Empty Hole

Luke 4: ⁴² Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; ⁴³ but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”⁴⁴ And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

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“What service project will we do?” was the question posed in a corporate meeting. “I know…” exclaimed a coworker. “Let’s help rehab a house of someone.” We chipped in our time, got some great photos and immediately posted them in the news as corporate heroes. Through all of the excitement, I felt empty.

• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with service projects.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with work.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with shallow relationships.

JESUS tried to escape from the crowd, yet they found HIM. HE explained to them that HE had a purpose. “I must preach the kingdom of GOD to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” HE had healed this local crowd from all kinds of ailments and chased out demons but desired for them to understand HIS purpose so they would be whole.

• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to preach the kingdom of GOD everywhere HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to proclaim JESUS as the Savior of the world who has already redeemed me.

When I spoke to someone about JESUS for the first time, I felt weird and nervous. With palpitating beats in my chest, I spoke about the kingdom of GOD and the conversation was not the best, but my heart did something strange, it was filled up.

Soon after, GOD gave me the courage to speak about my sins to people, especially the dark yucky ones. People who heard, believed that CHRIST could save them too. My heart was filled more and more to the point of overflowing. GOD gave me HIS purpose.

• Is your heart empty?
• Are you trying to fill your empty heart with service, business, empty relationships or self-medication to addiction?
• Will you seek GOD and allow HIM to guide you in preaching HIS kingdom to someone today?

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?

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?

Freed from the Cage

Ezekiel 34: ²⁵ “‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of savage beasts so that they may live in the wilderness and sleep in the forests in safety. ²⁶ I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. ²⁷ The trees will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them.

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With shoulders slumped I went into the office defeated. “’Sigh’ I guess I will be here forever” I thought to myself. I kind of enjoyed the job, but did not like the city and I was young, single and still ready to enjoy myself. I felt trapped with no way out.

• There have been times where I felt caged in.
• There have been times where I felt trapped in a snare.
• There have been times where I felt my potential was being wasted away while being enslaved.

As I sat there staring at my cubicle wall a phone call came in with a job opportunity to move. I had not applied nor did I know where this person got my name. I received the information and immediately knew this was the place for me! I was rescued from the dungeon!

• GOD says to me “I will make a covenant of peace with you.”
• GOD says to me “I will make the wilderness and surrounding places safe for you.”
• GOD says to me “I will make place you in a growing tree in a field where there is a bountiful crop and there you will be secure.”

Looking back I can see many times where I thought “This is the end and I am stuck.” I felt like the momentum in my desire had stalled, BUT GOD said something different. HE is the one who says “That’s enough” and rescues me from the tempest. HE makes the waters of my life still and restores my soul. GOD is my shower of blessing!

• Are you feeling lost?
• Have you given up on everything, even GOD?
• Can you allow GOD to strengthen your faith again?

How Long?

Jeremiah 47: ⁶ “‘Alas, sword of the Lord,
    how long till you rest?
Return to your sheath;
    cease and be still.’
⁷ But how can it rest
    when the Lord has commanded it,
when he has ordered it
    to attack Ashkelon and the coast?”

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“Are we there yet?” was my first question followed by “how long ‘til we get there?” Staring at the same cornfield seemed agonizing to me as a child but quite peaceful to me now, but that’s another story. When I went to the dentist, he asked “how long has this been hurting?” Another time I sat through a final exam and wondered “how much longer do I have to do this?” On a boring job I had to stop wearing a watch because the day would creep by in an agonizing way.

• When I am in pain I ask “how long?”
• When I want something to change I ask “how long?”
• When I am in a situation that seems to go on forever I ask “how long?”

Honestly, I really don’t want the answer to “how long” sometimes. I mean if the answer is “a few minutes” the question should not be “how long should I hold my hand in the fire?” “How long?” is a question I ask GOD quite often. The real question I am asking HIM is “Can you hurry up and change this situation in my favor?” HIS answer to “how long” may be “decades more” when I want something cured right away.

• GOD holds onto my future so I do not have to worry about it.
• GOD repairs my past so I do not have to dwell on it.
• GOD stays with me in the present so I can be confident in it.

Time is GOD’s. The writer says “A thousand years are but a day to the LORD.” In other words, HE can be extremely patient with me for as long as it takes. The situations I go through enable me to grow and GOD has just the right amount of time to hold me in the fire, to refine me like gold. “How long?” is a valid question but I have learned to answer the question myself with “Thank YOU LORD for bringing me through this like all other situations.”

• Are you going through something?
• Does it seem like you have been going through this situation for years?
• Can you ask GOD the real question “Will YOU change my heart to be YOURS?”
• Will you add praise to your life daily so you can gain endurance?

You are Doing Well

Isaiah 3: ¹⁰ Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
    for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

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Sometimes I just have to say to myself, “You are doing well” just to keep things into perspective. The world has a standard that is ever changing and a dream that is insatiable. In this world of “inadequacy labeling” and positioning for riches, power and fame, I sometimes feel lower than the low. Then someone said, “You are good at…” and that’s all I needed to hear.

• GOD says to me “I made you perfect for the plan I have for you.”
• GOD says to me “I will bring many to you if you would follow MY path.”
• GOD says to me “I love you more than anyone could.”

Living amongst greedy, power hungry people makes me want to do the same. BUT GOD says hold fast onto MY ways and I will reward you for it. Following GOD is easily shown by the fruit I have in my life. I praise GOD for blessing me!

Are you trying to change?

Do you think you are inadequate?

Can you focus on the purpose GOD has given you?

Will you see yourself as righteous only because GOD has done marvelous things for you?

When the Chips Fall

Proverbs 14: ³² When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,
    but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.

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Exhausted was the only way I could describe this particular year. Two broken cars, failing grades, girlfriend trouble, and a job cleaning toilets. Some people said, “Let’s go hang out in another city.” I knew what “hang out” meant so I said “of course!”

• When things got rough I sought relief.
• When things got tough I sought an instant way out of the pain.
• When things got harsh I sought a group who could make me laugh for only a moment.

We didn’t get into any wildness that weekend. Some would say it was fate. BUT GOD changed the circumstances such that we would not do anything outrageous. It was a much needed outing and I returned with my mind refreshed. During that time GOD actually said “I have a different way for you.”

• GOD wants me to seek HIM when problems arise.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face when issues flow.
• GOD wants me to seek the kingdom when troubles knock on my door.

Life is never guaranteed. One minute I have been on top and the next on the bottom. BUT GOD has shown me that HE is faithful no matter where I am. HE loves me dearly and protects me through trouble and pain. HE feels worse that I do when I hurt and wants me to see relief. No matter what I’m going through I seek GOD.

• Are you seeking relief from your situation?
• Have you sinned while seeking relief?
• Will you allow GOD to clean up your mess?
• Will you allow HIM to truly change your heart?

GOD Knows

Psalm 139: ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.

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²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

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Name calling was a pass time of the kids in my neighborhood. I was called “Captain Naps” because of my hair. I was called “Mr. Peabody” the cartoon dog because of my professor like glasses. I was called “Skinny Minnie” because of my frail stature. I was called “Holey Moly” because of the holes in my pants and the list goes on. The desire to fit in seemed so far away.

• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t fit in.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t measure up.
• There were times in my life where I felt I didn’t have the right people in my corner.

After childhood I matured and realized that people are fickle and I am in that crowd. One minute I praise someone, the next I have a rock in my hand ready to stone them. BUT GOD has grace.

• GOD created me exactly how HE wanted me to be.
• GOD knit me together in my mother’s womb meaning HE chose my parents.
• GOD made me fearfully and wonderfully and set my life on a path of purpose.

People can try to derail the purpose GOD has for me. I can buy into the negative poison that is spit at me or I can say “no!” GOD made me with a purpose, namely to proclaim the greatness of HIS SON and sometimes I use examples rather than words. GOD needs to search my heart on a daily basis to buffet my offensive ways so HE can keep my purpose focused on everlasting ways.

• Are you down on yourself?
• Do you wish you were born into a different family?
• Can you accept the fact that GOD made you exactly as you are and HE is excited about you?
• Will you live your life with purpose rather than being blown around by the winds of human perception?
• Will you praise GOD today for making your life have meaning?

Ingredients of Joy

Psalm 107: ⁴ Some wandered in desert wastelands,
    finding no way to a city where they could settle.
⁵ They were hungry and thirsty,
    and their lives ebbed away.
⁶ Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
⁷ He led them by a straight way
    to a city where they could settle.
⁸ Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
⁹ for he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things.

¹⁰ Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
    prisoners suffering in iron chains,
¹¹ because they rebelled against God’s commands
    and despised the plans of the Most High.
¹² So he subjected them to bitter labor;
    they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
¹³ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
    and broke away their chains.
¹⁵ Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
¹⁶ for he breaks down gates of bronze
    and cuts through bars of iron.

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Joy is quite different than happiness. I have sought happiness and found it temporarily, but it sometimes led to places that were away from GOD. HE allowed me to be happy, but knew that’s not what I needed.

• GOD wants me to have “joy” because it endures the desert wastelands.
• GOD wants me to have “joy” because it leads me out of darkness.
• GOD wants me to have “joy” because it points me to GOD’s unfailing love.

Joy is hope wrapped in faith coupled with knowledge that GOD knows what HE is doing for you. Joy brings excitement that at the end of the crazy, disastrous, calamitous trouble, my relationship with GOD is strengthened so I will proclaim HIS name to the world!

• Are you in the desert?
• Have you been placed in chains?
• Can you seek joy from GOD versus happiness?
• Will you proclaim HIS name and the wonderful deliverance HE has for you?

Feeling Forgotten

Psalm 13: ¹ How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?

³ Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
⁴ and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me.

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With my heart pumping I raced around looking for my group. I made my way to the bus area but everything looked the same. I saw no familiar faces, then the realization hit me, I had been left. Of course I acted mature and found the nearest official adult and inquired about what to do, right? Wrong! I cried like the “single digit aged child” I was at the time. I had been left at an amusement park, alone with no way to save myself.

• There are times I have been in a crowd of people and felt alone.
• There are times when I have cried out and felt forgotten.
• There are times where I have looked at my abilities and felt inadequate for the solution.

“How long LORD?” is the question David asks, knowing GOD is the answer to his troubles. I understand and have felt the same way many times. It’s great to hear “trust in the LORD” from people who aren’t going through problems but they may not understand the trouble or believe that GOD is the answer. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD wants me to trust in HIS unfailing love and look beyond the trouble.
• GOD wants my heart to rejoice in HIS salvation rather than looking at today’s temporary comfort.
• GOD wants me to sing praise to HIM and about HIM for HE has been good to me.

“Trouble you will have” says GOD, “But MY love is unfailing.” GOD wants me to quiet down daily and seek HIS face for peace. No matter what circumstance I am going through HE is there to pick me up and tell me “I love you.” GOD’s love for me is unfailing and in troubled times I need to seek HIS face for peace.

• Are you troubled?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you realize that HIS love for you is unfailing?
• Can you look beyond the circumstances and seek peace from GOD today?

GOD Understands

Job 10: ² I say to God: Do not declare me guilty,
    but tell me what charges you have against me.
³ Does it please you to oppress me,
    to spurn the work of your hands,
    while you smile on the plans of the wicked?

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In this New Year I begin my journey not blaming GOD.  As I continue in my daily reading, I noticed Job felt beat down and rightfully so. I mean he tried to do everything GOD said to do and he ended up without a family or possessions and sores from the top of his scalp to the soles on his feet. He could not rest.

I have never faced what he faced, yet there have been many times I felt as if GOD were standing over me with a bat, ready to club my head in. My questions would ring out.

• GOD “Why, oh why hast thou forsaken me?”
• GOD “Do I have to drink from this cup?”
• GOD “Do YOU have to turn YOUR back on me?”

Then I realized these were the same questions JESUS asked HIS FATHER. JESUS felt lost and forlorn just like I have at times. HE was misunderstood and slandered by HIS own. Avid church goers decided to kill HIM and follow corrupt people who were in power. It’s apparent GOD wants me to think differently this year.

• GOD wants me to throw away any bitterness towards HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to spit out my poisonous words towards HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first and all these things will be added to me.

This year GOD wants me to reach out to people and let them know they can always put their trust in HIM.

• Are you still dragging your poison into this year?
• Can you let go of the problems you had last year and wipe the slate clean?
• Will you look to GOD daily instead of looking months down the road?

Appointed to Praise

1 Chronicles 25: David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:

² From the sons of Asaph:

Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king’s supervision.

³ As for Jeduthun, from his sons:

Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,^[a] Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord.

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“What is she so smiley about” I thought with a grumpy tone.  “There he goes again, standing up and lifting up his hands right on cue” I observed with a snippy attitude. These “Phony” people couldn’t be this happy in church. I think I will label them as hypocrites first because I know “something” has to be wrong with them.

• When I am grumpy I want others grumpy.
• When I am low I want a pity party.
• When I am mad at the world I want everyone around me to be mad.

CHRIST was falsely accused, slandered, beaten and murdered. HE had a very bad day! HE voluntarily selected this punishment, knowing HIS own creation would turn their backs on HIM. All of HIS friends who thought HE would be a political giant felt lost. That’s when the sadness and the grumpiness came out.

I can sympathize with the disciples. I mean what is there to praise about when “all hope” is lost? Well the problem was with the thought that “all hope” can be lost!

• JESUS died trusting that HE would be raised from the dead by the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS knew HE was the only one who could save me and everyone who believes in HIM.
• JESUS got up with ALL power and is now building a better place for all who believe.

“All hope” was gained when JESUS arose, never to die again. HE is the reason I should assemble with others. HE is the reason I should sing loudly when I get there. HE is the reason I should learn more about what HE wants me to do. JESUS is the reason I should praise.

• Are you feeling lost?
• Do you feel grumpy?
• Can you recognize the blessings GOD has given you rather than pouting?
• Can you focus your praise on JESUS today?

Praise Instructions

1 Chronicles 16: ⁷ That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the Lord in this manner:

⁸ Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.

⁹ Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.

¹⁰ Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

¹¹ Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.

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“What am I going to do now?” was my question as I looked at my totaled vehicle. A guy driving a jeep turned left in front of me and my old jalopy needed more distance to stop, probably because I was exceeding the speed limit. “I don’t have a car! How am I going to get to work?” were the first thoughts.

Looking back on this incident, I do not remember “caring” that one of the passengers flew out of the jeep and had a bloody head.

• When tough situations happen I want to hold a pity party for myself.
• When life is difficult I want to tell everyone about how difficult life is.
• When rough things happen I want instant relief before I can be “happy.”

It is difficult to “praise GOD” in the middle of the storm.  I mean, isn’t HE supposed to be the one who grants my wishes and makes me happy? Not at all!

• GOD wasn’t created for me, I was created for GOD and by GOD.
• GOD is supreme and is extremely worth of all praise.
• GOD appreciates when I look past the difficulty and see HIM with joyous eyes.

Giving GOD praise takes practice. I actually had to start small, as small as praising HIM for life’s mundane parts. I then began to notice larger and more times where I could see GOD at work in my life. The more I praised, the more I noticed GOD working in my life.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Do you feel you have to wait until the difficulty is complete in order to praise GOD?
• Does everything have to be worked out “your way” in order for GOD to receive your praise?
• Can you stop holding back your praise and sing, proclaim or look to the LORD and HIS strength?

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?

Feeling Unprepared

1 Samuel 13: ¹⁹ Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” ²⁰ So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened. ²¹ The price was two-thirds of a shekel for sharpening plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads.

²² So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.

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After filling out a mountain of paper I was now an employee. I was actually making real money! My celebration didn’t last because my boss began asking me questions that I couldn’t answer. I felt so unprepared. Everyone else around me had received proper training from some great institutions. I on the other hand barely made it out after being kicked out twice. “How will I succeed?” I thought to myself with dread.

• When I look at my tools compared to others I feel inadequate.
• When I look at my resources compared to others I feel under-dressed.
• When I look at my help compared to others I feel unsure.

Sometimes I have been in situations where I felt I was clinging to a floating tree in the middle of the ocean. Inadequate resources, pitiful tools and no help in sight made me feel like I was unprepared to face the battle. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Be still and know that I am GOD.”
• GOD says to me “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”
• GOD says to me “I will be with you even unto the end of the world.”

GOD wants me to rely on HIS power and might. HE desires that I come to HIM when I feel inadequate, overwhelmed or plain old scared. HE understands that I will have fear, but I shouldn’t let the fear consume me. HE says “Trust in ME” and when I do, my fears go away and it ALWAYS works out the way GOD intended.

• Do you have fear?
• Are you adding fear to the situation?
• Can you stop looking at what you have and look at what GOD has?
• Won’t you begin seeking HIS kingdom instead of fretting about this one?

GOD seeks restoration

Deuteronomy 30: ⁴ Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. ⁵ He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it.

He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. ⁶ The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 

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Sitting at my desk I studied feverishly to learn the programming required on my job. It seemed like I was all thumbs and I couldn’t do anything right. My boss’s boss called me into his office. I just knew he was going to give me some terrible news so I braced myself. He told me I was doing a great job and to relax.  In fact he gave me additional responsibilities and sent me to be trained. He restored my confidence.

• Sometimes I feel lost and frustrated.
• Sometimes I feel banished.
• Sometimes I feel I am in a distant land.

It seems like trouble comes in numbers. At the same time when I was trying to get my groove my old jalopy of a car broke down and I was in a town unfamiliar to me. I hadn’t been to church in years and I felt alone. A woman in my building asked me “what church do you go to?” I didn’t have an answer.

She told me about a few churches and went on her way. “That was strange” I thought to myself. I think I will go. I went and a sense of peace and belonging came to me. This carried over into my work and social life. I felt restored.

• GOD wants me to turn to HIM so HE can restore me.
• GOD wants me to give HIM my heart so HE can modify it to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand no matter how gloomy things may seem HE is there ready to restore me.

GOD really does love me. I mean HE goes to great lengths to show me HIS love and all I need to do is open my eyes to HIS marvelous blessings HE pours out on me daily. HE is willing to restore me no matter how far I have strayed.

• Are you away from GOD?
• Do you feel you HE can’t possibly forgive you?
• Can you stop making GOD small and understand HIS words “MY grace is sufficient?”
• Won’t you let HIM restore you HIS way and drop your expectation of HIM?

How much longer?

Revelation 5: ⁹ When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. ¹⁰ They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”

¹¹ Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

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We traveled by car to go on “vacation” and the scenery was not appealing and it wasn’t really a vacation. We were headed to some relative and it was going to take a million hours to get there! “How much longer” I would ask only to be met with “relax, we’ll get there.”

This impatience spread to other parts of my life. When will I graduate? When will I get promoted? When will I get married? When Will I get a new job? When will this problem ever end? LORD, how much longer was my question.

• When I’m in pain I cannot see the destination, only my present location.
• When I’m challenged I’m blinded to my journey because it felt like I was standing still.
• When I’m feeling lost I think everything around me is lost as well because I can’t see the big picture.

One false expectation I have is I can make a sliver of heaven here on this cursed planet.  If I could just get the right amount of cash and if people would just act right and if my stuff would just last and if my health would just be good enough then I will believe GOD has HIS hand in it.

GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “no matter how difficult the road, stay on the path.”
• GOD says to me “ you've come this far by faith, no turning back.”
• GOD says to me “I have a white robe for you, which means your sins are forgiven.”

When life is filled with desperation GOD is calm and still because HE knows HIS great plan for me cannot be disturbed. In this dystopian society GOD is my focus.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Are you ready for “this” to be finished?
• Can you focus on GOD who holds the beginning and end of your situation?
• In the middle of your situation can you reach out to GOD to gain strength to help others?

Being Blessed

Romans 4: ⁶David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

 ⁷“Blessed are those

   whose transgressions are forgiven,

   whose sins are covered.

⁸Blessed is the one

   whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

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Someone asked me to pray that they got a particular job. I prayed they didn’t get the job. Someone asked me to pray for their marriage. I prayed they got divorced. Someone asked that I pray for their spouse to be cured. I prayed and the person passed on.

Wow! I don’t “feel” blessed. “Didn’t I do a lot for YOU GOD? Why don’t YOU hear me?”

• When I think I can “work” my way into GOD’s graces, I fail miserably.
• When I think I can be “good” for a period of time in order to get what I want, I am trying to manipulate GOD.
• When I think I can perform supernatural tasks without GOD’s permission, I am trying to draw the attention to me rather than pointing to HIM.

I often wondered why my requests were being ignored by GOD. I mean they seemed good at the time. Then I wondered if I was “blessed.” If HE ignored my prayer am I really blessed or even worse, am I saved? Oh no! What shall I do?

• When GOD says I am blessed, there is nothing I can do to not be blessed.
• When GOD says my transgressions are forgiven, HE means all my transgressions.
• When GOD says my sins are covered, every sin I have committed or will commit “are covered.”
• When GOD says HE will not count my sins against me, HE WILL NOT COUNT MY SINS AGAINST ME!

One thing I can count on is GOD cannot and will not lie to me. When HE says something HE will do it. My “feelings” and “attitude” and “emotions” sometimes get in the way of seeing how “blessed” I am. No matter how bad the situation seems, “I am blessed!” This is the Great News I can tell someone else.

• Do you “feel” blessed or do you “know” you are blessed?
• Do you doubt GOD can forgive you or do you know GOD “has already” forgiven you?
• Do you tell GOD what to do or do you ask GOD what HIS will is?
• Do you realize GOD knows you are special so can’t you try to act like you “are’ special to GOD?