Protecting the People

Protecting the People

Exodus 19: ²¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. ²² Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”

 

²³ But Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’ ”

 

²⁴ Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” ²⁵ So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.

 

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GOD led Moses and the children of Israel, a few months into the journey towards the promised land, to Mount Sinai. HE covered the mountain in a cloud and set it on fire. After calling Moses to the top of the mountain, HE told Moses to go back down the mountain and warn the people not to try to peek at HIM, otherwise they would die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to only want to speak to Moses to give the people instructions.
• GOD knew the people would try to see HIM, so HE added a sense of urgency to HIS warning.
• GOD called some of the people priests before HE gave the instructions of priesthood.

 

Protection comes to mind when reading this passage. GOD wanted to protect the people from their own curiosity. HE was about to establish the Levitical Priests who would be responsible for carrying the Law. HE did not want them to die before HE gave instructions of how to reverently handle HIS presence.

 

GOD would only speak to Moses and Aaron at this point. Moses had to climb a mountain at age eighty, then climb down a few times. This direct contact with GOD seemed to need the barrier of height so no one would accidentally stumble into HIS presence. GOD burned the mountain. There were no animals, insects or people left. GOD protected the people from inadvertently seeing HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to the people to not try to look at HIM?
• Are you struggling with how you perceive who GOD is by forcing HIM to act a certain way before you do what HE told you to do through other servants, similar to Moses’s people?
• Have you pondered what level of reverence you treat GOD or other people?

Protective Leadership

Protective Leadership

Exodus 14: ¹⁹ And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. ²⁰ So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

 

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Stuck at the Red Sea with no way out, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The Angel of the LORD moved from leading them to protecting them from the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was leading the children of Israel and moved behind them to protect them.
• The cloud that contained the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, also moved behind them.
• The Egyptians remembered the eerie darkness they experienced during the plagues and refused to sneak through to the children of Israel’s camp.

 

GOD could have easily wiped out the Egyptians in Egypt before they left. BUT HE had another plan. HE was addressing a mindset withing the Egyptians and the children of Israel. The mindset that appalled GOD was that of a human being considered to be a god. HE led the children of Israel to a place where HIS power could be shown.

 

HE had to protect the children of Israel as HE prepared to rescue them in a very memorable way that would be spoken about for centuries. GOD allows you and me to have free will. Unfortunately, free will can be taken too far. GOD had to address the mindset that humans can abuse other humans for their own gain. GOD protected the children of Israel as part of HIS leadership.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS protection?
• Has GOD stood between you and danger before?
• How can you mimic the LORD’s leadership by protecting those HE has given you?

Entrance to Protection

Entrance to Protection

Genesis 7: ¹³ On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark— ¹⁴ they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. ¹⁵ And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. ¹⁶ So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.

 

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It was time for Noah to realize the promise GOD made to him. He, his family and every living thing that would be saved, entered the ark as GOD commanded. Again, I believe it was JESUS who walked with Noah and it was HIM who shut the entrance to the ark. Noah probably designed a lock to keep the entrance closed. No one from the outside could open it.

 

My Observations:

• GOD told Noah to build the ark to protect him and preserve life on earth.
• GOD watched over Noah and his family during the building of the ark and after they entered it.
• GOD made sure the entrance was water tight when HE shut the door.

 

People saw animals gathering and walking into the ark, yet they still would not believe that anything was going to happen. For decades, Noah tried to convince people about something that had never happened before, namely rain. “How bad could it be?” they may have said. So when Noah and the animals entered the ark, the people may have thought that he had done what Cain sought out to do by building the Garden of Eden.

 

But the ark lacked function to grow things well. It only had one window and would be full of animals and insects. Very smart people, who built cities, were not impressed. There was no doorknob to come and go. “What a foolish design for a garden” they may have scoffed. They were looking for heaven on earth. Meanwhile, GOD shut Noah in to protect him.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about shutting Noah in the ark?
• Have you ever thought that GOD has left you?
• Do you believe that GOD will never leave you nor forsake you because HIS plan for you is special?

 

Protected All Along

Protected All Along

Revelation 21: ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 

 

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When the tornado sirens went off, I was still outside trying to finish a home improvement project. I had worked all week on this project, and I was at the last part when the darkness came rolling in. This memorable sight of the dark olive green clouds was followed by strong wind sounds, like a fast train passing by.

 

• A tornado touched down two blocks from our house.
• I was no match for the storm, nor was the house.
• Our house was not touched by the devastating winds.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued describing what he was shown from a high mountain. He saw a wall around a marvelous, new, clean city. The wall had, what was probably, monumental gates on all sides. Imperfect human names were written on the gates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have put the gates on the new city to show how HE was protecting us in this life.
• GOD is very methodical in providing you and me with assurance.
• One angel chained up Satan and GOD put twelve in charge of gates to protect you and me.

 

GOD’s protection is there when we cannot see it. I mean, HE protects us from dangers we cannot see each and every day! We take life for granted and pout when we are not getting our way. BUT GOD is fighting battles we are not aware of.

 

HE sees what we are going through and wants to not only provide, but protect. HIS wall of protection is impenetrable. The gates only let in those who belong and keeps out any harm. I am glad GOD protects you and me, even from ourselves!

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so descriptive of the gates and their placement directions?
• Have you ever thought about how many times GOD has brought you through trials of life?
• Will you take a moment to remember the difficult times GOD has brought you through instead of looking at your current circumstance today?

Protected

Protected

Ephesians 6: ¹⁶ At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷ And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 

 

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“Why is this happening?” has been the question I raised up to GOD many times. During several points in my life, it seemed like wave after wave after wave of calamity was happening. Peace could not be found.

 

• I was down.
• I felt like things were hopeless.
• I did not see any relief any time soon.

 

“Carry faith” was Paul’s analogy in the armor of GOD. He warns that the Evil One will try to attack everyone and a way to thwart the attack is through faith. He also gives us protection of the mind by belief in JESUS for salvation. He lastly provides the only weapon used in the armor of GOD, namely GOD’s word.

 

My Observations

• Despair, doubt and disappointments can be fought against with faith in the LORD.
• Fear, insecurity and uncertainty can be erased from my mind with salvation in JESUS.
• Lies, twisted words and manipulation can be destroyed with the Word of GOD.

 

Protection against the Evil One is highly important to GOD. HE knows we are simply sheep amongst wolves, so HE gives us a way to protect ourselves against a foe that seems relentless. Our fight is not against humans, rather against “wicked spiritual forces” according to the scripture.

 

Salvation keeps our minds clear and focused on the LORD. The world will keep coming up with things that can pollute our mind to turn away from GOD. Since our sin nature wants what it wants, GOD provided HIS word to guide our desires back in alignment with HIM. I am glad GOD gave me the whole armor to protect me daily.

 

Challenge

• When does the writer feel you should use faith as protection?
• Have you ever felt helpless, worried or overwhelmed?
• Will you seek GOD’s protection through faith in HIS power, belief in HIS SON and understanding of HIS word today?

Self-Protection

Self-Protection

2 Corinthians 8: Our friends, we want you to know what God's grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia. ² They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor. ³ I can assure you that they gave as much as they could, and even more than they could. Of their own free will ⁴ they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea.

 

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Getting off the train, I proceeded on the shortest route to work. I was met with a number of people asking for money. I reached in my pocket and gave what I could, but I needed to eat lunch so I held some back. This went on for a few days. I figured out a solution. I would take a longer route to avoid the usual people asking for money.

 

• I was concerned about “my” money.
• I was concerned about “my” body being fed.
• I was concerned about “my” time, resources and safety.

 

Paul is amazed at the generosity of a group of people in a certain area. Though they were poor, they were generous. Their generosity could not be stopped by their troubles. In fact, they gave more during their troubles, showing their joy.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see beyond my troubles and be joyous.
• GOD wants me to participate in helping HIS people.
• GOD wants me to see that helping those who speak about CHRIST is a privilege.

 

Looking at situations from a financial perspective seems hopeless at times. I mean, it sometimes feels like the amounts I have or are getting are never quite enough. This makes me want to protect a little by stashing some away for “myself.”  Or “my” family. BUT GOD sees something different.

 

HE sees when I use self-protection as an excuse to not serve those who HE desperately wants me to serve. HE understands when I am blinded, but would prefer that I seek the privilege of serving to being people to CHRIST. I am grateful for those who have been generous to me to help me serve GOD’s people.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer feel about the givers in this passage?
• What do you notice about those who gave during their troubles?
• Have you ever just wanted a moment of peace so you protected yourself from giving your time, talent or treasures?
• Will you seek the privilege of serving GOD’s people in spite of your circumstances today?

Included and Protected

 

Included and Protected

Romans 8: ³¹ In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things? ³³ Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! ³⁴ Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! ³⁵ Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? ³⁶ As the scripture says,

 

“For your sake we are in danger of death at all times;
    we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered.”

 

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“You wouldn’t be welcome there” were the disappointing words of exclusion said to me from my boss. I was warned he struggled with racism, but I hoped he could see something different in me if I treated him with love. After a while, I found myself looking for a job. I was inclined to ask “LORD, why do those who do bad things, seem to ‘win’ all the time?”

 

• There have been some people who told me I would not amount to anything.
• There have been some people who excluded me from their groups.
• There have been some people who tried to slander me, steal from me and lie about me, just to keep me out.

 

Paul says something fantastic. “If GOD is for us, who can be against up?” He explains that GOD allowed HIS own SON to die and be raised for us. Who can then be an accuser if GOD declares us “not guilty?” He then explains that nothing in this world can separate us form GOD’s love.

 

• GOD says to me, “People will try to exclude you from my love but they cannot.”
• GOD says to me, “People will try to accuse you to ME and I said you are not guilty.”
• GOD says to me, “People will try to harm you so you will blame ME, but I AM with you always.”

 

Even liars who mention JESUS in the wrong way cannot separate me from HIS actual love. I mean, there will be groups of people who make JESUS look false and try to insert their philosophy, blinding many. BUT GOD says, “MY sheep hear MY voice.”

 

No lie, plot, or exclusion tactic can separate those who believe in JESUS from salvation. GOD loved freely and will give freely to anyone who believes in JESUS. I am glad HE does not exclude me because of my sins.

 

• Are you being excluded?
• Has someone, who speaks about JESUS, hurt you and caused you to seek other “truths?”
• Will you turn to the path of GOD’s infinite love for you and allow HIM to come into your heart today by believing in JESUS, who will never leave you nor forsake you?

Taken to Safety

 

Taken to Safety

Acts 23: ²³ Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. ²⁴ Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

 

²⁵ He wrote a letter as follows:

²⁶ Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

Greetings.

 

²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin. ²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. ³⁰ When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

 

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“Get in. We’ll take you home” were the relieving words I heard from a friend’s parent. The impending threat of another school coming over to beat us up, alarmed the principal enough to let us out a few minutes early. Since the threat was seemingly real, a ride was truly welcome.

 

• There were times when I faced threats from people I did not know.
• There were times when I worried about my safety.
• There were times when I felt relieved when I was taken to safety.

 

The commander found out about the plot against Paul’s life. He learned that forty men vowed not to eat until Paul was dead. He summoned 470 soldiers to surround and protect Paul as they escorted him out of town. He then wrote a letter to the governor, ensuring Paul would not be turned away.

 

• GOD wants me to know HE provides protection.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS deliverance.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is aware of every circumstance and is in control.

 

Life can be scary on this cursed earth. I mean, even though I believe in JESUS, there are many who do not and will not. My fight is not against them, but the ruler of this world rages war against anyone who puts their trust in JESUS.

 

Many troubles are hurled at me, trying to get me to question GOD’s power and love for me. BUT GOD prevails. JESUS already won the war when HE died and was raised from the dead triumphantly. My time on this cursed world is temporary. I am grateful, one day I will be taken to eternal safety, but until then, I remain as a servant of JESUS.

 

• Are you facing huge problems?
• Is your safety in danger?
• Will you continue to stand firm in your belief in JESUS, knowing HE is willing to send protection to you today?

 

Dear LORD, please protect the reader. Surround the reader with YOUR angels today. amen

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?

Protected

Protected

Acts 9: ²³ Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. ²⁴ But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

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After the thief snatched my bank book, somehow I snatched it back and ran. “He’s running into a door” one of them shouted. When I got inside of the train-line office, I did not summon for help, I stayed by the door for a long while, until an adult walked though. “Is anyone out there?” I asked. “No” replied the adult. I felt safe to continue my route home.

• Many times I have been in danger.
• Many times I have been scared for my life.
• Many times I have been in situations where I needed help.

Saul was now labeled as a troublemaker because he preached about JESUS. The church leaders and some of their misguided followers were not going to lose their power to someone preaching about JESUS. They plotted against Saul. BUT GOD protected him.

• GOD wants me to know HE will protect me.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to look out for those who try to harm me.
• GOD wants me to understand that there are people who do not love HIM who may try to persecute me.

The world is cursed by GOD. HE threw the first humans out of the garden and placed an irrevocable curse on the world that enabled Satan to run loose, trying to harm those who believe in JESUS. BUT GOD did something amazing.

HE put my name and those who believe in HIM, in HIS hand before the world was ever made. HE sealed my eternal life with HIS death and rose from the grave to ensure I will be with HIM always. GOD protects me and I trust HIM even when harm falls on me.

• Is someone harming you?
• Do you need protection?
• Will you allow GOD to protect you through the situation and trust HE has a plan, even for the difficulty you are facing?

Concerned about the Circumstance

Concerned about the Circumstance

Acts 7: ⁵⁴ When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. ⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ⁵⁶ and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; ⁵⁸ and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

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With only one block to go, I felt relief as I neared my neighborhood. I had taken an exploratory route and wound up in a neighborhood known for its thugs. Driving through the intersection, someone hit my car. When I got out, the person, knowing they were I the wrong, wanted to fight. Neighbors who knew me came out to see if everything was alright.

• There have been times when people helped me when I was in need.
• There have been times when people protected me when I was threatened.
• There have been times when people showed their concern over my safety.

Stephen was not scared of his safety when he accused the church leaders, who murdered JESUS, of rejecting the HOLY SPIRIT. When he looked up, he saw JESUS standing next to GOD rather than sitting.

JESUS was concerned about the situation and showed Stephen HIS glory. HE did not stop the evil actions of HIS murderers towards Stephen. More blood was added to their hands.

• GOD wants me to understand there is a spiritual battle.
• GOD wants me to know HE has already won the battle.
• GOD wants me to trust that HE is concerned with every situation I may face, even when it seems like evil is winning.

JESUS won. This is a past tense statement. HE has overcome the world. But we are still in the world waiting for the victory to be revealed someday. Our life on earth is short compared to eternity.

GOD knows there will be some who hate me just because I love HIM. HE also knows there will be some who purposefully try to harm me because of HIM. HE fills me with HIS SPIRIT because HE is concerned about me. I am grateful to serve the living GOD who cares about me.

• Are you facing a difficult situation that someone else caused?
• Is your faith being tested because of your trust in JESUS?
• Will you stand firm and pray for your enemies that they may also be saved even though they are persecuting you?

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?

Successful Roles

John 6: ¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

¹⁵ Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

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Desperate for a promotion, I asked leadership if I could take on the new role that was posted. I had no experience or even exposure to the new position, but I figured I could quickly learn and perhaps perform well. “Let’s put you in a role you can be successful in” they said.

• There were times when I misjudged the importance of roles.
• There were times when I could only see certain roles from my limited way I thought about them.
• There were times when I thought less of certain roles than I should have.

Seeing the miracle JESUS had just performed, the crowd got excited. They desired a leader who could defy all human knowledge and perform miracles “for” them on command. JESUS saw their hearts and slipped away, alone.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as GOD.
• GOD wants me to bow to HIM as the Most High.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS role as GOD who gave up HIS life to save me.

Becoming a limited political placeholder was not what JESUS had in mind when HE became a human. HE wanted to redeem all humans who would believe they needed saving. This was a difficult role as it required HIM to give up HIS own life and accept blame for all of my sins.

HE willingly did this and never once sinned against the rules HE gave to humans in the first place. JESUS did not want to become a political leader like small minded humans desired. JESUS wanted to be my Savior. I am grateful GOD had bigger plans for the world.

• What are you trying to make GOD into?
• Do you try to make HIM so small that HE is powerless?
• Will you allow GOD to be GOD in your life instead of a being you blame your problems on today?

Strange Confidence

Luke 21: ¹⁰ Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

¹² ‘But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name.¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me. ¹⁴ But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. ¹⁵ For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish.¹⁹ Stand firm, and you will win life.

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“Let’s just have a discussion” the newscaster said to me in an effort to calm me down. She may have sensed that I was nervous so she randomly asked me questions before the show began. Fortunately for me, they recorded the practice discussion because I was relaxed. The answers seemed natural.

• Sometimes when I practice what I am going to say, I get nervous.
• Sometimes when I build up my answer in my mind, I get anxious.
• Sometimes when I play things over and over in my mind, I forget to live within the moment.

JESUS stirs many emotions when HE discuss the problems HIS followers would face. HE discusses huge, GOD sized problems that mere humans would face. Then HE says something strange. “Make up your minds not to worry beforehand” were HIS words of affirmation.

• GOD says to me “I will give you words of wisdom.”
• GOD says to me “I will protect you and not a hair on your head will perish.”
• GOD says to me “Stand firm and you will win life.”

“Relax and stop thinking about what you will say to your adversaries” is the gist of what GOD is telling me. HE knows humans are competitive and combative towards one another, especially towards those who believe in JESUS.

GOD wants me to drop my worries about what I will say to defend myself and rely on HIS power to give me the right words at the right time. HE is my sole protector (S O L E) and my soul protector (S O U L).

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you want an outcome to happen but are worried about it?
• Can you give your worries to GOD and allow HIM to give you words of peace rather than practicing what you will say to “that” person?

True Power

Luke 13: ³¹ On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.”

³² And He said to them, “Go, tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ ³³ Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

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Threats from a bully ruined yet another day, only this time is frightened the entire school. Somehow, the rumor of another school coming to ours to start fights, was taken seriously. “How am I going to get home?” I thought to myself.

• There have been many humans who threaten other humans.
• There have been times when the powerful try to force their power on other humans.
• There have been situations that seem wildly out of hand.

There were church leaders who believed in JESUS, but feared for HIS life, for they did not truly know who HE was and is. They said “Flee, for Herod wants to kill YOU.” JESUS called Herod a fox and expressed HIS power as GOD. Why didn’t JESUS fear for HIS life?

• JESUS knew when HE was going to lay HIS life down for me.
• JESUS knew the date, time and location of HIS death, and still faced it for me.
• JESUS knew HE had all power, yet HE chose to lay it down for me.

Fire from heaven sounded like a great idea as a quick judgment on Herod’s threat. That’s probably what I would have done. BUT JESUS showed restraint, which is the true power. HE allowed HIS own creation to murder HIM even though HE committed no crime or sin. But what about the bullies I face.

On my walk home, I was scared but I believed I would be protected. The school let us out a few minutes early and I could feel a weight lifted from my fear. Daily it seems like there is a threat on my peace, BUT GOD is there to protect my soul with HIS true power.

• Are you down?
• Did humans threaten your plans and now you don’t know what to do?
• Can you give GOD more credit for loving you and believe HE is protecting you today?

Strength Training

Luke 12: ⁴ “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

⁶ “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

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Sitting at my desk, I thought of different ways to exit the building. A bully had threatened to beat me up at 3:15 PM and I could not tell anyone otherwise it would truly cause the fight to happen. I could only think about the bully.

• In the past I have been filled with fear.
• There were moments when I was scared of a particular person.
• Several times I got worried about what humans would do to me so I sought to protect myself.

JESUS tells an innumerable crowd about depending on GOD. HE summed up life in a few short statements. “There will always be another bully that will fight you in all aspects in life, so do not fear them. BUT fear not doing what GOD says to do.

• GOD wants me to fear what HE will do to me for not proclaiming that HIS SON is my savior.
• GOD wants me to fear NOT depending on HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear eternal separation from HIS love.

“Fear HIM who has the power to cast you into hell after death” was JESUS’s statement, but HE wasn’t finished. HE also said BUT GOD cares for you as HE has a plan for every hair on your head. HE cares for birds and other animals, HE can certainly care for you.

GOD’s power is infinite and I should fear not serving HIM daily. HE protects me from bullies of all sorts, especially those who desire to control me. GOD wants my passion and HE will take out those who try to snuff my passion for HIM. HIS protection is invaluable and gives me strength.

• Are you getting worn down by someone?
• Are you trying to control someone?
• Will you stop looking at other people and focus your path to GOD?
• Will you get your strength from GOD instead of allowing humans to put you in a fearful mood?