Future Foretold

Future Foretold

Genesis 15: ⁷ Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”

 

⁸ And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

⁹ So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” ¹⁰ Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. ¹¹ And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

 

¹² Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. ¹³ Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. ¹⁴ And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”

 

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GOD reiterate HIS promise to Abram, telling him that HE was going to give his ancestors the land. Abram asked a wise question ““Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”

 

My Observations

• GOD told Abram to bring HIM animals that were considered mature.
• GOD told Abram to bring different species of animals, which means they were symbols rather than food or clothing.
• GOD told Abram about the future of his descendants and his future.

 

This was the first time GOD mentioned sacrificing animals. Abram did not question the strange request, rather obeyed immediately, killed the animals, and waited. GOD carefully chose these animals, possibly to show the laws that would follow during the freeing of the people who would become captives. GOD being three in one, may also have meaning here.

 

Cows would eventually be sacrificed for purity. A scapegoat would be released into the wilderness, representing the release of sins. The dove and pigeons would become sacrifices for the poor. All of these sacrifices would point to the ultimate sacrifice, namely JESUS.

 

When nighttime hit, Abram fell into a deep sleep, possibly a supernatural sleep. He saw disturbing images that needed explanation. GOD explained Abram’s descendant’s future. Noah’s curse on Canaan led Canaan to rebel and create a movement against GOD. Egypt would enslave GOD’s people. GOD would release them and require sacrifices for sin. Abram’s future seemed bleak, BUT GOD gave him assurance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into elaborate detail concerning Abram’s future to Moses?
• If you knew about your present situation, years ago, would you praise GOD or be more faithful?
• Can you remain faithful in the present, knowing GOD has a plan to prosper you?

Only What’s Revealed

 

Only What’s Revealed

Revelation 10: Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire. ² He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, ³ and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions. After he had called out, the seven thunders answered with a roar. ⁴ As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

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Sitting in the room of executives, I heard some things that were being planned, but not ready for customers to hear. After saying what was planned, I was sworn to secrecy

 

• I was trusted with strategic information.
• I heard information that would affect a lot of people.
• I was able to say only what I could reveal to the public.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation that he was about to write down. It was between a powerful angel and seven thunders. John was about to write down the reply of the seven thunders when a voice, perhaps JESUS emphatically said “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

My Observations

• GOD has revealed what HE wants mankind to understand about HIM.
• GOD has not revealed everything HE is going to do.
• GOD is sovereign, meaning HE has the right to conceal or reveal what HE wants to.

 

Protecting humans is GOD’s forte. I mean, when I try to think like GOD or question HIS actions, I find myself in trouble. I cannot figure out “why” or ”what” HE is doing. HE knows I cannot handle the future, nor can I repair the past, BUT HE can.

 

GOD’s thoughts and ways are far about any thought you and I can come up with. HE protects us from knowledge that would be harmful to us, but necessary to complete HIS plan. Knowing there is more to GOD than what is revealed helps me let go of trying to get my way.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer put emphasis on being told not to write down what was said?
• Have you ever been told a secret that would affect other people?
• Will you seek to understand GOD in the way HE revealed HIMSELF in the Bible, and have faith that HE has given enough information to help you in any situation you may face?

Business Plans

Business Plans

James 4: ¹³ Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” ¹⁴ You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. ¹⁵ What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.

 

¹⁷ So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

 

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After the promotion, my sites were set on the top spot. I could see myself running the entire “world” at this particular company. When the top person got wind of my promotion, I had more of a fight than I planned for. I lost the battle.

 

• I did not get what I planned.
• I did not reach what I thought I should reach.
• I did not know GOD had something better in store for me.

 

James spoke specifically to those who were boasting about their plans. Business people were probably using statements of expansion and greenfield markets. He warned them to use the correct words when making plans.

 

My Observations:

• My plans are weak unless GOD says “Yes.”
• Anything I think I will do has to be blessed by GOD “allowing” it to happen.
• GOD’s plans will always happen so I have to align to HIS will.

 

Making plans for the future is necessary for business people. I mean, fiscal projections and future orders help businesses run smoothly to provide great service. All projections and future plans need to be put under GOD by saying these words “If it is HIS will.”

 

This means I, as a business person, knows that anything can happen and it is GOD who has control. When I add the “anything can happen” factor to my plans, I am more ready for circumstances that may arise. I may even live my life differently, knowing JESUS could return at a moment’s notice. I gladly give my plans to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer say “Do not make plans” or “make plans, aligning them to GOD’s will?”
• Have you ever made a plan and something totally unexpected happened to cancel those plans?
• Will you align to GOD’s will, knowing plans can change, and praise HIM for every moment HE allows you to do HIS will?

Seeing Beyond

Seeing Beyond

Hebrews 11: ²³ It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's order.

 

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Opening the mailbox, I pulled out a stack of bills. “When will this ever end?” I said with a sigh. I had just enough to pay all of them, but I decided to go in with a few “friends” and throw  a party. After the party was over, everyone left and I still had the bills.

 

• I had a moment of fun but now I was worried.
• I had a time of pleasure but now I had to face my problem.
• I had obligations but could not see beyond a moment of pleasure.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. He mentions the parents of Moses disobeying the king’s order to murder all children under a certain age. They hid Moses instead of following the decree and risked death in doing so. They did not get caught up in the moment.

 

My Observations:

• Worries may cause me to make snap decisions, BUT GOD wants me to calm down to hear HIS voice.
• Problems may cause me to want immediate ways to get relief, BUT GOD desires that I seek HIS solution.
• Human situations may cause me to have pain, BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the pain and to know HE is in control.

 

Seeing beyond the pain is hard. I mean, who wants pain? Noone! But there is an enemy that wants me and you to experience enough pain to question GOD or even turn from HIS solution, namely JESUS as the Savior. Circumstance after circumstance, the devil wages war to make me discouraged. BUT GOD sees his attacks and steps in.

 

GOD whispers “Think beyond this circumstance” by telling me “Keep your eyes on ME.” When I look at GOD and take my eyes off of the circumstance, I can see hope, and love that I could not see when I looked at the problem. HE then resolves problems in HIS way and time. I am glad HE cares deeply for me and you.

 

Challenge

• According to the writer, what act of faith was performed?
• Have you ever had to stand on faith even when, seemingly, everyone around you was going in a different direction?
• Will you ask GOD to fortify your faith in HIM so you can stand firm for HIM today?

Facing Forward

 

Facing Forward

Hebrews 11: ¹³ It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth. ¹⁴ Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. ¹⁶ Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.

 

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As I dug through a box of stuff, I found trophies, ribbons and paper awards from a previous job. “All of these achievements and I am out of work!” I said with anger. More and more thoughts played through my mind that day. I got nothing done.

 

• I loved the kingdom “I” had built for myself.
• I thought I had already “achieved” the most that I could.
• I did not consider that there could possibly be anything better than the past.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, summarizes his first list of faith examples. He implied that these people did things in faith of a promise by GOD, never once hoping for the old way. They stopped looking for a better place here on earth, to seek a better relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD heals me from past wounds so I can look forward to HIS kingdom.
• GOD opens my eyes to HIS promises, so I can keep moving forward, away from the old.
• GOD renews my strength by showing me there is a better place ahead.

 

Looking forward is scary sometimes. I mean, the future sometimes does not have any answers, but a lot of questions. When I begin to ask questions, I get nervous and want to run back to the past where it was comfortable. BUT GOD has something else in mind.

 

HE wants me to leave the past kingdom with a definitive “thanks.” I can say to HIM “Thank YOU for what YOU have done!” and move on. I can then say “Thank YOU for what YOU are going to do”, not knowing if I will receive HIS promise or not. I am glad HE puts me on a new path and always keeps HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• What did the people in the writer’s example long for?
• Have you ever started something and someone else finished it?
• Will you say “Thank You” for the past and move on to facing  forward so you can allow GOD to place you on HIS path to HIS promise in HIS timing today?

Today is Amazing!

 

Today is Amazing!

Hebrews 4: ⁴ For somewhere in the Scriptures this is said about the seventh day: “God rested on the seventh day from all his work.” ⁵ This same matter is spoken of again: “They will never enter that land where I would have given them rest.” ⁶ Those who first heard the Good News did not receive that rest, because they did not believe. There are, then, others who are allowed to receive it. ⁷ This is shown by the fact that God sets another day, which is called “Today.” Many years later he spoke of it through David in the scripture already quoted:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn.”

 

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Replaying what he or she did to me kept “it” fresh in my mind. After replaying the wrong that was done, I would contemplate some words I would say or maybe some words I would like to hear. I looked back at the past and held on tight. I also looked at the future and it looked bleak unless a radical change happened.

 

I looked at the past a lot and re-wounded myself often.

I did not want to let go of the past, because I thought it guided my future.

I simply wanted things to be in a good spot, but I focused on the bad “a lot.”

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a special day, namely “Today.” He warns everyone to focus on “Today” in obedience to GOD. He spoke about the importance of resting and how GOD promised rest for those who believe. The warning gives immediacy in turning our hearts to GOD “Today.”

 

My Observations:

Listening to GOD is the utmost important thing I must do daily.

Putting into action what HE wants me to do is the act of belief HE wants me to have.

Focusing in on “Today” helps me have a more stable relationship with the LORD.

 

Looking into the future seems like the right thing to do, but I would be wrong every time. I mean, who would have predicted where the world would be “today”, years ago? Only GOD knows the true future. Humans guess and sometimes the predictions come true so their reliance on GOD wanes. BUT GOD wants me to rely on what HE revealed for the future so I can rest.

 

HE also wants me to let go of the past. This is very hard for me, because in some instances, the past continues to become fresh. Another example is piled on top of the many examples I could bring up from “old tapes” I replay in my mind. GOD wants me to choose HIS remedy and seek HIS grace which HE poured out on me generously. I gladly ask GOD for help in letting go of the past and to stop looking into the future so I can focus on the blessings of “today.”

 

Challenge

Do you feel the immediacy of the writer?

Have you ever been stuck in the past or been worried about the future?

Will you get some rest by praising GOD for “Today” and allow HIM to be amazing?

Past is Passed

Past is Passed

Galatians 1: ¹³ You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was ahead of most other Jews of my age in my practice of the Jewish religion, and was much more devoted to the traditions of our ancestors.

¹⁵ But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the Gentiles, I did not go to anyone for advice, ¹⁷ nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ It was three years later that I went to Jerusalem to obtain information from Peter, and I stayed with him for two weeks. ¹⁹ I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother.

 

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“You shouldn’t do that” were the warnings I did not heed. I thought the Bible toting hypocrites were missing out on “life.” They warned me about life’s traps so I had to try them. When I did, I noticed that no lightning came from heaven and I didn’t end up in a burning pot of sulfur. I then tried other things I was warned against. Soon I found myself in trouble with nowhere to turn.

 

• I regretted my decisions to walk away from GOD.
• I felt that HE could not forgive me when I fell.
• I thought that HE only loved those who acted perfect.

 

Being a felon was not easy for Paul. He was a mass murderer, involved with killing followers of JESUS. BUT GOD in HIS grace chose Paul and revealed HIS SON to him. The past did not guide his future.

 

My Observations

• In the middle of my sins, CHRIST died for me.
• JESUS saw I would never be perfect, so HE walked the earth in perfection for me.
• GOD wiped away my past before I was even born.

 

Dwelling on past mistakes is a hole I fall into often. I replay the past over and over, trying to figure out how to avoid the gaff in the future. This causes me to make other wrongful decisions because my basis is the past.

 

GOD saw everything I would do and forgave me anyway. HE knows my past, present and future. HE gives me the opportunity to give HIM the past and my future so I can live in the present with HIM in love. I am glad this moment right here is special to HIM for me and you.

 

Challenge

• Do you sense the regret of the writer?
• How does the writer use admittance?
• Will you let go of any past mistakes by giving them to JESUS who forgave you of all your sins and who has a wonderful plan for your life today?

Comes with a Guarantee

 

Comes with a Guarantee

Romans 4: ¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ¹⁷ As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 

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Disappointed with the product I was using. I complained. But I looked on the container and saw a guarantee. I could return the product, no questions asked. I did return it and purchased a cheaper brand. This one did not have a guarantee. I used that product and it was much worse, only this time I could not return it. I underestimated the product with the guarantee.

 

• There have been times when I did not believe in guarantees.
• There have been times when I went after a substitute versus using the real thing.
• There have been times when I wondered how could something be guaranteed unless they knew the future.

 

Paul keeps going with his explanation of Abraham because many Jews tried to boast about heritage. Paul keeps trying to explain that it was not just Abraham’s faith that GOD would fulfill HIS promise to make him father of many nations, it was GOD’s faith.

 

• When GOD tells me a promise, HE has already seen the outcome.
• When GOD promises something to me HE has already seen the difficulties and cleared the path.
• When GOD says HE will do something great in my life, HE means it.

 

GOD does not say anything HE cannot do. HIS power is unstoppable. When HE says “I will be with you always”, my response should be “Thank YOU!” Unfortunately, I say, “Where are YOU LORD?” in times of trouble. GOD is not disappointed with me during these times of doubt.

 

HE knew I would not believe in HIM fully and try to make things happen under my own power. HE gently lets my plans fail and picks me up anyway. HIS promise to me is guaranteed and HE took no chance of letting me fail. HE saved me when I was not looking for HIM. I am glad HE guarantees HIS love for me.

 

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you feel GOD can leave you when you sin and return when you don’t?
• Will you put your full trust in the LORD and allow HIM to grow you so more faith can be added to you daily?

Cared For

Cared For

Acts 16: ¹⁶ Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” ¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

¹⁹ When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. ²⁰ They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar ²¹ by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

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One of my employees was out sick. I called to check in on her to see how she was doing. I mean it was the right thing to do, being her boss. I did this for several of my employees. When I left the company, I lost touch with most of the people.

• There were times when I did the right thing because of my role.
• There were times when I cared for people because of my role.
• There were times when I watched out for people because of my role.

A woman kept following Paul and the disciples. She said the truth about them, stating they were men of the Most High GOD. While this was true, more than likely she did it in a mocking or annoying way.

Paul commanded the spirit to come out of her and she was immediately freed. Her bosses did not like her new freedom. They only cared that she could make them money.

• GOD wants me to care for people beyond what they can do for me.
• GOD wants me to care about people even when they cannot return any favors.
• GOD wants me to care for people, wishing them the best.

Caring for people means going beyond what they can do for me. I mean when I care about the person, I do not need anything from them. GOD wants me to express HIS love regardless of any reciprocation. I am glad HE loves me.

• Do you have people working for you that you only keep in touch with because or your working relationship?
• Do you have a lot of acquaintances?
• Will you allow GOD to speak through you by caring for more people today?

Strategic Conversation

Luke 9: ²⁸ Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.²⁹ As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. ³⁰ And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, ³¹ who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. ³² But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him. ³³ Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.

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Running late I eased into the conference room through a back door. The faces were familiar but not for the meeting I was supposed to attend. “May I help you” said one of the participants as I searched for an open seat. I told them what meeting I was there for and they pointed me down the hall as the heads of the company had confiscated the room I was in. I wonder what they were talking about.

• There were times when I wanted to hear what leaders had to say.
• There were times when I desired to hear how strategy was developed.
• There were times when I was curious about decision making for big corporations.

Moses and Elijah appeared to JESUS with an important conversation about JESUS’ death that HE was going to “accomplish” at Jerusalem. This highly strategic conversation was not confidential, but Peter, James and John could not stay away to hear it. Peter blurted out an offer of hospitality when he woke up, delirious.

• GOD has given me HIS strategic plan by placing HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me..
• GOD has gracefully included me in the conversation by allowing HIS SON to die for me.
• GOD has shown me the future through HIS written word.

Powerful people rise and fall, BUT GOD reigns forever. HE prepared JESUS to take on all the blame for every sin committed by every person. JESUS gracefully volunteered HIS life and the FATHER conceded. I am grateful GOD allows me to understand HIS plan for me.

• Are you frustrated with your impending future?
• Do you think GOD does not hear you or care for you?
• Can you stop trying to figure out the future and allow GOD to guide you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek GOD through HIS word and accept HIS plan for you today?

Needs of the Many

Luke 2: ³³ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against ³⁵ (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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“Will you be able to fire a third of our department?” was the question in the interview. “No” was my answer. At one point my ruthless heart would do anything for “the company” but I realized something… these were people.

• One day I woke up and realized there were people around me.
• One day I woke up and saw many people around me that I could serve.
• One day I woke up and understood that I have been put here with a much higher purpose.

Simeon’s final declaration was that JESUS would be the cause of many to fall and many to rise. HE would be the ONE who would reveal the true hearts of humans. How cool is that? Not so cool, because the revelation would be through blindness, pain and death. JESUS needed to do something.

• JESUS has my situation already determined.
• JESUS has my circumstance already taken care of.
• JESUS has my life already planned out and HE has declared victory over eternal death for me.

I have a choice to look at JESUS as my savior. By belief in HIS action, I can be part of the “Rise of many.” HIS power, mercy and grace enables me to have life so when my wicked heart is revealed, it will not be as painful because I acknowledge the need for GOD in my life.

• Are you living your life for “the company?”
• Do you think your project is more important than those GOD has placed around you?
• Can you open your eyes and seek HIS face today so HE can show you your purpose?

Bright Future

Luke 1: ⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

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“You will never grow in this industry” said my professor as he was prepared to give me a failing grade. “Maybe his words would come true” I thought to myself. “Maybe the words of the teacher who believed in me were just a fantasy and I could never amount to anything” I added.

• There were times when I doubted my future.
• There were times when I did not believe amazing things could happen to me.
• There were times when I believed what the negative people said.

Zacharias met an angel and feared for his life. The angel rested his mind by telling him the future of his one and only son to be. The angel did not speak of the hurt John would face, rather he said John would be “Great in the sight of the LORD.”

• GOD wants me to believe I have a special purpose in life.
• GOD wants me to use my special purpose to turn many people to the LORD their GOD.
• GOD wants me to make ready HIS people for HIS return.

By human measures my future sometimes seems bleak. I have tried and failed at numerous things in my life. BUT GOD sees something different in me. HE fills me with HIS SPIRIT and gives me the ability to tell people that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my LORD and SAVIOR.

• Do you feel awkward and left out?
• Do you think you are not special?
• Can you stop measuring yourself by the world’s standards and allow GOD to use the powerful gifts and talents HE has given you for HIS purpose today?

But GOD

Jeremiah 10: ¹⁰ But the Lord is the true God;
    he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
    the nations cannot endure his wrath.

¹¹ “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’”

¹² But God made the earth by his power;
    he founded the world by his wisdom
    and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
¹³ When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
    he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
    and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

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Opening up a fortune cookie, I eagerly awaited the futuristic message. Disappointed by the vague contents, I shunned their predictive qualities. I turned to the newspaper where I would, on occasion, read my horoscope. Once it said “I would meet someone who traveled far.” I did! The person I met traveled all the way from 138th street. That was pretty far!

• There have been times in my life that I sought messages about my future.
• There have been times I wanted to know what would happen to me.
• There have been times when I sought any little message about what was going to happen next.

I have no idea why I was so curious about the future. I still am to this day. I love reading about what will happen next. The problem is, I was reading predictions made by those who have no idea about what will happen next. Vague empty words leave the masses guessing in their application. Some people make the words apply as if they had mystical qualities. But none of these match GOD.

• BUT the LORD is the true GOD; HE is the living GOD, the eternal King.
• BUT GOD made the earth by HIS power; HE founded the world by HIS wisdom.
• BUT GOD stretched out the heavens by HIS understanding.

No idol, trinket, bead, symbol or empty word can replace GOD. Anything made by human hands has no value when compared to GOD. HE is the only one who can make the earth tremble and the waters roar. No one can withstand HIS wrath, yet everyone is invited to HIS love. GOD’s immense power is peacefully controlled to love even me.

• What are you seeking as a sign?
• Do you put your trust in bank accounts, motivational speakers or some shrine you bow down to?
• Can you place your trust in the one living and true GOD today?

Do NOT Trust Your Instincts

Psalm 146: ¹ Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

² I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
³ Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
⁴ When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
⁵ Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

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Running had never made me excited and this particular day it was no exception. It was “time to run” and I didn’t feel like it but I started on my trek anyway. “Why are you doing this?” popped in my mind as I approached the first mile. “You can’t make it” was the thought at mile five. “Everyone is faster than you and you will not finish” was the thought at mile fifteen. “Just give up” was the inclination when I hurt my ankle at mile twenty two. With 4.2 miles left I had a decision, press on or give up.

• Sometimes I feel like giving up.
• Sometimes it seems like the task in front of me is too great.
• Sometimes my thoughts are full of fear and my answer to fear is fear.

Fortunately I pressed on. I walked three miles with a slight limp and it seemed like even the slowest people who I passed hours earlier had caught up and passed me. My “comparison to other runners” thinking was thrown out the window and my pride was adjusted to simply finishing the race. As I approached the last mile I developed a trot that turned into a gallop. I crossed the finish line before they shut everything down and I was elated.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than trusting in my abilities.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than thinking I have all the answers.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM rather than paying attention to the stuff that pops in my head.

My thoughts can question GOD and sometimes the thoughts of others can be confusing. I mean my fears mixed with another person’s fears create a super fear that GOD allows me to hold onto. HE wants me to grow up and have trust, drawing on the many great and marvelous experiences HE has taken me through in the past. HE wants me to rebuke fear and trepidation while grabbing onto compassion for others as well as myself. GOD does not want me to trust any instinct but HIS and HE provides HIS word, HIS SPIRIT and HIS people to guide me.

• Are you listening to yourself?
• Have you been listening to your own instincts too long?
• Can you ask GOD to break down what you have been holding onto for years?
• Will you allow HIM to guide you by reflecting on what HE has brought you through in the past?

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?

A New Journey

Job 29: ² “How I long for the months gone by,
    for the days when God watched over me,
³ when his lamp shone on my head
    and by his light I walked through darkness!
⁴ Oh, for the days when I was in my prime,
    when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house,
⁵ when the Almighty was still with me
    and my children were around me,
⁶ when my path was drenched with cream
    and the rock poured out for me streams of olive oil.

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Tea was the drink of choice as my mother and I would sit together. She would walk me to the preschool. How I longed to be at home. After preschool I had to go to kindergarten. I met strange children in unfamiliar surroundings. How I longed to be in preschool.

Each new grade brought on its challenges and each time I wished I was back in my comfort zone. That is until I graduated college. I then realized maybe it’s time to look forward.

• When I look back at the good old days I cannot see where I am going.
• When I dream about the good old days I miss out on what’s ahead.
• When I dwell on the good old days I close my ears and eyes to what lies ahead.

Life can be difficult and my mind immediately wants comfort so in a rescue attempt it pops in a recording of the good old days. Soon I found myself playing many recordings of the past and not willing to address what was going on right now. The problems of the day still persisted. Something had to change.

• GOD created me to go forward in life.
• GOD created my journey and know all the pitfalls I will experience.
• GOD created me as an everlasting creature so it is important how I respond to adversity.

As I mature my eyes are opened to new truths about life. When I was a child life was difficult, I just did not know it. As I grew and matured, GOD opened my eyes to the journey of serving HIS people. This would prove to be very difficult because people were just as scared of life’s journey as I was. GOD took me though many trials so I could help others do the same.

The new journey is full of adventures unknown BUT GOD is at the helm and HIS plan is awesome for me!

• Are you looking back at the good old days?
• Do you long for the days of the comfort you used to have?
• Can you stop dwelling on those days and focus on what GOD is training you to do right now?
• Will you accept the challenges of the day as a blessing from GOD not a curse?

Growing Up

2 Kings 2:⁹ When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

¹⁰ “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”

¹¹ As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. ¹² Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

¹³ Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.¹⁴ He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

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Graduation had come and gone. As I stuffed ALL of my belongings in my car, I realized, “I am on my own.” I mean my parents used to tell me what to do, and then the university had my schedule pretty much locked up. But now, I had to figure things out myself.  “How am I going to do this?” I thought.

• GOD knows the unknown for which I’m walking.
• GOD holds my future.
• GOD executes HIS plan and has great thoughts for me.

Elisha asked for special gifts and abilities but was unsure that he received them. I can imagine how he felt when the person who was performing miracles was whisked away in a whirlwind. He probably felt like asking “Now what?” That’s the way my life is. I have started many new chapters and the script is never written for me. BUT GOD’s plan is awesome.

• GOD wants me to succeed.
• GOD wants me to be thoroughly blessed.
• GOD wants me to grow in HIM, trusting HIS ways and believing in HIS future.

The answer to “Now what” is an exciting adventure if I’m willing to accept the road of faith.

• Are you unsure of your future?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Can you start walking and let GOD guide your steps?
• Won’t you add TRUST and FAITH to your daily walk and let go of having to know everything?

It takes faith to get ahead

Genesis 17: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. ² Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”

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Bad news just seemed to find its way to me one year.  It seemed like a blues or country western sad song where everything happened and I felt all alone. I can’t say that I was acting the way GOD wanted me to so I decided to try HIM out. For the first time in years I went to church and the message seemed to be directed at me.

I surveyed my problems after my church experience and do you know what? My problems seemed to double. Wait, I thought going to church would fix my problems. I wondered if I should continue following GOD back then.

• When I face difficult circumstances I want them fixed immediately or I start doubting GOD.
• When I face adversity in my life I want things to change or I start getting mad at GOD.
• When I face hardship I just want relief or I start blaming GOD for my condition.

GOD wants me to have unyielding faith through impossible circumstances.  At ninety-nine GOD said Abraham would be a father and his ministry was just beginning. GOD sees the beginning and end of my life and builds a plan for me that only I can execute.

• GOD says walk before ME faithfully and be blameless because MY SON has taken the blame.
• GOD says I am GOD almighty, with ME nothing is impossible.
• GOD says I will make my covenant between ME and you and HE developed a plan just for me.

When GOD makes a promise no one can stop it. HE has already poured out HIS blessings on me in spite of me.

• Are you in a difficult situation that seems like there is no way out?
• Does the future seem a little murky?
• Can you hear GOD’s message to you that HE loves you dearly?
• Won’t you believe HE can and will fix your situation, HIS way in HIS time?

Get prepared

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

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My robe and cap had arrived. I was actually graduating.  It seemed like such a difficult road but I had made it.  I was now ready to face the world, but with what?

• GOD wants me to use my talents to tell people about HIS SON.
• GOD desires that I focus my fears on HIM rather than fearing something that has to report to HIM.
• GOD craves that I lift HIM up to GOD status and say HE has the right to do as HE pleases.

Worshiping GOD means I have to accept HIS plan the way HE wants it to unfold.  I mean I may not get the thing I want the way I want it, but I will get what I need when I need it. GOD wants me to prepare for an eternal relationship with HIM and I can start right now.

• Are you prepared to be with the LORD?
• Has your faith waned?
• Can you allow GOD to let HIS might plan work in you?
• Won’t you follow HIM and fear HIM today?

Where am I a citizen?

Philippians 3: ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

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When I arrived in town I didn’t know anyone. I went to the grocery store, bought food and settled into my apartment with nothing to do.  “Maybe the people at work would bring me some companionship” I thought, but at the end of the day everyone cleared out like some sort of whistle had blown.

Cliques were difficult to crack and soon I became homesick. I had so many “friends” at home. “Will I be stuck here?” I shuttered.

• No matter how fun I make life, this not my home.
• No matter how much I try to fit in, this is not my home.
• No matter how much money I make or what title I achieve, this is not my home.

I worked extremely hard on jobs to get promoted chasing a dream only to find when I arrived there was another destination. I worked hard to get accepted into groups only to find the group wanted to be in other groups. I worked hard to look like the world wanted me to look only to find GOD didn’t want me to look like the world.

• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to wipe away my tears.
• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to fix all my broken ways.
• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to transform me into an eternal being who never has to experience pain, misery or death.

GOD made me to be with HIM forever. The things of this world that worry me should actually have no effect on me because this is not my home.  I should act like I belong to a greater place one with no worries, no pain, and no sorrows.

• What are you chasing?
• Are you spending all your time trying to chase the world’s standards?
• When will you spend a little time with GOD?
• Can you slow down chasing your Earthly dream and focus a little of your attention to heaven?