Caught in the Middle

Caught in the Middle

Genesis 14: ⁸ And the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) went out and joined together in battle in the Valley of Siddim ⁹ against Chedorlaomer king of Elam, Tidal king of nations, Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar—four kings against five. ¹⁰ Now the Valley of Siddim was full of asphalt pits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled; some fell there, and the remainder fled to the mountains. ¹¹ Then they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. ¹² They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.

 

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Having studied the land, Lot chose to move to an area that had lush greenery. Sodom and Gomorrah “looked” like a great place to live. But Lot did not study the inhabitants. They were fully against GOD and possibly did as they pleased, thinking it was freedom. Their ingenuity led them to possibly build a replica of what they thought, the Garden of Eden looked like.  But neighboring kings were jealous.

 

My Observations:

• Lot may have wanted the best but at a cost of compromising his values.
• Lot had no idea he would lose all of his stuff and be taken as a slave.
• Lot was probably in anguish, not knowing what would become of him.

 

Not knowing the terrain, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled in terror. They may have thought they had an advantage by outnumbering the opponent. But their advantage was turned into a disadvantage because of the unfamiliar tarpits. Their opponents may have known where each tarpit was and could navigate the terrain with ease. The kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled.

 

All their stuff, including Lot and his stuff, were taken. The replica of the Garden of Eden was left desolate. The marauders took everything and went back to their land. Human ingenuity was used against human ingenuity.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the uneven number of kings against kings to Moses?
• Are you looking at something from a human perspective without consulting GOD?
• Are you willing to take a moment to ask GOD if the plan you are about to do, is HIS versus yours?

Now What?

Now What?

Revelation 18: After this I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and his splendor brightened the whole earth. ² He cried out in a loud voice: “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She is now haunted by demons and unclean spirits; all kinds of filthy and hateful birds live in her. ³ For all the nations have drunk her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust. The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the world grew rich from her unrestrained lust.”

 

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Waiting for my parents to overlook the keys to the car, I slid them out of sight. They were going on vacation and I planned on using the car without permission. They left and the keys were mine! I started the car and as I was driving, noticed the engine was getting hot. I checked the fluid levels and there was no coolant in the car. I spent all my money just trying to get the car to work.

 

• I got what I wanted but did not want what I got.
• I added problems by my sneakiness that I had not accounted for.
• I was in worse shape by doing something I should not have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard another angel, who had great authority, announce that the great city Babylon has fallen. This was the thing that tempted humans into fulfilling their lusts for sex, power and money. The evil plan to tempt people away from GOD failed and evil was turned against evil.

 

My Observations:

• My evil plans never work, BUT GOD’s loving plans always succeed.
• My plans that use the world’s methods may temporarily succeed, BUT GOD rewards me eternally for following HIS plans.
• It seems like every time I used evil as my plan, it backfired and then I ended up in worse shape.

 

“Now what?” is the question that I have to ask myself when I realize my sin put me in worse shape. I mean, do I keep going down the sinful path or do I stop, turn around and go towards the way that I know is right and would benefit me? Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen to be wrong and fall down with my sins. BUT GOD has that in HIS plans.

 

HE saw my sins and made a way for me to return to HIM. By confessing my sins, HE is faithful and just to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. HE restores my soul and leads me on the path of righteousness. I am glad GOD gives me another chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was informed about the angel’s authority?
• Have you ever did something wrong and now you have to live with your mistake?
• Will you tell GOD about your mistake so HE can erase it and restore you and give you a better path to walk today?

Seeking Good Times

 

Seeking Good Times

1 Peter 3: ⁸ To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. ⁹ Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. ¹⁰ As the scripture says,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and wish to see good times,
    you must keep from speaking evil
    and stop telling lies.
¹¹ You must turn away from evil and do good;
    you must strive for peace with all your heart.
¹² For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

 

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Wanting a better assignment, I lied about my age. I said I was two years older than I was so that maybe my years of experience would seem like more than they were. I was still considered a rookie and I wanted to shake that perception.

 

• I lied to get ahead.
• I didn’t consider my lie as harmful.
• I showed my immaturity when I argued, fussed and fought instead of being above negative conversations.

 

Peter continues to provide some difficult lessons. He knew there would be some who would do evil to those who did good. His advice was to be above evil by paying back with good. He also used a Psalm from David to change the mindset. “Keep from speaking evil.”

 

My Observations

• Striving for “good times” must include me telling the truth.
• For me to “enjoy life” I must be able to rest, which means telling the truth.
• Doing “good” and striving for “peace” gives me the makings for a life filled with good times.

 

Evil, brings on more evil. I mean, when someone does or says something bad to me or about me, I want to retaliate. I get my argument ready and maybe even think of ways to tear “that” person down. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

HE wants me above petty arguments to focus on HIM. HE wants “good” and “peace” to flow from me. This means I have to make a decision. I have to slow down, step away from the evil and speak the truth in live when the time is right. I am glad GOD gives me courage to speak truth.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “pay back?”
• Have you ever been provoked by an evil attack and wanted to retaliate?
• Will you take the high road next time and seek “good times” by doing good in GOD’s sight today?

Choices

Choices

Ephesians 5: ¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. ¹⁶ Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. ¹⁷ Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

 

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“Come hang out with us” were the tempting words I would easily flock to . We stayed up late having “fun.” To my dismay, I woke up late for my shift. I was supposed to open the dorm office and I slept way past the time. I was fired.

 

• I did not do what I was supposed to be doing.
• I made a short term choice that was costly long term.
• I could not see any problem with my choice until I ran into the problem.

 

Short term thinking was an issue Paul was trying to address. People had, too often, given into what the world would say is “fun” or “okay.” After a while, their eyes were no longer fixed on GOD, but their own pleasure.

 

My Observations

• GOD made humor, laughter and pleasure for me to enjoy.
• GOD made my life for HIM so I must seek what HE wants me to do and allow HIM to provide me with pleasure.
• GOD wants me to seek wisdom and make good use of every opportunity given to me to serve HIM.

 

Every moment does not have to be a Bible teaching moment. I mean, I must have faith that I know what GOD says through HIS Word and place it in my heart. But there are moments GOD wants me to be ready to speak about HIM and HIS SON as the Savior of all mankind.

 

I can enjoy life while seeking what GOD wants me to do. Unfortunately, there are times when I want to seek what “I” want to do. This is classified as “foolish” or “ignorant” by the writer. Harsh? Not really. GOD has a plan for me each day that is not overwhelming. I am grateful HIS burdens on me are light.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Are there any changes you would like to make in your life but need some help?
• Will you seek what GOD wants you to do and release your fear of what you hold onto so you can be filled by HIS SPIRIT today?

Keep in Mind

Keep in Mind

Romans 1: ²⁸ Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. ²⁹ They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip ³⁰ and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. ³² They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.

 

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When I took the exam, I did well. I studied and memorized all the facts. Years later, after not having used the subject, I struggled to remember the content. When someone asked me questions, I could not help. I had forgotten everything.

 

• There have been many things I used to know that I have forgotten.
• There have been many practices I used to do that I no longer do.
• There have been many things that were good for me, and I did at one time that I stopped doing.

 

Paul continues explaining what GOD revealed to him. He says that some people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about GOD. Because of this, GOD allows those people to have a corrupt mind, doing anything evil that feels right to them.

 

• GOD wants me to keep HIM top of mind every day.
• GOD wants me to know I would choose evil every time if it weren’t for HIS guidance each day.
• GOD wants me to recognize I would choose greed, vice, jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, pride, boasting, disobedience and hatred unless I speak to HIM each day.

 

Having done many evil things on this list, I can testify that Paul’s writing is true. I mean, when he puts jealousy next to murder, it really makes me think that I am hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out of my mess.

 

Only GOD HIMSELF could save me from my sin. I would never choose HIS way, so HE chose me instead. HE died just for me and was raised from the dead. JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me back to HIM. I still want sin, but I keep in mind what GOD wants.

 

• Are you doing what you want, never asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Do you see things only from your perspective, justifying your actions along the way?
• Will you keep GOD in mind, knowing you could fall to the things HE does not want you to do, so you could be given your perfect purpose today?

Getting Away with It

Ecclesiastes 8: ¹² Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. ¹³ Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

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Scared to even cuss, I tiptoed around doing “bad” stuff. I went to another school and met more people. They had some great ideas about doing stuff that seemed like “fun.”  Leaving the house without permission was my first test. I had never done that before and it felt great until I got home, late, to worried parents.

I then started trying other stuff. Lying felt pretty good and so did cursing. After a while I asked myself, why was I worried about being “bad?” This stuff did not feel “bad” and besides, I hadn’t killed anyone!

• There were times when I tried sin and it never felt “bad.”
• There were times when I dabbled in sin and the crowd was pleased with my actions.
• There were times when I tested my “sin boundaries” to see what I could get away with.

Little did I know that I was headed in the wrong direction. I was chipping away at my character a little at a time. I did not know I would be out on my own someday with fractures in my character here and there. When I went to my next place in life I faced some difficult times that sin could not fix. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Come unto ME all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “Return back to me and I will wipe away your tears.”
• GOD said to me “I sent you the COMFORTER who will be with you always.”

Forgiven was the feeling I missed when I was engulfed in sin. I could not do things right and it seemed like my road was getting harder and harder. BUT GOD rescued me and put me back on HIS path. HE said to me “I have a plan for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I believed and HE blessed me thoroughly!

• Do you feel you “got away with it?”
• Are you on the wrong path?
• Can you stop with your plans and start following GOD?
• Will you start looking at GOD as the solution instead of thinking HE is the problem?

Why is GOD doing “this?”

Deuteronomy 8: ³ He took your pride away. He let you go hungry. Then he gave you manna to eat. You and your parents had never even known anything about manna before. He tested you to teach you that man doesn’t live only on bread. He also lives on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. ⁴ Your clothes didn’t wear out during these 40 years. Your feet didn’t swell.

⁵ Here is what I want you to know in your hearts. The Lord your God trains you, just as parents train their children.

⁶ Obey the commands of the Lord your God. Live as he wants you to live. Have respect for him.

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“What’s wrong with my computer” I thought in an enraged and nervous fashion. I had to be on a very stressful call discussing whether I had a job or not. I worked from home that day which was highly unusual for me. As I waited for the call to begin I turned the TV on with the volume turned down low. I fiddled with my computer and finally it booted up and I was ready for the call.

Though the call had started, I heard someone on the news say “Oh my GOD, a plane has just run into one of the towers!” Why was all this happening?

• Stressful situations aren’t always what I think.
• Evil plots seem to win at times which makes me nervous.
• Trouble doesn’t come at convenient times when I’m ready for it.

Many people around the world will remember what happened on this tragic day. I know I will. I also remember an argument with a loved one that same day. This day changed the course I was on in many ways and I questioned GOD. “Why are YOU allowing this to happen?” was my question.

• Out of storms I learn many lessons from GOD that I cannot hear when things are going well.
• Out of trouble my soul cries to GOD in ways I never cry out to HIM when I have plenty.
• Out of trials I get stronger because GOD puts my heart to the test, not to see if I would fail, HE knows that, but to burn away impurities to follow HIM the way HE wants to be followed.

This same chapter discusses the problems with becoming wealthy and forgetting GOD in the process. I fully understand this because I have forgotten GOD many days. HE desires that I remember HIS power, HIS love and especially HIS grace for me to respect HIM.

• Are you in the middle of blaming GOD?
• Do you think GOD is out to get you?
• Can you accept HIS course correction and get excited about where HE is taking you?
• Won’t you respect HIS wishes for you and praise HIM for what HE has done in your life?

GOD’s grace is contagious

Genesis 50: ¹⁵ When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” ¹⁶ So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 

¹⁷ ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

¹⁸ His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

¹⁹ But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

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Many times I have been wrong and when I am, I get scared of the person who I’ve wronged.  Sometimes I hide or I may even speak in ways that seem to ask for forgiveness. Little do I know that the evil I had planned was mean somehow for good. I have run into people who were gracious instead of righteous.

These people gave me mercy instead of judgment and it seemed to come at the right time. Maybe I should do the same.

• When I am gracious I build a person up.
• When I am gracious I enable people to see GOD.
• When I am gracious I act a little like GOD.

GOD’s grace is contagious. HE allowed HIS SON to die for me just to show me grace. HE expects me to show others grace while HE deals with their heart. HIS grace is sufficient.

• Have you wronged someone?
• Are you afraid to admit it to them?
• Can you face what you’ve done and ask for forgiveness?
• Won’t you forgive yourself and know GOD has forgiven you?

GOD even uses evil for good

Genesis 45: ⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! ⁵ And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

⁶ For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. ⁷ But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

⁸ “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

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Scared and confused I left a company that I had poured heart and soul into. I had run into the wrong mix of people and found myself on the outside of “the club.” For a while I felt like I was in the desert. “GOD where are you?” I would cry out.

The desire to start a business was swelling in me. I pursued many options but nothing seemed right. I finally settled on a path and GOD started delivering people to me in droves. Many have helped me and some I helped. I prayed with many and cried with them. I never would have met these people if GOD hadn’t sent me.

• GOD knows I have to face painful situations so I can grow.
• GOD understands I have to face adversity in order to be made into what HE wants me to be.
• GOD delivers me into HIS house in spite of any evil plan thought up by others or me.

Humans think they have control of lives and situations BUT GOD knows better. HIS plans are far above my thoughts, desires or worries. HE is the deliverer of my salvation!

• Are you going through something?
• Do you think GOD has left you alone?
• Won’t you open your eyes and see HIS deliverance?
• Can’t you give HIM your best AND your worst so HE can show you HIS plan?

GOD is no longer mad at me.

Genesis 8: ²¹ The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

²² “As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”

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Plastering was something I had never done before but this particular summer, it was my job.  I had to carry heavy bags of tools or plaster mix or boulders, well it seemed like boulders. I was constantly doing things wrong that the owner would have to correct me. I think I broke stuff and had to take numerous breaks because I got a splinter on my elbow or somewhere!

After my first day I didn’t want to come back but I said “thank you” and the owner seemed delighted. “See you tomorrow” he said. You mean he wants me to come back? I’m pitiful.

• Sometimes I think I have messed up royally with GOD.
• Sometimes I think my clumsiness in life translates to GOD being disgusted with me.
• Sometimes I think GOD is mad at me and that’s why I’m not getting my way.

GOD sees my pitiful attempts to serve HIM and others and is delighted by what HE sees.  I’m not speaking about the times that I try too hard or when I’m feeling ultra-religious and judging others. GOD sees when I have very little to offer and I give that up for HIM.

• GOD knows my heart is evil yet loves when I try to serve HIM.
• GOD knows every inclination I have is against HIM yet HE loved me enough to die for me.
• GOD knows I was born and raised in sin yet HE has a plan that’s great for me.

HE provides food, great weather and enables me to sleep and wake to a new day. HIS love for me will never cease and it’s a great feeling of relief.

• Do you think GOD is mad at you?
• Are you feeling like you have not reached your potential?
• Can you recognize GOD is faithful to you?
• Won’t you realize HE does not go back on HIS great plan HE has for you?

Do what I say not what you see me do

Titus 1: ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. ¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

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As I sought power I noticed I became very good at pointing out what another department leader was doing wrong and how our group could “fix” it. This skill of being critical enabled me to peer into the eyes of the “opponent”, discover their weakness and rapidly build a plan to counter their next move. My mind was blind.

• When I practice being disobedient I become very good at it.
• When I perfect being detestable I lose my direction.
• When I prepare for acting evil I forget the good I had in mind when I started my plan.

I heard the road to hell is paved with “good intentions” and I know what those philosophers mean. I thought I could do “more” wonderful things for people the higher I climbed. Truth is the way I sought power was through being opposite of GOD’s style.

• GOD wants my intentions to match my actions.
• GOD desires that I treat “ALL” humans the same and not “side” with one specific group.
• GOD loves when I focus on what HE calls pure, not the cause I am hiding behind to pretend I follow GOD.

So many times I want to tell people to straighten up but I would have to put a caveat on the message to not pay attention to what I’m doing. Don’t pay attention to the slander or the lust or the greed I’m displaying just follow my words. GOD isn’t buying that kind of act. HE doesn’t want people who “talk” about generosity or love or compassion, HE wants people who are.

• Are you talking more than being?
• What would others who are not in your circle say about you?
• Can you use your thoughts and statements about those people on yourself?
• What if GOD used your thoughts and statements as the measure of how HE would judge you?

You know where you came from

2 Timothy 3: ¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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“LORD Why?” were the words I exclaimed many times when something went horribly wrong or when those people weren’t acting right. It seemed like the bad became billionaires and the good groveled. “Maybe I should become like them” I would say to myself.

I mean “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em.” Maybe I should learn how to be as sneaky and low down as they are so I don’t have to get persecuted anymore.

• GOD said “There will be terrible times in the last days.”
• GOD said “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, and abusive.”
• GOD said “People will be disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, and without love.”
• GOD said “People will be unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, and not lovers of the good.”
• GOD said “People will be treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
• GOD said “People will have a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Wow! This is the group that I wanted to join! I wanted to be the persecutor rather than having someone stomp all over me. BUT GOD knows what I’m going through and wants me to focus on something else.

• Yes there will be persecutors, BUT GOD will protect me.
• Yes there will be cheats and thieves; BUT GOD shows me they can steal my stuff but not my relationship with HIM.
• Yes there will be slimy, slanderous slugs who do not spread the truth, BUT GOD wants me to remain in the truth which is HIS SON.

I know where I came from and that is faith in our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST. Persecution may come but those who pretend to follow HIM to get their way will have to face HIM. I want to face HIM with HIS love.

• Are you tired of being persecuted?
• Does it seem like bad people keep getting their way?
• Can you focus on what you have learned about GOD and teach about HIS love?
• Won’t you show GOD’s love to someone today even if they are the persecutor?  

From tragedy to triumphant

Galatians 6: ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

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Disturbed by another heinous act of violence I ran through many emotions and thoughts this morning. “Why did another shooter take so many lives?” was the first thought on my mind. Then I immediately tried to figure out who to blame. What a tragedy! Can’t we ever just live peaceful lives?

• When I think other people will bring me peace I am highly mistaken.
• When I blame others for stealing my peace I am highly mistaken.
• When I believe circumstances are too bleak to ever have peace I am highly mistaken.

There are many tragic situations that happen on a daily basis. In fact it seems more like they are happening each hour! BUT GOD doesn’t want me to be shaken by tragedy rather focus on triumph!

• When I encourage someone I overcome tragedy.
• When I choose to praise GOD instead of venting frustration I overcome tragedy.
• When I place blame in the grave and uphold the ways of the SPIRIT I overcome tragedy.

I could point to others and say “look at this sick society” or I can say “how can I lift someone up today?” I believe it’s obvious which one GOD wants me to do. GOD wants me to exclaim the GREAT NEWS about HIS SON who went through tragedy and became triumphant.  

• Are you feeling defeated?
• Do you blame others for your situation?
• Do you blame others for the direction the nation or the world is headed?
• Can you take today’s tragedy and become triumphant?
• Won’t you encourage someone today and defeat tragedy?

The plan for evil will fail against me.

Acts 23: ²⁵ He wrote a letter as follows:

 ²⁶ Claudius Lysias,

   To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

   Greetings.

 ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.

²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. ³⁰ When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

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Rumbles of headcount reductions rippled through the organization stifling any productivity. Rumors of who was going to stay or go had many paralyzed. Some of my peers resorted to “slander” as their defense and they even attacked me just as the nation had been attacked by terrorists just weeks before.

I got a phone call that said, “I would like for you to come with me to the west coast.” Wow, they chose me over those who were trying to slander me!

• I will never know how many evil plots GOD has protected me from.
• I will never know how often GOD steps in to keep HIS plan intact.
• I will never know how GOD uses someone’s evil plan to complete HIS good and perfect plan.

Paul was defenseless against the plot to kill him. His message of JESUS’ salvation threatened the lifestyles of the Sanhedrin rulers and forty men vowed to not eat until Paul was killed. GOD intervened and had believers and those who did not believe in JESUS, help Paul to safety.

In other words GOD said, “MY plan for Paul isn’t finished!” HE does the same for me.  There is no evil plot that can go against me until GOD’s plan for me is complete. Yes, some lies against me may work for a minute and I may fall down a couple of times with their sin and sins of my own, BUT GOD’s plan cannot be stopped!

• GOD’s plan for me is definite.
• GOD’s plan for me is unpolluted.
• GOD’s plan for me is impenetrable by evil so I can have no fear of failing!

Every plot against me will fall back on the plotter, maybe not right away, but it will. I don’t need to see the revenge, I just have to believe GOD’s plan is great!

• What is GOD’s plan for you?
• Are you being attacked?
• Can you realize that your attacker means evil BUT GOD will use the plot for good?

What do you do when they are kicking you?

Acts 7: ⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

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Bodybuilding was my excuse for lifting weights but in reality I got tired of being pushed around. I just wanted a peaceful existence but I seemed to attracted “intimidators.” From scrawny to brawny I transformed myself into one of the in crowd. Now I could do the intimidating even to my enemies!

• Fighting evil with evil never works.
• Protecting myself from intimidators causes me to fight under my own strength.
• Feeding my temper and rage only leads to disaster.

Instead of praying for my enemies, I wanted to take them down.  My motto became “I’m not going to take this anymore!” I found myself fighting my way to the top and being called “brave” during the ascent. Was it “bravery” or “bullying?”

• Obtaining my own strength will wear out, but GOD’s strength remains forever.
• Obtaining my own wealth will disappear, but GOD’s wealth will never be stolen or rust.
• Obtaining my own pleasure will satisfy me for a moment, but GOD’s way will satisfy me eternally.

I will be the first to say “don’t take my kindness for weakness.” GOD however has taught me that it is HIS strength that makes me mighty.  HE will take care of my intimidators, slanderers, and those who seek only their way. My job is to pray for their wellbeing and hope GOD will intervene in their lives so one day they receive the ultimate gift of true salvation through JESUS.

This isn’t easy so HE gives me practice on a smaller scale daily.

• Is someone kicking you while you are down?
• Are you being intimidated?
• Do you know you will be truly blessed by praying for your enemy?
• Won’t you let GOD take care of the vengeance and you take care of the grace?

Bad times are being used for good.

Acts 7: ⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

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Survival was my goal growing up in the city.  I weighed as much as a wet gnat, had un-comb-able hair, tattered clothes and my fighting skills included hiding inside of my nylon jacket. After coming though bullies, robberies, threats and other evil sorts, I wonder how I ever survived.

• When I’m going through difficult times it’s hard to see the good that can come out of it.
• When I’m faced with forces of evil people it’s hard to see GOD at my side.
• When I’m placed in unfamiliar territory with mean people I feel trapped and helpless.

Guns, gangs and graft have never been a match for my GOD.  I have faced muscle bullies and corporate bullies alike, each meaning harm and sometimes it was personal. While I couldn’t see it then I can definitely look back and see GOD was there protecting me all the time.

• In spite of the bullies, GOD protected my passage safely to and from school.
• In spite of evil people, GOD raised me higher than most people during my corporate tenure.
• In spite of thieves, GOD has provided abundantly for me and my family.

GOD has used evil situations to enable me to turn my face back to HIM. Many times I have lost focus on HIM and HE showed HIS unfailing love for me blessing me in spite of me. Now I know “what was meant for evil is now being used for good.”

• Have you been bullied or abused?
• Are you being falsely accused about something?
• Do you realize your story can help someone who is going through the same situation?
• Won’t you tell others about GOD’s blessings in spite of your situation?

What goes around comes around

Luke 16: ¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

   ²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

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“What goes around comes around” is what the old folks used to say. In other words “how I treat people is how I am going to get treated.” If that’s the case then either I have to start treating people nice real soon or my past will catch up to me.

• Laughing at the demise of the “idiot” boss was my forte’ until my position was eliminated.
• Ignorance of the poor and downtrodden was my mode of operation until I had to worry about my finances.
• Thinking my parents and other adults were stupid was my mantra until I grew up and had kids of my own.

Now that I am older I understand the old folk’s statement. Truly “what goes around comes around.” It may not happen in this lifetime, but whatever seeds I sow on this earth will come to fruition. GOD wants me to plant heavenly seeds on earth to reap the harvest of eternal treasure.

• Even though “that” person is not treating me right I have to treat them with grace.
• Even though I may think I need “that” luxury item maybe there is a person whose “needs” aren’t being met.
• Even though I have my own family I’m still not too old to glean wisdom from those who are older and wiser.

I need to treat people the way I want GOD to treat me. I want to be the center of HIS attention so my focus needs to be on HIS humans.

• How are you treating people?
• Are your relationships strong?
• Do you seek out the poor for the purpose of serving them for GOD?
• Are you feeling the effects of treating people poorly?
• Can you begin treating “that” person with grace?

“Are you with me?” GOD asks!

Luke 11: 23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

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My GODLY behavior seems to ebb and flow during various times in my life. Funny, when I consider things to be going well is when I sin the most and ignore GOD the most.

• When I am in the “in” crowd at work I forget about family, friends and GOD to get ahead.
• When I have lots of money then decadence of food, fashion and folly tempts me.
• When I feel secure with my house, cars and stuff, I forget about the poor and less fortunate.

It seems like when I can see my retirement funds growing and I have just come from that lavish vacation that I forget to serve GOD with all my mind with all my body with all my soul. Instead I worry about how much I spent and who is buying which trinket all in hopes to keep my piles of money.

My arrogance seems to grow and my demands get justified, and then I can’t figure out why GOD’s people seem to scatter and run away.

• In times of need I tend to cry out to GOD for help.
• In times of need I worship GOD without ceasing.
• In times of need I straighten up and do what GOD says and hopefully I can manipulate HIM into getting my way.

GOD wants me to be consistent. Give when I have plenty, serve when I am busy, care when I need someone to care for me. When I feel deserving and selfish, I am not “for” GOD. When I am serving and humble I am gathering for GOD.

• Are you for or against GOD?
• Are your words and actions pleasing to GOD or are they scattering HIS people?
• Are you focused on helping the poor or are you saving up for that next large purchase?

Fitting “in” can get me thrown “out.”

Mark 7: ²⁰ He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. ²¹ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

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A few of us guys were standing around the bar after the long hard day of following meticulous detail ensuring everything was done right at the convention. As the drinks poured the conversations became more and more interesting.

Wanting to fit in, I joined in on the laughter even though drinking was not my thing. The cruder my jokes the more I fit in. Soon I was considered one of the crowd but I think I discussed everything on this list, with the exception of murder.

• My heart has some terrible behaviors in it.
• My heart fights against GOD daily.
• My heart can get hard when I practice “evil thoughts.”

It’s true that misery loves company. More and more, people want to do their own thing and it seems like morals are a thing of the past. You will find it hard pressed to watch a movie or television show that doesn’t mention or glorify at least four things on the list in this passage.

Desiring to “fit in” I absorb the words and actions like a sponge. GOD listens to every word I say and every action I take.  HE sees my heart and knows exactly what I’m thinking. HE knows my pitiful efforts to balance the bad with a little good but HE wants me to think differently.

• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then I will reduce my sinful thoughts.
• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then my words will change from evil to graceful.
• If I put my mind on GOD on purpose then maybe, just maybe my heart will soften enough to be used by GOD for HIS purpose.

“Fitting in” isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be especially when I have to fit into this list. I could gain a world of friends and lose my true GODLY value. GOD knows the evil lurking in my heart and applauds when I follow HIS ways in spite of what the crowd thinks.

• Are you trying to fit in to the crowd?
• Is the crowd doing anything on this list?
• Are you doing or have you done anything on this list?
• Do you believe JESUS died to remove every sin listed in this passage?
• Can you celebrate what HE has done for you?

I’m going to “get you back!”

1 Peter 3: ⁸ Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

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As I walked down the hall someone stuck their head out of one of the dorm rooms and called me a derogatory name. “What?” I said to myself. I proceeded downstairs, bypassed the authorities of the dorm and got my six foot five 300 pound friend. We beat on the door until they let us in.

There were eight guys in the room yet silence fell on everyone as the two of us advanced into their lair. “Who called my friend the names” he said in a deep bellowing tone. No answer. I yelled at the guys who lived there in a threatening tone and they left me alone the remainder of my years.

Funny, years later I realized that I too had said some derogatory statements that could have triggered this battle.

• In my desire to win I try to get the evil person back by doing something more evil
• In my desire to win I heap on the insults hoping to belittle my opponent into retreating.
• In my desire to win I don’t think about the consequences of my statements or actions.

Repaying evil with evil does not help anyone win in fact I come out behind because I have stooped to their level and have no plan on how to get out. GOD says “let ME fight your battles.” HE tells me “vengeance is MINE, I will repay.” When GOD says these words, HE means it.

• It’s my job to treat my enemy with love and let GOD do the judging.
• It’s my job to have compassion for those who are critical of me.
• It’s my job to sympathize with wrong doers and let GOD do HIS thing.

GOD is judge, jury and executioner when it comes to my enemies. HE loves those who love me and judges those who deliberately try to harm me. HE doesn’t need my help punishing HIS humans because my motives will be evil and HIS are pure love. HE corrects me when I’m wrong and does the same for others.

“Repaying evil with blessing” is not as easy as it seems. First it requires that I think of this person as one of GOD’s humans rather than being my opponent. Next I have to ask myself “What does GOD want me to do?” Finally I have to step away and pray for an answer rather than immediately jumping in with my fleshly sinful first response.

GOD blesses my efforts to "bless" those who are difficult to bless.

• Do you have an antagonist?
• Is that person close to you and their evil actions make you angrier?
• Can you see this person is one of GOD’s humans who needs a blessing from you?
• Will you take time to find out why this person is bent on doing wrong to you so you can pray for them?