sixth Commandment – No Murder

Sixth Commandment – No Murder

Exodus 20: ¹³ “You shall not murder.

 

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GOD continues with giving the Ten Commandments to Moses and the children of Israel. This time HE addressed murder.

 

My Observations:

• GOD addressed the Egyptian’s negative mindset with ten plagues, but HE addressed the children of Israel’s mindset with Ten Commandments.
• GOD seemed to be addressing a complicated problem of hatred, jealousy, and rage, mixed with the thirst for power.
• GOD could not fulfill HIS prophesy if humans murdered one another.

 

Murder is different than killing someone. While the result is the same, murder has an attitude of trying to be GOD. Life is precious to GOD and taking someone else’s life to get one’s own way was a problem GOD needed to make clear to the children of Israel and to you and me.

 

The root of murder points to a seed of hatred that can be traced back to Cain. His brother Abel tried to mimic GOD by offering an animal. Abel may have done this gesture, because GOD showed kindness to Adam and Eve by killing an animal to provide clothes for them.

 

Cain was so jealous and enraged that GOD did not accept his offering of vegetables. Cain may have tried to recreate the garden of Eden and in his pride, tried to offer the vegetation from his garden. Cains murder was born out of a lust for power, and his own jealousy.

 

GOD may have also seen the defiance of Canaan. The children of Canaan hated GOD and would take land and people as they pleased. They would kill to get their own way. GOD seemed to be putting a stop to people trying to grab power through murder. Getting your own way can lead to aggressive or passive aggressive actions that diminishes a person’s value to eventually justify murdering the person.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS command to not murder?
• Are you trying to get your own way and are resisting hearing GOD?
• Have you examined your recent actions to see if you are on the path of love and peace versus self-protection and getting your way?

 

Dream Versus Desire

Dream Versus Desire

Genesis 37: ⁵ Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. ⁶ So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: ⁷ There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.”

 

⁸ And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.

 

⁹ Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

 

¹⁰ So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?” ¹¹ And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

 

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“Now Joseph had a dream” is the beginning of a turn of events that would shape the world. Joseph told his brothers the dream and they hated him even more than before. He then had another dream and told it to his brothers.

 

My Observations:

• Israel may have told Joseph about the vision he was given by GOD when he saw angels ascending and descending a ladder.
• Joseph was not in control of the dreams, rather they came from GOD.
• Israel and Joseph’s brothers misinterpreted the dreams as Joseph’s desire versus GOD’s prophecy.

 

GOD spoke to Joseph in dreams versus a vocal conversation. HE gave Joseph a prophetic view of the tribes of Israel bowing to him. This dream sounded like Joseph wanted his brothers to respect him because they would one day bow to him. Israel even questioned the dream.

 

Israel said something strange during his response to Joseph. He said “Shall your mother and I.” Wait. Rachel was Joseph’s mother and she was dead. This shows Israel’s belief in the afterlife. Israel also considered that GOD may be involved in this dream, so he “kept the matter in mind.”

 

I believe Joseph was trying to tell people that GOD gave him a vision, but since GOD chose to not disclose HIS plan, Joseph could only say what he saw. His brothers would not believe, even if GOD gave Joseph a clear vision with specific directions, because of their hatred.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about how HE spoke to Joseph through dreams?
• Has GOD given you a dream that has not come to fruition?
• Are you encouraged by the fact that GOD has a specific plan for you and HE is working it all out in HIS time?

Envious Plan

Envious Plan

Genesis 30: Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!”

 

² And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

 

³ So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.” ⁴ Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her. ⁵ And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. ⁶ Then Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. ⁷ And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. ⁸ Then Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

 

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At least four years had passed and Rachel was still barren. Leah had four children, causing envy within Rachel. She approached Jacob with the problem, as if to say “Do something about this!” She came up with the same plan Sarah developed when she was barren. “Go into my handmaid and bear a child.”

 

My Observations:

• Rachel’s envious plan did not include direction from GOD, but received HIS grace.
• Rachel believed she owned Bilhah, therefore she believed she owned her child.
• Bilhah gave birth to two sons, Dan and Naphtali, who would become great nations.

 

Hearing about GOD’s plans and seeing HIS timeline would make anyone anxious. Jacob was told from birth that he would be the one GOD would bless. He had to serve for at least fourteen years just to marry Rachel. Then, four years later, still no child. Meanwhile, Leah was having children left and right.

 

GOD was not being mean, nor was he punishing Rachel. HE had a timeline planned for her, that she could not accept. GOD knew she would be impatient, like you and me. HE blessed Bilhah to have children.  Little did they know, Jacob’s children would be a problem later on.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the conversation between Rachel and Jacob to Moses?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s existing plan for you and felt you needed to come up with a plan that would hurry up the process?
• Can you wait for GOD’s timing on the great and gracious plan HE has for you?

Blessings Upon Blessings

Blessings Upon Blessings

Genesis 26: ¹² Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. ¹³ The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; ¹⁴ for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. ¹⁵ Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. ¹⁶ And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

 

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Isaac stayed in the area that had a famine which was in the land of the Philistines in Gerar. There he was able to plant in fields. Supernaturally, his fields grew faster and more plentiful than anyone else’s.

 

My Observations:

• GOD blessed Isaac because HE promised HE would.
• Isaac did not do anything special, BUT GOD did.
• Abimelech became a hater because Isaac was blessed.

 

Seeing Isaac prosper made the Philistines jealous. Isaac followed in his father’s footsteps by believing and trusting in the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who met Isaac and told him to “Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you.”  HE did as HE said.

 

Blessings kept coming towards Isaac. Crowds flocked to him and soon he was growing stronger than the Philistines. Following GOD was attractive to people. Abimelech knew that the way of the Philistines was being threatened. He sent Isaac away before war broke out. GOD blessed Isaac tremendously!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about blessing Isaac?
• Has GOD kept you all these years?
• Will you praise GOD for all the blessings HE has given you and will continue to give you?

It’s Your Fault

It’s Your Fault

Genesis 16: ⁵ Then Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.”

 

⁶ So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.

 

 

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Months after becoming pregnant, Hagar and Sarai did not get along. Sarai’s plan to fulfill GOD’s prophecy fell apart quickly. Now she had a mess on her hands. She stormed into Abram basically saying “It’s your fault!”  Abram, not wanting to be in the middle of the mess, said “you deal with it as you please.” Sarai was so harsh that she drove Hagar away.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai seemed to feel insecure about Abram’s promise from the LORD.
• Sarai may have gotten frustrated with people, knowing deep down that she may be the problem.
• Sarai took out her frustrations on Hagar.

 

Seeing Hagar pregnant every day was a reminder that something is wrong to Sarai. How was this promise going to come to fruition, Sarai must have thought. Jealousy, rage and insecurity may have caused Sarai to behave as she did. She was even frustrated with Abram, who went along with a terrible plan.

 

How in the world could GOD clean up this mess? GOD does not react. HE knew this mess would come and accounted for it. Sarai did not know what GOD could do. Same with you and me. We may get frustrated with our current situation, not knowing what GOD has in store. Sarai was frustrated and now Hagar felt persecuted. GOD was needed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the detail of Sarai’s blame of Abram to Moses?
• Have you ever gotten yourself in a mess and wanted to blame other people?
• If it is easy for you to blame other’s for your lack of relationship with GOD, will you ask HIM for more accountability today?

Jealous Moments

Jealous Moments

2 Corinthians 8: ⁸ I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is. ⁹ You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; rich as he was, he made himself poor for your sake, in order to make you rich by means of his poverty.

 

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Hearing when other people were promoted when I wasn’t made me think I was less than the recipients of the “honor.”. Hearing when other businesses got huge deals when I didn’t, I, again, felt less than other people. What was I missing?

 

• I was comparing myself to other people.
• I was vulnerable to try to be someone else rather than myself.
• I was open to becoming frustrated with who I was; meanwhile I saw what other people were doing and got jealous.

 

Paul wrote about how blessed he was by another group of people who gave their all during extreme poverty. He did this to show the dedication other people had for JESUS. He wanted each reader to examine themselves and form their own dedication to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my relationship with HIM to be real.
• GOD wants me to drop my jealousy in exchange for open eyes to HIS love.
• GOD wants me to see that JESUS was not jealous rather confident that HIS love would save anyone who believed in HIS sacrifice.

 

Lack of confidence breeds jealousy which can breed all kinds of not so good actions. I mean, I may try to prove myself, or move too fast on opportunities, or cower in the corner alone, or worse, stop following GOD to follow humans who do not believe in JESUS.

 

HE had enough grace to make HIMSELF a human, giving up extreme power, while keeping that power in check. HE was raised from the dead after being murdered by HIS own creation. HIS patience, while being a human, was worth the wait as HE remained sinless all of HIS life. I am glad I do not have to be jealous over someone else’s relationship with HIM because HE loves me too.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the examples of others?
• What is your reaction if someone challenges your relationship with JESUS?
• Are you easily offended or is your relationship real enough to withstand those who scoff at your actions?
• If you have been or are jealous of others or want other people to change, will you examine your own relationship with JESUS to see how real your own love is today?

Your Part

Your Part

Acts 6: Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

⁷ Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

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“Go clean the ashtrays” was the disgusting task given to me. But I was so happy to have a job, that I did it with fervor. I wiped tables and put bowling balls away. Years later, I got a high paying position, well it was high paying to me.

“Take notes in the meeting” someone said to me. “How dare they!” I grunted under my breath. I mean, I have a title and they want me to do this menial task?

• There were times when I wanted a title someone else had.
• There were times when I felt I was above certain tasks.
• There were times when I thought someone else’s part was more important than the part I had.

The apostles were preaching the word of GOD and many came to believe. Even some of the church leaders became believers in JESUS and were obedient. Everyone did their part in harmony.

• GOD wants me to do my part, knowing it is extremely important.
• GOD wants me to look at my part as being great no matter what other people think.
• GOD wants me to use my part as a service to HIM using wisdom and the HOLY SPIRIT as my guide.

Excitement to serve is what GOD is looking for. HE knows the titles are all the same. But when I look at how many followers a person has and get jealous, I may desire to stop doing my part and want to do theirs.

Back to the ashtrays. I was young and had freshly believed in the LORD. Someone asked me why I smiled as I picked up trash. I replied, “Because JESUS saved me and gave me this job” without worry of retribution. GOD wants me to be that person again. I am grateful HE gives me second, third and fiftieth chances.

• Are you jealous or complaining about what you are doing?
• Do you think your part is beneath you?
• Will you use the wisdom of GOD and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT to do your part to being people to the kingdom today?

Jealousy

Jealousy

John 21: ²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” ²¹ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

²² Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

²³ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

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Me and another person were top in our business class. We worked hard to study and figure things out. When we got our first business engagement, we poured our hearts into in. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth. One guy, who played golf well and told great jokes, got promoted over us. “What about us?” I inquired, really wanting to know “What about me?”

• There were times when I based my worth on winning over someone else.
• There were times when I looked at relationships as win-lose.
• There were times when I felt I needed recognition rather than correction.

Frustrated after JESUS had just restored him, Peter lashed out and said “What about him?”, as if to say, “Why not scold him for betraying YOU?” JESUS sees Peter’s hurt heart and guides him again by saying “What is that to you? Follow ME.” This sounded harsh, but it grew Peter.

• JESUS wants me to have my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look at my sins and confess them to HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to grow my relationship with HIM by seeking HIM and not pouting at what other people are doing or getting.

Jealousy is a heart rotter. I mean when I look at what other people are getting or doing, I wonder if GOD loves me. I question the love of the One who actually loves me. BUT GOD knows this and comes after me anyway. HE erases my jealousy and still rewards me in spite of me. I thank GOD for forgiving me.

• Do you act jealous?
• Do you downplay other people’s accomplishments, talents or skills because you secretly desire to be where they are?
• Will you stop looking at other people and know GOD made you exactly as you are and loves you at HIS maximum already?

Assumptive Knowledge

Assumptive Knowledge

John 9: ²⁴ So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”

²⁵ He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

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It was time to visit a college so I asked everyone to get in the car. I used someone else’s GPS to put in the directions and began driving. After a long while, something seemed wrong. “Let me see that GPS” I said. The volume was down and it was not connected to the car. For over an hour, I did not hear the messages to turn around. I just knew I had done everything right!

• Sometimes my assumptions are wrong.
• Sometimes my assumptions may lead me in the wrong direction.
• Sometimes my assumptions can cost something precious.

“We know that this Man is a sinner” the church leaders assumed about JESUS. They assumed HE was some random guy trying to get their power. They loved their power over the people and would never let anyone threaten their position. They used the name “GOD” but assumed it was not JESUS.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to know HE loves me.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the only one who can save me eternally.

My assumptions about GOD can be wrong at times. I mean when things are not going so well, I may assume HE does not love me. I may also assume I can manipulate GOD by trying to be good after I sinned. GOD is bigger than my sinful actions HIS grace is sufficient to save me and forgive me. I no longer have to assume. I know GOD is for me.

• Do you feel GOD is against you?
• Do you think HE finds pleasure in your pain?
• Will you stop your assumptive thinking and know GOD is the only solution to your problem?

It’s Getting Done

John 3: ²² After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised. ²³ Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptised. ²⁴ (This was before John was put in prison.) ²⁵ An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. ²⁶ They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – the one you testified about – look, he is baptising, and everyone is going to him.’

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Working long hours, I felt exhausted but satisfied. I mean I had everything under control, or so I thought. “Why don’t you let that person do this part of the project now?” my boss said directedly. When the person did their work, I felt a sense of jealousy. They were getting accolades I was used to getting.

• I felt jealous.
• I felt I was losing accolades.
• I felt I was slipping in value.

JESUS and HIS disciples were baptizing people and John “The Baptist’s” disciples questioned why these guys were doing this. They noticed their crowd was getting smaller and smaller and sensed something was wrong, or so they thought.

• GOD wants me to be part of a team who bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see how HE is working through others.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM daily for what HE is doing, especially when someone else is doing it.

As long as it is getting done, who am I to argue. If someone else is serving GOD by serving others, I do not need a pat on the back or an accolade for what I am doing. GOD sees what I am doing as part of HIS plan for all of humanity. HE knows the pie is big. In other words, HE knows the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. I am glad I am part of GOD’s big picture.

• Are you jealous of someone’s abilities?
• Do you talk bad about someone so you can get praise?
• Will you stop trying to point at yourself and allow GOD to work through others and through you?

Jealousy Control

Luke 15: ²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

²⁸ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. ³⁰ But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

³¹ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. ³² It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

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Listening with anticipation I waited to hear who won the top employee award. When they announced this other person, I immediately got upset. I mean this person didn’t do half as much as I did and he constantly asked me questions. This day of celebration was over for me.

• There were times when I was jealous instead of celebratory.
• There were times when I was not happy for “that” person because I was envious.
• There were times when I felt I “deserved” better than “that” person.

JESUS speaks about the dedicated brother who “followed all commandments” and did everything right, yet felt slighted when his father threw a party for the one who wasted money. The father’s perspective was interesting. He gets a party but “All I have is yours.”

• GOD says to me “Do not want for anything.”
• GOD says to me “I AM with you always.”
• GOD says to me “I have rewards for you that you cannot see right now, but have patience.”

“Why does this person have it so easy and I have it hard?’ was my question to GOD on many occasion. I mean it seemed “unfair” that people who never profess GOD seem to have it easy while I was struggling day to day serving HIM. “What good is it anyway?” I exclaimed.

GOD reminds me that my rewards are in heaven for everything I do here on earth. When I sincerely serve HIM, I get excited when someone else gets more than me. GOD fills my heart with the fact that HE has a great reward for me because I can enjoy seeing what HE is doing in other folk’s lives. Praise for others brings rewards.

• Are you struggling so much that you get jealous when someone else gets something?
• Do you feel mad at GOD for not giving you more?
• Will you open your heart wider for others and add praise to GOD when they get a temporary windfall?
• Can you praise GOD today for the rewards in heaven HE is storing up for you?

More or Less

Luke 12: ¹³ Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

¹⁴ But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

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“Try this on” the salesperson persuadably said.  When I put the garments on, I felt rich. I stared in the mirror and imagined scenarios of popularity and pride. “How much?” I asked. “Oh, about half a month of your salary.” “Hmm, I really want this” I battled. “I’ll take it.”

• Envy can make me want what others have.
• Greed can make me want more, even when I have enough.
• Pride can make me feel less than adequate even when I have plenty.

JESUS addresses possessions directly when a brother was fighting a brother over money.  “Life is more than materialism” JESUS said. But what does this have to do with me?

• GOD says to me, “I will give you abundant life.”
• GOD says to me, “Your life is extremely valuable to ME.”
• GOD says to me, “People are MY treasure, therefore go and bring ME back the treasure that is lost.”

When I believed that I needed JESUS as my Savior, the angels rejoiced. GOD wants me to bring HIM more and more people not just possessions as people think. GOD wants my message to be about HIS SON but sometimes money gets mixed into the message.

GOD wants me to let go of needing to have the latest thing or be styled in the nicest garments. HE wants me to focus people on HIS majesty so they will be taken care of by HIM. HE is what I desire.

• Do you want more than you have?
• Do you feel inadequate because you don’t have enough?
• Will you stop relying on the possessions you have as a basis of “who you are” and focus on what GOD declared “who you are” today?

Same Wage

Matthew 20: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ² He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

³ “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ⁴ He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ ⁵ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. ⁶ About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

⁷ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

⁸ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

⁹ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰ So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹² ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

¹³ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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“How are we getting the same pay?” I exclaimed in my mind. This guy does nothing but play golf and guess at things, then he comes to me for answers!

• I have been jealous over some else’s position.
• I have been upset over someone else’s rewards.
• I have been envious when someone gets treated the same as me for doing less.

JESUS says “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” This story sounded unfair at first but HE was speaking of the kingdom of heaven in which no one deserved it at all. In heaven people will look over at me and say “How in the world did this person get in?”

JESUS wants me to accept my wages gratefully, so much so that I go out and recruit more workers for the vineyard.

• Are you jealous over what others are receiving?
• Do you feel that you should have more and are mad at GOD?
• Can you drop your anger and allow GOD to bless you and receive thanks from you?

Feel Sorry for the Rich and Powerful

Ezekiel 32: ² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
    you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
    churning the water with your feet
    and muddying the streams.

³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘With a great throng of people
    I will cast my net over you,
    and they will haul you up in my net.

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GOD sees. GOD Hears. GOD knows. Sometimes I wondered if HE does. I mean those who are in power seem to flaunt it recklessly, meanwhile “I’m sitting on this bus next to the man smelling like who knows what”, I thought to myself. “Is this fair?” I would exclaim to GOD!

• There have been times I have compared my life to those who are extremely rich.
• There have been times I have pointed at the rich and powerful as being the problem.
• There have been times I have wondered why those who possibly lie and cheat their way to the top seem to get away with everything and I have count my bus fare.

Back then I thought it was appropriate to wish the rich to fall and the poor to rise, but then they would become rich and the cycle would continue with bad attitudes in different people. GOD wants me to lament over what is coming.

• GOD says to me “Lament over those in power today for if they do not turn to ME they will fall.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be envious over those in power today for I will hold every word against them if they do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Every action, every penny is being held accountable for all, turn to ME before it is too late.

JESUS did not have a dime as HE walked the earth. HE was the poorest of the poor, yet HE was rich in that HE owned everything. Monetary wealth can bring blindness to the fact that I am related to the ONE who owns everything, namely JESUS. HE wants me to focus on HIM in the times of trouble rather than pointing at the rich and becoming jealous. HE wants me to see that HE is the Sovereign LORD.

• Are you holding multiple conversations about the rich and powerful?
• Do you get disturbed about what the wealthy are doing?
• What happen if you held this many conversations about JESUS with the same amount of passion?
• Can you speak about GOD to someone today as freely as you speak about the rich and powerful?

Being Jealous

Ezekiel 8: ³ He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. ⁴ And there before me was the glory of the God of Israel, as in the vision I had seen in the plain.

⁵ Then he said to me, “Son of man, look toward the north.” So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy.

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“This guy really bugs me” I thought to myself. I mean he is loved by management and he never seems to have to do any work. He was always going out to lunch with them and they seemed to work his name into conversations I was having with them.

• Sometimes I get jealous of what someone has.
• Sometimes I get jealous of the position someone else is placed in.
• Sometimes I get jealous of someone else’s success.

When they asked me to help this guy, I dragged my feet. I mean “you are the darling, do it yourself” I thought. Little did I know, management was trying to bring me into the fold. They wanted me to get along with this guy and all I had to do was help him. My jealousy blinded me and everyone lost.

• GOD says to me “I detest jealousy but I love a helping heart.”
• GOD says to me “I cannot stand jealousy but I love self-sacrifice.”
• GOD says to me “I loathe jealousy but I love kindness, thoughtfulness and gracefulness.”

Appreciation cannot exist when jealousy is present. Jealousy says to GOD, “YOU did not put me in the right place or YOU did not make me correctly or even worse YOU made that person better than me, do something about it.” Looking at someone else is the problem. My relationship should only be between me and GOD. In other words I should focus on doing what pleases HIM and let HIM handle the affairs of others.

Satan was jealous of GOD’s position and GOD kicked him out of heaven. When I show jealousy I am reminding GOD of a part of Satan HE despises. Pride stems from jealousy which causes missed opportunities for love, peace and enjoyment. GOD wants me to give my jealousy to HIM.

• Are you jealous of someone?
• Do you see what someone has and feel like you want that?
• Can you take your jealous desires to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants for you?
• Will you look at the benefits of that person instead of what you are jealous over?
• Will you fill your heart with appreciation today?

Wanting what They Have

Proverbs 23: Saying 15

¹⁷ Do not let your heart envy sinners,
    but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
¹⁸ There is surely a future hope for you,
    and your hope will not be cut off.

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With a scowl, the partner closed his door on us. I always wanted to know what words were said behind those closed doors. I tried to get myself invited to the meeting and I made numerous attempts to get placed at the table to no avail. Why can’t I be like them? Maybe I have to frown more.

• Sometimes I wanted what other people had.
• Sometimes I desired to have what others seemed to get easily.
• Sometimes I craved what someone was.

As I climbed the ladder of success, I noticed I had to take an oath of silence when it came to low moral events. To be “in” the club I had to witness drunkenness followed by who knows what, and not tell. My envy turned cold as GOD opened my eyes.

• GOD says to me “Do not envy those who have gained wealth easily for you know not how they acquired it.”
• GOD says to me “Stay faithful to ME in lean times and in plenty and I will keep your hope strong.”
• GOD says to me “Better to fear ME and do what is right than to forget ME and lose your soul.”

Why gain the world and lose my soul? GOD says to me “I will supply all of your needs” and HE means that. HE provides for me daily and keeps my hope whole.

• Are you jealous of someone?
• Do you think “that” rich person is someone to envy?
• Do you spend your time talking about others and not about yourself?
• Will you focus on fearing GOD instead of talking about other people?

Idolizing Someone

Psalm 97:  All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

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Star-struck was never my style. I mean I felt so far away from being a celebrity that I could never get used to the thought of knowing everything about them. “Those pitiful people” was my thought of those who follow this crowd. Then someone in my industry created some apps that were used on almost every computer in the world! I thought to myself “Wow, if I could just meet that person!”

• Worshipping people takes my eyes off of what I should pay attention to.
• Worshipping people makes me think that “levels” exist.
• Worshipping people adds jealousy to my demeanor.

Looking at all of the glitz and glamour of these celebrities was somewhat distracting. I mean reading about their lives, watching them on videos and hearing them on broadcasts was a lot to consume. I soon found myself climbing higher and higher in my industry and further and further away from treating GOD in the way HE should.

• GOD wants me to treat HIM as the only celebrity.
• GOD wants me to treat every human the same, with respect and humility.
• GOD wants me to elevate HIS status to worship status, drinking every word said about HIM daily!

If I put even a tenth of the time into worshipping GOD as I do human idols, I would understand HIM so much more. HE is so misunderstood because I am looking at the examples of human idols who sometimes do not proclaim GOD. Worship means I want to be like the recipient of my worship. GOD wants me to “want” to be like HIM. HIS love and compassion should be something I can only strive for.

I do not mean I should be prideful saying “I will be like the MOST HIGH”, see where that got Satan. I believe I should watch GOD’s examples and focus in on HIS training HE takes me through to be more like HIM. I will praise and worship HIM daily!

• Are you jealous?
• Do you follow celebrities?
• Can you place some of your admiration for them into GOD?
• Will you credit HIM for how HE dishes out talent to others as well as yourself?

Understanding Jealousy

Psalm 73: ²¹ When my heart was grieved
    and my spirit embittered,
²² I was senseless and ignorant;
    I was a brute beast before you.

²³ Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.

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This weekend I was reminded of the many junk cars I drove. It seemed like I was on the side of the road more than moving forward. Once as my car showed the usual signs of failure I pulled over, got out and watched all of the people in fancy cars whiz by. This time I was a bit bitter as I looked at the face of a driver of an expensive car and watched him turn his head as he drove past. “Why do they seem to have no problems and all I have is problems?” I thought jealously.

• Jealousy enters my heart when I compare myself to others.
• Jealousy enters my heart when I am not satisfied or content.
• Jealousy enters my heart when I look at others, wanting what they have.

The real question I’m asking is “Why am I not the wealthy person driving past the poor sole on the side of the road?” I mean would I stop? Would I help if I were rich? No! How do I know… because I have been there too. Being rich brings on challenges that cause me to ignore the poor and protect my wealth at all costs. BUT GOD has shown me something different.

• GOD says to me “Do not love money because it will generate all kinds of evil you do not even know.”
• GOD says to me “Hearts are deceptive and wicked, only I can know it.”
• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first”
• GOD says to me “I will guide you with MY counsel.”

Instead of seeking what someone else has, I should quiet down and ask, “What do you want me to do right now?” GOD has me here for a wonderful reason, one that I cannot ignore. HE opens my eyes to HIM when jealousy tries to blind me. HE shows me that being connected to HIM and going through a difficult situation is far better than being without HIM and thinking my wealth will save me.

GOD does not like when I am arrogantly wealthy nor does HE like a pouting jealous poor rant from me. HE does however appreciate when I acknowledge HIS supremacy, HIS love and HIS mercy for me.

• Are you jealous of something or someone?
• Do you envy certain groups of people and wish for their demise?
• Can you stop wasting your time looking at others and look to GOD who has called you into this situation?
• Will you truly praise GOD for where HE has you and get started on the mission HE has for you?

Cure for Jealousy

Psalm 37: ¹ Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;
² for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

³ Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
⁴ Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

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It was easy to stay away from the thugs of my day. Petty crime and thievery was about the worst that it would get. Then I saw a new wave of thug emerge with flashy cars and clothes to match. They said “You have to be tough and take no prisoners if you want to be like me.” It was still easy for me to avoid them but others flocked towards their glitter.

I went my way, worked hard and met some wonderful corporate minded people along the way. They said “You have to be tough and take no prisoners if you want to be like me.” Wait, didn’t I hear that somewhere before? It must have been my imagination. I was envious of the corporate mogul.

• No matter where I am I can get envious.
• No matter how little or how much I have, I can get jealous.
• No matter what the cost, I can get green-eyed.

It seemed like the “tough” and the “arrogant” and the “mean spirited” people would get their way most often, meanwhile I was left to fend on my own, working hard for little reward. I mean why do they get all the rewards and I have to do all the work? BUT GOD hears and knows.

• GOD says to me “Trust in ME and do good and you will dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
• GOD says to me “Take delight in ME and I will give you the desires of your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Be still before ME and wait patiently for ME; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Success of those who harm others is short lived. Yes it seems like they have the bigger bank accounts, bank rolls or Benz’s BUT GOD says I want you to follow ME on MY path, not theirs. GOD’s path means my eyes are open to those who hurt and are in pain. It means telling someone they are forgiven, no matter what sin they have committed. GOD says “MY way is the right way and I will bless you for following ME.”

• Are you jealous?
• Do you have envy of those who do wrong?
• Are you secretly looking over what they do so you can be like them?
• Can you turn your heart to GOD?
• Will you stop being envious of them and delight in following GOD?

I know what I know

Job 19: ²⁵ I know that my redeemer lives,
    and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

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I used to marvel at eloquent speakers. It seemed like words would flow from their lips so smoothly that any audience would be mesmerized. As I stood in front of my first audience in a speech class I could feel the audience slip away. What was in my mind wasn’t coming out of my mouth, well not as I wanted it to.

When I was challenged by a pastor to go out and tell people about CHRIST, I said “I don’t know the Bible and I am not a good speaker.” He said “What’s that got to do with it?”

• Sometimes I think I have to be someone else in order to be used by GOD.
• Sometimes I think I have to know it all and be polished in order to be used by GOD.
• Sometimes I think I have to do something very different in order to please GOD.

Quite honestly I think GOD is crazy. I mean HE couldn’t have meant to create the person I am. HE couldn’t have meant for me to have gone through life the way I did. HE couldn’t have meant for me to make mistakes on a minute by minute basis, right? Well…

• GOD made me for HIS purpose and it’s up to me to realize what that purpose is.
• GOD made me and said “Beautiful and wonderful” and it’s up to me to accept HIS glorious creativity in my person.
• GOD made me and knows my circumstances, situations and desires so it’s up to me to grab ahold of HIS ways and follow HIM until the end.

I’m not saying I am going to give up seeking GODLY perfection rather I will lighten up on myself which in turn may help me lighten up on others. I will now go out and teach about CHRIST without thinking I have to be perfect or have the right words all the time. In fact GOD said “I will give you the right words at the right time.” I may not know much, but I know what I know and GOD is pleased with it.

• Do you feel inadequate when it comes to your relationship with GOD?
• Are you focused on what someone else is doing rather than thanking HIM for HIS relationship with you?
• Can you praise HIM for making you the way HE made you?
• Will you ask HIM to share HIS purpose for you today?