No Secrets

 

No Secrets

Revelation 17: ³ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a red beast that had names insulting to God written all over it; the beast had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus.

 

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Wanting to be “successful” I took classes and obtained mentors to guide me to the top. Little did I know that in order to be in the “in” crowd”, I would be subject to secrets. One guy would use the company jet to bring prostitutes to private islands.

 

• I had to decide if the climb was worth keeping the secret.
• I had to decide to align with people who did things that were against my beliefs.
• I had to decide if I would join in, or look the other way or leave.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the HOLY SPIRIT take control of him and was allowed to be carried by the angel to a desert where he saw a great city that fooled people into their lustful actions. The woman (city) was drunk with the thought of GOD losing HIS power because of the death of HIS people.

 

My Observations:

• GOD can see my hidden motives to take control from HIM.
• GOD can see my innermost desires, not matter how disgusting they may be.
• GOD can see anything hidden, and HE will make it known, even the things that fool me.

 

There is nothing hidden from GOD. I mean, even when I try to fool myself, GOD sees the deep rooted hidden desire and exposes it. Since I can be fooled and I don’t know my motives, what hope is there for me? Plenty!

 

GOD wants me to know myself enough to confess where I fall short so I can confess this to HIM, so HE would cleanse me of the things I can so easily fall into. HE wants me to have HIS name on my forehead, carrying HIS message boldly so all can see it and return back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to show the writer this image?
• Have you ever been in a situation where if you kept a secret you would be paid, even if it went against your morals?
• Would you be willing to trade your morals to fit in or would you stand firm for what GOD wants from you today?

Party Mind

Luke 12: ¹⁶ Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷ And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’

²¹ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

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Thursday was my “Friday” when it cam to this particular job. When I got off work I was finally free from the shackles and I could do what “I” wanted to do. I made a few calls and said “The party starts at 12:34 AM. I’m barbequing! Bring your own bottle!”

• “Living life” once meant what type of vacation could I go on.
• “Living life” once meant how many people could I cram into my party.
• “Living life” once meant spending valuable time showing people “my” stuff so “I” could be admired.

JESUS used the parable of the wealthy man to illustrate the fact that human pride mixed with greed is blinding. Instead of sharing the wealth that obviously came from GOD, the man had plans to keep his wealth to himself and then party. JESUS used this to moment to discuss true treasure.

• GOD wants me to invest some of my time thinking of others rather than only thinking of myself.
• GOD wants me to reduce my “party, vacation” mindset to increase helping my neighbor.
• GOD wants me to see the needs of those around me so I can share my time, wealth and belief in JESUS.

Purpose was lacking in the wealthy man in the parable and sometimes it is lacking in me. When I seek “my” pleasure, I can blame others for not allowing me to have “my” way. Either with lack of money or lack of time, I can grouse over not having the ability to vacation or party or buy something new.

BUT GOD wants me to grow up. HE does not mind me having friends over nor does HE mind me being wealthy. HE does mind when my entire purpose is to only enjoy life, passing up opportunities to help others. Constantly seeking to enjoy life will only bear fruit that is temporary. GOD’s fruit lasts forever. I want GOD’s fruit.

• Are you constantly seeking to buy new stuff?
• Do you think by having more stuff or better vacations, your life would be better?
• Can you change your mindset and see the value of serving people the way GOD wants you to so you can store up treasure in heaven today?

Honorable Profit

Mark 7: ⁸ For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men —the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”

⁹ He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. ¹⁰ For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ ¹¹ But you say, ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban”—’ (that is, a gift to God), ¹² then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, ¹³ making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

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“Network” was the answer to all of my woes. “Why don’t you get out there and meet some people” they said. I observed network techniques from those around me. In closed doors they would speak their poison about a person, but when we met with them, they were best friends. “Hmm… As long as they don’t know I don’t like them I can still use them to get ahead. Got it!”

• There were times I wanted position.
• There were times I wanted power.
• There were times I wanted respect from a community who only respected the rich and powerful.

Honor was used earlier in this chapter by JESUS. HE spoke of the Pharisee’s lack of honor by pretending to be holy. Now JESUS speaks on profit focused people passing on traditions steeped in money. “As long as I am rich, I can dishonor anyone I please, even my parents” is the attitude JESUS is addressing.

• JESUS says to me “Add honor to everything you do.”
• JESUS says to me “I love it when you honor ME with your heart.”
• JESUS says to me “Honor should always go before profit.”

When I place profit before honor, I may use “dishonest scales.” More for me and less for you would be my first line of thought. BUT GOD wants me to be different. HE wants me to honor everyone around me and bless those who cannot bless me in return. HE wants me to highly respect those who taught me so I would never push them out with my pride.

• Are you dishonoring people?
• Are you embarrassed about what you have become and blaming it on others?
• Can you stop spitting out poison and speak in “high regards” about people GOD has placed in your life?

Leaving Home

Matthew 19: ²⁷ Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

²⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰ But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

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Sun glared in my face as I drove to my new town. I was just about to start my new job and I was finally on my own. The reason I was leaving home seemed to be clear at the time. I was supposed to work like everyone else, right?

• In the past I put a tremendous emphasis on work.
• In the past I place a high amount of effort on work.
• In the past I studied for jobs, begged for jobs and lost sleep over jobs.

Employment was the number one thing on my mind. I was groomed by people to be employed at “higher” levels. There was nothing more important than employment, or was it?

• GOD wants me to leave my home for a purpose, namely HIM.
• GOD wants me to leave my home for a single reason, for HIM.
• GOD wants me to leave my home for HIS sake so that I will inherit eternal life.

Following GOD means losing my life. I can pursue all the riches of the world, becoming “first” and lose my soul. BUT GOD did not want that for me, HE died specifically for me so that I would live. Because of HIS resurrection HE will renew all things and with my belief I will be there with HIM. Leaving home should be celebrated by all if my pursuit is for GOD.

• Why did you leave home?
• Are your pursuits inclusive of GOD?
• Can you reduce your ambitions to include GOD’s ambitions in your life today?

Lifejacket

Matthew 19: ²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

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“Lifejacket” I thought to myself. “Why would I need one of those? Will we sink? Is this boat safe? This was my reaction to my first boat ride in a small two oar boat. I clung onto what I thought would save me and did not enjoy the trip, at first.

• I have clung onto things I thought would save me.
• I have broken my neck to remain “insured.”
• I thought doctors, investors and insurance people could protect me.

One item I could not protect with my lifejacket was my soul. As precious as I thought my body was, my soul was so much more important. JESUS talks about this with HIS disciples. “Who then can be saved?” they asked in response to the wealthy having a difficult time entering heaven.

• GOD wants my total trust in HIM
• GOD does not want me to think I can save myself by “my” wealth or diet or exercise.
• GOD wants me to place an impossible task in HIS hands and allow HIM to wipe away my mountain of sins.

It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven mainly because wealth blinds. With extreme wealth, family and friends soon look like problems rather than sheep who need feeding. JESUS wants me to see others around me who need HIS kingdom. HE especially wants me to see that I need HIM more than anything.

• Are you chasing wealth?
• Are you blinded by your things?
• Can you seek GOD first before you seek wealth?
• Will you allow GOD to steer you in HIS direction today?

Deep Devotion

Matthew 8: ¹⁸ When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. ¹⁹ Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

²⁰ Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

²¹ Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

²² But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

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After a long stent of being away, going to church was now a regular thing for me. I said “No” to more and more things that I used to do and say. I was finally getting my life back on track. When the sermon was about money, however, I did not want to hear it. “These preachers are always talking about money!” I thought to myself. “I already increased my giving from One dollar to Five dollars, what more do they want!?

• My thoughts of money have gotten in the way of my relationship with GOD.
• My thoughts of things have been a major problem with GOD.
• My thoughts of comfort have been a war between GOD’s servanthood and my desires.

JESUS had no worldly possessions, no money and no place to live. HE lived like this to show us that life is so much more than these things. Just because a human is alive does not make that person “deserving” of more stuff. HE wanted me to learn about following HIM.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM unimpeded so if I have “stuff” then HE wants me to put it second to HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM without distraction so if my worries are on “stuff” coming or going then he wants me to change my thinking.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM with all my heart so if my heart is on “stuff” then HE wants me to ask for a clean heart which may mean losing my “stuff.”

Even in the example of “burying” the father, JESUS interjects “Let the dead bury their own dead.” I thought this was harsh at first. You mean leave the rotting corpse on the street? No, not quite. I believe JESUS was shortening the mourning period up for this person. Estate handling, amongst many other details could impede service for quite a while.

JESUS wants service to HIM now, not after I retire or after the business is up and running well or after I graduate eighty years from now. HE knows I can make excuses for not serving HIM and any excuse is nothing but an excuse. I can serve those around me wherever HE places me.

• Are you making excuses for not serving JESUS?
• Do you say “I have too many bills” or “I have to do this before I serve?”
• Can you stop making excuses and start serving CHRIST right where you are?
• Will you stop asking for stuff for just a moment and ask “Who would you like me to serve?”

Supremacy Looks Strange

Micah 1: ¹⁵ I will bring a conqueror against you
    who live in Mareshah.
The nobles of Israel
    will flee to Adullam.
¹⁶ Shave your head in mourning
    for the children in whom you delight;
make yourself as bald as the vulture,
    for they will go from you into exile.

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Little ball bearings were given to us to put into our gauge that listed how high the stock was climbing. After celebration number five I went back to my room for some rest. I got an emergency call in the middle of the night that all leaders need to meet immediately. The CEO was pronounced dead and everyone at the convention was shocked.

• There have been times when things seemed right and they were wrong.
• There were times when it looked like smooth sailing and the wind went out of the sails.
• There have been times when I thought everything would be great and then the rug got pulled out from under me.

“What will we do?” we all thought. Fortunately for us, the number two guy was just as good and was being groomed for the new position. I felt pretty good because he knew me. About a month or two into his service he was diagnosed with cancer and died within six months. What shall we do now?

• GOD says to me “Place your trust only in ME.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the way the truth and the life.”
• GOD says to me “Do not place any gods before ME.”

My excitement was short lived. I thought “With this new leader I can finally get ahead and help others.”  GOD had other plans. HE wanted me to understand that HE is the supreme leader and that I need to focus on HIM more and more. GOD raises up all kinds of people, BUT HE wants me to always keep my eyes on HIM.

• Are you putting your trust in someone?
• Did the trust you placed in a person not quite pan out?
• Will you stop looking at humans and start placing your trust in GOD who is ultimate and supreme?

Seek Peace

Amos 6: Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!

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Ah the “good life.” We discussed food, travel, hotels, cars, wine and cigars. Smiles went on all of our faces as we enjoyed the finest of all that was mentioned.

• There have been times when I have had the finest the world has offered.
• There have been times when I sought the best the world could give.
• There have been times when I sought complacency in “my” accomplishments.

Looking back I noticed something missing from our conversation, namely GOD. We never once thanked GOD for all of the fine things we had in our lives, instead we were too busy planning our next move to acquire more or keep what we had. We had become complacent and GOD abhorred it.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which means I need to look around for those HE wants to bring into HIS kingdom. This also means I need to seek “peace” with those around me and especially with HIM.

Seeking peace with GOD is a daily quest. HE sees and knows my sins yet forgives them anyway! Instead of conversations about the indoor bowling alley I should be asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do with all the stuff YOU gave me?” GOD wants me to use each item HE has given to me to further HIS kingdom.

What good is it to be out of debt only to use HIS money for yet another expensive vacation? HE does not mind time off at a fancy place as long as my thoughts and actions are centered around HIS kingdom.  Complacency is NOT peace. Following GOD is peace!

• What are you seeking?
• Are you trying to pay bills so you can become complacent?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom so HE will guide you with your wealth?
• Will you ask GOD for purpose so HE will give you peace?

Accepting Bribes

Daniel 5: ¹⁶ Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

¹⁷ Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.

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²² “But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. ²³ Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.

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One day I got a notification from the worst boss I ever worked for. Mean, belligerent and condescending was his style. He was reaching out to me because he had moved on to a new position and wanted to bring aboard a team of his own. I was unemployed at the time and money was running quite low. “I wonder if I should work for this guy” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I would do some crazy things for money.
• Sometimes I would lose myself in order to get some money.
• Sometimes I would become something that I did not like in order to gain a little money.

Life’s hardships can bring on challenges that make me think twice about following someone who has no integrity. I mean maybe I can put up with pretending to be something I am not for a little while, you know, until I “get on my feet”, right? Wrong! GOD says something different.

• GOD says “I want you to follow ME not money.”
• GOD says “I want you to be single minded not double-minded.”
• GOD says “I want your entire heart and there is no room for money and ME.”

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Belshazzar was not only celebrating money, he figured he could use it to solve his problems with the Living GOD. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. HE took Belshazzar’s life that night.

GOD wants me to see this example and chose to follow HIM. Just like Daniel turned down the bribe, GOD wants me to say “No” when it comes to dirty money. No matter how difficult things may look, GOD is there to guide me.

• Are you constantly thinking of money?
• Would you do anything for money right now, even lose your own personality?
• Can you stop following money and start following GOD today? 

Paying Attention in Class

Isaiah 48: ¹⁷ This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.
¹⁸ If only you had paid attention to my commands,
    your peace would have been like a river,
    your well-being like the waves of the sea.
¹⁹ Your descendants would have been like the sand,
    your children like its numberless grains;
their name would never be blotted out
    nor destroyed from before me.”

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Looking out the window, I could see the trees gently moving in the warm breeze. “Was that a squirrel?” I thought to myself. Then the teacher called on me and woke me up from my daydream. I should have been paying attention.

• There were times that I should have paid attention to what is important.
• There were times that I should have noticed what was going on.
• There were times that I should have stopped what I was doing and listened.

Listening to humans is one thing but listening to GOD is quite a different path. I listened to humans because of fear of a broken relationship or fear of loss of money and went down the wrong paths many times. GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD wants to take care of me so I need to listen to HIM.
• GOD wants to grow me so I need to heed HIS commands.
• GOD wants to protect me so I need to “go” out and spread HIS message no matter where HE sends me.

Peace and security only comes from GOD. People will lead me to believe that money will bring that security or if I could just get that right job “then” I will have peace. GOD says to me “Pay attention to MY commands and you will have peace like a river.” HE takes care of my well-being and watches over my descendants.

• Is peace missing out of your life?
• Are you discontent and complaining to everyone?
• Will you stop looking and start connecting to GOD’s peace?
• Will you allow HIS perfect plan to be in effect in your life?

Climbing the Ladder to Profit

Isaiah 23: ¹⁸ Yet her profit and her earnings will be set apart for the Lord; they will not be stored up or hoarded. Her profits will go to those who live before the Lord, for abundant food and fine clothes.

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Stock option discussions were plentiful. Chatter about the latest gadget or the latest house type came into view at every turn. “What type of phone do you have” was the question of the month as it seemed like we changed that often. I still have a box of old phones.

• There were times when I look at materialistic things as a show of success.
• There were times when I thought the latest and greatest was a show of success.
• There were times when I met “the right people” as a show of success.

When I rubbed elbows with these people I soon realized I was out of my league, but I was on my way. I mean, if I could only get that wine cellar and the humidor, even though I don’t drink or smoke, then things will be fine. The people who are connected would “keep” me in their circle. BUT GOD showed me different.

• GOD wants me to focus on people who HE send me.
• GOD wants me to give instead of store.
• GOD wants me to look for treasure in heaven rather than throwing away the next to latest phone.

Having material things is not bad; the problem comes when they have me. I mean when I cannot do without “that” thing or I depend on a bank account for my security or self-esteem then I have faltered. GOD wants me to focus my attention on pleasing HIM rather than running after those who could care less about HIM. GOD wants my generosity.

• Are you chasing the dream?
• Are you trying to make it big?
• Do you worry about money a lot?
• Can you put your trust in GOD long enough to quiet down and listen to HIM?
• Will you start storing up treasure in heaven today?

Looking at the Wrong Things

Isaiah 17: ⁷ In that day people will look to their Maker
    and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.
⁸ They will not look to the altars,
    the work of their hands,
and they will have no regard for the Asherah poles
    and the incense altars their fingers have made.

⁹ In that day their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.

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Packing was a mystery to me as I went on my second mission’s trip. It took a lot of effort to get pills, attend meetings and get all the stuff we needed. My expectation of the trip was to have crowd of people listen to me and accept the message right away. A few people showed up and even fewer believed in the message. What’s going on?

• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in numbers.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD with what I can see.
• Sometimes I measure success in GOD in the buildings, programs and people I can count.

Immediate reward is what I sought on many occasion and when I did not see what “I” expected I looked at GOD like HE was crazy. I mean why so much effort for so few people? BUT GOD felt different.

• GOD showed me that the angels shout when one person accepts HIS SON as their savior.
• GOD showed me that it is far more important to help one person into HIS kingdom than to follow the world that will be destroyed.
• GOD showed me that HE cares for people one at a time and it is better for me to have a single relationship than inch deep relationships with millions.

Following GOD seems strange to most. It sometimes means not looking like the rest of the world. It means doing things differently so that my life points to HIM instead of towards myself. It means measuring success that way GOD does. HE sometimes wants me to leave the ninety nine sheep and go look for the one that’s lost. GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM, not in a world that will be destroyed.

• Are you following the world without regard to following GOD?
• Are you having a difficult time getting the success you are looking for?
• Do you desire to human success or GOD’s success?
• Will you stop trying to serve money and turn to serving GOD?

Ask for the Middle

Proverbs 30: ⁷ “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God.

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On my way to “extended wealth” I decided to get into day trading. I took some cash and asked one of the wealthy people what stock should I purchase. They gave me their advice and I went off with my purchase. About a month or two later I received a note stating the stock I purchased was worthless and the company had gone out of business.

• Sometimes I am not content with what I have.
• Sometimes the money I have is never enough.
• Sometimes I want more so I expand my thinking of what is poor and what is rich.

The wealthier I became the higher my thoughts were in terms of poverty. I mean my high school net worth could probably be measured in the cost of a sandwich and I thought I was rich. When I started working with very wealthy people, even my large bank account, insurance policies and stock made me feel as if I was destitute. What should I be thinking?

• GOD wants me to be grateful for this day HE has made.
• GOD wants me to be excited about where HE has me now.
• GOD wants me to be full of praise no matter what someone says my wealth status is.

“Easy” is not a place GOD says I would ever be as long as I am alive. HE did promise that HE would provide and HE would never leave me nor forsake me. My dependence is solely on HIM.

• Do you want wealth or a relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to serve money and GOD?
• Will you stop talking about money for a moment and asses your relationship with where HE has you?
• Are you loving people that way GOD wants you to or are you frowning because you want more? 

Getting What I Ask For

Proverbs 15: ¹⁶ Better a little with the fear of the Lord
    than great wealth with turmoil.

¹⁷ Better a small serving of vegetables with love
    than a fattened calf with hatred.

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“Meet the new boss” were common words at this particular company. I invited him out to dinner to get to know him so I could find out who I had to become now. Fortunately for me, my previous bosses were avid followers of GOD without distractions from their work, but this one was different. Our first conversation went down the direction of drunkenness and wild parties. Is that what I should become now in order to keep my wealth? I had a choice.

• Sometimes my wealth was the deciding factor of my path.
• Sometimes my wealth was the focus of my protection.
• Sometimes my wealth was the fear that was great to me.

The more wealth I accumulated the more I needed to protect it. This meant becoming the bosses right hand. Sometimes the hand was not as clean as it needed to be. I could feel the HOLY SPIRIT saying something to me. “No, not this time” were the words that started me on the path back to GOD.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM no matter what wealth status I am at.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for just being with HIM, not for how much HE gives me.
• GOD wants me to know HIS love over wealth and HE will lead me in the way that is right.

It is better to have a little and be with the LORD than to be wealthy and be without HIM. I mean where would I go? HE is everywhere and HIS wrath is at the end to those who choose to not follow HIM. GOD blesses me daily with HIS love and protection.

• Are you seeking wealth?
• Are you trying to manipulate GOD in order to get wealth?
• Have you asked yourself “how did I get where I am” lately?
• Will you get back on HIS path?

Seeking Wisdom

Proverbs 1: ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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“How do I” was a question I asked often. It worked when the person was for me, but then they were against me, I received information with half-truth or flat out wrong information. Then someone I did not like asked me a question. Hmmm, should I give them a half-truth or should I give them wrong information to throw them on the wrong path?

• Sometimes I am faced with the same things that annoy me.
• Sometimes I am tempted to act like “everyone” else.
• Sometimes I desire to be like the crowd no matter how wrong they may be.

Fitting into a group feels great for a moment but sometimes the consequences to my character are devastating. When I seek advice from someone who’s reputation is unsavory, I get their truth which could be harmful. I begin to act like them and soon I forget about being on a good path. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to be in the crowd without thinking like the crowd.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and not be affected by those who do not follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be confident and acknowledge HIM instead of following the crowd and hiding HIM.

GOD wants me to fear hiding my relationship over the glamour of fame and glory. HE wants me to seek HIS wisdom, not mans. HE will provide HIS strength, protection and love when I ask. HIS instruction is best to follow because it baffles those who claim to be smart. I chose to fear the LORD so I can gain knowledge.

• Are you seeking the advice of those who are not following GOD in order to get ahead?
• Do you think you are not affected by acting like them even a short period of time?
• Will you stop believing in lies and start seeking GOD?

Keep Calling

Psalm 99: ⁶ Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
    Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the Lord
    and he answered them.
⁷ He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
    they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

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Sitting on the beach all I could think about was “What time is my spa appointment.” I had never been to a spa but this trip was a perk to the job and someone had to go! After a day of relaxation, a couple invited us out. We danced until the cows came home.

• In times of plenty, I sometimes forget about GOD.
• In times of plenty, I do not feel the need to cry out to GOD.
• In times of plenty, I “think” I have all I need and my shopping bag does not include GOD.

All of my thoughts were on the next position so I could get even bigger perks. As I climbed higher and higher, I did not notice GOD dissipating out of my life. I mean, I had plenty so GOD must have been there, right? Well sort of.

• GOD wants me to remember HIM in the time of need as well as the time of plenty.
• GOD wants me to place my thoughts on HIM and praise HIM evenly, through trouble and plenty.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face constantly and not be distracted by trouble or wealth.

Vacations are great; BUT GOD wants me to take HIM with me wherever I go. HE doesn’t want me to get away from HIM in times of plenty and cry out to HIM only when I need HIM. HE wants me to be a full fan of HIM, not just a fair weather fan. My praise should be as equal as my requests. My excitement should be as equal as my doubt. GOD wants me and I call to HIM daily!

• Have you forgotten GOD?
• Are you on vacation and feel you can drop GOD off?
• Will you remember GOD during times of plenty?

Planning for the Future

Psalm 61: ¹ Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

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What will they say about me at my funeral? I mean will they say that I worked hard and accumulated a great amount of wealth for myself? Will they say I had a wonderful title at whatever company? I wonder.

• Sometimes I chase pleasing the crowd.
• Sometimes I try to be what everyone else wants me to be.
• Sometimes I live to meet someone else’s expectations.

Getting accolades for being a corporate warrior sounds great on paper. I mean I received status, wealth and a little fame. But GOD called me out of this path and onto a new one. HE woke me up to see people who are in need and desires that I serve them with all my heart, no matter who they are or what they believe.

This is a different calling that leaves no legacy. I mean who will remember getting served or prayed for? With busy lives, people soon forget they received prayer and GOD granted them solitude. At the end of my life I desire more than a legacy.

• At the end of my life I want GOD so say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
• At the end of my life I want GOD to wipe away my tears and point me to eternity.
• At the end of my life I want GOD to give me rewards that I never would have expected.

David recognized his need for GOD early. In order to be ready for a full life serving GOD, I have to start early. I have to begin dropping off the need to be dependent on the world and relying on GOD for direction and delivery. HE provides and HE has plans for me that are far greater than any I could have for myself. HE is my refuge and leads me to the rock upon which I can build my foundation.

• Are you tired?
• Do you feel you are working yourself to death?
• Have you given GOD a little time this week to serve who HE wants you to serve?
• Are you seeking a legacy to yourself or rewards in heaven?
• Will you serve someone today without the need to get an accolade here on earth?

Putting Wealth into Perspective

Psalm 49: ¹⁵ But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;
    he will surely take me to himself.
¹⁶ Do not be overawed when others grow rich,
    when the splendor of their houses increases;
¹⁷ for they will take nothing with them when they die,
    their splendor will not descend with them.
¹⁸ Though while they live they count themselves blessed—
    and people praise you when you prosper—
¹⁹ they will join those who have gone before them,
    who will never again see the light of life.

²⁰ People who have wealth but lack understanding
    are like the beasts that perish.

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After the conversation moved from the type of humidor this person would install, we moved on to fine wines, and then Mediterranean cruises.  I enjoyed the conversation but something felt different, something missing. I mean once we were done with the conversation about house square footage, then what was left? Oh, yeah, we could discuss cars!

• Envy makes me secretly look at the wealthy as a destination.
• Jealousy makes me secretly look at the wealthy as problem free.
• Greed makes me secretly look at the wealthy as a group without a care.

The missing element was GOD. When I had these conversations with the extremely wealthy, I never heard once, the need for GOD. I found myself, leaving GOD in my car to become what the next wealthy person wanted me to become. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD ways to me “Stop loving money because it is the root of all kinds of evil.”
• GOD says to me “It is harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to go through an eye of a needle.”
• GOD says to me “What is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul.”

I had a conversation with a dear friend and brother. He was trying to convince the CEO of a very large corporation to follow GOD. The CEO had just received a $2million gift on top of bonuses and salary. He said, “Get away from me with all that GOD talk.” He died at the same convention they announced his bonus. It woke me up along with many others. GOD is the pursuit. GOD is the destination.

• Are you jealous of the wealthy?
• Do you get mad at someone who squanders money while you struggle?
• Can you get your eyes off of them and look at GOD’s splendor?
• Will you accept where GOD has you and praise HIM for it?

Long Lessons are Great Lessons

Psalm 39: ¹¹ When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
    you consume their wealth like a moth—
    surely everyone is but a breath.

¹² “Hear my prayer, Lord,
    listen to my cry for help;
    do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
    a stranger, as all my ancestors were.
¹³ Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
    before I depart and am no more.”

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With my last three hundred dollars, I bought a car. It ran and had seats so I was excited, but months later I found myself on the side of the road. I had no car again and this time, no money. Walking was my alternative to get to work. “Why is this happening to me?”, I wondered at the time, not considering the lifestyle I was keeping up.

• My sin blinds me to the point where I think things are “happening to me.”
• My sin deafens me to the point where I cannot hear.
• My sin mutes me so I cannot speak about the wonders of GOD.

Many times I think about the consequences of sin rather than the wages of sin. I think GOD is going to be mad at me for something I did and HE will whoop me or take my stuff away for being bad. BUT GOD has shown me something different.

• GOD said to me “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.”
• GOD said to me “I want you to have life and have it more abundantly.”
• GOD said to me “I stand at your door and knock, if you will open it I will come in and sup with you.”

The LORD gives and the LORD takes away is a hard scripture to swallow when I have my eyes focused on money, but when my eyes are focused on GOD I can see things differently. I can see the blessing of dependence on HIM and recognize that stuff may have clouded my vision of HIM. I would get nervous about sinning because the consequence may be that I would lose my stuff.

The reality is I should be focused on the “wages” of sin in which GOD had to lose HIS life for me. HE lost everything just for me and is now alive above everything. I am eternally grateful.

• Are you afraid of losing your stuff?
• Do you have fear that GOD is punishing you for something?
• Can you let things go and let GOD guide your path?

Age Does Not Mean Wisdom

Job 31: ⁷ I thought, ‘Age should speak;
    advanced years should teach wisdom.’
⁸ But it is the spirit in a person,
    the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.

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Seeking a mentor I ran into a person who seemed to withstand the test of time at the company. He provided his words. “When you drink on the company’s dime, don’t over drink. Never mess around with people in the company, especially with your boss’s spouse. Never steal the company’s money. This place is a jealous mistress.”

These words seemed to give lots of leeway into whatever I wanted to do, yet seemed to teach me nothing. Who should I listen to?

• Some of the advice I have heard may not have been the best.
• Some of the mentoring I have received has not been the best.
• Some of the guidance I have received may not have been the best.

Selfish motives, rebellious living and lust are things I have to listen for when accepting someone’s advice. If I blindly listen then I could get caught up in something I did not mean to. Where should I get my advice?

• GOD gave me a HIS word to follow written by harmoniously through many authors.
• GOD gave me HIS people who struggle to remain true to HIM.
• GOD gave me HIS SPIRIT to guide me to HIS way.

I always say “I hear GOD when HE tells me to do something I don’t want to do that would benefit HIS kingdom.” I mean who wants to give away their money instead of going on a lavish vacation or stop lusting over the world or serve instead of being served?” Yet when I slow down and listen to HIM it always works.

GOD’s methods are unconventional. Some things HE has me doing does not make sense to the world. BUT GOD sees my strange efforts and adds another reward in heaven. Listening to GOD means seeking HIS word through the Bible coupled with faulty humans coupled with the perfection of the HOLY SPIRIT. I will seek HIS truth.

• Are you confused?
• Have you been listening to faulty humans?
• Can you seek what GOD has to say, I mean really seek?
• Will you stop trying to find people who will tell you what you want to hear and seek what GOD wants to tell you?