Elusive Perfection

Elusive Perfection

2 Corinthians 12: ⁷ But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. ⁸ Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. ⁹ But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. ¹⁰ I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

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My prayers felt unheard. “LORD please heal me of…” or “LORD please heal this person or that person” or “LORD please give me a certain amount of money by this date” or something else I would ask for. When the answer was “No” I questioned if I was doing something wrong.

 

• I sometimes got tired of praying and hearing “No” for the answer.
• I kept looking at current circumstances as being hopeless.
• I wondered “why are these things happening to me?” when I was trying hard.

 

Paul was called by GOD in a magnificent way. But he also suffered a lot. He had a problem that he prayed to be released from on three occasions. He was probably thinking “If this problem would just be gone, then I would be able to serve GOD better.” GOD’s answer, “MY grace is all you need.”

 

My Observations

• I keep trying to make my relationship with GOD one sided.
• I have many problems and not a lot of answers.
• I have looked at problems the wrong way and GOD wants me to see HIS power is greatest when I am not in HIS way.

 

Fixing the world’s problems seemed simple to me at one time. I mean, after GOD forgave my rebellious lifestyle, HE had me learn about HIM. I found many promises of protections, wealth and great relationships with everyone. But that did not pan out the way I thought.

 

I ran into problem after problem after problem. “Why aren’t my prayers being answered?” I would ask. Little did I know, my prayers were being answered with “No, because MY grace is all you need.” HE guides me to realize that when I am weakest, I can feel CHRIST’s power over me. I am content with my weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties for CHRIST’s sake.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the anguish of the writer?
• Have you ever prayed for something to change over and over and over, yet it has not?
• Can you follow the writer’s example and look at the situation different by understanding that GOD’s power is greatest when your power is reduced and only HE can solve the situation in HIS time, in HIS way?

Kitchen Inventory

Kitchen Inventory

1 Corinthians 5: ⁶ It is not right for you to be proud! You know the saying, “A little bit of yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise.” ⁷ You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure. Then you will be like a new batch of dough without any yeast, as indeed I know you actually are. For our Passover Festival is ready, now that Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. ⁸ Let us celebrate our Passover, then, not with bread having the old yeast of sin and wickedness, but with the bread that has no yeast, the bread of purity and truth.

 

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After making s delicious recipe, I stored the seldom used ingredients for another use. Everyone enjoyed the food and I felt a sense of delight that it came out as planned. Months later, I tried to recreate the recipe only to fail miserably. The ingredients had expired and the meal was just not the same.

 

• There have been many times when I gained a strength as an ingredient.
• There have been many times when I was “proud” of the strength and thought I had arrived.
• There have been many times when the strength turned into a weakness because pride caused it to expire.

 

Paul addresses not only sexual sin, but just plain old sin. He tried to explain that no one should ever become “proud” of their own accomplishments relating sin. Just a little sin can ruin the entire body.

 

• GOD wants me to take an inventory daily of my sin.
• GOD wants me to know JESUS forgave all my sin.
• GOD wants me to recognize I can still fall into sin even though I believe in JESUS.

 

“I will never do that again” has been said many times by me. I mean, when I am foolishly bargaining with GOD, I may quickly throw that statement out to “change GOD’s mind” and stop the trial. BUT GOD does not change, I do.

 

HE wants me to recognize when I am on a destructive path and get off the path. Old habits need to change and be replaced with new. But even that has danger as I may become proud of getting rid of an old habit. HE wants me to take an inventory daily and thank HIM for HIS forgiveness. I am glad HIS grace is sufficient.

 

• Have you rid yourself of a certain sin and are proud of it?
• Do you think you have arrived?
• Will you take inventory of your sins daily and allow GOD’s forgiveness to rule so you can point to the true forgiver and release yourself of trying to be perfect today?

A healthy fall makes a healthy return

2 Samuel 16: ⁵ As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. ⁶ He pelted David and all the king’s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David’s right and left.

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⁹ Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”

¹⁰ But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’”

¹¹ David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. ¹² It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.”

¹³ So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. ¹⁴ The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

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“Humiliation” is the one word I felt during my last days this particular job. I was in the middle of negotiating severance and those in power had to tolerate me until I left. It was planning season and my boss’s boss remarked as I was presenting. “It’s not like it matters” was his statement after I presented the plan for what was soon to be my former department.

I saw several grins and chuckles after his statement from those who cheered my rise to the top. The next week it was over and I had to pack my things like I saw so many before me.

There have been times in my life where I have been humiliated.

• There have been times in my life where embarrassment was only the beginning of what I felt.
• There have been times in my life where I wanted to crawl in a corner and give up.

David’s ascent was amazing but his fall was embarrassing. I can definitely understand how he must have felt. But he did a remarkable thing. He didn’t blame GOD.

• GOD says “I will be with you always” so this means through utter humiliation.
• GOD says “I have a wonderful plan for you” so this includes the high and low points.
• GOD says “My grace is sufficient” so HE wants me to pray for those who don’t have my best interest.

GOD is the one who raises people up and makes them fall. We still have a purpose to serve no matter where we are. Praise GOD for HIS constant pursuit to restore us.

• Are you feeling embarrassed?
• Do you feel humiliated?
• Do you think your humiliation is because you were pointing at your own life too much when you should be pointing your life to GOD?
• Can you give your humiliation to GOD and gain strength from HIM?

Asking for the correct path

2 Samuel 5: ¹⁸ Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; ¹⁹ so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

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When I began college I jumped right in, doing as I was told and failing miserably at it. In fact one professor said to me “unless you write a brilliant final, you WILL fail this class.” Ugh, the words still shutter in my mind!

When I graduated I thought to myself… “That was rough! How can I do things differently?” I got on my knees and began to pray this simple prayer “LORD please make me successful.” When I got up, nothing changed. I mean I still had a beat up car, bills and a job I had no clue how to conquer. But for some reason, I felt different.

• When I proceed in my plan without GOD I fail miserably.
• When I think I can do things without GOD I am sadly mistaken.
• When I march forward without GOD I run into many problems that HE allows me to stay in.

Desires and goals pop into my head and they seem quite innocent. I mean it’s not like I’m trying to hurt someone or perform a crime. BUT GOD wants my entire life

• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans because HE may have something different in mind.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans to give HIM the chance to say NO or NOT NOW or YES.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans so HE can add something special to them and truly make it a blessing.

When I leave GOD out of my plans, I leave out answers about the future that only HE knows. I leave out power to remove obstacles that only HE can remove. I leave out compassion for others that HE adds to my plan.

GOD answered my simple prayer and may me wildly “successful.” When I don’t include HIM, my plans fall apart, so I try to ask HIM for HIS blessings on a daily basis.

• Are you trying to do things on your own?
• Do you think you can execute your plan without GOD?
• Are you trying to execute a plan that has not been blessed by GOD?
• Won’t you ask HIM for direction today and allow HIM to work in your life?

Churchy stuff doesn’t always help

1 Samuel 4: ³ When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies.”

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“Please pray about the parking lot” were my standard words I read in the announcement at the church meeting. I did not see a barricade to having the high priority parking lot redone so if people prayed then “good”, but if they didn’t then oh, well.  I just thought that since I was in church I needed to say “pray.”

A short time after the meeting, I met with one of the leaders. He confessed to “changing direction” with some of the funds. A battle ensued, I was “kicked out” and to this day I don’t think the parking lot has been finished. I wonder if I was blind to GOD’s plan.

• Just because I use churchy terms doesn’t mean I’m following GOD at the time.
• Just because I spray churchy words around doesn’t mean GOD is excited.
• Just because I hold what I’m saying up with scripture, doesn’t mean I’m directed by GOD.

It is very true that GOD’s word does not go out void, but it is also true that faithless actions will not be blessed by GOD. In this instance, I decided to move forward without consulting GOD, because I figured that it’s for church so it has to be good. I was so caught up in church that I forgot GOD.

• GOD wants my effort to be on prayer rather than programming.
• GOD wants me to place HIM above buildings rather than trying to get more comfortable.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM first and HE will provide the means to sustain those who are reached.

Please don’t get me wrong, I believe the “church” needs to meet in whatever building GOD desires and programs are important. BUT GOD needs to be first, not an excuse. I need to not checkmark prayer and GOD as if those things had to be included as a default. GOD demands to be heard and HE deserves faithful prayer. Without HIM my plans are nothing.

• Are you planning something without truly consulting GOD?
• Are you going through the motions thinking GOD is with you?
• Won’t you stop for a moment and ask GOD if HE will bless your efforts?
• Can you accept “No” as an answer from GOD?
• Won’t you seek HIS kingdom first before you proceed with your plans?

Consult GOD first

Joshua 9: ¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

¹⁶ Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living nearthem. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.

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“Nine weeks will be a short assignment that would enable me to pick up a ton of cash and I can still perform the functions of my business” I greedily said to myself. I thought about what I would do with the cash and then I began planning.

Once I actually started working I realized I was in the worst assignment of my career. The atmosphere reeked of blame and deception. As I sat on the edge of my bed at 3:00 AM I realized I made a huge mistake.

• When something looks too good to be true for me, it usually is.
• When I look at things from a “monetary gain” perspective I usually fail.
• When I think about a plan from a “personal gain” angle I usually fall flat.

Many times I have run off with a plan and have not consulted GOD. These plans sometimes make it pretty far but then come crashing down to the ground with painful consequences. When I wake up in pain I blame GOD asking HIM “Why did YOU let me fail?”

• GOD wants me to consult HIM first before I make my plans.
• GOD wants me to ask HIS permission and allow HIM to say NO.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom, HIS power and HIS strength, for no plan can prosper without HIM.

The caveat to consulting GOD is I have to perform above the level otherwise HE will turn HIS back on the plan. I must respect everyone associated with the plan and listen to GOD intently. I must accept HIS timing and methods which can be long and scary. I must trust GOD.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “what do you want me to do?”
• Are you staying on the course HE has laid out for you?
• Won’t you ask HIM what plan HE wants for you instead of asking HIM for help on “your” plan?

Going through the fire!

Numbers 31 ²¹ Then the priest Eleazar spoke to the soldiers who had gone into battle. He said, “Here is what the law the Lord gave Moses requires. ²² All of your gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin and lead ²³ must be put through fire. So must everything else that doesn’t burn up. Then those things will be ‘clean.’ But they must also be made pure with the special water. In fact, everything that won’t burn up must be put through that water.

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Headed to the “plaza” to do some shopping, my sister and I had a conversation. I don’t know how fast I was going but by the time I noticed the stopped car it was too late.  I slammed on my brakes and the car went into a skid. We hit a pole instead of the stopped car. My sister’s head hit the windshield and fortunately she walked away with only a major headache! Why did this have to happen? I thought to myself!

• The troubles I face feel rotten at the time.
• The trials I face seem devastating at the moment.
• The tribulations I face seem difficult when I am going through them.

“Why me” is a question I’ve muttered to the LORD on many occasion. I mean, I’m trying to live right and do the right things but it seems like trouble is all around me is how I feel during the situation. BUT GOD knows more.

• GOD knows it takes the fire of trials to burn away parts of my character that won’t help HIS kingdom.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of trouble to burn away any thought of me not needing HIM.
• GOD knows it takes the fire of tribulation to burn away to get me out of my comfort zone and follow HIM rather than my own plans.

Fire purifies. Fire burns. Fire engulfs. GOD uses fire to grow me and I should not be afraid of it rather enjoy watching the change in my character.  GOD knows what is best for me and HE wants to grow me. Praising HIM for my trials makes me stronger!

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel GOD has left you alone?
• Can you look at what HE is taking you through as a growing period?
• Won’t you praise HIM in spite of your situation?

Does GOD help me fail?

Exodus 7: Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. ² You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 

³ But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, ⁴ he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites.

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Empathetic was the way I acted when I first started working but as I rose through the ranks I became cynical.  “There they go doing something stupid” I would think to myself.  “If climb high enough I will fire all of these people.” My heart had become hard and I could cut a group as easily as signing a document.

• My blind goals can make my heart hard.
• My deaf aspirations can make my heart hard.
• My mute ambitions can make my heart hard.

Sometimes I forget that I’m put on this earth for humans, not for myself.  I fall into the “I want” trap and my blinders go up hardening my heart. The scary thing about having a hard heart is GOD may help solidify it so I can never return. HE did it to Pharaoh can HE do it to me?

• I better be careful not to think too highly of myself otherwise GOD may help me fail.
• I better be careful not to assume my salvation gives me carte-blanche to sin otherwise I may be a blind person destined to Hell assuming I was saved.
• I better be careful how I treat GOD’s people otherwise HE will treat me the same way if not worse.

Yes I know I am a sinner as is every human, but I cannot take my salvation lightly. I need to honor GOD with everything I do recognizing the need for HIM and running away from pouting when things don’t go my way. I also recognize there is a possibility of running away from GOD and HIM packing my bags to help me.

GOD wants me to be with HIM and HIS unconditional love reaches out to me to forgive me for all my sins.

• Are you fighting GOD with your lifestyle?
• Is your heart getting hard over “those” people?
• Can you recognize if your heart is getting hard and ask GOD to soften it even though you may lose the thing that caused your heart to be hard in the first place?

Time to “Break Out!”

Genesis 38: ²⁷ When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. ²⁸ As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.”²⁹ But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez.

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Sitting at my desk I broke out a book trying to teach myself the skill I was hired for.  Sneers of disappointment came from my supervisor as I fumbled my assignments. I spent hours teaching myself skills. Soon I learned more than my boss, in fact I learned more than most in the department. It took some time but it was finally my time to “break out!”

• It takes perseverance to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes steadfast drive to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes determination to get to the point of breaking out.

Perez literally means “Breaking out!” He was determined to be first and his determination gave him a will to succeed. What about obstacles in life? Won’t they cause me to stumble and possibly fail? Yes, but obstacles don’t mean I should give up, it means persevere with GOD.

• When I’m on the same side with GOD, I cannot fail.
• When I include GOD in my plans, I cannot fail.
• When I ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do” I cannot fail.

GOD is the only one who can make plans succeed.  HE gives me strength to keep my drive. He gives me faith to keep my determination. HE gives me protection to keep moving ahead.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Have you written your obstacles down and asked GOD about them?
• Can you persevere to reach the point where you will break out?
• Won’t you let GOD continue to prepare you for the greatness HE has for you?

Jealousy doesn’t make me right

Genesis 37: ³ Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. ⁴ When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

⁵ Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

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Studying hard had paid off. My coworker and I were at the top of our class and became highly sought after in our office. That all fell apart when this smooth talking guy was hired.  He didn’t know all the information that my coworker and I knew yet he was getting the glamorous assignments.  I didn’t like that guy.  I wonder if we should have plotted against him.

Jealousy blinds me to my own abilities.

Jealousy makes me think I am inadequate.

Jealousy causes me to see things that aren’t there.

When I look at the fortune someone else has I get jealous and turn into a pouter. Instead of being happy for the person and celebrating, my jealousy kicks in and I say, “Why isn’t that happening to me?” or “Why is ‘that’ creepy person making it and I’m not?”

Celebrating with others actually helps me grow.

Congratulating others puts me in a mindset of gratitude rather than one of despair.

Complimenting others forces me to find the good in the person rather than seeing their flaws.

Instead of being jealous, envious and spiteful, GOD wants me to be gracious enough to actually enjoy what other people are accomplishing in spite of where I’m at. GOD wants me to show love as an example to draw mankind to HIM.

Can you recognize jealousy in yourself?

Are you focusing on what you don’t have and what others have?

Are you “half” complimenting GOD by giving thanks to HIM and turning around and complaining about what you don’t have?

Can you turn your jealousy and envy into compliments and gratitude?

I’m on my way!

1 John 3:¹ See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

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Finally the program I had written was working flawlessly. I felt quite proud of myself for accomplishing such a task. In fact I thought I needed a promotion. “Who else could do work so masterfully?” I thought to myself. Well, maybe not that pompous, but I still thought “I” was pretty good.

My boss’s boss said I wasn’t ready but he would send me to training. I met some very experienced people in the class and I realized, I needed more time to grow.

• There are times that I think “I have arrived.”
• There are times that I think “I deserve whatever I seek to accomplish.”
• There are times that I think “I’m pretty good, why don’t others see my talents?”

Whenever I think more highly of myself than I should, I fall on my face. My confidence quickly turns into arrogance and I acquire a “deserving” attitude that is quite unbecoming. When GOD watches me pout at not getting my way, HE patiently waits on me.

• GOD has lavished great love on me.
• GOD has made me HIS child and is willing to take care of me.
• GOD has built a place for me and is purifying me day by day.

I am on a journey. My destination is to be like the one who created me. GOD knows I have not arrived. HE knows I will continue to sin and be selfish until HIS SON arrives. HE allows obstacles in my life to strengthen me for HIS purpose. Day by day HE corrects my mistakes and lavishes me with HIS love. I have not arrived but I’m on my way!

• Are you hard on yourself?
• Do you think you have failed?
• Can you realize GOD made you special?
• Do you believe you are the only one who can do what GOD made your for?
• Won’t you accept GOD’s tremendous love for you and ask HIM to open your eyes to your purpose?

My plans mean nothing without GOD

James 4: ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

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“Business plan” check… “Service to sell” check… “Business Cards” check… “Tools” check… “Customers” a few so “CHECK!” As I halfheartedly proceeded in my first business venture I began with what I thought were the right components. With baby on the way and a very demanding job, I wanted to strike it out on my own to “be there” for the family so my intentions were honorable.

Weekends were now spent away from the family and with my band of one I had no time to grow my business plus my job was sending me out of town next week. The business failed before it got started. What went wrong?

• When I plan without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• Even if I have reached a level of success that is recognized by many, if the achievement was without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• When I look into the future and develop contingency plans to thwart catastrophe, without GOD my plans are headed for failure.

Now that I am in business again I recognize something very important, GOD has the ability and the right to say “NO” or “not at all” to my plans. I could have, what I think are the best intentions but when I have not accepted the fact that my plans may not be aligned with GOD’s plans then I am prone to pout “when” they fail.

• GOD has a plan for me that is complex, purposeful and perfect.
• GOD’s plan will always be done; my plan can be done more if aligned with GOD’s plan.
• GOD knows the future of my plan and its success hinges on my dependence on HIM.

Saying “if it is the LORD’s will” means I am willing to accept “NO” for an answer. I am not rolling over and dying and preparing for a crash and burn blamed on the LORD rather my eyes are wide open to the fact that GOD has all I own. I can’t protect my family, stuff or business. GOD owns it all and has a right to do with it as HE pleases.

• Do you believe your abilities came from you?
• Do you have plans for yourself, thinking you can control your situation?
• Won’t you start your next plan by asking GOD what HE wants to do?
• Can you stop bragging about “your” accomplishments and credit them to GOD?

Keep Courage!

Acts 27: ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

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With my heart racing I slowly crept down the stairs. You could smell the mild scent of mold and mildew in the air. It was dark but I could identify my surroundings. I avoided the puddle and managed not to knock anything over. Step by step I made it all the way to the back of the basement in our home.

I had overcome a fear that something was living in our basement when the lights were out and this person or thing was out to get me! What an imagination at ten years old.

• There are going to be situations that cause me to have great fear.
• There are going to be times when I doubt that GOD can handle the situation.
• There are going to be circumstances that are way out of my control and I have a choice between faith and worry.

Walking through life is like walking through that dark basement. Yes the surroundings can be familiar but I am not always sure of where I am stepping. My mind races and tries to resolve the fear I have and just when I think I have defeated it, something else happens to make me cringe all the more.

• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I walk in unknown territory.
• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I sense danger or distress.
• “Keep up your courage” is what GOD says to me when I feel anxious and cannot resolve the current situation.

Paul and the shipwrecked crew felt lost. With no food or supplies all seemed lost. BUT GOD said “Keep up your courage” to Paul and that’s what he told everyone. They landed safe just like GOD said. I am glad GOD says to me “keep up your courage!”

• Are you feeling anxious?
• What circumstance is too big for GOD?
• Didn’t HE say “I will never leave you nor forsake you?”
• Can you give GOD your fear and trade it for courage that HE will bring you through the circumstance stronger and wiser?

You won’t be right no matter what you do.

John 8: ⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

   ⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

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When I get mad at people it seems like they can’t do anything right in my eyes.  Just ask my wife and kids. It seems there are times when I’m waiting for them to do something wrong rather than catching them in the act of doing something right. What am I missing?

• Expectations of what GOD should do sets HIM up for failure in my mind.
• Expectations of what GOD should solve makes HIM look like HE isn’t listening to me when HE doesn’t do it.
• Expectations of what GOD should give me makes GOD my genie and not my GOD.

The Pharisees knew the Bible very well and walked around telling others how they should live. They were so full of themselves that they could not even see the good right in front of their eyes. They had an expectation of what GOD should be in their mind and were quite disappointed when JESUS appeared.

Love cannot exist when the expectation of the people around me are of “my” perfection.  They just won’t live up to it and inevitably disappoint me.

• JESUS was accused of doing everything wrong but the truth was HE did everything right.
• JESUS was accused of being a demon but HE is GOD and my savior.
• JESUS was accused of being lower than a human but the FATHER has placed HIM above everything.

GOD doesn’t seem to act like I expect HIM to, look like I think HE does nor does HE do things when I expect HIM to. BUT GOD does act in pure love, HIS transformed appearance is glorious and HE is always right on time with HIS plan!

• What expectations are you setting for others in your mind?
• Are the failures in your mind or do you still see the potential?
• Can you drop your accusations about them and help them become the best they can become?
• Won’t you help them see CHRIST through your grace?

GOD asks some “crazy” questions!

John 6: ⁵ When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

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People have told me “GOD” spoke to them and said they would be rich.  “Huh” I scoffed at their statement blowing them off immediately. I thought to myself, “GOD doesn’t work like that” because, of course, I know everything about GOD, right? Wrong!

• My doubts about what GOD is doing in another person’s life stem from my lack of faith.
• My hesitations about a big vision that came from GOD specifically to me stem from not wanting to look foolish.
• My suspicions about GOD still performing miracles are bathed in ignorance because I have acquired “higher” education.

GOD is all powerful, all seeing, all knowing and resides everywhere. Any situation is easy for HIM to clear up and miracles aren’t miracles to HIM.  HE has the power to do anything but for some reason HE chose specific times to perform, what I would call, a miracle.

Believe it or not, I have seen HIM perform miracles in my life. Most would say they were coincidences or some doctor or medicine healed those in question, but I say it was GOD and GOD alone who performed the same miracles I read about in the Bible.

• When I open my spiritual eyes I can see GOD perform miracles.
• When I remove doubt about GOD I can see HE will do some incredible things through some doubtful people like me.
• When I believe HE will do larger things that I can’t explain GOD steps up and shows me how powerful HE can be.

JESUS knows exactly what HE is going to do in my life and wants me to see HE can do some incredible things if I would only believe. I can also tell when I put my vision in the place of HIS because it usually fulfills some lust of the world. HE still asks some crazy questions because HE wants my full attention on what HE “can” and “will” do.

• Do you doubt GOD’s mighty power?
• Are you busy trying to make GOD perform circus tricks instead of watching HIS true power?
• Can you remove your doubt today and start on your journey to listening to HIM even if it takes a while to hear HIM?

No more doubts no more fear!

Luke 24: ³⁶ While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

 ³⁷ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. ³⁸ He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

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Timid steps toward the middle of the first room caused my heart to pound. “I dare you to go into the next room,” I heard someone shout accompanied by their laughter. A few of us stuck our foot into the next room then someone screamed “AHHH” and we all ran out of the supposedly “haunted” abandoned house.

My heart was beating a mile a minute but the fright quickly turned into laughter. Why couldn’t life be like that?

• Life brings on some frightening circumstances that cause my mind to race to the negative.
• Life brings on some evil situations that make me wonder how I am going to survive.
• Life brings on some circumstances that make me cry out “GOD do you care?”

Peace is what GOD is constantly trying to give me yet circumstances, situations and troubling news takes my eyes off of this lovely gift. My feeble plans tend to trump GOD’s rest and my blindness to HIS greatness gets in the way.

• GOD the FATHER wants me to relax and listen to HIS small still voice.
• GOD the SON wants me to have peace during this and every circumstance because HE took care of everything!
• GOD the HOLY SPIRIT wants me to chill because HE is in me reminding me of all the situations HE has brought me through in the past.

GOD has given me all I need but it truly is frightening at times. I can only get down on my knees and say “help” sometimes. But there are other times when I say “Okay LORD, YOU got this one. I can’t wait to see YOUR plan unfold.”

HE says “Peace be with you” to those who can “hear” HIM. When I feel lonely, anxious or flat out fearful, GOD says “I will be with you always!” That means right now, tomorrow, next month and ten years from now! GOD works hard to give me peace all I have to do is accept it.

• Are you frightened about something?
• What are you nervous about that GOD cannot handle?
• Have you set your expectations so high on “that” thing that you are blinding yourself to GOD?
• Won’t you choose to not worry and let the situation play itself out watching GOD do HIS work?

Accept GOD’s methods and plans

Luke 23: ³⁹One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

 ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

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Many times I expect GOD to act like Hollywood’s special effects department. I think when I have a problem some angel with a fuzzy glow would come and speak to me telling me a special message. I also think GOD should zap my problems away just like in the movies. That’s how I approach prayer sometimes, with “Hollywood” expectations.

• Setting false expectations of GOD actually builds a barrier between me and HIM.
• Setting false expectations of GOD gets my hopes up so high that they have a longer way to hit the ground.
• Setting false expectations of GOD is actually arrogant especially when I’m telling HIM the plan to execute.

One of the criminals in this historical setting didn’t really believe in the Messiah, rather he heard JESUS could do tricks to help others. “Maybe I could get healed” could have been his thought as he insulted JESUS. He had a false expectation that JESUS would help him and his stony heart.

When I look at myself, I do the same as the insulting criminal. I treat GOD as common like HE is a pal, a peer or sometimes my servant.

• I get upset at GOD for giving, who I call evil people, all the wealth and power they want while I see people who try to serve HIM suffer.
• I get mad at GOD for not fixing my situation right away and even still bringing another situation into my life before the first is fixed.
• I get angry at GOD for answering my prayer differently than I “expected.”

GOD’s plans cannot be changed by my prayer for many times my prayers are bathed in selfishness. HE actually changes me when I pray to be more accepting of HIS plans and HIS ways. HE changes my mind to forget “me” this time and to serve others like HE does.

• Are you mad at GOD for not doing things your way?
• How willing are you to ask HIM to keep you in the situation for as long as necessary to truly change you into what HE wants?
• Will you admit to HIM you are a sinner and allow HIM to bring you into paradise?  

Have victory today!

1 John 5: This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

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Do you ever feel like fighting “that” person?  I mean they are wrong, dead wrong and you have all the ammunition to take them down. I know I have in many instances, BUT GOD says “drop your weapons” to me. Each time I do this I’m pleasing HIM.

Do you ever want to fulfill that lust or do something that GOD wouldn’t approve of? I mean the pressure has built up and you just need a release so a little sin won’t hurt right? BUT GOD says “drop your lusts” to me. Each time I do this I’m pleasing HIM.

Do you ever want power and control over people and GOD? I mean if everyone would just do things the way you want them and when you want them then everything would be fine. BUT GOD says “Let go!” Each time I let go of trying to control people and GOD I receive the victory.

GOD has overcome the world through the death burial and resurrection of HIS SON. HE enabled me to have eternal life and by following HIS commands I show HIM a tiny bit of the love HE gave me.

• Do you want victory today?
• Do you want to overcome your fears, worries and doubts?
• Can you give all of these issues to GOD and let HIM do the work?

When all else fails.

2 Timothy 4: ¹⁷ But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. ¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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“Let’s see… it’s 5:25 A.M., I can get five more minutes of sleep” I said to myself. My plane was going to leave at 7:45 A.M. and the drive was only an hour away. As the alarm went off, I hopped up, got ready in no time and jumped in the car. Everything was going as planned until I hit traffic right at the airport.

I was only two blocks away and at that time there were no cell phones. Sounds ancient doesn’t it? The partner to the firm was going to brief me on the account during the flight I was about to miss. As I arrived at the gate I could see the plane slowly backing up. I disappointed my boss.

• People will disappoint me when my plans are focused on this world.
• People will not be there when I really need them.
• People will deliberately harm me when I expect them to do good.

Humans are very hard to depend on because each one of us is somewhat selfish. I’m no exception. Many times I have truly wanted to keep my promise or be there for another, yet something would get in the way thus disabling my attempt. This news seems disheartening, who can I depend on?

• GOD said HE would “never” leave me nor forsake me.
• GOD shows me HIS love in the middle of my sins.
• GOD can’t wait to protect me and I have no idea how many times HE has rescued me.

The Bible shows many examples of extreme situations that GOD has rescued HIS people without them asking for help. HE knows what trouble I can get into way before I get there and develops a plan to protect me from harm. Why does HE do that?

• GOD made my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS greatness thus giving me a purpose.
• GOD loves me.

I know I have let people down even when I didn’t mean to, and I know others will let me down, BUT GOD will ALWAYS be there no matter what the circumstance.

• Who do you depend on?
• Are you setting “that” person up for failure by putting false expectations on them?
• Have you put your faith in GOD instead of humans?
• Are you trying to control the situation or can you let GOD handle it?