Seen People

Seen People

Genesis 15: ¹⁷ And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. ¹⁸ On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:

 

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— ¹⁹ the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, ²⁰ the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, ²¹ the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

 

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Relating to humans is easy to GOD. Relating to GOD is sometimes difficult for humans. We don’t understand what or who HE really is. Only what HE has revealed, can we catch a glimpse of who HE is. When HE appeared to Abram, this time it was in the form of a smoking oxen. GOD reveals four SPIRITS to one of HIS disciples centuries later, one of which was “like an ox.”

 

GOD possibly passed the burning torch between the sacrificed animals, burning them up in the process. HE then made a covenant, or a promise, with Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew about people who were against HIM and had plans for their demise, but in HIS time.
• GOD’s plan for Abram would be fulfilled centuries later.
• GOD’s promises transcend life as we know it.

 

By localizing the vision GOD had for Abram, you and I can catch a glimpse of how HE works. HE may provide a promise to you and me, but part of the promise may get fulfilled centuries later. The weird part about GOD is that HE sees people who despise who HE is or treat HIM irreverently by trying to make HIM into their image.

 

GOD seems to be using extreme restraint, grace and mercy on people who are blatantly doing wrong. That includes you and me. HE gives people plenty of time to turn from their ways and to believe they need the Savior, namely JESUS. GOD’s positive promises include those who confess HIM as LORD. HE also promises to take vengeance on those who do not.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD explains this vision to Moses?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD sees the wrong someone is doing to you or around you?
• Will you have peace, knowing GOD sees those who wronged you and HE will take vengeance on those who harm HIS people?

Sovereign Sorrow

Sovereign Sorrow

Genesis 6: ⁵ Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

 

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With GOD, there are no mistakes, yet GOD seems to have expressed a problem that HE had to deal with. HE created a perfect world. HE created man and woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Plants would grow themselves. Animals would come up to the man and woman to be named and cared for. There was harmony. But the Devil, who wanted to be GOD, caused humans to sin.

 

Every human was born with a sin nature. Only a few walked with the LORD and spoke with HIM. The rest ignored HIM. The descendants of Cain multiplied and so did evil. After a while, humans got tired of seeing the Garden of Eden that they could not get in. They too wanted to be GOD.

 

My Observations

• Because of our sin nature, humans have a difficult time relating to GOD’s timing and ways.
• Human thoughts and intentions can go wildly away from GOD if left unchecked.
• Insecurities about GOD causes humans to think of evil thoughts that seem innocent.

 

Justified thinking made people rationalize their evil behavior. Giants introduced the thought of “Only the strong will survive.” Humans fought over land that would produce food. Selfishness grew stronger within each human to the point of no return. They would someday storm the Garden of Eden and take it over! Or at least they may have thought. BUT GOD saw their heart and was sorry HE had to destroy them. All but one found grace.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the conversation HE held with HIMSELF?
• Are your thoughts on you or GOD?
• Will you get a hold of your thoughts and focus them on what GOD will have you do today?

Sight Reminder

Sight Reminder

Jude 1: ⁵ For even though you know all this, I want to remind you of how the Lord once rescued the people of Israel from Egypt, but afterward destroyed those who did not believe. ⁶ Remember the angels who did not stay within the limits of their proper authority, but abandoned their own dwelling place: they are bound with eternal chains in the darkness below, where God is keeping them for that great Day on which they will be condemned. ⁷ Remember Sodom and Gomorrah, and the nearby towns, whose people acted as those angels did and indulged in sexual immorality and perversion: they suffer the punishment of eternal fire as a plain warning to all.

 

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“Can’t they see he’s lying?” were the words running through my mind. I wrestled with this guy “getting away with “ his lies about me and wondered why people believed the lies.

 

• I was furious that he could “get away with” deception and I had to have “my” reputation tarnished.
• I thought about trying to convince other people that this guy was lying, but it seemed hopeless.
• I wondered how many other people have gotten hurt because stories were “spun” in a certain way to ruin reputations and shift power.

 

Jude, human brother of JESUS, reminds everyone that the LORD not only sees wrong, but does something about it. He gave examples of how GOD used HIS power to address wrongs that had gone on for long periods of time. He also reminds everyone that GOD is still watching.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees the sins I do and gives me plenty of time to confess my sins and turn from them.
• GOD’s grace covers a multitude of sins, BUT HE still wants me to turn from them so I can see HIM and hear HIM.
• GOD sees those who manipulate words, hide malice in their hearts, use divisive ways and who flat out lie and HE has already decided what wrath HE has for them.

 

It’s not them I need to be concerned with, rather, I need to be good with GOD. I mean, when I look back on times that people have lied to get positions, power or praise, I can also see that GOD may allow a season that seems, to the liar, that he or she is “getting away” with things, but they are not.

 

GOD see my sins and yours. HE sees the sins of those who try ti cause harm and who may even be fooling themselves. GOD sees the hearts of mankind and wants to repair hearts of stone, turning them into a soft area HE can live in. I gladly take HIS reminder that HE is in control of all situations, even the ones that seem out of control.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the examples in this passage?
• Have you ever seen a situation that seemed out of control, come to order?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE has the situation where deception seems to be winning, but it really is not because HE is in control always?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Situation Handled

Situation Handled

2 Peter 2: False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. ² Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. ³ In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories. For a long time now their Judge has been ready, and their Destroyer has been wide awake!

 

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After being lied on, I felt worried that people would not be able to believe my side of the story. I laid awake trying to think of ways to make the truth known, I approached someone to ask for advice. “How do I fight this liar?” “You don’t.” was his tough to hear reply. But it was followed by “GOD sees what is going on and HE has the situation under control.”

 

• I wanted to expose the false statements.
• I wanted to be the one to expose the liar.
• I wanted “my” name cleared so I could keep doing what I was doing.

 

Peter begins with a warning to believers that false teachers will slip in amongst them and tell lies for money. Peter may have observed that these slick and polished speakers would be hard to get rid of because they spoke to desperate people who craved their lies. He, himself denied JESUS and witnessed Judas betray HIM. He repented and warned everyone.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s word is precious and pure and should be used to bring people to a saving relationship with HIS SON.
• There will be false teachers who preach for money, who could care less about making up stories to keep the crowd entertained.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the situation under control.

 

Noisy liars seem to get their way. I mean, we see examples of very wealthy people telling lies to keep their profits and maybe even oppress various groups of people. Meanwhile, those in need seem to be in trouble without a way. BUT GOD has “The WAY.”

 

JESUS said, “I AM the way and the truth and the life.” This is the true doctrine to follow. Humans want people to follow false doctrines to amass a great wealth. Unfortunately, people will fall for it. BUT GOD wants you and me to follow HIM. I gladly worship JESUS in Spirit and truth.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer brings up this warning?
• Have you ever been so desperate that you would listen to liars?
• Will you take a moment to see if you are listening to liars and turn to CHRIST who is the truth today?

Thoughts to Words

Thoughts to Words

James 3: My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others. ² All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. ³ We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. ⁴ Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. ⁵ So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things.

 

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Saying something funny had become a skill of mine. I could say something to make people chuckle, but this day I couldn’t. I tried again and received no laughter. I realized I was trying to make people laugh when I should have been listening to why they were crying.

 

• I could not control what I was saying.
• I spoke first before thinking about what I was saying.
• I used my words to say whatever pleased me, rather than what was needed to be said.

 

James addressed mindfulness of what people say. He is not speaking about being politically correct, rather providing a warning to those who desire to be a teacher for JESUS. This important declaration requires control of what is being said. He then provides a continuum that ranges from total imperfection to someone who perfectly controls themselves in what they say.

 

My Observations:

• My thoughts may not be suitable to share, so GOD gives me self-control to keep my thoughts to myself.
• Words are extremely powerful, so GOD wants me to use them with wisdom.
• What I say can lift people up or tear them down, so GOD wants me to choose encouragement when teaching.

 

Being mindful of what I say is important. I mean, when I am hurt, I think of awful things to say and do. But when I am healed, GOD provides wonderful words for me to say to encourage people and to assist in his or her growth.

 

Being able to control my words begins with my thoughts. If I am in a very negative environment, I may pick up negative words that could eventually penetrate my heart. After a while, I find myself speaking negatively. BUT GOD can enter my heart and place HIS love inside. This way, I can speak to ensure others are encouraged. I am glad GOD is willing to guide my words.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer warn those who desire to be teachers of JESUS?
• Have you ever said discouraging words in an argument or in a group of gossipers?
• Will you consider examining your thoughts to see if they are negatively opposing GOD’s kingdom so HE can give you words of encouragement to help others today?

Prepared for Imperfection

Prepared for Imperfection

Hebrews 10: ¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also gives us his witness. First he says,

¹⁶ “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    in the days to come, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts
    and write them on their minds.”

¹⁷ And then he says, “I will not remember their sins and evil deeds any longer.” ¹⁸ So when these have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed.

 

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Leaving for vacation, I hoped the keys to the car would be left behind. To my excitement, they were. I knew I didn’t have permission to drive it, but how would they know. I jumped in the car and drove every expressway. But then I noticed the car was running hot. I stopped and checked. It needed antifreeze. I bought some and continued. It needed oil. I spent all my money just trying to drive the car.

 

• I knew I wasn’t supposed to drive the car in the first place.
• I chose to drive the car anyway.
• I didn’t tell my parents that I had driven it until I was an adult.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, is revealed words from the HOLY SPIRIT. Laws have been written in the hearts and minds of everyone. This is to help people know right from wrong. But then the HOLY SPIRIT comes back and says “I will not remember their sins”, knowing people would disobey willingly.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew I would not obey the Law but HE forgives me anyway.
• The HOLY SPIRIT sympathizes with me and does not remember my sins and evil deeds.
• JESUS provides a way for me to be forgiven and wants me to confess my sins to HIM.

 

Imperfection is annoying. I mean, no matter how hard I try, I will not be perfect. I make mistakes constantly and even when I try my best, something out of my control comes along and messes things up. “When will there be true peace?” I cry out. GOD hears it.

 

HE was prepared for me to sin when HE didn’t want me to sin. HE knew I would doubt HIM or depend on my own thinking or fall into another popular hole of sin. HE picked me up and dusted me off and says, I forgive you because you recognize you need to be forgiven.” I am grateful GOD cares enough about me to forgive me in the middle of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What two sides are revealed to the writer?
• Have you ever done something you knew was wrong and tried to justify it?
• Will you ask GOD to protect you from sin that so easily harasses you so HE can provide clarity into HIS forgiveness today?

Exposed

Exposed

Hebrews 4: ¹² The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. ¹³ There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.

 

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After the night of drunken sex, I put on my best suit and went to church. Maybe this would erase the guilt, was my motive for going. As I transitioned from Sunday School to morning service, a guy called me out. “We had fun at the club last night!” “Why did he have to be there?” was my thought!

 

• I didn’t want anyone to know that I went to clubs and had drunken sex.
• I had plenty of sins that I was planning to take to my grave.
• I felt embarrassed when I was exposed, but it turned out to be a relief.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the power of the word of GOD. This is the revelation of how GOD interacts with humans, given through prophets, poets and priests. This revelation also includes the fact that everything in all creation is exposed to GOD.

 

My Observations

• There is nothing I can hide from GOD.
• The more I try to hide my sins, the harder it will be for me to confess them and to let go of them.
• GOD called the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they refused to expose their own sins.

 

It is real easy for me to tell others “You have sinned” but it is tougher for me to say in front of everyone “I have sinned and her is how I did it.” I mean, it just feels better when the spotlight is not on me when it comes to something yucky. But GOD sees my yuckiness and loves me anyway.

 

There is nothing I can hide from GOD. HE sees every thought that pops in my head and allows me to decide to choose HIS way or mine. HE gives me HIS word as a revelation to HIS love and I have, at my fingertips, a guide that brings me back to HIS love. I gladly expose my sins I still make mistakes on and believe they will not sting as much when I stand before HIM someday.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “Purpose” in this passage?
• Have you ever done something wrong and felt so insecure about it that you plan on taking the hidden sin to your grave?
• Are things going wrong in your life and you don’t know why?
• Will you expose your heart to GOD and confess everything directly to JESUS so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Secret Plans

 

Secret Plans

Romans 2: ¹² The Gentiles do not have the Law of Moses; they sin and are lost apart from the Law. The Jews have the Law; they sin and are judged by the Law. ¹³ For it is not by hearing the Law that people are put right with God, but by doing what the Law commands. ¹⁴ The Gentiles do not have the Law; but whenever they do by instinct what the Law commands, they are their own law, even though they do not have the Law. ¹⁵ Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them. ¹⁶ And so, according to the Good News I preach, this is how it will be on that Day when God through Jesus Christ will judge the secret thoughts of all.

 

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Looking out the window, I wished I could be outside playing. Overhearing how other people slipped away from school at lunch gave me an idea. I would try this myself. I planned my escape carefully and did accomplish my goal. Of course I did this on the very day my parents chose to be at home. Now I had to lie and pretend I was sick. I never made it outside.

 

• I have had many wrong thoughts that I wanted to do.
• I have had many wrong thoughts that I wanted to act on.
• I have had many wrong thoughts that I turned into plans and the plans turned into actions.

 

Paul writes about the Gentile’s and the Jew’s connection to the Law of Moses. He states, the Jews have the Law and are judged by it but the Gentiles do not have the Law but still act according to the Law because it is written in their hearts. He then sums up his statement by saying JESUS will judge the secret thoughts of all.

 

• GOD wants me to put HIS ways in my heart.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to clean my heart because I do not know how evil I can be.
• GOD wants me to take every thought that pops in my mind and place them through HIS ways to see if I should act on it.

 

Temptation is not fair. I mean, humans are like sheep who sees another patch of yummy grass when it comes to sin. BUT GOD, being the shepherd, guides me away from the dangers of sin by giving me a way to avoid it.

 

GOD will judge my deepest secret plans that no one knows about. HE will show everyone what I have hidden in my heart. Any hatred, lust, greed, lie, cheat, anger, doubt, or fear, will be brought to the surface and put on display. I believe, the pain will be lessened by exposing my sin before HE does. I am glad GOD forgives me for the sin I hide in my heart.

 

• What are you hiding?
• Do you think you are getting away with the secret sin you have?
• Will you grow up and stop justifying your secret plans that lead you to sin and ask GOD to clean your heart so you can be guided by HIM today?

Inside Knowledge

John 2: ²³ Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. ²⁴ But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. ²⁵ He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

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“I can’t do this” I exclaimed. “Yes you can” said another person. “I have seen you do other things more difficult than this” were the follow on words. I stopped and took a deep breath and put my face in the water. When I came up for air I said “I did it!” How did the person know I could hold my breath under water?

• Sometimes people know me better than I know myself.
• Sometimes people can see potential in me that I could not see.
• Sometimes people have an idea of what I can do based on their observation and experiences.

JESUS performed many miracles and people believed in HIM. But HE did not get comfortable with their belief, because HE knew what was in each person’s heart. HE knew that with some, the excitement would disappear when the slightest problem would occur in their lives.

• GOD knows my deepest fear and loves me anyway.
• GOD knows my hidden sins that I lock away and HE desires a relationship with me anyway.
• GOD knows my ugliest desires and is still excited to cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

JESUS is never surprised by my circumstance nor is HE stunned by my reaction. HE has taken all of my failures into account and still has the greatest plan for me that I could never have imagined. HE loves me in spite of me.

• What are you hiding?
• Do you think GOD will never forgive you?
• Will you stop thinking GOD’s love is limited and allow HIM to execute HIS wonderful plan HE has for you today?

Ready and Willing

Luke 19: ²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’

³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’

³⁴ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’

³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

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“Can I borrow your van” was the question. “No, it is leased” was my answer, trying to avoid more expensive mileage. “Can I borrow your van” was the question from another person. “No, it needs brakes and tires” was my answer. Both were true at that time.

• There were times when I held back.
• There were times when I put something to the side for myself.
• There were times when I could have given but was afraid to.

The owners of the donkey may have been preserving it for something special or they may have thought the donkey wasn’t ready. But when JESUS requested the donkey through HIS disciples, they let it go, not knowing when or if they would get it back.

• GOD wants me to be generous.
• GOD wants me to let stuff go.
• GOD wants me to see that people are more special than my stuff.

It never will be a convenient time for someone to borrow something or need something. In fact, the needs seem to come when I have the least amount to give. BUT GOD seems to enjoy stretching me in this area. Maybe it is because I am holding onto things a little too tight in the first place.

GOD wants me to be generous with everything. While it is a long journey to truly being generous, I can start small and work my way up. GOD is generous to me.

• Are you holding onto stuff that someone else can use?
• Is GOD calling you to give to someone who needs your last dollar?
• Will you allow GOD to use your possessions today to grow HIS kingdom?

Window Pane

Mark 10: ¹⁷ Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

¹⁸ So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”

²⁰ And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

²¹ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

²² But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

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 “Why did you do that?” a person inquired of me as they were trying to get to the bottom of my untruth. My lie was falling apart and I said something else that could not support the lie I had just told. They could see through my lies.

• People have seen right through my lies.
• People have looked at my face and knew I was not telling the truth.
• People have listened to a story I have said and quickly deciphered I was not telling the truth.

JESUS spoke to the rich man who seemed to be an achiever. The rich man’s words “Do” and “Inherit” shows he thought he could earn GOD’s approval. BUT JESUS saw right through HIM and told the rich man of only one fatal flaw, namely he was greedy.

• JESUS sees my heart and forgives my sin.
• JESUS sees my plans and alters them to bless me and others.
• JESUS sees my deepest desires and saves me anyway.

At one point I thought this story was only about greed, but it is much deeper than that. Pride, bitterness, hatred, lust, and envy are just some sins JESUS could have substituted in this message. If a murderer approached HIM, JESUS would have changed the action.

HE sees me desperately trying to achieve what HE has already done. JESUS has already forgiven me, already healed me and has already restored my soul back to HIM. HIS desire is that I open my eyes to HIS blessings daily because HE did it while seeing right through me.

• Are you trying to achieve GOD’s free gift of grace?
• Do you think you are in control of GOD’s love by your actions?
• Will you stop thinking your “level of good” merits you special favors from GOD?
• Can you start opening up your eyes to grace and spit out your bitterness?