Not an Accomplice

Not an Accomplice

Revelation 19: ¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered to fight against the one who was riding the horse and against his army. ²⁰ The beast was taken prisoner, together with the false prophet who had performed miracles in his presence. (It was by those miracles that he had deceived those who had the mark of the beast and those who had worshiped the image of the beast.) The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. ²¹ Their armies were killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse; and all the birds ate all they could of their flesh.

 

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“Was he part of it?” asked the person rounding up troublemakers. “No” was the reply from a witness that cleared me of being questioned.

 

• I was relieved.
• I did not have to face the discipline ahead of those who caused problems.
• I was allowed to remain free.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw two parts of the unholy trinity thrown into the lake of fire. He then witnessed the armies that rose up against the one riding the horse, JESUS. The army was killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Word” and will use the word to take down those who oppose HIM.
• Anything that mimics JESUS, tricking people to go away from HIM, will fall.
• Those who fight against the need for JESUS will be an accomplice to HIS murder and face HIS sentence.

 

Being declared “Not guilty” is a relief. I mean, I have stood before many judges and felt relieved each time my driving record was cleared. Yes, I got a lot of tickets! I deserved the sentence I faced. But I was released from any punishment. JESUS released me too.

 

HIS death, burial and resurrection showed me that HE was and is the true Savior, the Messiah. HE wiped away any guilt I had and said “I am HIS friend.” HE makes me part of HIS eternal family! I am grateful.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who seemed to be in power?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD because it seemed like the enemy was winning?
• Will you continue to follow JESUS through good times and difficult times?

Facing Fears

Facing Fears

Philippians 1: ²⁸ Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. ²⁹ For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. ³⁰ Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still.

 

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Having no money, no title and no direction, I felt free to face the future. “Anywhere I go is better than where I am now” I groused. I was not afraid to try new things or go new places. But when I got a little money and a title and was leading the direction, I worried about “my” family and “my” stuff and “my” security. “What about the future?” I now asked.

 

• I had become full of fear.
• I had become blinded into thinking “I” was in control of “my” destiny.
• I had become so busy trying to fight for what I had, that I was willing to step away from the true battle.

 

Paul says some difficult words. “Don’t be afraid.” He says these unpopular words to everyone, then follow them up with even worse words. “Suffering for HIM.” He equated the suffering believers go through as partaking in a little of what CHRIST went through.

 

My Observations

• Fear will take me away from serving CHRIST fully, BUT GOD allows circumstances in my life that keep me praying for HIS help.
• Fear makes me make selfish decisions, BUT GOD wants me to be courageous enough to believe in HIS power, even if it means suffering.
• Fear is only one tactic the enemy uses, BUT GOD has already won the victory and has included me in it.

 

Many questions run through my mind that add fear to my countenance. “What will happen in the future?” or “What if I get sick or hurt?” or “How much money is enough to live it up until I die?” These and other questions make me make decisions that can sometimes seem courageous to the world, but in reality, can be detrimental to me.

 

GOD holds the future, the present and the past. HE owns everything and is all powerful. HE has given all authority to JESUS, who was raised from the dead. Believing in JESUS is great, but being willing to give up fears to keep pressing towards HIS direction, keeps me in the spiritual battle. I am glad GOD helps me face my fears to keep fighting for HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this stern warning?
• What spiritual enemies do you have?
• Have you ever been discouraged, distraught or disillusioned enough to want to give up on GOD?
• Will you be “courageous”, knowing that GOD has given you the victory even when it does not feel like it?

Shared Power

Shared Power

2 Corinthians 13: This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. “Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses”—as the scripture says. ² I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment. ³ You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you. ⁴ For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.

 

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“Oooo, I’m telling!” were the words of dread from another kid’s mouth. My teasing had turned into vicious put downs, causing him to go and tell on me. Now I was in trouble!

 

• I dreaded having to face consequence.
• I only wanted to be forgiven without needing to endure any penalties.
• I was mad at being told on.

 

Paul clarifies that he doesn’t want twisted stories. Specific sin needed to have two or more witnesses. The sin needed to be clear and not manufactured by one and planted into others. Paul was given the power to cast out demons and do other miraculous things. He shared in the power of JESUS and wanted to be careful when dealing with blatant sin.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave HIS SON to us so we can share in the power that raised HIM from the dead.
• GOD allowed me to be saved and forgiven of all my sins.
• GOD allows other people to bring consequence on me when I blatantly sin against him or her.

 

Forgiveness is wonderful. I mean, all my sins are forgiven?! Wow! BUT GOD doesn’t like sin, not even the smallest. One bite of a piece of fruit took humanity down. That sin doesn’t compare to all the ones I ever committed.

 

GOD does forgive, and HE protects people. HE sees when I do wrong to others and allows consequence to fall on me. I do not like consequence but I understand when GOD wants me corrected. HE also give me the power to restore those who repent. I am glad HE corrects and restores me.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer’s passion?
• What would you do in his situation?
• Do you feel good when someone gets punished?
• Will you seek restoration instead of punishment and allow GOD to own any vengeance today?

The Grace Effect

The Grace Effect

1 Corinthians 15: ⁸ Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. ⁹ For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. ¹⁰ But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. ¹¹ So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.

 

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“I’m saved for eternity!” is the Good News I accepted at an early age. This came with a calling to tell other people about JESUS. But that did not stop me from wanting to sin. I wanted to fit in with everyone else, so I stopped being the “goody, goody” person and tried what “everyone else” was doing. It seemed like my sin would be caught and theirs wouldn’t. In fact, it seemed like I would get singled out and they would go free.

 

• I had a misconception of grace.
• I thought grace meant I was forgiven for my sins and I did not have to have consequence.
• I was alright with just getting into heaven, so I figured I would live it up here and then I would be in heaven and I could live it up there.

 

JESUS met Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul was headed to murder more followers of JESUS. HE called Paul into ministry by blinding him. Paul had to suffer to tell people about JESUS. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake and left to die. But GOD’s grace kept him working harder than the other Apostles.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to take my sin seriously.
• GOD wants a real relationship with me and HE does not like sin.
• GOD wants me to surrender my life to HIM and to confess my sin to HIM and accept the consequence of my sin.

 

Being a child of GOD is wonderful, but it ain’t easy. Yes I said “ain’t.” I mean, it seems like other people can act like scoundrels and do as they please while I try to do the right thing and face more suffering. To top it off, when I sin, it seems like GOD comes after me with a stick. Well, at least sometimes.

 

GOD’s grace extends into this life. The effect of HIS grace wipes away my eternal consequence, but let’s face it… If I did something harmful to another person, GOD will allow the consequence to sprout up from the seeds of sin I planted. Grace is still there, I just have to understand I am at GOD’s mercy which diminishes getting “my” way.

 

Challenge

• What new observation about grace do you see in what is written?
• What do you notice about being humble in this apostle’s words?
• What misconceptions, if any, do you have about GOD’s grace?
• Do you think sin can keep you blinded so you will not grow to have a true relationship with JESUS?

Facing Problems

Facing Problems

John 18: When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. ² And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. ³ Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ⁴ Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

⁵ They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. ⁶ Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

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Hostile is the only word I could use to describe the crowd. I had to prepare my notes so I could present the information in a palatable way. The closer it came for my turn to speak, the more scared I became. I took a deep breath because I was super nervous. I stammered over the first few words when I got on stage, but I got through the difficult presentation.

• Sometimes I do not want to face problems.
• Most times I do not want to go through trials.
• Sometimes I just want the problem to go away.

Judas betrayed JESUS with a large number of military soldiers. He had help from the church leaders to gather this kind of power. They were armed and ready for fights. Did Judas stir them up so they expected the crowd to turn against them? In the middle of this tense situation, JESUS faced the problem and calmly walked out and said HE was the one they were looking for.

• JESUS wants me to face problems, knowing HE is with me.
• JESUS wants me to address difficult situations, knowing the HOLY SPIRIT is with me.
• JESUS wants me to accept trials, knowing the FATHER is with me.

Huge problems can be scary at times. BUT GOD is there with me to guide me through the situation. HE gives me strength to face the problem especially when the problem is spiritual in nature.

HE understands the war and knows I will face many battles. HE gets excited, because HE has already won the war because HE was raised from the dead and given all glory. I can face trials with JESUS on my side.

• Are you going through problems?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of the situation?
• Will you face the problem, knowing GOD is with you and cares for you?

It’s Not My Fault

It’s Not My Fault

John 5: ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. ¹⁰ The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

¹¹ He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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Sneaking off to the movies with someone I was amorous with seemed like a good idea. After my day of enjoyment I found myself having to make my way home. Unfortunately, the person lived in a tough neighborhood. I was chased. “How am I going to explain getting beat up and robbed when I wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place?” Then I questioned the strictness of dating when I made it to safety.

• There were times when I wanted to leave out information so I would not get in trouble.
• There were times when I made sure that I was not the person at fault rather it was someone else’s fault.
• There were times when I was caught in the act and quickly thought of ways of trying to not make it my fault.

The crippled man was healed by JESUS but it does not say that he thanked HIM or found out HIS name. He was so excited that he ran off. Unfortunately he ran into the church leaders who judged him for carrying his bed. “It’s not my fault… I was healed” said the man in a self-protecting way. I would have done the same.

• GOD wants me to take responsibility for my sin.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need HIM so I should approach HIM with my ugly hidden sin.
• GOD wants me to stop blaming everyone else and accept the fact that I can mess up and I need HIS help every day.

Being responsible for my actions may include accepting consequence for decisions that may have hurt me or others. GOD shows me grace beyond belief and this is the great news I can share. Back to the man in this slice of history.

JESUS found him in the temple and said “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” I supposed JESUS had a reason for saying this to the man. Probably the man did something sinful to get into the crippled situation in the first place. I can’t tell. But I do know GOD wants me to sin less and less to stay out of HIS trouble.

• Are you blaming others for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD for what is happening to you right now?
• Will you start accepting responsibility for your sin and allow GOD to use you today?

It is finished

Luke 23: ⁴⁴ It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, ⁴⁵ for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.

⁴⁷ The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, ‘Surely this was a righteous man.’ ⁴⁸ When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. ⁴⁹ But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

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Finally, the worst had been realized. I was now unemployed. It felt weird at first. I mean I had been working since I was fifteen and then I found myself not knowing what to do. After wandering for a while I asked “What do YOU want me to do?”

• There were times when I felt lost.
• There were times when I thought “my life was ruined.”
• There were times when I had to face the fear that I built up in my mind and go through the pain.

JESUS said “FATHER, into YOUR hands I commit MY SPIRIT” and then HIS earthly body died. It seemed hopeless for those who followed HIM. But something amazing started to happen. One of the mocking guards praised GOD and said “This was a righteous man.”

• GOD wants me to go through the trial so others may know HE is GOD.
• GOD wants me to understand that my life is for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to understand that anything I go through has already been handled by HIM.

“It is finished” were words spoken by JESUS meaning there is nothing more that I can do to achieve salvation. HE took care of everything and made me whole. Even though I may go through uncomfortable situations, GOD tells me HE has already seen the outcome and the purpose will be made good. JESUS took care of it all for me.

• Are you facing something large and frightening?
• Have you prepared yourself for the worst?
• Will you allow GOD to take total control of your situation and “commit” your situation to GOD’s outcome?

Other Side of the Story

Luke 19: ²⁰ ‘Then another servant came and said, “Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. ²¹ I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.”

²² ‘His master replied, “I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? ²³ Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?”

²⁴ ‘Then he said to those standing by, “Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.”

²⁵ ‘“Sir,” they said, “he already has ten!”

²⁶ ‘He replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ²⁷ But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them – bring them here and kill them in front of me.”’

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Waking up startled, I realized I had slept away the precious hours I was supposed to be studying. I did not understand the material in the first place so the warning of failure, given by the professor, was turning into a reality. There were only a few hours to learn a semester of material.

• There have been times when I did not heed the warnings.
• There have been times when I have been warned but stayed on the wrong road.
• There have been times when I did not adjust my direction soon enough and I crashed.

JESUS continues HIS parable about the king who gave out responsibility while he was away. This time JESUS spoke of a person who did not believe in the purpose given to him. This person did nothing with the money in which he was entrusted. Instead, he wrapped it in a piece of cloth and blamed the king with a misconceived thought.

• GOD wants me to understand “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• GOD wants me to know “Do not fear humans, but fear the ONE who can send you to hell.”
• GOD wants me to be wise enough to recognize HE is watching me every day.

Free will comes with consequences I do not understand. If I were not free to choose GOD then I would simply be an automaton on a symbolic railroad track to destiny that I could not choose. That does not show love.

GOD decided to create me with a choice. I can choose HIM and HIS ways or I can live a purposeless life, thinking I am in control. This parable represents rewards and consequence. I choose to follow GOD who has all the power I need. HE is my refuge.

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Where will you turn to?
• Will you turn back to GOD and allow HIM to do amazing things through you?

Enough is enough

Zechariah 7: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, ¹⁵ “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

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Being held after school was a strange feeling. The teacher knew my friend and I were nerds, but I just wanted to see what it would be like to be one of the “bad” kids for a change. She didn’t hold us there for very long. In fact when it was nearing the time to let us go, she helped us with the upcoming test!

• There were times that I was punished for my actions.
• There were times that I had to face the consequences of my misdemeanors.
• There were times that I experienced justice and I did not like it.

Being put on the right track was important to this teacher. She told us how disappointed she was in our actions, but showed us the right way to go. GOD does the same to me.

• GOD says to me “I have determined to do good again.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD says to me “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.”

I actually knew I deserved to be where I was, in detention. I did not beg to be released or to have my sentence shortened. The same goes with GOD. I mean sometimes GOD sees me trying to go down the wrong path and HE allows consequences to flow in my life. Then HE says “Enough is enough!” and stops the disaster.

GOD shows me HIS mercy and puts me on the right path. HE tells me “Now that I have your attention, treat people with truth, sound judgment and plans for good not evil.” GOD hates liars who try to trap people with twisted words and does not want me to go down that path. HE brings me back to HIM and promises to be the “Faithful and Righteous GOD.”

• Are you being punished for something you have done?
• Have you angered GOD?
• Can you stop trying to hide and confess to GOD today?
• Will you say “I deserve what GOD has dished out” instead of trying to squirm out of HIS grasp?
• Will you look forward to HIS mercy and deliverance?

Standing on My Own

Ezekiel 18: ²⁰ The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

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³⁰ “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ³¹ Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? ³² For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

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Watching the consequence of sin play out, I said to myself “I will never do that!” I heard of neighbors who had been shot or jailed because of theft. I watched executives who were fired because of porn or sex in the office. Then one day I realized, someone may be watching me and saying the same.

• At one time I used to point out sin in others.
• At one time I used to see the wrong people did.
• At one time I used to say “Look at that person and the awful thing they did.”

Talking about other people is an easy way to get the spotlight off of me. I mean it’s easier to tell people what’s wrong with “that” person than to admit my own sin. BUT GOD knows better.

• GOD says to me “All have sinned and fall short of MY glory.”
• GOD says to me “Confess your sins and believe in your heart that JESUS died for your sins and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “Get a new heart and a new SPIRIT simply by turning to ME.”

I can no longer blame someone else for the sins they commit. I can’t even blame them if their sin affected me. All I can do is confess my sins to the LIVING GOD and praise HIM for my forgiveness. My sin is my sin and I need to stand on my own and ask GOD for HIS favor.

• Are you blaming someone for the situation you are in?
• Do you think it it their sin that caused you to be where you are?
• Can you let go of their sin and look at you own heart?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

It Starts With Reality

Isaiah 59: ²⁰ “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.

²¹ “As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.

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“I don’t know” were the first words I could think of to deflect the wrath of my parents when asked who broke the “insert object.” Spray paint on the dented car was my way of concealing the accident. A friend of mine said these words to himself that made me think about the path that I was on… “I’m lying even when I don’t have to lie, what do I have to gain by that?”

• There were times where I did not want to face consequence.
• There were times where I did not desire to be the blame.
• There were times where I did not want to confess because I might not get my way.

Little did I know that one lie piles on top of another and then another. Soon I was living in a pseudo reality that I cannot remember what the truth looked like. One day I sat at my desk and said “No more lies!” I looked at my resume and took all the false statements of where I wanted to be versus what I had truly accomplished. What do you know, it worked!

• GOD wants me to see that I am a sinner and I need HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to recognize that “I” am the problem, not HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need to own up to my sins and accept HIS consequence in order to grow up and truly have a relationship with HIM.

Little by little I started telling the truth in other areas of my life. Soon I was excelling because I could get help from those who had been in my shoes and faced the same problems or overcome the difficulties I was going through. I found people who were there to help me and I soon realized that GOD was doing the same.

HE wants me to confess my sins to HIM, acknowledging that they are against HIM. GOD forgives me when I acknowledge I need HIM.

• Do you need to be forgiven or are you digging in your heals in your reality?
• Are you growing up or do you still have to be right?
• Can you allow GOD to give you the consequence you deserve so HE can grow you?
• Will you open up your eyes to start seeking HIM again so HE will always be with you?

Overcoming Fear

Isaiah 21: ⁴ My heart falters,
    fear makes me tremble;
the twilight I longed for
    has become a horror to me.

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Do not be afraid are words I dread to hear. It makes me think of all the things I need to be afraid of. When faced with jumping off the high dive in my swim class the instructor said “do not be afraid” and I was terrified. When problems hit and I see the words in the Bible “Do not be afraid”, I am calm for about three seconds then I panic. What is the problem?

• Sometimes I get scared.
• Sometimes I have fear.
• Sometimes I am filled with nervousness.

Fear happens when my mind takes the extra step. I mean when I start thinking about something bad happening as an outcome to the situation then I panic. What should I do?

• GOD says to me “Hold every thought captive” which means I should not step too far into the future with my thoughts.
• GOD says to me “I am with you always” which means that I am not alone.
• GOD says to me “You are wonderfully made” which means I am in the most powerful family.

Trusting in GOD means taking life a little at a time. No ultimate solutions to problems. GOD wants me to see HIM daily. HE wants me to understand that when HE says “Do not be afraid” He is giving me a weapon versus scolding me. GOD is handing me the shield of protection as if saying “Do not be afraid, your HEAVENLY FATHER who loves you is right here.”

• Are you afraid?
• Are you tired of people telling you to trust more?
• Can you give just a little fear to GOD by telling HIM what you are afraid of?
• Will you face your fears instead of having HIM remove them so you can grow beyond them?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your fears?

The Other Side of a Whooping

Psalm 118: ¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
¹⁷ I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
¹⁸ The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

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Driving to my apartment I realized I was on my own. No more parents to answer to, no more professors to get graded by. I was free to do what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I can join the crowd and fit in! When I did, it seemed like stuff would happen to me and no one else. I mean when I would do what everyone else was doing, something “bad” would happen to me and it seemed like everyone else would get away with whatever they were doing!

• My sins have consequences on earth.
• My sins have consequences that harm me.
• My sins have consequences that spring up in “crops” of seeds I’ve sown.

The old saying “what goes around comes around” is based on a Psalm that says “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them…” In other words, it seems like I can’t do what other people can “get away with.” GOD has a different standard for me.

• GOD holds me to a higher standard because I am HIS child.
• GOD treats me different because I am supposed to represent HIS holiness.
• GOD chastens me to a point, not because HE hates me, but because HE loves me and wants me to stay on HIS path.

GOD’s whooping is not a fun whooping and doesn’t always seem one for one. I mean sometimes the sin may be “small” but GOD sees something bigger in me and will not stand for it. Yes HE has grace, but HE also has wrath. HE demands my attention and desires that I follow HIM, HIS way. This is not arrogant since HE did so much for me.

The great thing about GOD is, HIS wrath for me is never eternal. HE pulls back and picks me up and says, “I love you.” HE opens the gate foe me to HIS house and I will praise HIM!

• Are you being chastened by GOD?
• Does it seem pretty harsh?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and will not destroy you, but make you stronger?

A Request for Restoration

Psalm 51: ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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“Mend the relationship” was the advice I was given from an external mentor. He didn’t work at my company but gave some sage advice to keep my career going. He advised me to take the first step and admit where I had been wrong. I took a deep breath and thought about how I stood toe to toe against my adversarial Senior Executive.  

I invited him to lunch and cringed at the words that came out of my mouth as I mustered up an apology for my challenges towards his direction. He said he didn’t like my approach but respected me.

• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t feel good.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t make me leap for joy.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t seem like a position of strength.

It is quite humbling to admit, “I am wrong” especially when something large is at stake. I mean the Senior Executive could have had me fired for insubordination when I admitted my opposing views on all of his plans, but I had to seek restoration.

• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I am in a fallen state with HIM.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I don’t deserve any mercy so I cannot even say “why have YOU forsaken me” to HIM when things go wrong.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I have broken all of HIS laws and need HIS grace in the timing HE will give it and the method HE delivers it.

It is quite arrogant to get angry at GOD, especially when I haven’t admitted that I am the one who needs grace. Fortunately for me HIS grace is quite amazing! HE sees my anguish and gives me exactly what I need instead of what I deserve. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in my sinful body and rooted out all sin. HE forgave me when I asked HIM to.

• Are you down?
• Are you low?
• Can you confess to GOD what you have against HIM?
• Will you seek restoration by asking GOD to renew and restore you?

Long Lessons are Great Lessons

Psalm 39: ¹¹ When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth—
    surely everyone is but a breath.

¹² “Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
¹³ Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
    before I depart and am no more.”

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With my last three hundred dollars, I bought a car. It ran and had seats so I was excited, but months later I found myself on the side of the road. I had no car again and this time, no money. Walking was my alternative to get to work. “Why is this happening to me?”, I wondered at the time, not considering the lifestyle I was keeping up.

• My sin blinds me to the point where I think things are “happening to me.”
• My sin deafens me to the point where I cannot hear.
• My sin mutes me so I cannot speak about the wonders of GOD.

Many times I think about the consequences of sin rather than the wages of sin. I think GOD is going to be mad at me for something I did and HE will whoop me or take my stuff away for being bad. BUT GOD has shown me something different.

• GOD said to me “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.”
• GOD said to me “I want you to have life and have it more abundantly.”
• GOD said to me “I stand at your door and knock, if you will open it I will come in and sup with you.”

The LORD gives and the LORD takes away is a hard scripture to swallow when I have my eyes focused on money, but when my eyes are focused on GOD I can see things differently. I can see the blessing of dependence on HIM and recognize that stuff may have clouded my vision of HIM. I would get nervous about sinning because the consequence may be that I would lose my stuff.

The reality is I should be focused on the “wages” of sin in which GOD had to lose HIS life for me. HE lost everything just for me and is now alive above everything. I am eternally grateful.

• Are you afraid of losing your stuff?
• Do you have fear that GOD is punishing you for something?
• Can you let things go and let GOD guide your path?

Can GOD Fool Me?

2 Chronicles 17: ¹⁸ Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing on his right and on his left. ¹⁹ And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’

“One suggested this, and another that. ²⁰ Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’

“‘By what means?’ the Lord asked.

²¹ “‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said.

“‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’

²² “So now the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.”

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No time for prayer I worked to keep my position. “I can do this on my own” was my action, not my thought. Armed with information, I felt confident as I took the stage. The group had prepped me and I practiced my speech and prepared answers to anticipated questions. When I got on the stage, I noticed the questions were very different than what I prepared for. In fact the questions were on a totally different path.

I was ambushed and the people who fed me information backed away from me quickly.

• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking I can do life by myself.
• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking my talents are “my” talents.
• Sometimes I am fooled into thinking I am self-made.

I don’t know how or when I reach a stage in which I think I am “all that.” I soon get too busy for GOD and HIS people and when the battle surrounds me I think I have enough might to fight my foes. GOD says something different.

• GOD says “I will make you believe your lies if you do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says “I will harden your heart if you do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says “I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all ‘his’ prophets if you do not turn to ME.”

Ahab found religious people who would say what he wanted to hear, not what he needed to hear. He wanted to win in battle so that’s what they said. He needed to hear, “turn back and repent.” Ahab died that day. This made me think… “Am I drinking my own elixir?”  Is GOD fooling me? Here is how I can tell HE is working for me.

• GOD says to me “acknowledge that I AM GOD and you need a savior.”
• GOD says to me “believe in MY SON and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “confess and you will be saved.”

Those are the A – B – C’s of understanding how not to be put in a position in which GOD helps me “not” believe in HIM.

• Is GOD trying to ruin you?
• Do you believe GOD will help you sin?
• Can you confess to HIM and begin trusting in HIM today?

Right the wrong

2 Samuel 21: During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

^------- 

³ David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How shall I make atonement so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?”

⁴ The Gibeonites answered him, “We have no right to demand silver or gold from Saul or his family, nor do we have the right to put anyone in Israel to death.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” David asked.

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Headed to a nearby college, a fraternity brother and I worked on our relationship and had a good discussion along the way. I rented a jalopy and didn’t get the insurance to save a few dollars. Engrossed in our conversation and in the middle of nowhere, I hit a car who was in the wrong but we would split the damage.

We got out of our vehicles and had a conversation with the other driver. We discovered he was a high school person who had taken his parents vehicle. We originally got in our cars to seek a phone. My frat brother said, “Let’s get out of here” so I took his advice and sped off to our destination of “fun.” Upon my return, the rental company charged me for the damage and I couldn’t pay tuition.

• There have been people I have wronged in the past.
• There have been incidents where I have not been innocent.
• There have been times in which I caused the problem.

As I became more and more mature, I realized it is better to face difficult situations rather than running away from them.  Yes in many instances someone else has something to do with the wrong, but doing another wrong doesn’t make it right.

• GOD wants me to clear my conscience by facing the wrongs I have done.
• GOD wants me to open the wounds so HE can make them heal.
• GOD wants me to admit I need a savior so HE can cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

During dry seasons in my life, I seek GOD’s face and HE clearly shows me where I can right a wrong, no matter if I did it or if it were someone GOD has given responsibility over. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM, HIS way.

• Are you going through a dry season?
• Do you feel like GOD is punishing you?
• Can you seek GOD and ask HIM if there is something that needs clearing up?
• Will you seek the kingdom instead of fooling yourself?