Powerful Numbers

Powerful Numbers

Revelation 11: I was then given a stick that looked like a measuring-rod, and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count those who are worshiping in the temple. ² But do not measure the outer courts, because they have been given to the heathen, who will trample on the Holy City for forty-two months. ³ I will send my two witnesses dressed in sackcloth, and they will proclaim God's message during those 1, 260 days.”

 

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“There is strength in numbers” I was taught. I sought crowds of people that had large numbers. But there were times when I was with a lot of people and felt more alone than if I were with a smaller crowd. “Maybe I have this numbers thing wrong” I thought to myself.

 

• I thought “more” was better.
• I thought that if I did not have large numbers, then it was not valuable.
• I feared not having large numbers, causing me to waiver in things GOD told me to do.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given a measuring stick. The voice, perhaps JESUS, told him to measure the temple and to number those who were inside worshiping. Then the voice said “two witnesses” would be sent to proclaim GOD’s message.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful that HE only needs small numbers to do mighty things.
• GOD seems more comfortable using two versus two million.
• GOD is aware of the number of hairs on your head and is concerned about that, especially those who do not have hair.

 

There is power in small numbers. I mean, when a tow truck lifts a car off of someone, it would not make the news, but when one person is given strength to lift that same car off of his or her child, that act makes the news. GOD seems to delight in amazing things that happen in small numbers.

 

HE whittled down Gideon's army from thousands to hundreds and frightened the Philistine nation with David’s one rock. GOD uses the supernatural to take care of big problems. HE does not need more than enough.

 

Challenge

• What instructions is the writer given?
• Why do you think GOD revealed certain numbers?
• If you are concerned with amounts of money, or people or sizes, then could you give it to GOD who has the power to address your concerns with small numbers rather than what you may think?

Thankful

Thankful

John 17: ⁶ “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. ⁷ Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. ⁸ For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.

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Remembering the bonuses of the past, I was excited to open the check. It was much lower than it had ever been. My excitement immediately went away. I had worked pretty hard that year and could see no reason for the deficit. I was not happy.

• I wanted to trade in my thankfulness for a complaint.
• I expected more when I should have expected nothing.
• I based my happiness on what I could see, rather than knowing what was really happening.

JESUS speaks to the FATHER about HIS disciples. But the words really point out just how far JESUS went to help them.

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS made HIS name known to me.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS gave me the words that came from the FATHER.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS came from the FATHER who sent HIM to save me.

Getting back to the bonus. I asked about the lower amount the next day. “The company did not do as well this year, however, you got the highest  in the department” the person said. I was angry when I should have been thankful. Sometimes I treat GOD the same way.

JESUS went out of HIS way to make sure humans would return back to HIM. I must receive JESUS’ words and believe HE came from the FATHER, just as HE said. This belief gives me a thankful heart. I drop my complaints and praise GOD for what HE does. I am thankful.

• Are you thankful?
• Will you be able to look at what GOD has done for you today?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS blessings and thank HIM today?

No Pat on the Back

Luke 17: ⁵ And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

⁶ So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. ⁷ And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

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Looking at the article that went around about someone, who gave a lot of money to a church, sparked an idea. I would do the same. When I gave the same sum I placed my hand to my ear but heard no accolades. “What about the service I did on this particular day?” I said to the LORD. I mean, shouldn’t I be better off for doing stuff for GOD?

• There were times when I thought doing stuff for GOD was a measure of my faith.
• There were times when I thought I could “move up” in the corporation of GOD.
• There were times when I thought I could get “closer” to GOD by working really hard at it.

JESUS explains what it means to have faith. True faith can not only do the impossible with full belief, but it also means following GOD without needing to see what or how HE is doing things.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM with the attitude of “I am only doing what HE made me for.”
• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose rather than expecting my service to promote me in HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to not think I can manipulate HIM into giving me more by being ”good.”

Faith is also knowing that GOD expects me to serve others just as HE, the Most High, serves me. When I doubt HIS love, I am not showing the faith HE deserves. HE simply wants me to believe in HIS plan, and tell people about HIS SON every moment I can. GOD increases my faith by giving me opportunities to explain HIS love daily.

• Do you want more faith?
• Do you think you deserve more from GOD?
• Will you seek the lost for GOD without expecting anything from HIM right now?
• When GOD does give you what you ask HIM for, will you believe it only came because of HIS love and not what you did?

Expectations

Luke 7: ¹⁸ Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. ¹⁹ And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

²⁰ When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” ²¹ And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.

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After I was baptized, I felt my life had more of a purpose than just living. I was young, scrawny and misunderstood, but now I had GOD on my side. I expected my life to be smooth sailing from that moment on. When trouble hit, I questioned GOD’s power and love for me.

• There were times when I sought after GOD but was looking for HIM to act as “I” expected.
• There were times when I looked for GOD but could not see HIM because of “my” expectations.
• There were times when I listened for GOD but could not hear HIM because of “my” expectations.

No one in the world had ever healed people, driven out evil spirits and given sight to the blind except JESUS. HE did amazing things in the sight of huge crowds. John’s disciples did not want to be fooled. They asked “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

• JESUS wants me to expect trouble in life.
• JESUS wants me to expect HIM to decide when or if HE wants to get me out of life’s trials.
• JESUS wants me to expect an everlasting life with HIM beyond this life of highs and lows.

“Expectation” instead of “observation” leads to me being disappointed in GOD. When I expect GOD to do things “my” way, I often get disappointed. But when I observe GOD and the marvelous things HE does daily, I am amazed! HE shows me just how powerful, yet merciful HE is, each and every day. Mt expectation of GOD should be that HE cares for me deeply.

• What are you expecting GOD to do or look like or sound like?
• If HE does not meet “your” expectation will you run away from HIM?
• Can you change your expectations of GOD and seek to observe HIS majesty daily?

Fame Name

Matthew 26: ⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” ⁶³ But Jesus remained silent.

The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”

⁶⁴ “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

⁶⁵ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. ⁶⁶ What do you think?”

“He is worthy of death,” they answered.

⁶⁷ Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him ⁶⁸ and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

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One “big boss” complimented me and gave me a little authority. I was excited and decided to use it to fight one of his peers who no one liked. “What are you doing?” he asked me. “I’m dealing with one of your problems you were concerned about” I naively replied. He distanced himself from me and I had to face the other “big boss” alone.

• There were times when I misused someone else’s name.
• There were times when I thought I was doing something right when I was using that person’s name.
• There were times when I coupled my bad actions to someone’s name without asking them “Is this what you mean.”

Misusing someone’s name could ruin their reputation and that is what I almost did. Unfortunately, the Pharisees and Sadducees were doing just that with GOD’s name. They took GOD, incarnated as a human, and slapped HIM in the face. They mocked HIM and spit on HIM and told HIM HE was not GOD, but they were mistaken.

• GOD wants me to hold HIS name high rather than blaming HIM for my power hungry ways.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so I can keep HIS reputation unblemished.
• GOD wants me to be gentle and point my life to HIM rather than being arrogant, putting myself on HIS throne.

Doing the wrong things in GOD’s name is worse than not doing anything at all for GOD. Misusing GOD’s word or manipulating others to follow me in GOD’s name is far worse than people who habitually sin without knowing what they are doing. I hold GOD’s name high.

• Are you doing the wrong things and thinking you are doing it in GOD’s name?
• Have you asked GOD “Is ‘this’ what you want me to do?”
• Will you stop being led by your own lusts and ask GOD to lead you today?

Enjoy the Ride

Psalm 92: ¹¹ My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
    my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

¹² The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³ planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴ They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵ proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

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“May I be successful” was my prayer and I was thrust into a whirlwind of huge successes. But then life became very distracting and soon I had little time for GOD. I had too many worries I had to attend to and the pressures of life didn’t seem to afford quality time to spend with GOD.

• Sometimes my trials are caused by my expectations.
• Sometimes my trials are caused by my desires.
• Sometimes my trials are caused by something I asked for.

Finally I decided to put my trust in GOD for a change. I mean I decided to go out and “street-witness” for the first time in my life. This was met with trials as well but I asked GOD to remove the barriers and people responded to our message. I realized that GOD will defeat my adversaries when I sincerely focus on HIS kingdom.

• GOD wants me to be wildly successful while spreading HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to understand what true success looks like.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first and all ‘these” things will be added.

When I seek my kingdom first it seems to be a road that quickly forgets GOD but when I seek HIS kingdom first I have to depend on HIM and HIS sovereignty. I become weak and HE is made strong in my life. I can then watch HIS power unfold before me for HE is my ROCK.

• Are you waiting for the trial to end?
• Do you think you have the answer to your trial so you constantly pray for “your” answer?
• Can you ask GOD “What do YOU want me to do in the middle of this trial?”
• Will you let GOD go before you, defeating enemies and allow HIM to raise you up in HIS time?
• Can you let go and enjoy the ride?

Wonderful Promises

Psalm 91: ⁹ If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰ no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴ “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

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“Believe” is what people told me, so I did. I walked down the aisle of the church professing my belief in CHRIST. One month later I was baptized in front of the whole church. I was now part of something great! I went to school with a new outlook. When I arrived, the same bullies picked on me. “No big deal, I am graduating soon anyway”, I thought to myself.

When I arrived in high school, I was faced with a new set of trials, new thugs, this time armed and dangerous on my route to and from school. The years crept by, but I made it! “Whew” that’s behind me, smooth sailing from here on out. I faced financial, spiritual and growing challenges in college. Wait a minute, I thought that when I “believed” I wouldn’t have any problems! They seem to be getting bigger!

• My immature view of GOD thought there would be no challenges when I sided with HIM.
• My immature view of GOD thought I instantly would get what I wanted when I believed in HIM.
• My immature view of GOD thought all my troubles would go away and I would now be able to sit and do nothing while food was placed in my mouth.

I wanted to “fit in” and I thought it was cool that JESUS would accept me just as I was. I did get a little discouraged when HE could simply speak my troubles away, yet HE wouldn’t. Then I read these words “I will be with him in trouble” meaning I will have trouble and GOD will be there. My view of GOD had to change.

• GOD said to me “I will be with you always” meaning HE feels my troubles even more than I do.
• GOD said to me “I will be with you in trouble” meaning I have to go through problems in order to grow.
• GOD said to me “I will rescue you and honor you and satisfy you and save you” meaning just that.

When GOD cursed the earth because humans sinned, it wasn’t taken lightly by HIM. HE died when humans died and HE had to do something about it. HE chose to die in my place and take the blame for my sins. This act saved me, but I still have to live on a cursed planet. GOD’s redemption reaches beyond the curse and HIS love for me shines brightly each day!

• Are you growing?
• Do you think you should never have problems?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you in the middle of your problems?

Reset Expectations

Psalm 75: ⁷ It is God who judges:
    He brings one down, he exalts another.
⁸ In the hand of the Lord is a cup
    full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
    drink it down to its very dregs.

⁹ As for me, I will declare this forever;
    I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
¹⁰ who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
    but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

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“Look at ‘those’ people” is what I thought to myself. I mean “they” are blatantly sinning by doing , not admitting any of my own. Maybe if “they” would just stop sinning then “their” problems would go away was my thought.

• When I think other people are sinning I don’t look at my own sins.
• When I look at what someone else is doing I ignore my own sins.
• When I talk about someone else I overlook my own sins.

Comparing myself to a class of sinner is real easy and quite honestly it feels good. I mean “they” are doing so much wrong and “I” am over here doing right! GOD should be patting me on the back and raising me up to be… well, the highest HE has raised me! Wrong!

• It is GOD who judges and what I sometimes overlook is I am in the mud.
• It is GOD who brings one down and exalts another and what I sometimes overlook is I do not deserve to be raised up.
• It is GOD who chooses and what I sometimes overlook is HE chose me in the middle of my sins.

GOD is the ultimate forgiver! HIS grace and mercy are unmatched. But my sinful mind sometimes expects HIM to raise me up to a certain level. Faith “is” the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen and I must put my faith in GOD. HE chooses how high I should be at a certain time to reach HIS people.

My expectations should not be on “how high” HE raises me, but “who” should I be talking to now that I am where I am. I will declare GOD’s righteousness forever, I will sing praises to the GOD of Jacob.

• Are you comparing yourself to others?
• Do you think you should be “higher” than you are?
• Can you stop trying to get raised up and seek the purpose of why GOD has you where you are?
• Will you become content and accept GOD’s calling on your life to reach the people HE is bringing to you at this level?
• Will you praise HIM for where HE has you and that HE has a special purpose for you?

GOD Explain YOURSELF!

Job 40: ⁸ “Would you discredit my justice?
    Would you condemn me to justify yourself?
⁹ Do you have an arm like God’s,
    and can your voice thunder like his?

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“Why?” is usually the question that begins my tantrum with GOD. “Why did this person die or why did I lose the thing that was precious to me?” I ask these questions to GOD as if HE owes me an explanation. It’s alright to question, but sometimes I was actually mad at GOD.

• Sometimes I get mad at GOD for not giving me my way.
• Sometimes I wonder if there is a purpose to serving GOD if I can’t get my way all the time.
• Sometimes I demand that HE explains HIMSELF so I can reconcile what’s going on.

Here I am the created telling the CREATOR to explain HIS plan HE has for me. Even if HE did explain, I probably would not like the explanation. Looking back on the pouting, I can see a better plan has emerged each time. Through many disappointments, toils and snares I can actually see why GOD took me through situations that enabled me to grow.

• GOD does not owe me an explanation but wants me to know HE loves me.
• GOD does not owe me my way but wants me to know HE has a plan to prosper me.
• GOD does not owe me pleasure or comfort yet HE sent the COMFORTER to give me peace when I am frazzled.

GOD does not owe me anything, especially when I am trying to justify myself, yet HE loves me so much that HE threw my sins away and cleaned me up to be acceptable to HIM. GOD loves me.

• Are you trying to justify why you should have something?
• Do you think your righteous acts deserve something from GOD?
• Can you do things for GOD without expecting something in return?
• Will you stop trying to get GOD to explain HIMSELF and start having faith, trust and hope?

Comfortable with Knowledge

Job 11: ⁷ “Can you fathom the mysteries of God?
    Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
⁸ They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do?
    They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
⁹ Their measure is longer than the earth
    and wider than the sea.

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After I finished counting the offering, I added the amounts into the books. I didn’t really hear the sermon because I was busy. “GOD will understand” I thought to myself. I mean, I’m in a church, working so HE should understand I’m too busy for prayer and listening. I’m saved so I don’t really have to pursue GOD anymore, right?

• Sometimes I get comfortable with my salvation.
• Sometimes I think “GOD won’t mind” when I neglect talking to HIM or praying to HIM.
• Sometimes I am too busy for GOD.

I was so busy in the church that I had no time for GOD. I mean I had books to keep, reports to get out and stuff to do. I was also the head of the Trustees, so I had a lot on my plate. GOD will understand if I miss a few sermons and miss praying for people and miss serving people directly right? I mean I’m serving them indirectly so doesn’t that count?

• GOD loves everything I do for HIM, but sometimes I need to slow down to listen to HIM.
• GOD loves everything I do for HIM, but HE is not achievement based rather relationship based.
• GOD loves everything I do for HIM, but HE does not want me building up a pile of works so I can bargain with HIM later trying to get out of my sin.

GOD knows I would probably come to HIM and say “See… I did XYZ, so YOU should forgive me for 123” but that’s not how HE works. The fact of the matter is, I don’t truly know how HE works and I should not be comfortable with having a relationship with HIM. GOD cannot be harnessed ass a weapon nor can HE be bribed to do my bidding.

GOD is supreme in HIS plan and I must follow HIM with fear and trembling.

• Are you taking your relationship with GOD for granted?
• Do you think HE owes you something for your little service you did last week?
• Can you stop thinking GOD owes you something and serve HIM without expectation?
• Will you reach out to HIM today and say “I love YOU LORD” to HIM and leave it at that?

Praise Without Expectation

2 Chronicles 5: ¹³ The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang:

“He is good;
    his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, ¹⁴ and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.

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After the phone transferred the call to my answering machine, I could hear the bill collector leave their number. I went to church and they talked about a “cheerful giver” and “praising GOD,” so I tried it. I praised GOD and I smiled as I gave and weeks later, someone broke the window out of my car and stole my cassette tapes.

• When I praise GOD with expectations that HE owes me something, I am trying to manipulate HIM.
• When I give to GOD expecting more cash in return, I am trying to manipulate GOD.
• When I sing to GOD expecting HIM to see how righteous I am, I am trying to manipulate GOD.

I realized the difference between praise and manipulation when I observed a person who had less than nothing approach me and praise GOD on a dirt road in another country. I mean, he wasn’t looking for more stuff, he only sought GOD. In fact he walked twenty miles to hear me talk about GOD and I wasn’t a pastor or a big name.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM because HE is worthy to be praised.
• GOD wants me to keep my praise simple and remove the expectation from my words of praise.
• GOD wants me to enjoy my time with HIM, understanding HIS love for HIS humans.

Praise comes from the heart and if my heart is filled with doubt, fear, lust, anger, lies or thievery then my words can become tainted with “want” instead of gratitude. I must praise GOD and expect nothing in return.

• Are you trying to get GOD to do your bidding?
• Do you feel GOD is not answering your prayers?
• Can you praise HIM without expecting HIM to get you out of the mess you are in?
• Won’t you simply say “GOD YOU are great” and leave it at that?

Expectations of GOD

2 Kings 5: ¹⁰ Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

¹¹ But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. ¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

¹³ Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” ¹⁴ So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

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“Take notes” the department head told me as we were headed on a break. The nerve!  I mean, I was a “manager” at that time. Maybe they didn’t know I had two people reporting to me. Besides, this person wasn’t even my boss!

I noticed a couple of my peers acting a little jealous of me getting chosen to “take notes” in a meeting. I told another person what was asked of me and they said “Take this as an opportunity to sit at the decision making table.” I went back in, took notes and this act started a journey to a highly successful career.

• Sometimes pride makes me blind to what GOD is doing.
• Sometimes pride makes me think certain things have to happen certain ways in order for me to be successful.
• Sometimes pride makes me set false expectations of GOD and I think HE will do certain things a certain way.

Disappointment in GOD is easily found in my expectations of HIM. Looking back, HE has had compassion on my enemies rather than taking them out and smiting them. HE has allowed people who serve HIM to have problems in their lives even though I prayed for them. HE even let arrogant, reckless people seem to get their way while I struggled to serve HIM on a daily basis. BUT GOD says hold on.

• GOD says to me “In order to be great humble yourself.”
• GOD says to me “My ways are not your ways.”
• GOD says to me “The first will be last and the last will be first.”

Maturity has taught me that I should never say “If I were GOD…” mainly because if I were HIM, things would be quite messed up. I should have faith in HIS unmatched power, trust in HIS awesome wisdom and respect for HIS mysterious yet extremely effective plans.

GOD knows what HE is doing, even when I think things are going haywire!

• Do you have an expectation of GOD?
• Are you expecting HIM to deliver you in a certain way at a certain time?
• Can you praise HIM for what HE “is” doing rather than complaining about what HE isn’t?
• Won’t you follow GOD’s strange plan for you and allow HIM to shape your road?

Don’t go with the flow

1 Kings 22: ⁵ But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

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¹² All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. “Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.”

¹³ The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.”

¹⁴ But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

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“All your problems will go away. GOD will provide you with health, wealth and happiness” is what I want to say to entice people to accept CHRIST.  This naive thinking turned my tongue into a lying instrument.  After telling people “it will be alright” and watching things get worse, I questioned GOD.

• GOD never said things would be easy.
• GOD never said I wouldn’t have troubles.
• GOD never said all of my problems would go away if I follow HIM.

Following GOD invites trouble. I mean as soon as I stop following the world, it becomes my enemy. Things will be a bit tougher as I resist temptation and walk in HIS ways. Even my tongue will have to be guided to give the right words at the right time. Sometimes GOD will give me wonderful news through HIS word and sometimes the words will be a bit sharp, cutting me and others.

• GOD wants me to speak the truth but delivered in love, not judgment.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by understanding HIS word and not deviating from it.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by saying HE is supreme and has the right to say “No.”

Yes GOD wants to bless everyone, but in HIS time and HIS way.  There may still be some pain each of us has to endure, some longer than others. BUT GOD wants me to say what HE wants me to say, knowing HIS word is best to follow.

• Are you telling people what you want to say or what GOD wants you to say?
• Do you feel you have to say “everything will be alright” even though you weren’t told to do so?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to say and find the courage to say it?

Don’t mistake prosperity for GOD’s blessing

Judges 18: ³⁰ There the Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses, and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land.³¹ They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh.

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Dressed in my new suit, I ventured into a huge church.  This place seemed to have everything!  When I sat on one of the lavish pews I noticed several women sitting near me. I noticed this the next week and the next. Finally a couple of them introduced themselves but similar to that of being in a club.

The preacher drove a lavish car and the sermons were about how to live in prosperity. Meanwhile, I noticed the deacons sneaking peeks at the women and winking at me as if to say, “You didn’t see that.” The crowd was huge and since this was one of my first efforts to go back to church I said to myself, “This place is better than the clubs!”

• Sometimes I can be fooled by fake prosperity.
• Sometimes I can be fooled into thinking immense wealth will bring me closer to GOD.
• Sometimes I can be fooled into seeking a place where I won’t be corrected so I can do what I want and blame it on GOD.

The Danites stole an idol and attacked peaceful people out of ignorance of what GOD desired for them. They worshipped the idol and broke one of the major commandments of GOD. I can relate to this because I was ignorant to what GOD wanted for me and when I got to the church where the preaching tickled my ears, I felt great!

• GOD told me HIS word is like a two edge sword, it cuts the preacher and the receiver.
• GOD told me HIS word applies to every human so I should look at my flaws before I make statements.
• GOD told me HIS word is above any thought I could dream up so it’s best that I follow HIS ways.

Prosperity comes and goes, BUT GOD is here forever.  When HE said “I will never leave you nor forsake you” HE also meant HE would hang around and correct those who believe in HIM. The country I live in emphasizes two things way too much, money and sex.

It blinds us to our many other flaws like prejudice, hatred, slander, corruption and divisiveness to name a few. GOD made it easy, “love one another as I have loved you.” This simple command is easy to remember and breaks down any pitiful cause focused on one single sin.

• Are you in a building calling itself a church that is not following GOD?
• Do you feel GOD wanting you to grow?
• Are you studying and learning about HIM?
• Can you add “loving others” to your plan today?

Throwing a tantrum isn’t a good idea

Numbers 16: ³ They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron. They said to Moses and Aaron, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy. Every one in it is holy. And the Lord is with them. So why do you put yourselves above the Lord’s people?”

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¹² Then Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We won’t come! ¹³ You have brought us up out of a land that has plenty of milk and honey. You have brought us here to kill us in this desert. Isn’t that enough? Now do you also want to act as if you were ruling over us?

¹⁴ “Besides, you haven’t brought us into a land that has plenty of milk and honey. You haven’t given us fields and vineyards of our own. Are you going to poke out the eyes of these men? No! We won’t come!”

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³¹ As soon as Moses finished speaking all of those words, what he had said came true. The ground under them broke open. ³² It opened its mouth. It swallowed up those men. In fact, it swallowed up everyone who lived in their houses. It swallowed all of Korah’s men. And it swallowed up everything they owned. ³³ They went down into the grave alive. Everything they owned went down with them. The ground closed over them. They died. And so they disappeared from the community.

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Sometimes I forget that GOD doesn’t like it when I complain and throw tantrums.  When I view situations and people with a critical eye, I must be careful to remain on GOD’s side.

If I barge into circumstances with the wrong attitude, I may find myself facing GOD’s wrath instead of HIS grace.

• Are you grumbling about your situation to the LORD?
• Why do you think HE has you in this situation in the first place?
• Can you see how HE is working HIS marvelous plan in your life to grow you?
• Will you fight GOD?

Think before complaining

Numbers 11:The people weren’t happy about the hard times they were having. The Lord heard what they were saying. It made him burn with anger. Then the Lord sent fire on them. It blazed out among the people. It burned up some of the outer edges of the camp.

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“What is it” I jokingly sneered at the dorm food plopped on my plate! It looked funny, smelled funny and tasted not so funny but bad! I passed on that meal knowing another was on its way in a few hours. I complained about the food.

The next year I had my own apartment. I stepped into the kitchen waiting on someone to hand me my meal and there wasn’t anyone there. I looked in the refrigerator and there was no food there either. I begged to get into the dorm cafeteria and couldn’t. When I got out I had a ticket on my car and had no money to pay it!

• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like complaints about HIS plan.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like grumbles about HIS gifts to me.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like protests about HIS creatures.

When times were difficult, I complained to GOD and guess what… things got worse! Wait a minute, you mean GOD doesn’t like it when I have a request? A request is different than a complaint.  When I grumble about my situation, no matter how bleak it is, I am saying “GOD you don’t know what you are doing and I DO.”

• GOD cannot stand any form of pride from me especially when it’s wrapped in a complaint.
• GOD does not like it when I have my life all figured out and pout when I am not getting my way.
• GOD will not yield to my rants or complaints because HE is GOD.

Making GOD “GOD” means I have to accept when HE will say “No” or “No” or “NO!” I may have a plan in mind but without HIS blessing, nothing will come to fruition. If it is HIS will HE will bring me through difficult times and lead me beside still waters, if not the HE will provide the endurance and testimony to draw many to HIM.

GOD doesn’t want me to be phony and pretend to be “happy” but HE does want me to respect HIS choice and “joyfully” serve HIM and those HE chooses to send to me.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Why does GOD have you in this position?
• Don’t you understand HE knows where you are and what’s best for you?
• Can you turn this difficult time into a testimony instead of burying the opportunity in a complaint?

I’m learning how to follow GOD

2 Peter 1: ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;

⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

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Lonely and rock bottom was my location. I hadn’t been to church in years and I didn’t know anyone in town. The bar scene was old and I felt a bit empty.  “There has to be more to life than this” I said to myself.  I ran into someone who invited me to their church. What a strange request. I didn’t know how to respond. I mean where to start on my “messy” life?

• Sometimes I think I can “arrive” during my life.
• Sometimes I compare my life to other people and I set my happiness according to who I see.
• Sometimes I think my sins are greater than GOD’s forgiveness and HE will never take me back.

My faith in GOD was tiny at that time.  I actually believed people could reach a sinless state and those who attended church were better than me. I mean they wore suits and went around quoting the Bible. I didn’t know the Bible and I definitely wasn’t “good.”  “Maybe I shouldn’t go to church” I mean would GOD take me back?

• Going to church doesn’t make me holier but I can meet with other sinners.
• I can never be “good” enough to save myself but I can be better than I used to be because I’m grateful for GOD’s forgiveness.
• I will never know all I need to know about GOD but I can learn a little more about HIM just by seeking HIM.
• I will sin but GOD helps me with self-control, perseverance and godliness in order to mature in HIS ways.

Godliness helps me see other people and their needs. I can then drop my selfishness and show them love instead of always trying to get what I want. Believing is just the beginning of my faith. GOD matures me little by little, step by step.

• Is your life off track?
• Do you think GOD won’t forgive you “this” time?
• Can you stop looking at other people and just learn about GOD to see what HE wants for you?

What I really want is my way!

James 4: ² You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

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⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up

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“That sure is a nice suit” I said to my boss. I couldn’t think of anything else to say but I needed to make small talk because I wanted to get that promotion. Of course I didn’t get the promotion so I stuck my mouth out and started to act like a very deserving employee.

I ranted and threatened and do you know what… I never got promoted there.

• My fake compliment is quickly seen through by GOD.
• My wrong motive for whatever I desire is easily thwarted by GOD.
• My false humility trying to act “churchy” is effortlessly noticed by GOD and HE doesn’t like it.

GOD knows exactly what’s good for me and says “NO” to me quite often. In fact I look back on some of the things I’ve wanted and I am extremely grateful I didn’t get them. Believe it or not, I am also grateful for some of the turmoil I have been put through as well.

Getting “my way” means getting my way and I really don’t want my way when I get my way. I usually end up on a path that’s really bad for me and then I can’t find “my way” out of it. GOD has a remedy.

• HE wants me to submit “my way” to HIS way which means I can resist temptations and the Devil will leave me alone.
• GOD wants me to take a step toward HIM first and HE will come near to me.
• HE wants me to sincerely desire for things to be better for “that” person rather than trying to manipulate them to get “my way.”

GOD wants me to truly be humble, not false humility where other people tell me I’m humble. It means admitting I’m “still” a sinner and my plans will lead to the wrong place.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by acting good or by only listening to “godly” stuff?
• Do you think GOD can’t see through your efforts to be good for a moment and turn away from HIM when you get what you want?
• Can you let go of that thing you desire so much and let HIM decide if it is good for you or not?
• Won’t you back down and examine yourself and admit your stubbornness to GOD?