Free Will Taken Seriously

Free Will Taken Seriously

Exodus 4: ¹³ But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”

 

¹⁴ So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. ¹⁵ Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. ¹⁶ So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. ¹⁷ And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

 

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Seeing the miracles of the rod becoming a serpent and his hand becoming leprous may have convinced Moses that he was talking to GOD. He even was talking to a bush on fire but it was not consumed. But Moses declined GOD’s calling.

 

My Observations:

• GOD tries to include humans in HIS plan to save people and has strong feelings when HE is rejected.
• GOD was still gentle with Moses and HE provided him with an alternative.
• When Moses left Egypt, he must have told Aaron and Miriam which direction he would go so he could be found.

 

Being called into GOD’s plan is not what we want as humans. Moses just wanted to live a content life. He did not want to be rich or famous or powerful. He was speaking to GOD and turned down HIS offer. BUT GOD wanted Moses.

 

GOD shows us something strange. HE did not force Moses to do what HE wanted. HE also showed us that HE will not step in to make us do anything. HE takes the free will HE gave us seriously. HE gave Moses an alternative to consider. Moses could have said “No” again but this time he didn’t. GOD asked Moses to help HIM rescue HIS people. I believe HE is doing the same for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS anger HE had in the response?
• Have you ever turned down GOD because HE asked you to do something difficult?
• Do you want GOD to do everything and not expect HIM to want you to do something for HIM?

Ark of Salvation for Moses

 

Ark of Salvation for Moses

Exodus 2: And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. ² So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. ⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

 

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Moses begins his autobiography with the words given to him by GOD. He starts of with the tribe he is from. He then talks about his salvation:

 

My Observations:

• Moses was from the Tribe of Levi, which would later become the Levitical Priests.
• Amram is Moses’ father and Jochebed is his mother who made an ark to save Moses from being killed.
• Miriam is Moses’ sister who watched over him to make sure he was safe.

 

GOD made an ark to save Noah and his family. HE wanted to save the world by saving one family. GOD did the same for Moses. An ark was built by his mother to save him from being found. She had no idea what would happen to him, but I am sure she prayed to GOD about this.

 

The midwives were followers of GOD and so was his mother. They would not obey Pharaoh’s order to kill all males because they feared the LORD. Jochebed was no exception. She feared the LORD and wanted to protect her son. Miriam followed GOD as well. GOD placed two women in Moses life who would pray and watch over HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD inspire Moses to write his autobiography, starting with his tribe and his ark ride?
• Has there ever been a time in your life that you knew you were being watched over?
• What is your ark of salvation that sustained you from trouble?

Recognized Relationship

Recognized Relationship

Genesis 21: ²² And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. ²³ Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”

 

²⁴ And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

 

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After GOD’s promise had been delivered, Abimelech and Phichol realized that Abraham had some help. They saw the women become barren because of Sarah’s captivity and healed when she was released. Instead of turning to GOD, they made a deal with Abraham.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech recognized Abraham’s relationship with GOD, but in the context of human power.
• Abimelech thought long-term by making a covenant with Abraham.
• Abimelech probably heard about what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and wanted to make sure that it did not happen to his city.

 

Leaders recognize power and Abimelech was no exception. He saw Abraham’s relationship with GOD and probably wanted to keep his kingdom intact, regardless of the belief. He made Abraham swear to GOD that he would not deal falsely with him or anyone related to him. Abimelech probably was used to dealing with lying political leaders, so he brought his guard with him to show that he was willing to use force if necessary.

 

Abraham agreed easily to not lying to Abimelech. He followed GOD so he had nothing to lose. Abraham was blessed by his relationship with GOD and people could see the protection. GOD watched over Abraham and his family.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include this conversation between Abimelech and Abraham to Moses?
• Have you ever seen someone who had a close relationship with GOD get blessed and protected, even through difficulties?
• Do people see your relationship with GOD and recognize HIS power through your life?

 

Watched and Watched Over

 

Watched and Watched Over

Acts 23: ¹² The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. ¹³ More than forty men were involved in this plot. ¹⁴ They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

 

¹⁶ But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

 

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When the driver cut me off, rage filled my mind. I thought of a great idea. I would speed up, get in front of the reckless driver and slam on brakes to scare him or her straight. Brilliant! As I put my plan in motion, I moved to the passing lane, hit a pot hole and blew out a tire.

 

• There were times when my plots to harm someone, were being watched.
• There were times when my plots to get back at someone were being seen.
• There were times when my plots to take justice in my own hands, failed miserably.

 

A small group of forty or more Jews decided to take matters in their own hands. They thought it would be better to go against the law they strictly followed to rid themselves of their problem. They decided to kill Paul and went to the church leaders to bring them into the conspiracy. BUT GOD placed Paul’s nephew close by.

 

• GOD watches over those whom I plot against.
• GOD watches over me when people plot against me.
• GOD watches over the just and the unjust so HE would prefer that I make a choice to watch over people rather than harm them.

 

“MY grace is sufficient” says the LORD. This statement is mind boggling. I mean, HE has grace for those who harm me and for me wanting to harm them back. HE places the HOLY SPIRIT in me as a guide to drop my “rage” and replace it with “right.”

 

When I am guided by the HOLY SPIRIT, I am led to peaceful places. My rage subsides and peace prevails. I am grateful for GOD’s protection.

 

• Are you harboring bitterness towards someone?
• Do you think you would feel better if that person were harmed?
• Will you release your rage and receive peace that only comes from the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Escorted

Escorted

Acts 17: ¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

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“Put your stuff in boxes” they told me in a cold tone. “Oh, and here is a reward you won for being a great team member. We will be your escort out of the building. You will give me your access badge at the entrance.” I was being escorted out of the building after a job elimination.

• I have been escorted out during tense situations.
• I have been escorted out when I did not need protection.
• I have been escorted out without being able to send a message back to those who encouraged me.

Paul was escorted out of the city because the Jews from another city had arrived and stirred up trouble for him. Paul was speaking about JESUS and many began to believe. The believers had to escort Paul out of the city so he would not be harmed. They took a message of good will back to Silas and Timothy.

• GOD wants me to protect those who are being harmed.
• GOD wants me to bring messages of encouragement to others.
• GOD wants me to calm the crowd by speaking peace about JESUS.

Being an escort can mean something bad or good. GOD wants me to be a protector and an encourager. When I walk by someone’s side, HE wants me to watch over that person and be ready to keep them from harms way. I am glad GOD sends HIS protection for me.

• Are you being harassed?
• Are people trying to harm you because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to provide a reliable escort out of the harmful situation today?

Taken Care Of

Taken Care Of

John 21: ⁷ Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. ⁸ But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. ⁹ Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”

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Waiting in line at the toll nearest work, my mind raced with the projects I was working on. I finally stopped thinking long enough to notice the car in front of me was taking longer than normal. “What is taking them so long?” I said out loud impatiently to myself. When I got to the toll window, the person said “You can go through. The person ahead of you paid your toll.”

• There were times when I received more than I gave.
• There were times when I received an unexpected windfall.
• There were times when I received something wonderful that I did not deserve.

JESUS filled the nets of the disciples after they abandoned the idea of following HIM. I mean, HE was dead. Would you blame them? One disciple recognized JESUS on the shore and told Peter, who immediately jumped in the water to get to JESUS. He abandoned the great catch, seeking what he had been looking for. JESUS had even more fish and bread for them.

• GOD wants to bless me wildly.
• GOD wants to give me abundant life.
• GOD wants to see me elated within HIS mighty will.

In the middle of discouragement, JESUS appears, ready to pick me up to serve HIM. HE guides me to a plan that I usually do not understand. Something as simple as smiling when everyone is frowning may seem powerless, BUT GOD uses it to disarm those who are battling with HIM.

JESUS knows exactly what I want and need, HE wants me to be excited enough to jump in and follow HIM. HE has given me plenty and has even more to give to me. HE has taken care of me and all my situations.

• Are you in a period where your faith is waning?
• Do you see only trouble around you?
• Will you open your eyes and see the mighty hand of GOD, protecting you, guiding you and giving to you today?

Something Inside

Luke 8: ⁴ And when a great multitude had gathered, and they had come to Him from every city, He spoke by a parable: ⁵ “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. ⁶ Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. ⁷ And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it.⁸ But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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As we ate lunch the former officer over the department confided in me. He let me know in so many words that he watched over me. He didn’t directly say it, rather he thanked me for things I had no idea he knew.

• There were times when I was taken care of and did not know it.
• There were times when I was being watched over and had no idea why.
• There were times when I was protected and didn’t even realize I was in danger.

JESUS tells a parable of “The Sower.” What I noticed was the sower went out to sow some HIS seed. What made the sower go out?

• JESUS wants the best for me.
• JESUS seeks me daily and wants me to hear HIM.
• JESUS is motivated by love to seek me and feels a great loss when I do not listen.

What makes a person care for another person? JESUS! HE opens my wounded heart and fills it with HIS love, care and compassion. I would be exhausted if it were not for JESUS. HE is my “something inside.”

• Do you want motivation?
• Are you running on empty?
• Can you understand GOD’s compassion for you and allow HIM to change your life today?

Keep Looking Out

Mark 13: ³² “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. ³⁴ It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. ³⁵ Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— ³⁶ lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. ³⁷ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

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“Watch the food” said someone from another room. “Um Hmm” was my response but the message was clearly not received. I soon smelled something burning. I ran over to the stove only to see charred food. “Ohhh, I was supposed to watch the food” I realized in dismay.

• Being distracted can make me unaware.
• Being unaware can cause me to daydream.
• Daydreaming may cause me to miss something.

JESUS gives HIS final warning summarized in one word, “watch.” HE is referring to the ultimate demise of the earth, but it goes on a deeper level. JESUS also knows that life is fleeting and there is a specific day and time appointed for every human to die.

• GOD says to me “Watch for me daily.”
• GOD says to me “Stay on guard and do not get weary.”
• GOD says to me “Keep trusting because I AM with you always.”

Losing faith and giving up can cause me to fall asleep to GOD’s amazing works. When I fall asleep I cannot hear HIM or see HIM. I cannot be amazed rather I fall into feeling devastated. GOD says “Watch!” When I do watch, I notice GOD all around me. I can see HIS deliverance and protection and love. When I watch, I can see.

• Have your senses gotten dull?
• Have you lost your way and are blaming GOD for where you are?
• Can you take time today to quiet down and watch for GOD?

All Planned Out

Mark 11: Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; ² and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. ³ And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”

⁴ So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. ⁵ But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”

⁶ And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.

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“Surprise” was the word that filled the room as I stepped in. My family must have been planning for months. I did not see any cars in front of my house that I recognized. The plan must have been elaborate.

• There were times when other people have planned some great surprises for me.
• There were times when other people put wonderful plans in place for me.
• There were times when I was pleasantly surprised by what someone else had done for me.

Elaborate is an understatement when describing the plan JESUS was fulfilling. This plan had so many details that could have gone wrong, but didn’t. JESUS sent the disciples to an unknown place to get something that did not belong to them from people they had never met. But the plan worked!

• JESUS has a marvelous plan for me.
• JESUS has a plan that is ultra-elaborate for me.
• JESUS has a plan of love that HE is so excited about and HE made it just for me.

GOD did not come into the world to condemn the world, but through HIM it might be saved. HIS plan is definitely a plan of love and HE has it all planned out just for me.

• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Do you feel left alone?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to the marvelous plan HE has for you?

Quiet Healer

Mark 1: ²⁹ As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. ³⁰ Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. ³¹ So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

³² That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. ³³ The whole town gathered at the door, ³⁴ and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

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“I’m going to really go fast this time” I thought to myself. As I stepped on the pedal, my pant leg got caught in between the sprocket and the chain of my bike. All I could do was cry. One of my neighbors came out, freed my pants from the relentless grip and rolled the pant leg up so I could ride continuously. I thanked him but he did not say much at all. I never saw him brag about it.

• Sometimes I need help.
• Sometimes I feel like crying out.
• Sometimes I need a healer or a comforter, or someone who can solve my problem.

JESUS was that quiet healer. HE healed thousands of people in this passage but what is intriguing to me is HE told the demons to be quiet because they knew who HE truly was. The timing probably wasn’t right to let people know HE was and is GOD so HE thanklessly served the people.

• JESUS protects me without thanks from me.
• JESUS heals me even when I am complaining.
• JESUS guides me to a better place even when I have freshly sinned.

Not once is it mentioned that JESUS scolded anyone for getting sick or demon possessed. HE simply showed compassion on the people without bragging about who HE was and is. JESUS is my quiet healer.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like crying out?
• Can you recognize all the times JESUS quietly brought you out of trouble without your thanks?
• Will you thank JESUS today?

Watched Over

Matthew 15: ³² Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

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“GOD do you care?” was my exclamation. I mean I was facing some huge issues and it seemed like GOD was silent and invisible. I mean, cant HE simply zap the problem away and make my life smooth? Oh, and by the way, throw in a few riches and some comfort and turn HIS back while I sin.

• I have sought GOD with sinful intent.
• I have acted like a spoiled brat wanting my way with GOD.
• I have tried to manipulate GOD into giving me “my” way versus following HIS way.

After getting their friends and relatives healed, the crowd could have left but didn’t They stayed and listened to JESUS teach and to watch HIS every move. They were filled with so much hope that they ran out of all they had brought to eat. It did not matter to them. They were being healed physically and spiritually.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM especially when it is risky.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS loving intent for me.

Once I stopped throwing my sinful tantrum, I could already see HIS compassion on me. HE was providing, protecting and leading me to better places. Although I wanted HIS timing to happen quicker and I wanted the answer to be what I thought of, GOD showed me HIS grace and blessed me more than I could ever dream.

Sometimes “my” answers to problems are way too small for GOD. I must learn to trust HIS answer in HIS time.

• Do you feel like GOD has left you?
• Are you feeling isolated?
• Can you seek GOD without putting your sinful timing on the solution?
• Will you allow HIM to open your eyes to HIS marvelous ways so a miracle can happen in your life?

You Can Only Move Forward

Ezekiel 46: ⁹ “‘When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.

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After the accident I said “I wish I had anticipated the patch of ice.”  After getting stitches I said “I wish I hadn’t tried to smash that brick on the ground.” After failing the test I said “I wish I had studied more.”

• There have been times I have regretted.
• There have been things I have done I wish I could have taken back.
• There have been paths I have gone down I wish I never went.

Regret has the same beginning as rewind or replay. The tape keeps playing over and over in my mind and I just sit there and brood over the mistake. Is there a way to fix my past? Yes!

• GOD says to me “I AM the alpha and omega, beginning and the end.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL wipe away all of your tears.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL take your sins and remove them as far as the east is from the west.”

Forgetting is something that is virtually impossible to do. BUT GOD gave me a remedy. HE says “Let ME take care of the past and I will guide you in the present to provide for you a wonderful future.” HE wants me to stop looking back and start looking forward to what HE is doing and is going to do. GOD has a plan for me and has taken into account all the mistakes I will ever make.  HE wants me to move forward!

• Are you stuck in the past?
• Are you constantly making the same mistakes over and over?
• Can you stop looking back and move forward with GOD?
• Will you start trusting GOD’s plan HE has for you rather than being crushed by “that” mistake? 

Standing on My Own

Ezekiel 18: ²⁰ The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

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³⁰ “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ³¹ Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? ³² For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

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Watching the consequence of sin play out, I said to myself “I will never do that!” I heard of neighbors who had been shot or jailed because of theft. I watched executives who were fired because of porn or sex in the office. Then one day I realized, someone may be watching me and saying the same.

• At one time I used to point out sin in others.
• At one time I used to see the wrong people did.
• At one time I used to say “Look at that person and the awful thing they did.”

Talking about other people is an easy way to get the spotlight off of me. I mean it’s easier to tell people what’s wrong with “that” person than to admit my own sin. BUT GOD knows better.

• GOD says to me “All have sinned and fall short of MY glory.”
• GOD says to me “Confess your sins and believe in your heart that JESUS died for your sins and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “Get a new heart and a new SPIRIT simply by turning to ME.”

I can no longer blame someone else for the sins they commit. I can’t even blame them if their sin affected me. All I can do is confess my sins to the LIVING GOD and praise HIM for my forgiveness. My sin is my sin and I need to stand on my own and ask GOD for HIS favor.

• Are you blaming someone for the situation you are in?
• Do you think it it their sin that caused you to be where you are?
• Can you let go of their sin and look at you own heart?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Protection Wherever You Go

Jeremiah 45: ² “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, Baruch: ³ You said, ‘Woe to me! The Lord has added sorrow to my pain; I am worn out with groaning and find no rest.’ ⁴ But the Lord has told me to say to you, ‘This is what the Lord says: I will overthrow what I have built and uproot what I have planted, throughout the earth. ⁵ Should you then seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’”

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Graffiti laced buildings seemed to spring up the deeper I traveled towards my destination. I stared out the window at broken glass, boarded buildings and beat up bums. This was my first day of school and I had to ride public transportation. I wondered if I would make it to school alive!

• There are times when fear gets the best of me.
• There have been times where I have had to face my fears.
• There have been situations that I would never have chosen to be in.

Looking back over many situations in my life, I say to myself, “Wow, I would never do that again!” But should I really say that? I mean the situation was not ideal; in fact many situations were quite difficult. BUT GOD brought me through each one!

• GOD has protected me all of my life.
• GOD has watched over me through very scary and difficult situations.
• GOD has allowed me to escape with my life during some very tenuous times.

Praise is all I can offer GOD for my life. Whether it was a car spinning sideways on an expressway or thugs robbing me, GOD was there protecting me through every step. HE has allowed me to travel to unknown places and return unharmed. HE is where I place my trust.

• Do you need protection?
• Are you going into the unknown?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS protection?

Bold and Daring Protection

Isaiah 27: ² In that day—

“Sing about a fruitful vineyard:
³     I, the Lord, watch over it;
    I water it continually.
I guard it day and night
    so that no one may harm it.
⁴     I am not angry.
If only there were briers and thorns confronting me!
    I would march against them in battle;
    I would set them all on fire.
⁵ Or else let them come to me for refuge;
    let them make peace with me,
    yes, let them make peace with me.”

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Frustrated because of our tardiness, I sat trying to get into a better mood. The camper was broken “again” and we sat on the edge of the road. “This is a mission’s trip, for GOD’s sake! We can’t be late!” The driver said something strange “I don’t like these drivers, they could hit you.”

I wondered why he was not considering how we could get the camper fixed. After about forty five minutes the restless group left the camper after a round of murmured complaints. Suddenly a car seemed out of control headed towards us and, at the last second, gained control and barely missed us.

• Sometimes I complain.
• Sometimes I murmur.
• Sometimes I get frustrated that I am not getting my way at the time I want it.

GOD saved us in spite of our complaints and we had to pray for forgiveness and protection. I mean my mind was not on GOD but on blaming the driver for not being prepared and blaming the pastor for putting me in the slowest most broken down vehicle. My mindset was not on fruit and GOD showed me HE expects different.

• GOD said to me “I want your entire mind and soul.”
• GOD said to me “I want to be first in your life, no matter what the circumstance.”
• GOD said to me “I will watch over you as you attempt to bear fruit.”

We made it safely to our destination and the trip was very fruitful. GOD protected us during more car mishaps. We even got lost for four hours, but that is another story! GOD’s methodology was extremely strange, but effective. HE was able to tear through my rotten core to see that I was the one who needed to change. GOD protected me.

• Are you complaining?
• Do you have a problem with someone?
• Can you stop and look to GOD to be your refuge?
• Will you stop fighting and start believing?

Serious Security System

Psalm: 121: ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

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Returning home from a two day trip I came in through the garage like I normally do. A jolt of fear shot through my body as I noticed that I had forgotten to lock the front door! Thoughts ran through my mind. “Wow what if someone tried the door? They could have come right in and helped themselves!”

• Sometimes I think that locks prevent theft.
• Sometimes I think security systems deter thieves.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect my stuff.

Thieves have stolen from me, vandalized my stuff and gotten away with my earthly treasure in the past. Well, at least they think they have gotten away with it. I’m not saying to go around with your doors unlocked but I am saying I had to let go of the stuff in order to not fear it’s loss.

• GOD wants me to let go of my earthly possessions in order to see HIM and depend on HIM fully.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to prune away “stuff” so HE can show HIS marvelous work.
• GOD wants me to know HE watches over me when I sleep, when I’m awake, when I travel and when I stay.

It’s amazing how much I worry about the “stuff” in my life. BUT GOD understands and HE knows my needs. HE provides HIS grace, mercy and peace at the right time!

• Are you worried about losing your stuff?
• Do you fear thieves will take your belongings?
• Can you let go of your stuff enough to let GOD handle protecting it?
• Will you build up your trust in GOD enough to let HIM handle the precious things, and people, in your life?

Someone Cares About Me

Psalm 55: ²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

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Staring at the phone did not make it ring. I even checked it to make sure that it worked, thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was not used to the silence after my noisy lifestyle of being the “party maker.” Staring at the phone again later in life still did not make it ring. This time I waited on a higher paying job after my noisy lifestyle of being the “hotshot programmer.” I checked the phone thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was used to headhunters calling me and they had stopped.

Staring at email did not make the responses come through, “maybe they didn’t get my email. Does anyone care?” I wonder if there is a pattern!

• When I want something and I am not getting it, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I desire something and I am not getting my way, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I crave something and I am not quenching want, I wonder if anyone cares.

“Does anyone care?” has run across my mind a few times in my life, usually when I faced an extended wait period. My party crowd had found their parties and the business crowd their candidate. “What about me?” blinded me to the care that was given to me.

• GOD says to me “I care for you deeper than you can ever imagine.”
• GOD says to me “I love you deeply and I will never leave you.”
• GOD says to me “I can handle whatever you are concerned about and I will sustain you.”

GOD knows every concern I may have, yet it is very liberating to search myself and tell HIM what is bothering me. When I tell GOD about my concern, HE gives me peace. HE sustains me through storms and does not let me become shaken.

• Are you going through a storm?
• Do you feel that no one cares?
• Can you place your cares at GOD’s feet?
• Will you understand that GOD cares about you deeply?

Protected Forever

Psalm 11: ⁷ You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
    and will protect us forever from the wicked,
⁸ who freely strut about
    when what is vile is honored by the human race.

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In a state of shock I stared, waiting for the horrible ride to be over. This was my first time I had been robbed and unfortunately it wouldn’t be the last. As the bus came to a halt my friend and I stepped off the bus in a daze. I was already broke and what little I had was taken from me.

• Sometimes I ask “Where is GOD?”
• Sometimes I ask “Why didn’t YOU protect me?”
• Sometimes I ask “What did I do to deserve this LORD?”

It’s easy to think GOD is not with me when something goes wrong in my life. I mean as soon as I believed in JESUS as my savior life is supposed to be easy, right? Wrong! In fact there are times where life seems to be harder when siding with GOD. The thieves had their moment and they were rich that day while I was poor. BUT GOD wanted me to notice something different.

• GOD wants me to know HE protected me through dangerous situations and still does.
• GOD wants me to know HE sees everything that has happened to me and has protected me the entire time.
• GOD wants me to know HE has me in HIS hands and no human can pull me out.

The arrogant go about making a name for themselves, sometimes without morals or scruples. BUT GOD wants me to humble myself and side with HIM. HE knows HE is protecting a sinner, but this sinner has accepted the way GOD protects me.

• Are you nervous?
• Do you feel on your own?
• Can you seek GOD’s protection which is infallible?
• Will you seek shelter in GOD’s loving arms today?

Slow Down to Decide

Psalm 11:4 But the LORD is in HIS Holy temple

                        the LORD still rules from heaven

            HE watches everything closely

                        examining everyone on earth

            5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked

                        HE hates everyone who loves violence

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By now I was able to drive myself to work, but I still needed permission to go places. I have no idea how a friend of mine always had a party to go to but nonetheless, I wanted in. This was my opportunity. A person who I was supposed to fill in for at work no longer needed me to fill in. It was Friday night and the shift was from 6PM until 2AM. Let’s see, stay at home with the parents or go to the party with friends and not be seen as a square anymore! What should I have done?

• When I am impatient I make decisions too quickly that may be detrimental.
• When I decide in haste I usually regret the quick decision.
• When I rush into a decision I usually do not think of the consequences.

Sin is part of my humanity. I was born with it and when I make decisions too quickly I can sometimes be fooled by its deadly grip. I then look up and I am in something I can’t get myself out of. How can I avoid this?

• When I make a decision I should ask GOD for HIS direction.
• When I make a decision I should allow GOD to say “No” or “Yes.”
• When I make a decision I should understand that GOD is watching everything closely.

I know GOD understands when I sin. I was born with a deficit to my character and HE knows it. BUT GOD is pleased when I come to HIM first with my plans. HE loves it when I ask HIM first and when I yield to HIS decision. My relationship with GOD should have healthy fear of HIM but also healthy “love” of HIM which seeks HIS advice from time to time.

• Are you worried and making snap decisions?
• Can you slow down to listen to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you add GOD to your decision and know that HE is pleased with you regardless of the outcome?

Use Protection

Job 5: ²⁴ You will know that your tent is secure;
    you will take stock of your property and find nothing missing.

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“Another sunny day” I thought to myself. I smiled and went to the garage and to my dismay I realized that I had left the garage door open all night. I looked around to see if anything was missing and again to my dismay noticed some of my tools had been stolen. This was the first week of moving into this new home. Why did this happen?

• There are times where I think I am responsible for the protection of my home.
• There are times where I fall short of protecting “my stuff.”
• There are times where thieves will get “my stuff” and I feel victimized.

I was definitely mad, but my anger subsided when I realized that the door leading to the house was wide open as well. No one in my household was hurt and all of the “stuff” was safe. I then realized that the toolbox that they took only contained a few older tools. My eyes were opened to checking the house each night. But wouldn’t you know I still have left the doors open several times afterward.

• GOD has protected me on so many occasions I cannot count them.
• GOD has watched over “my stuff” and allowed me to remain safe.
• GOD has prevented calamity on so many levels in my life that I can do nothing but praise HIM.

When I look back and see the times I could have been in an accident or the times where I could have been hurt I can do nothing but praise GOD. HE has protected me from being foolish and HE has watched over me when people tried to harm me. I praise GOD for where HE has me.

• Are you afraid?
• Are you trying to hold onto your stuff?
• Can you let go of your stuff and let GOD watch it?
• Will you take a moment and drop your worries and praise GOD for a change?