When No One Agrees with the Plan

 

When No One Agrees with the Plan

Exodus 6: ¹⁰ And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹¹ “Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

 

¹² And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”

 

¹³ Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and gave them a command^[j] for the children of Israel and for Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

 

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Moses took Aaron with him to meet GOD on Mount Horeb. GOD had to give them reassurance that HIS plan would work. Moses told GOD that things were getting worse after their first meeting with Pharaoh. He said the children of Israel were hurt and scared. He then said he does not speak eloquently.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh put his full resistance on letting the slaves go.
• The children of Israel were so scared that they resisted being let go.
• GOD said to Moses and Aaron with a command this time, that the children of Israel would be let go.

 

Once GOD puts a plan in place, there is no force, action or time that can prevent it from happening. Moses and Aaron were included in GOD’s plan and saw themselves as tiny, unspoken and powerless. BUT GOD was not going to use their strength or abilities.

 

We sometimes forget that GOD has the power and we have the obedience. When GOD says to do something regarding HIS plan of deliverance, our response needs to be with obedience. Moses was scared and rightfully so. He murdered an Egyptian year’s prior. He only had a stick and a brother. This looked impossible. BUT GOD knew HE was the master of the impossible.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him and his brother regarding the plan to free the slaves?
• Have you focused too much on your own abilities and deficits to believe that GOD is in control?
• Is today the day you will take your eyes off of your abilities and trust that GOD is the power and the glory, forever?

What About Me?

What about me?

1 Timothy 5: ¹¹ But do not include younger widows in the list; because when their desires make them want to marry, they turn away from Christ, ¹² and so become guilty of breaking their earlier promise to him. ¹³ They also learn to waste their time in going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not. ¹⁴ So I would prefer that the younger widows get married, have children, and take care of their homes, so as to give our enemies no chance of speaking evil of us. ¹⁵ For some widows have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶ But if any Christian woman has widows in her family, she must take care of them and not put the burden on the church, so that it may take care of the widows who are all alone.

 

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Feeling sorry for myself had become a ritual. I was in another bad situation and simply wanted someone to get me out of the current trial. Tired of being needy and tired of being in trouble, I groused instead of being excited.

 

• I could only see my problem.
• I needed help and did not know who to ask.
• I felt that no one could understand the trial I was going through.

 

Paul continues giving advice to Timothy regarding widows. He referred to “the list” as a special list reserved for those who have cared for others as a lifelong pursuit. Paul speaks harshly about young widows who can leave their identity in CHRIST by substituting marriage as a pursuit of a new identity. He also points out a new goal, namely caring for others because the need is huge!

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I can pity myself and desire things in substitute of GOD?
• Focused attention on what GOD wants me to do, keeps me away from the traps of the enemy.
• Realizing that I am chosen by GOD as part of the solution, takes my mind off my problems and places focus on what GOD wants.

 

Let’s face it, we have all asked “What about me?” Right? I mean, when life gets hard we want someone who can provide for us during the trial or lift us out of the hole. When this doesn’t happen, we feel GOD isn’t listening and easily stop following HIM to try something else. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE wants us to focus our attention on HIM by caring about other people. This trial is not about you rather it is about keeping you from seeing GOD as the solution. Care is a great remedy to the trial. GOD may have me simply care for those around me enough to pray for him or her and possibly even meet a need every now and then. I am glad GOD helps me take my focus off of “my” trials and place it on HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Be honest, do the words of the writer sound harsh?
• Why?
• Have you ever pitied yourself and just wanted out of this trial, with or without GOD’s help?
• Will you continue to walk with the LORD, asking HIM to firm up your reliance on HIM and to open your eyes to someone who is in need today?

With All Confidence

 

With All Confidence

Ephesians 3: God, who is the Creator of all things, kept his secret hidden through all the past ages, ¹⁰ in order that at the present time, by means of the church, the angelic rulers and powers in the heavenly world might learn of his wisdom in all its different forms. ¹¹ God did this according to his eternal purpose, which he achieved through Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² In union with Christ and through our faith in him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence. ¹³ I beg you, then, not to be discouraged because I am suffering for you; it is all for your benefit.

 

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Evaluating what I had done on the previous day, I could not think of a specific “sin” that warranted this type of disaster. Everything had gone wrong this particular day and I asked GOD, “What’s going on?” in a “Why me” sort of fashion.

 

• I thought I could control GOD by sinning less.
• I thought my sins would get a reaction out of GOD, causing HIM to punish me.
• I thought I was the cause of the disaster because maybe I overlooked a sin.

 

GOD’s plan was immense and hidden until JESUS was revealed. Paul wrote about this huge plan that was laid out and executed by GOD. Redemption happened through JESUS, making the impossible, possible. Sin could no longer stop anyone from going into GOD’s presence to ask for anything and to be forgiven.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s power is far greater than I can something “I” can harness.
• GOD’s wisdom is manifested in many forms I can see daily.
• GOD’s purpose cannot be stopped, even by some sins I do or not do.

 

Thinking I am in control of GOD makes me lose my confidence. I mean, When I want things to go a specific way, I may try to act “good” during the period of time I am seeking my desire. Unfortunately, if I get what I want, I sometimes forget that the blessing came from GOD and return to sinful ways.

 

BUT GOD saw this fickle behavior and added it to HIS plan, HE knew HE needed something fool proof. Redemption needed to be permanent and indestructible. When JESUS was raised from the dead, HE opened the door to the FATHER to anyone who will walk in. I am glad I can confidently go to the FATHER because of what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Who is the focus of the writer?
• Have you ever been discouraged, thinking you were the problem?
• Will you praise GOD for HIS eternal purpose and walk into HIS presence because JESUS made a way to HIM for you?

 

 

Cure for the Holidays

 Cure for the Holidays

2 Corinthians 4: ¹³ The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe. ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence. ¹⁵ All this is for your sake; and as God's grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

 

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Grumpy was the feeling I wanted to feel. I did not want to be cheered up during this particular holiday because I felt frustrated in life. My jalopy of a car was not working, I had a job cleaning after people who really did not care and worst of all, I had to visit people who I was angry with.

 

• The holidays emphasized my hurt.
• The holidays showed me how far I was from having a smiling face.
• The holidays seemed like a period to get beyond.

 

Paul saw through the troubles and trials of life enough to speak about JESUS. He knew there would be circumstances that would make him feel like remaining silent or hiding away in a corner until the perfect conditions appeared. He mentions a scripture that says “I spoke because I believed.” His belief was in “grace” that was necessary to fill empty hearts.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love for me, especially when I don’t feel like it.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS cure for brokenness by offering HIM thanksgiving.
• GOD wants me to look beyond my circumstances to spread the message of life so more and more people will receive grace.

 

Hurt, loneliness and bitterness can blind me to my purpose. I mean, when I am tempted to want to remain grumpy, I allow myself to be open to isolation, which could also enable me to be manipulated by the enemy. He seeks to devour the meal I make each time I voice my frustration or stew in my pain.

 

GOD wants me to be guided out of my pain by others and then HE wants me to guide others out of their pain. The true cure is to be able to “believe” the Gospel is the answer to all ills so I can use thanksgiving as a weapon against any pain that arises. I am thankful and I hope all who read can know they are loved deeply.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt bad about wanting to feel grumpy?
• Will you accept that sometimes you will want to feel that way, but try to limit the time that you allow it?
• Will you look at “thanksgiving” as a weapon versus a feeling and use it to fight against the enemies of isolation, deep hurt and loneliness today?
• Will you be raised up from your feelings today so you can speak life to people in a small way?

You are Alive!

 

You are Alive!

Romans 8: ⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

 

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Being granted the time off work excited me. My boss was gracious enough to give me some extra time to go on a missions trip. This excited me about the company I worked for at the time, though the work hours were very, very long and the environment could be filled with pressure. On the trip, I met a man who showed me his hut, wife, lemon tree and cow. He was so excited. He seemed more alive than I could ever imagine.

 

• There were times when I thought I was alive, but I may have been dead.
• There were times when I felt I was living “the dream” but I may have been in a nightmare.
• There may have been times when I believed I was the one in control, but I needed something else to live inside me to take control.

 

Paul switches over from discussing sin to speaking about the Spirit. He explains that the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside those who believe in JESUS as the one and only Savior of humanity. Paul also points out that if HOLY SPIRIT, who was powerful enough to raise JESUS from the dead, lives in you, HE can certainly raise you up as well.

 

• The HOLY SPIRIT makes me alive.
• The HOLY SPIRIT guides me daily.
• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me comfort, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

 

The most overlooked being is the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean, the HOLY SPIRIT has to do the dirty work by living inside a sinful person like myself. HE warns me not to fall into the temptation, yet I fall anyway. HE then goes before the throne and advocates on my behalf in groans I could never understand.

 

HE rejoices when I step away from temptation and praises me when I serve those HE leads me to. HE protects, provides and brings me to an abundant life of heavenly riches, versus a dead life of earthly bondage. I am grateful for being raised from a dead life and made alive by GOD!

 

• Are you dead thinking you are alive?
• Do you have a lot of accolades but have not received praise from the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek what GOD wants you to do and be alive versus living a life tied to death today?

Needing Help

Needing Help

John 15: ²⁶ “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. ²⁷ And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

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Sitting alone in my apartment was driving me crazy. I did not know many people in the town where I worked and was forced to commune with co-workers. I applied for a few positions away from that place, but found nothing. I felt doomed to stay there “forever.” I started my life over. I was no longer going to be the chief of parties. I wanted to learn about GOD.

• At one point, something changed inside me.
• At one point, I desired to follow GOD.
• At one point, my worries, fears, doubts and complaints were put aside for a new outlook on life.

JESUS gives HIS followers something to look for. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT, who is the HELPER. JESUS also gave HIS followers purpose, namely to bear witness of HIM being our Savior.

• The HELPER will gives me words to comfort others.
• The HELPER fills me up with joy.
• The HELPER changes my mind from worry to victory.

Feeling all alone is sometimes overwhelming. I mean at every turn, there seemed to be a problem that I could not fix. BUT GOD wanted me to look to HIM for all of my answers. Instead of thinking “I” had to solve everything by “myself”, GOD sent me the HELPER.

When I couple myself to GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, I am filled with joy that makes no sense. I can then serve others and speak about JESUS in word and action. I always need help and I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me.

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel worthless?
• Will you accept your calling and allow GOD to speak to many people through you?
• Will you also stop thinking you are broken and let the perfect HOLY SPIRIT reside in you today?

Stable Relationship

Stable Relationship

John 6: After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. ² Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. ³ And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.

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After receiving a generous raise, I really enjoyed this boss. Finally, I was recognized for my efforts. The next year when raise time came around, I did not get as much, although I had put in a similar amount of effort as the prior year. I met with my boss to find out why.

“You have to do more than you did before in order to get a bigger raise” was the response. “Maybe I don’t like this boss as much as I thought” I said to myself.

• There were times when I based my opinions of people on what they could do for me.
• There were times when I sought to get more from people based on how much they gave me.
• There were times when I felt less thrilled with people who did not meet my expectations.

A great multitude of people followed JESUS near the Sea of Tiberias because they saw HIM heal other sick and diseased people. This made me wonder if they would ever get sick again. Would these people have all of their problems clear up because they were healed? Probably not.

• GOD wants me to see HIS power at work every day so I can praise HIM.
• GOD wants me to base my relationship with HIM as an eternal relationship.
• GOD wants me to stabilize my relationship with HIM so I can keep hope in front of me at all times.

Life can be stormy. When one thing clears up, two more problems pop up. There may be times when the sun never seems to shine on life for weeks, months or even years. BUT GOD is still with me through the storms. HE is there to heal me when I get hurt and clean me up when I get muddy.

GOD’s love for me is constant. HE loved me so much that HE died for me and placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside me. HE cannot get any closer to me than inside me. All HE asks is that I remain inside of HIM. I place my hope in HIM.

• Do you lose hope easily?
• What are you basing your hope on?
• Will you grow spiritually and stabilize your relationship between you and GOD today by asking HIM to give you more faith?

But we had hoped

Luke 24: ¹⁹ ‘What things?’ he asked.

‘About Jesus of Nazareth,’ they replied. ‘He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. ²⁰ The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; ²¹ but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. ²² In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning ²³ but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. ²⁴ Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.’

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Longing for better working conditions, I welcomed the new boss. Anything would be better than the last regime, I thought to myself. Unfortunately the announcement was modified and the new person was not going to take over our area. I felt lost again.

• There have been times when I hoped for something and it did not happen as I thought.
• There have been times when I wished something would happen but it did not happen the way I wanted.
• There have been times when I longed for something better to happen, but I got more of the same.

JESUS asked “What was going on?” to the men HE walked with. They explained that their hopes had been crushed because their Messiah had been sentenced to death by the ones who preached that the Messiah would come someday. They also explained that something strange was going on and the body of JESUS was missing and they heard JESUS was alive!

• GOD wants me to know that HIS plans are far better than what I could ever think of.
• GOD wants me to have patience with the current situation because it may not be as it appears.
• GOD wants me to see that in spite of the current circumstances, HE has the situation under control.

Back to the story of the change in plans to get a new boss. I was saddened that things would not change and they asked me what I would do differently. I explained and they asked me to step into a higher role, leading an area I was not familiar with. I was amazed just as the people were who heard the news that JESUS was alive.

GOD does not always reveal to me what is going on during the dark times, but HE does give me hope that HE is in control of every situation. I am grateful of HIS plan for me.

• Do you feel lost, anxious or scared?
• Has something extreme happened to you?
• Will you take a moment to understand that GOD is in control of your situation and HE loves you dearly in spite of what you can see?

No choice but to keep going

Luke 14: ³⁴ “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? ³⁵ It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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When I left a place I shouldn’t have been in the first place, I was nervous of my surroundings. I could see thugs looking at me so I increased my pace towards the bus. When the bus pulled off without me, I ran shouting “wait.” I kept running at the disappearing target, but I felt like giving up. After the fourth attempt, I finally caught up to the bus. I had no choice.

• There have been many times when I felt like giving up.
• There have been many times when I felt defeated.
• There have been many times when I felt distressed, distracted and dejected.

JESUS doesn’t minimize HIS words when HE speaks to the crowd. HE spoke directly to those who felt like giving up. HE mentions the value of salt which preserves, penetrates and permeates. But when salt loses its power to do so, then what good is it?

• GOD wants me to keep going especially when I don’t feel like it.
• GOD wants me to stop looking at the situation and look only at HIM.
• GOD wants me to keep the salt HE gave me so I can multiply it amongst many.

Saltiness is a multitude of things in my relationship with GOD. It’s bold, overpowering, sometimes subtle, and only a little is needed. It penetrates, melts and keeps things whole. It corrodes, burns and scratches, yet it soothes. But when I give up my saltiness, I can do none of the above. What am I giving my saltiness up for? Nothing.

I mean what am I trading it in for? Nothing. Where else would I turn? Nowhere. GOD wants me to keep my mind focused beyond the current situation and set my eyes permanently on HIM. In spite of the latest sin I just committed, GOD is my forgiver. HE guides me to the truth and that truth is JESUS.

• Do you feel like giving up?
• Are you only focused on money or the lack thereof?
• Is GOD minimized in your life right now because you think HIS grace is insufficient?
• Will you stop believing in lies and know GOD’s grace is sufficient and you are special to HIM?

Forsaken

Mark 15: ³³ Now when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. ³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

³⁵ Some of those who stood by, when they heard that, said, “Look, He is calling for Elijah!” ³⁶ Then someone ran and filled a sponge full of sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink, saying, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to take Him down.”

³⁷ And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.

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After a very bad day, I left work to catch the train. It was raining and I wasn’t dressed properly. At least the train ride wouldn’t be long because I parked in my “free” location. When I arrived at my car I noticed a dent the shape of the end of a baseball bat. I guess my observation skills were slow as I also saw my windows were attacked. “Why is this happening?!” I cried out.

• There were times when I had some very bad days.
• There were times when I wanted to just scream.
• There were times when it felt like nothing was going right.

After a strange and mysterious darkness, JESUS says something similar to my cry. “MY GOD MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?” This cry of anguish could only come from a human experiencing a great deal of stress. But this was no ordinary human.

• JESUS saw it was no gain to be GOD and decided to suffer and die so I would not have to.
• JESUS knows what it feels like to be misunderstood and blamed for HIS existence.
• JESUS can empathize, sympathize and rationalize all of the feelings I have because HE felt the same way.

Half way listening, the crowd thought JESUS was crying out to Elijah instead of hearing HIS empathetic anguish. They had no idea what GOD was doing on the cross. Sometimes I have no idea what HE is doing too. When I scream out “Why?!” I want whatever pain I’m going through to end right away.

JESUS knows what I am going through, just like the FATHER knew what JESUS would have to go through. This permanent transformation to humanity included a special relationship change between the FATHER and JESUS. Now JESUS would be the only human that fully understands the power of GOD, because HE IS GOD. HE can forgive me because HE knows what I go through.

• Are you crying out to GOD?
• Do you feel forsaken?
• Will you give your anguish to GOD today and allow HIM to give you peace HIS way?

Alone

Mark 4: ³³ And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. ³⁴ But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

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Waving at people on the convention floor was the norm for my coworkers, but not me. This was my first convention and I did not know anyone. It was time for dinner and everyone made plans with one another. I ate in my room.

•  
• Sometimes I can be in a crowd and feel alone.
• Sometimes I can open my mouth and say something to people and still feel alone.
• Sometimes I can sit in a room with another person and feel more alone than when I am by myself.

Being alone can sometimes feel devastating, especially when I want to be around those who appreciate what I am doing and saying or even better, know who I am. GOD spoke in parables or analogies and did not speak directly to the crowd. But when HE was alone with HIS disciples HE spoke directly to them.

• GOD sometimes takes me to a place so HE can be alone with me.
• GOD sometimes wants to speak directly to me so HE moves me out of the crowd.
• GOD sometimes desires for me to quiet down instead of screaming while I am alone with HIM.

Maturing to understand “alone” time is important to GOD. HE wants me to spend some very important time with HIM to see HIS power on a daily basis. The world’s worries can be noisy and deafen me to HIS voice. It seems like the harder I try in life, the more GOD wants to spend time with me. HE sets me down besides still waters and speaks directly to me with HIS promises.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you worried and feel alone?
• Can you remove your worries for a moment and listen to GOD’s voice through HIS word today?

Overwhelmed

Mark 3: ⁷ But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea ⁸ and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. ⁹ So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. ¹⁰ For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. ¹¹ And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.” ¹² But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.

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With a troubled heart I woke in the middle of the night. Papers were due, bill collectors were calling, and my car was broken down. It was raining that day. I sneezed and my nose began to bleed. The episode seemed to last forever, but eventually gave way. I sat there overwhelmed.

• Sometimes I feel pressure.
• Sometimes I feel pressed on all sides.
• Sometimes I feel like so much is coming at me.

JESUS was literally overwhelmed with the crowds from all the surrounding cities. Word had spread about this healer and everyone wanted in on the action. JESUS understood their needs and healed them but HIS purpose was more than temporary healing.

• JESUS became a human to die for my sins.
• JESUS became a human so HE could be the sinless one to pay for my sins.
• JESUS became a human to empathize, sympathize and show compassion for me.

The people who surrounded JESUS did not understand HIS purpose at the time. Demons wanted to reveal HIS true purpose probably to throw people off, for if they knew HE was and is GOD they may not have killed HIM.  JESUS withdrew by boat to continue on HIS true journey.

HE understands when I get overwhelmed, in fact HE expects it. HE knows just how much I can handle and HE sends relief at just the right time. JESUS is my Savior on earth and eternity.

• Are you overwhelmed?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you take a moment to slip away and take a break so you can return rejuvenated to serve CHRIST?

Stressed Out

Matthew 11: ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Meeting after meeting, my day was full. If I wasn’t in meetings, I was answering my voicemail or replying to some scathing email left by the arrogant. After a while I found myself without sleep. I would wake in the middle of the night thinking about work. The speed in which I had to reply to issues was ridiculous. Was there any relief?!

• I have been stressed out in the past.
• I have had extreme pressure in the past.
• I have had to face situations where it seemed as if no one was in my corner and I did not know where to turn.

Feeling like no one cares can lead to even more stress. After a while I even asked the question, “GOD do you care?” HE gave me HIS answer.

• GOD said to me “I care so come to me with whatever is stressing you out.”
• GOD said to me “I love you so I will yoke myself with you and pull when you cannot.”
• GOD said to me “I died for you and now I live so with the power that has been given to ME, I will give you rest.”

There is no issue too great for GOD. There is no problem GOD cannot solve. There is no situation that causes me stress that GOD cannot handle. Whether GOD is my first choice or the last, I can always go to HIM and give HIM my burdens.

I can also learn HIS word so in times of stress I can use them to navigate the unwieldy times. GOD cares enough about me that HE wants me to have peace. All I need to do is seek HIM.

• Are you stressed out?
• Do you face situations that have you deeply worried?
• Can you talk to GOD about what is stressing you out?
• Will you connect yourself to HIM and learn HIS word so you can navigate through stressful times?

You are of Great Value

Matthew 10: ²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Everyone else seemed to have some special skill, while I did not seem to have anything “special.” Some were good at sports while others were great writers yet others were incredible thinkers. I went to school with the strong and mighty, brainy and rich, beautiful and liked. I did not seem to have any of the above. Where did I fit?

• There were times I did not feel I had any value.
• There were times I felt everyone else had skills and I possessed none.
• There were times I thought I could never “fit” into the crowd.

Walking through life, I felt afraid to meet people or sit at the “popular” table in fear of rejection. I mean what if they don’t like “me?” GOD says something very different.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
• GOD says to me “Be afraid of the ONE who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

“Worth” means I have value to GOD. When everyone around me is losing their heads and blaming it on me, GOD says to me “You are valuable to ME.” HE wants me to hear what HE whispers in my ear and proclaim it from my roof that “JESUS saved me from myself and the world!”

Health is also nothing to worry my head over. HE has that too! HE knows just how to fix my body and HE can heal any ill. GOD has given me a purpose and that is far more valuable than the acceptance any crowd can ever bring.

• Do you feel afraid of the crowd?
• Are you afraid of your job, your wealth or “that” person who is bullying you?
• Can you confess your fears to GOD and ask HIM to guide you to a place of strength?
• Will you accept a life of purpose from GOD so you can drop your fears of life?

Running on Fumes

Jonah 2: From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. ² He said:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
    and you listened to my cry.

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⁷ “When my life was ebbing away,
    I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
    to your holy temple.

⁸ “Those who cling to worthless idols
    turn away from God’s love for them.
⁹ But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
    will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
    I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

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Nervously I sat and stared at the gas gauge. The low gas indicator light had come on miles back and I saw the most horrifying sign that read “Next Stop 27 Miles.” It was very late at night and the road was dark and unfamiliar. I quieted down the radio but it was still too noisy and I finally had to turn it off. “LORD please help!” I cried.

• Sometimes in life I am running on fumes.
• Sometimes in life I do not have any answers, only questions.
• Sometimes in life I have nowhere to turn but to GOD.

Jonah spent three days in the fish. I’m sure he cried out on the first day, ALL DAY, but no response. When I went twenty six miles I felt relieved because even if the car stopped I could walk the extra mile. I made it to the gas station and to my dismay it was closed for the night. The next sign read “Next Stop 15 Miles.” I cried out again, this time with more fervor “LORD HELP!”

• GOD always helps me but sometimes not in the timing I want.
• GOD always rescues me but sometimes not in the way I want.
• GOD always watches over me but sometimes not in the way or time that I would feel totally in control.

Jonah was probably at the point of giving up. He had no sense of time or days and was extremely uncomfortable. He just knew he was going to die, but for some reason had not. HE calmed down in the middle of the turmoil and prayed.

I got back on the road and made it the additional fifteen miles, praying all the way! Gas poured into the tank and I noticed I was truly on empty. I pumped in the max capacity and about a gallon more! All I could do was thank GOD for saving me. My heart was still racing!

• Are you running on fumes?
• Have your solutions to life failed and now you feel you have nowhere to turn?
• Can you calmly but firmly cry out to GOD even if you have before?
• Will you “praise” HIM even in the middle of your trouble?