Life Preserver

Life Preserver

Genesis 6: ¹⁷ And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. ¹⁸ But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. ¹⁹ And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. ²⁰ Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. ²¹ And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.”

 

²² Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

 

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Noah had to design a habitat to preserve all of life. He wasn’t given a timeframe for how long this habitat would be needed. It would have to perpetually provide food and recycle waste. From insects to birds to animals, Noah had to design a place that would house two of every “sort.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Noah the ingenuity to design and build a habitat to preserve all of life.
• GOD had in HIS plan a way to keep life going despite the declaration of total destruction.
• GOD declared salvation through small numbers.

 

There was no mistake made when GOD created a habitat that would sustain bugs, animals and humans, The Garden of Eden was perfect and the relationship between humans and wildlife was harmonious. Satan’s pride caused humans to fall. They would no longer desire to be with GOD, much like today.

 

GOOD found favor in one human, Noah. He would be given the task to preserve things that grew or that could procreate. Seeds would have to be collected. The bugs and animals would come to him to “keep them alive.” Noah had his hands full. He may have solicited help and was possibly met with ridicule. No one knew what was coming.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Noah felt when he heard the news that every living thing on earth would die?
• Do you see GOD’s plan of salvation in HIS declaration of destruction?
• Are you focusing on the task GOD has given you to preserve life eternally?

Something to Focus On

Something to Focus On

Revelation 1: ⁴ From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world.

He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins ⁶ and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

⁷ Look, he is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him, including those who pierced him. All peoples on earth will mourn over him. So shall it be!

⁸ “I am the first and the last,” says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.

 

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Worried about life, I felt like giving up. My “try harder” did not seem like it was getting “me” anywhere. As bills grew, so did my complaints. I could not find rest because the people I hung around also had many bills and complaints.

 

• My focus on life had turned into how much money I had or did not have.
• After complaining and worrying enough, I could only see problems.
• Victory was not even in my vocabulary because “I” did not feel victorious.

 

John starts his book by telling the believers that GOD, HIMSELF, sends HIS grace and peace. Not only HIM, but the seven SPIRITS and JESUS also send the message of grace and peace. All had seemed lost and humanity would belong to Satan. BUT JESUS, “the faithful witness” was “the first to be raised from death” and HE “freed us from our sins.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD, who is, who was and who is to come, is not worried about what is going to happen to me because HE has already seen me in a victorious state of being.
• JESUS freed me from death, pain and misery, so whatever I go through now is only temporary.
• GOD said, I AM the first and the last” meaning anything HE says can be counted on.

 

When life brings challenges, there is hope. I mean, human demands for unholy things can make anyone feel like all hope is lost, BUT when GOD tells me “everything turned out fine” I can believe it.

 

My focus needs to shift from the day to day worriers over to eternal victory. GOD may never say  “Did you work harder?” or “Did you get that gym shoe?”, or  “Did you accumulate as many earthly riches as you could?” Instead HE will ask “How many people did you serve the way I intended?” I am willing to change my focus over to the victory that has already happened!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer sends “grace and peace” from GOD?
• Have you ever worried about something and could only focus on your worries?
• Will you change your focus by believing that JESUS is already victorious over your temporary situations today?

Dedication

Dedication

2 Timothy 2: ³ Take your part in suffering, as a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life. ⁵ An athlete who runs in a race cannot win the prize unless he obeys the rules. ⁶ The farmer who has done the hard work should have the first share of the harvest. ⁷ Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will enable you to understand it all.

 

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Leaving the college track team was easy because they wanted me to run at five in the morning and then again at five in the evening! Leaving the company was easy because the environment was not what I wanted it to be! Leaving a volunteer group was easy because they wanted me to do everything! Leaving GOD was just as easy!

 

• I had become accustomed to quitting and leaving things that were hard.
• It was easy to quit and leave things if I “blamed” it.
• I did not want to face hard situations that had no benefit to “me.”

 

Paul gives some really hard words to swallow. “Take your part in suffering” was the advice he gave Timothy. He then gives three examples; a soldier, an athlete and a farmer. He probably used these examples because he was in jail guarded by soldiers who could not be moved or swayed by anything said to them. Athletes followed the rules and farmers did hard work!

 

My Observations

• Life is hard and GOD does not want me to give up on HIS ways.
• Life brings many trials and GOD wants me to be prepared to face them with HIM.
• Life can be unfair, tiring and sometimes disastrous and GOD wants me to remain dedicated to HIM.

 

Let’s face it, sometimes life really, really stinks! I mean, one moment things are going well, the next, things are not going so well. When trials hit, all I want to do is get out of the trial. It becomes hard to see GOD’s goodness in the middle of tribulation. BUT GOD wants me to look at life different.

 

HE wants me to have the mindset that life will definitely be difficult so I should expect it, like a soldier going to war. HE wants me to rain like an athlete and work as hard as a farmer, who seems to never find a moment’s rest. GOD does care and wants me prepared. I am glad HE changes my mind about life.

 

Challenge

• Why in the world is the writer talking about “suffering?”
• What are your expectations of GOD?
• Will you relook at life differently, knowing Satan is your enemy who wants to attack and destroy your relationship with GOD, so you can be strong and hold onto GOD’s ways in the middle of trials?

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?

Life Focus

 

Life Focus

Colossians 3: You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

 

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Tired of broken down cars, raggedy clothing and cheap food, I sought a career that would afford me a “better” life. When I got into that career, I found myself working incredible hours and being sent wherever they wanted me to go. I could now afford plenty, but my time was dictated to me.

 

• I had no time for other people.
• I had no time to provide a cup of water to my relatives or neighbors.
• I had no time to speak about CHRIST or to show HIS generosity.

 

Paul provides a remedy to the problems of the world. He tells everyone to “set your hearts on the things that are in heaven.” He also says “Keep your minds fixed on the things there, not things here on earth.” Being raised with CHRIST means a “hidden life” that will be manifested later.

 

My Observations

• Focusing in on things here on earth can many times have me think there is no hope, BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.
• Seeing all the trouble that is around me can appear like crashing waves in an endless ocean, BUT GOD wants my eyes fixed on JESUS and HIS deliverance.
• Trying to address the current trial with my own power makes me want to give up, BUT GOD wants me to see HIS kingdom and me in it.

 

Seeing GOD is hard when life has trouble. I mean, when money is tight, jobs are scarce, and help is absent, it seems like the only question that is valid is “Where are YOU GOD?” “Don’t YOU see this mess?” BUT GOD remains calm in the middle of my cry.

 

HE knows humans are limited in their thinking and would easily fall into temptation to not follow HIM, so HE hid our lives from the enemy so we would not get stolen. This means our current view of life is fake. Our “real life is CHRIST”, who will one day appear and we will appear with HIM. I place my trust in GOD who raises my thinking above the current trial.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about the heart and the mind?
• Where are your biggest worries?
• Have you examined your heart to see what your largest focus is?
• Will you give what is in your heart to GOD and keep your mind focused on HIS kingdom so you can be raised above your current and future trials today?

Finish the Job

Finish the Job

2 Corinthians 8: ¹⁰ My opinion is that it is better for you to finish now what you began last year. You were the first, not only to act, but also to be willing to act. ¹¹ On with it, then, and finish the job! Be as eager to finish it as you were to plan it, and do it with what you now have. ¹² If you are eager to give, God will accept your gift on the basis of what you have to give, not on what you don't have.

 

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“I will try to do that” or “I will get around to it” were words I used regularly to put off work or projects. Sometimes I did not know how to do the thing so it became overwhelming and I did not know how to ask for help. I would sit, dazed, not knowing how to finish.

 

• I was eager to start, but did not know how to keep going.
• I had great intentions, but did not have follow through.
• I had wonderful plans but lacked completion.

 

Paul hits everyone between the eyes with a bold statement, “Finish the job!” Wow! These words were meant to encourage those who had started a long journey, serving the LORD. Somehow they became discouraged and some may have fallen away. BUT GOD had different plans.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to persevere through ambiguous or dark times.
• GOD wants me to come out of hiding when I feel like I failed.
• GOD wants me to live my life with purpose and finish the job HE has given me.

 

“I will try” is the procrastinator’s credo. I mean, I sometimes don’t know how to change directions or even know if I should. And when I find the thing I am supposed to do, I may start strong, but get weary, even if GOD told me to do something important.

 

Let me say, “GOD understands.” He wants us to take little steps to the bigger vision HE has for us. HE never gives us an assignment we cannot handle. HE choses to use broken people to speak about perfection, namely JESUS. I am glad GOD wants me to finish strong by speaking about HIS SON, JESUS, who is my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What do you get out of the writers challenging words?
• Is there something you started that you have been putting off?
• Have you ever felt overwhelmed and did not know how to finish what you started?
• Will you live your life with GOD’s purpose and allow HIM to provide you with the right resources, words and energy to finish what HE wants you to do for HIM today?

Must Appear

Must Appear

2 Corinthians 5: ⁶ So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. ⁷ For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. ⁸ We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. ¹⁰ For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

 

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Receiving a summons to appear in court was never fun but it happened. The words “YOU MUST APPEAR” were in big bold red capital letters that seemed intimidating. The letter held instructions about my court date but it also had the traffic violation and the date of my malefaction.

 

• I felt angry, shamed and scared all at once.
• I felt like my perfect driving record was damaged.
• I felt that I had to drive extra perfect to keep from being judged again. This was super false!

 

Paul mentions the true purpose of life. He says “Life is a matter of faith” and then tells everyone that the faith that is worth anything is to please the LORD JESUS who will one day judge everyone according to every deed that is done.

 

My Observations

• Every deed I do is seen by GOD.
• One deed does not undo another deed in GOD’s eyes.
• GOD is the only one who sees the things I do for HIM and judges the things I do for myself.

 

Trying to act righteous can sometimes get me in trouble. I mean, when I think I am pleasing GOD by following the Bible to the letter, I may be hurting others by holding them to a standard I could not keep myself. BUT DOD wants me to act differently.

 

HE wants me to point my sinful life to HIM so others can do the same. Life is not about living in perfection rather accepting perfection which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT will then guide me to the places I need to go and deliver the words I need to say. Life is about surrender so I can be pleasing to GOD. The more I surrender to GOD the more pleasing and amazing deeds HE guides me to do.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about fear and courage in this passage?
• Have you ever placed your courage in something the crowd is saying but felt it could possibly be against what GOD is telling you?
• Can you gain courage to surrender your life to JESUS little by little, giving HIM your deeds as best as you can without worrying about HIS judgement but focusing in on HIS love today?

Clear Conscience

 Clear Conscience

Romans 13: Everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God's permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. ² Whoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgment on himself. ³ For rulers are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good, and they will praise you, ⁴ because they are God's servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God's servants and carry out God's punishment on those who do evil. ⁵ For this reason you must obey the authorities—not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

 

⁶ That is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. ⁷ Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.

 

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Being stopped because of a burned out headlight seemed unfair to me, but it was the law. I explained that I was unaware and demonstrated it by turning on the high-beam lights. The burnt out one came on and the other went off. “Okay, you can go” they all said. There were four police.

 

• There have been times when I questioned the law enforcers.
• There have been times when I wondered if I was being singled out.
• There have been times when I felt relieved I was doing what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul speak about following laws of people who may not believe in JESUS as their ruler. He knows that no kingdom, good or bad, could be put in place without GOD’s authority. Paul also spoke about paying taxes to show respect. He knew there was something greater at stake.

 

• GOD wants me to know the ultimate goal is to spread who JESUS is.
• GOD knows I need freedom to present the gospel of JESUS.
• GOD reminds me that I am not of this world so even if scoundrels are flexing momentary authority, HIS authority should be my focus.

 

During these days of racial tension over the misuse of authority, I find the timing of this scripture to be amazing. Also, it is tax day in the country I live in so I find that equally amazing. But what am I to learn? Should I just roll over and let abusers continue with injustice on everything Paul mentions? No, but with a different focus.

 

GOD wants me to make HIM my focus. HE is in control of the abusers and HE protects me. Injustice needs to be called out, as long as the end goal is to speak about JESUS. Meanwhile, I will yield to the temporary authority humans have and show everyone the respect JESUS showed me.

 

• Are you mad at those in authority?
• Do you feel you should not yield to their authority because you do not like them?
• Will you see beyond temporary authority and let GOD provide the vengeance HE promised to the abusers while enabling you to continue to speak about JESUS?

Missing the Plot

Luke 24: ²⁵ He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

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Entering the movie five minutes late, I raced to grab a seat. I sat there confused because I missed some very important words at the very beginning of the movie. I was lost for the duration of the show because I could not understand the plot of the movie.

• There have been times when I wondered what was happening.
• There have been times when I sat and thought “am I missing something?”
• There have been times when it seemed like life went on without me because I missed the plot.

JESUS explains what the scripture said about HIM to the two men HE traveled with after HIS resurrection. HE had said, very clearly, that HE would rise from the dead and HE did just that. “How foolish you are and how slow to believe” is what JESUS exclaimed because the lessons HE preached were not accepted.

• JESUS wants me to believe that HE loves me.
• JESUS wants me to know that my salvation came from HIM and HIM alone.
• JESUS wants me to accept my weakness and grab onto HIS strength.

All of the scriptures are about JEUS. I have tried to make them about me or “that” person, but this is wrong to do. Every word in the bible is about the love of CHRIST for me and every being HE created. HE is the main plot of the greatest true story ever told. JESUS is my refuge.

• Do you feel like you are missing the point of life?
• Do you wonder why you have to go through calamity?
• Will you focus more of your attention on GOD so HE can show you how you fit in HIS plans instead of trying to put GOD under your plans?

Partying and Worrying

Luke 21: ³⁴ ‘Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.’

³⁷ Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, ³⁸ and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

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Worried about my future, I decided to go on a trip with friends. We all piled into a hotel room dreaming of the clubs we would hit that night. Although the distraction of having ”fun” was welcome, I still had a ton of worries on my mind. The party lifestyle was not a remedy.

• There have been times when I sought out worldly “fun” to ease my pain.
• There have been times when I was going through problems, so I sought out something to distract me from those problems.
• There have been times when I felt so low that I needed something to pick me up.

JESUS gives HIS final warning to HIS followers not to fill their hearts with the partying lifestyle nor with worries of life. Both would distract HIS followers from seeking HIM daily.

• GOD wants me to look for HIM to guide me daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS solutions to my problems.
• GOD wants me to pray that I may be ready for HIS return every day so that I may be ready to stand in front of HIM.

Being prepared for the return of CHRIST seems antiquated in some folk’s mind. I mean HE has been gone for thousands of years, why would HE return today. JESUS wants me to live my life as if HE was going to return tomorrow. Since I do not know what preparation HE is doing or why HE delays HIS return, I still have the obligation to seek HIM.

GOD wants me to act like the world is about to be on fire and HE wants me to diligently seek those who choose to reject everything HE has already told us. I can now fill my heart with prayer.

• Are you worried so much that you want the party lifestyle?
• Are you so distracted with life that you have not thought about GOD at all during your day?
• Will you set your mind on GOD just a little today so you can see what HE has in store for you?

Don’t Get Used To It

Luke 21: ⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ ‘As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.’

⁷ ‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’

⁸ He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.” Do not follow them. ⁹ When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’

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Streets did not go through so there was plenty of places to play. The neighborhood was still being built and I could go on my quest to find loose pieces of wood to build my clubhouse or scooter depending on the mood. This was a paradise I thought would never change.

• I marveled at how amazing things were at one time.
• I was amazed at the paradise I was in.
• I thought things would never change in “my” paradise.

Some of the disciples may have been trying to steer JESUS towards wanting a human paradise. They spoke to HIM about the temple how much it cost to build. BUT JESUS told them the temple would one day be torn down. They couldn’t believe it.

• GOD says to me “Your journey on this earth is only temporary.”
• GOD says to me “I have place you here temporarily to bring MY sheep back to me.”
• GOD says to me “Do not get used to living here for you home is much greater than this.”

Unfortunately JESUS also told the disciples about humanity. Hatred would rise up enough to cause wars that would tear things up. As long as there is hatred, there will be no paradise on earth. GOD warns me and says “Do not be frightened” because HE is in control.

HE knows my future and has protected me all the way to the day HE has appointed for me. Neighborhoods and houses can be nice, but heaven is my home.

• Are you working hard to make earth your paradise?
• Do you struggle to form a utopia?
• Will you stop thinking there is a better place somewhere on earth and fulfill your purpose for GOD today?

Divvy it up

Mark 15: ²² And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. ²³ Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. ²⁴ And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take.

²⁵ Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. ²⁶ And the inscription of His accusation was written above:

THE KING OF THE JEWS.

“Can I have that desk mat and the in-box?” Someone had been released from the company so I took the liberty to get some of the goodies left behind. I mean, this person couldn’t use it anyway.

• There were times when I blindly scavenged.
• There were times when I grabbed stuff from those I would never see again in this lifetime.
• There were times when I inherited someone’s junk without remembering their name or what they were about.

“Well that was a short reign… Let’s get HIS stuff” seemed to be the thought as the people cared more about HIS stuff than what HE stood for. Someone tried to give HIM a little comfort by giving HIM wine mingled with myrrh, but there was no comfort for JESUS as HE hung on the cross.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS blessings daily rather than the stuff I can scavenge.
• GOD wants me to be delighted in HIM rather than the stuff I can acquire.
• GOD wants me to recognize HIM as King in a real way, not as HIS mockers.

Since things did not go as expected, people gave up on JESUS being their King. HIS crime was inscribed as “THE KING OF THE JEWS” so no one would ever try to go against the current government regime. Their hearts were only focused on what they could get, not on who HE was and is. GOD wants me to see who HE was and is and is to come. My future lies in HIS hands.

• Are you focused on getting stuff?
• Are you complaining about someone else’s stuff?
• Will you stop looking at what stuff you have or do not have and look at how GOD wants you to serve people today?

Sharp Mind

Mark 8: ¹³ And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. ¹⁴ Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

¹⁶ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.”

¹⁷ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? ¹⁸ Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

They said to Him, “Twelve.”

²⁰ “Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?”

And they said, “Seven.”

²¹ So He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?”

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Distracted, I sat in class but none of the information was comprehended. I had other things on my mind and when I tuned in, the instructor was on another topic.

• Sometimes I get distracted.
• Sometimes I cannot comprehend because I get lost thinking of various situations.
• Sometimes understanding is fleeting when I have things on my mind.

With dull, distracted minds, the disciples could not comprehend what JESUS was saying when HE urged them to beware of the Pharisees. JESUS was trying to tell them that even a little desire to be like the Pharisees would ruin a person for eternity. Unfortunately the disciples turned HIS lesson into a blaming session.

• GOD wants my mind to focus on HIS lessons of growth.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS love lessons.
• GOD desires that I wake up my mind to what HE is doing.

Sharp minds have clarity. GOD wants me to clearly see HIS power, HIS love and HIS compassion for me. HE doesn’t want the “situation of the day” to ruin my thoughts of HIM.  HE desires to raise me up. My mind needs to be on HIM daily.

• Are you distracted?
• Is it difficult to hear GOD because of all the clutter in your life?
• Can you take a moment to clear the distractions to focus on GOD’s love for you?

Good Old Days

Matthew 23: ²⁹ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. ³⁰ And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ ³¹ So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Go ahead, then, and complete what your ancestors started!

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Sitting in my car, I found it difficult to get out this particular day. Looking back on simpler times made me wish I could go back and relive life at a slower pace.

• There have been times I have looked back in the past and wished I were there.
• There have been times I have looked back and thought those days were better than the present.
• There have been times I have desired to be in the “Good Old Days” versus these difficult days.

Whenever trouble pops up my mind wants to go on vacation back to a time when things were good. Unfortunately some of those “Good Old Days” caused these bad days. I easily forget that trouble existed then too. I also forget that I sinned then as I do now.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than the past.
• GOD wants me to desire a wonderful outcome rather than living in a place I cannot go.
• GOD wants me to dwell in HIM and not the past.

JESUS points out that the Pharisees and Sadducees were trying to clean the sins of their ancestors but in fact they were associating themselves with rebel mongers.

It’s funny how the mind scrubs clean my past. I mean I was rescued from myself many days by GOD and going back and reliving them would be disastrous. GOD took me through the right circumstances to grow me and HE is not finished yet. HIS plans for today are just as good as they were then,

• Are you longing for the “Good Old Days?”
• Do you think you were less of a sinner then?
• Can you focus on what GOD is doing today and praise HIM?

Unseen Solution

Matthew 14: ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

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“LORD, please grant me my prayer” is what I asked. Days later I got exactly what I asked for but got nervous that I would mess up. “What If I don’t do well?” “What if I can’t handle this?” More questions flooded my mind and I began to falter.

• Sometimes GOD gives me exactly what I asked for.
• Sometimes GOD instantly grants me favor.
• Sometimes GOD does some amazing things in my life that I am not quite ready for.

“If you don’t really want it, don’t ask for it”, don’t ask it is what I learned. GOD has said “Okay” to some of my prayers and I found myself in over my head and overwhelmed. I looked around and suddenly began to sink. BUT GOD pulled me through.

• GOD hears me when I earnestly cry out to HIM.
• GOD knows I need saving even before I get into a mess.
• GOD saves me from the turmoil’s of life even when I ask for them.

Faith was the unseen solution to Peter’s problem and mine. When I place my faith in GOD I can face enormous challenges. I have to tell myself constantly, “Don’t look left, don’t look right, just keep looking straight towards CHRIST.” When I focus on GOD my worries diminish. GOD saves me from the waves.

• Are you sinking?
• Do you have worries and doubts?
• Can you stop looking around at your situation and look at CHRIST as your Savior?

Eyes on the Prize

Zechariah 2: ¹⁰ “Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the Lord. ¹¹ “Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. ¹² The Lord will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. ¹³ Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”

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Desperate for a little cash, I entered the tournament hoping to have one of those movie like endings. I was doing great that day and just knew I would win the cash prize. Unfortunately, the guy next to me was performing with perfection. He not only won the cash prize, but the car that went along with it!

• Many times I have missed out on the prize.
• Many times I put my hopes in a prize and lost.
• Many times I did not get what I sought out for.

Disillusioned was the feeling as I used my last few dollars in a longshot. I went home dejected. “How am I going to make it now?” I cried out. I had my eyes on that prize and I did not get it.

• GOD said to me “Shout and be glad for I AM coming to live with you.”
• GOD said to me “You will become MY people.”
• GOD said to me “Be still before ME because I have roused MYSELF from MY holy dwelling.”

My heart was not at peace. I was looking at the current bill of the day and not looking at the true prize, namely JESUS. It is easier said than done to not worry about finances and only focus on GOD, but it had to happen in order for me to gain peace. I got on my knees in a very rare moment of prayer and said “Help!”

Somehow, everything worked out just fine. GOD gave me just enough to keep going and push through that bleak time. HE wanted me to put my trust in HIM and not my abilities. HE tells me to “shout and be glad” even when I don’t feel like it. This enables me to keep my eyes on HIM rather than focusing on bleak situations. HE has never let me down when I look at HIM!

• Are you focused on a bleak situation?
• Do you think you will never get out of this hole?
• Can you stop focusing in on the situation long enough to look at GOD?
• Will you take a moment to shout, be glad and “be still” before the LORD?

Give Careful Thought

Haggai 1: ⁵ Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. ⁶ You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

⁷ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. ⁸ Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,” says the Lord.

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Swimming in deep water, uphill, in a blizzard was how I felt. Drowning in debt and low on wages, I could see the needs pile higher and higher. My car was broken down, rent was due, tuition was unpaid and creditors were calling. Who has time for serving when I am in this much trouble?

• There were times when I thought life was spiraling downward.
• There were times when I thought life would never bring satisfaction.
• There were times when I thought all of my efforts were for naught because I did not seem to be reaping any great harvest.

Focusing in on money would excite some and depress others. I was in the latter because no matter how much I tried I just did not have enough. What was I doing wrong?

• GOD said to me “Focus on ME and I will bless you.”
• GOD said to me “Pay attention to ME and I will make your paths straight.”
• GOD said to me “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find.”

Lost and bewildered, I gave my life back to GOD. This time something seemed different. I did not care if GOD took everything away from me, as long as my relationship with HIM was fine. It took a while, several years but I noticed a huge change. I was not worried, stressed or lying awake. I was out of debt and living quite comfortably. GOD did come through with HIS promise.

• Are you lying awake over something?
• Do you feel tired of working hard and getting nowhere?
• Will you take time today and focus on what really matters, namely GOD?

Feel Sorry for the Rich and Powerful

Ezekiel 32: ² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
    you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
    churning the water with your feet
    and muddying the streams.

³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘With a great throng of people
    I will cast my net over you,
    and they will haul you up in my net.

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GOD sees. GOD Hears. GOD knows. Sometimes I wondered if HE does. I mean those who are in power seem to flaunt it recklessly, meanwhile “I’m sitting on this bus next to the man smelling like who knows what”, I thought to myself. “Is this fair?” I would exclaim to GOD!

• There have been times I have compared my life to those who are extremely rich.
• There have been times I have pointed at the rich and powerful as being the problem.
• There have been times I have wondered why those who possibly lie and cheat their way to the top seem to get away with everything and I have count my bus fare.

Back then I thought it was appropriate to wish the rich to fall and the poor to rise, but then they would become rich and the cycle would continue with bad attitudes in different people. GOD wants me to lament over what is coming.

• GOD says to me “Lament over those in power today for if they do not turn to ME they will fall.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be envious over those in power today for I will hold every word against them if they do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Every action, every penny is being held accountable for all, turn to ME before it is too late.

JESUS did not have a dime as HE walked the earth. HE was the poorest of the poor, yet HE was rich in that HE owned everything. Monetary wealth can bring blindness to the fact that I am related to the ONE who owns everything, namely JESUS. HE wants me to focus on HIM in the times of trouble rather than pointing at the rich and becoming jealous. HE wants me to see that HE is the Sovereign LORD.

• Are you holding multiple conversations about the rich and powerful?
• Do you get disturbed about what the wealthy are doing?
• What happen if you held this many conversations about JESUS with the same amount of passion?
• Can you speak about GOD to someone today as freely as you speak about the rich and powerful?

Ambitious Dreams

Isaiah 18: ⁵ In love a throne will be established;
    in faithfulness a man will sit on it—
    one from the house of David—
one who in judging seeks justice
    and speeds the cause of righteousness.

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Ambition struck when I got my first raise and promotion. The increase was not much and the promotion was minor as well. In fact I realized for the first time that I was really the bottom rung on a ladder that seemed to be sky high! I promised myself that I would be on top someday.

• Ambition can make me driven.
• Ambition can make me focused.
• Ambition can make me work harder than everyone around me.

There is nothing wrong with ambition, however ambition will make me make decisions that may not include GOD. I mean GOD says rest, but ambition say go. GOD says give, but ambition says 401k. GOD says serve others, but ambition says judge before squandering money on that slouch. Should I listen to ambition? Not always.

• GOD says to me “I have established a throne” meaning HE is the one who is in authority.
• GOD says to me “I am faithful” meaning I should put my trust in HIM versus ambition.
• GOD says to me “I seek justice and speed the cause of righteousness” meaning I need to serve others in the same way.

Bowing down to GOD’s throne means I give HIM the authority to do with my life as HE pleases. HE can raise me up or tear me down and I will not blame HIM for HIS decision. In fact, I should seek to be ready to give a testimony on HIS behalf at a moment’s notice while serving HIS people. My ambition needs to be pointed to HIM.

• Are you ambitious?
• Do you think you should be higher than you are based on your age?
• Can you accept the blessings of where GOD has you and seek building HIS kingdom?
• Will you strengthen yourself by pointing your ambition towards GOD?

Life is Too Short

Ecclesiastes 11: ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
    and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
    and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
    God will bring you into judgment.

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Miserable was probably the best word for how I felt. I sat there and thought to myself “Woe is me” for at that time it seemed like everything was going wrong. I was not doing well in school, I had no guidance and bills were not getting paid. Things looked pretty bleak.

• There were times when I felt things looked pretty bad.
• There were times when I felt miserable while it seemed like “everyone” else was happy.
• There were times when I felt the situations were too difficult for me to handle.

Gloom and doom led me to think, “Maybe I should quit, do whatever sin feels right at the time and let things happen as they may.” I wonder where that thought came from. It seemed like a good excuse at the time to do what I wanted to do anyway. I mean I deserve it since things were going so bad, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in good times and in bad to keep myself even keel.
• GOD wants me to see life in a positive light rather than being miserable.
• GOD wants me to see blessings instead of curses and then I can feel HIS awesome power.

It is quite amazing that GOD allows me to have a choice. I can choose to be miserable, in which HE cannot do marvelous works through me, or I can choose to be excited! I finally chose the latter and within a short time, everything I fretted over cleared up nicely.

I not only graduated but I had a new outlook on life that made me appreciate difficult times instead of dreading them. GOD blessed me with a new outlook that includes amazement of HIM.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you feel miserable and blaming someone else over your misery?
• Do you realize that some of your misery may be coming from your heart?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to add gratitude to it?
• Will you stop focusing on “what isn’t” and get excited about life and focus on “what is?