You Have Everything You Need

You Have Everything You Need

Exodus 4: Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”

 

² So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

 

He said, “A rod.”

 

³ And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. ⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), ⁵ “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

 

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Moses, being unsure of himself, asked GOD “What if they don’t believe me?” GOD had just told Moses to go get HIS people out of Egypt. Moses needed some confirmation.

 

My Observations:

• Moses felt insignificant, inadequate and inferior to the Egyptians who had armies, wealth and power.
• GOD asked Moses a question that HE knew the answer to, but wanted Moses to self-discover what HE was about to do.
• GOD turned the rod into a serpent to convince Moses that HE can do anything and that serpents are under HIS authority.

 

“You have everything you need,” seems to be the message GOD was giving to Moses. “All you need is the stick you have in your hand and I will do the rest,” is what I’m getting from this demonstration of power. I believe you and I underestimate the true power of GOD.

 

When we try to steer GOD by telling HIM what we need, we miss the point that HE has already provided us with everything we need. GOD was about to use a rod to defeat the Egyptians who were mistreating other humans. When you have GOD you have all you need.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation HE had with him about the rod?
• Do you sometimes feel inadequate to take on large challenges GOD may want you to take on?
• Will you trust GOD and know you have everything you need to defeat the giant you are facing?

Do Something!

Do Something!

Genesis 42: When Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” ² And he said, “Indeed I have heard that there is grain in Egypt; go down to that place and buy for us there, that we may live and not die.”

 

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GOD made the famine so severe, that there was no place to go to get food. Jacob heard there was food in Egypt. He told his sons to do something!

 

My Observations:

• Jacob’s sons were willing to perish because they had no vision.
• Jacob had to step in and tell his sons to do something!
• Jacob saw that his sons did not have vision and they would perish.

 

GOD turned HIS attention to Jacob and his sons as they faced the seven years of famine. Jacob was a survivor and would not let his family just tit and die. His sons had plotted against Joseph and wound up selling him into slavery. But their plan only went as far as the harm they caused. They did not know where to turn.

 

GOD may have had many reasons for causing the famine, but the one that is revealed is the famine forced the sons of Israel to go to Joseph, just as the dream of Joseph said. This difficult time was being used by GOD to bring HIS people to Egypt.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s statement to his sons?
• Have you ever felt hopeless?
• Do you realize GOD’s plan is greater than your circumstance and HE will move you to where HE needs you someday?

Plentiful Thinking

Plentiful Thinking

Genesis 26: ¹⁹ Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there. ²⁰ But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they quarreled with him. ²¹ Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah. ²² And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, because he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”

 

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Moving back to Gerar from Negev was not easy for Isaac. He had people and herds that needed a lot of water. He moved back to the land Abraham finally settled in, but the people were thieves.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac’s herdsmen did all the work and the people of Gerar sat back until the work was done, then stole what was done.
• Isaac’s herdsmen did more work and the people of Gerar sat back again until the work was done then stole what was done again.
• Isaac’s herdsmen did even more work, but this time no one stole the work, because there was plenty.

 

Quarrel was the first well. Enmity (Hostile) was the second well, but the third well was named Spaciousness. Isaac seemed to be praising GOD for plenty versus complaining that the people around him were evil. Same goes for you and me.

 

We may get in the mindset that this box is ours. Then someone comes along and steals the box and we go to GOD with a complaint. At least that’s how I feel. But Isaac did not complain because he knew he had plenty. His mindset was that of “Take it” because GOD will provide plenty for me! He knew he would be fruitful in the land.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentions the well incidents to Moses?
• Do you feel you lack something when GOD has plenty?
• Can you change your mindset to that of “Plenty” because you are related to GOD and HE has everything?

Example Complete

Example Complete

Genesis 22: Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!”

And he said, “Here I am.”

² Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

 

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After facing many trials, Abraham had what he wanted. His elation brimmed with relief that GOD’s promise really did come true. Abraham may have thought “This is it!” BUT GOD had something else for Abraham to do. Abraham needed to sacrifice his “only” son.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew what Abraham would do, so this “test” seemed like an example of readiness for other people.
• GOD mentioned that Isaac was Abraham’s “only” son when Abraham had Ishmael as another son.
• GOD seemed to be using this time as a prophecy to show what needed to be done to save the world.

 

Being ready, willing and able to give up everything GOD gave him, showed an example that Abraham was a complete example. “Yes LORD” seemed to be easy for Abraham, but it probably was not, at first. He grew up facing many difficult situations and came through them only because of GOD.

 

Abraham heard about the stories of Shem from Terah, his father and knew GOD could do anything. He talked with angels and saw GOD destroy an evil city. He probably knew that any attempt to keep Isaac from harm would be futile, especially after trying to bargain to save Sodom.  He did not know that this sacrifice would be what GOD would do for humanity through JESUS.

 

GOD gave another vague direction by not giving Abraham the exact location. GOD had a plan in mind, and did not want Abraham slipping in his own plan, like the plan of Ishmael. Abraham would become a complete example.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention “your only son” to Abraham?
• Have you been asked by GOD to give up something you love dearly for HIM?
• Could it be possible that the thing you are holding onto is keeping you from growing in the LORD?

Tame Planet

Tame Planet

Genesis 2: ⁴ This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, ⁵ before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; ⁶ but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground.

 

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This seems to be the beginning of the explanation of what happened during the creation. Volumes of books can be written on “why” something was made the way it was made. BUT GOD reveals only what is necessary. I noticed HE explains rain was made, but was not necessary because a mist would water all vegetation.

 

My Observations:

GOD made a place for humans to live that could take care of itself.

GOD made it easy for anything to grow that a human would ever want.

GOD made the earth available for humans to participate in creating by providing the materials of life.

 

What stuck out to me was “”For the LORD GOD had not caused it to rain on the earth.” GOD took time to create rain, but it was not necessary, yet. Before any vegetation was available, GOD made water available so it could flourish in abundance with no effort. Humans had it made.

 

Challenge

Why do you think GOD told Moses about rain if it was not necessary?

Have you ever watched vegetation grow in fascination?

How is GOD setting you up for success?

Every Good Thing You Need

Every Good Thing You Need

Hebrews 13: ^20-21 God has raised from death our Lord Jesus, who is the Great Shepherd of the sheep as the result of his blood, by which the eternal covenant is sealed. May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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After joining the organization, to my amazement they asked me “What do you need?” I gave them my list and they provided it for me. They knew I was going to do some work for them and they were willing to provide whatever I needed to do their work.

 

• I was willing to do the work they needed.
• I had some needs and they were willing to meet those needs as long as it would benefit them.
• I used the things given to me to do what they wanted me to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains the need GOD has. JESUS, the “Great Shepherd” was raised from the dead. GOD wants all living human beings to become sheep, or followers of JESUS. He then says a prayer that GOD gives “every good thing” to do HIS will.

 

My Observations:

• I have to be willing to do GOD’s will in order for HIM to provide for me.
• GOD provides me with what I need to do HIS will.
• GOD wants to make me successful by giving me purpose in JESUS.

 

Realizing that I am made for GOD is challenging. I mean, HE created me with free will to choose HIS way or my way. Many times I see HIS way as a barrier to “my” pleasure. Or I try to manipulate HIM into getting “my” way. GOD is gracious enough to understand.

 

HE gently guides me back to understanding HIS precious need, namely telling everyone HE sends me or send me to, that HIS SON is my Savior. This simple message is so dear and important, that HE is willing to give me whatever I need to do HIS will. I thank GOD for HIS provisions.

 

Challenge

• What “Good Things” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to retire from serving GOD and just live a life of leisure?
• Will you give your life to GOD so HE can show you how to balance serving and enjoy life along the way so you will continue without burning out?
• Will you trust GOD for HIS provision today?

Impossible Dreams Fulfilled

Impossible Dreams Fulfilled

Hebrews 11: ¹¹ It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. ¹² Though Abraham was practically dead, from this one man came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, as many as the numberless grains of sand on the seashore.

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“I’m never going to get this right?” I said in frustration. I was trying to do long division and it didn’t make sense. But eventually I understood it after being frustrated. “I’m never going to graduate” and “I’m never going to get a job” and “I’m never going to get…” have been words I used in frustration when I could not see how it was going to happen.

 

• I was frustrated because I could not see a solution.
• I was nervous and scared many times because I could not figure out how things would turn out.
• I felt that things should be better and I could not see how it was going to happen.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gave another faith example. This time he showed how GOD overcomes the impossible. If anyone were to think that a women who, throughout life could not have children, suddenly could become pregnant by her husband who was older than most people, all would say “this is impossible.”

 

My Observations

• GOD chooses the impossible to show me that only HE can solve my situations.
• Some circumstances I get into seem to have no solution, BUT GOD has one already planned.
• Faith that GOD has the situation taken care of comes hard to me, but eventually I have to get there.

 

Believing the impossible can happen is scary. I mean, if I tell people what GOD has in store for me and it does not happen in the time “I” think it should happen, people, including myself, would become discouraged. BUT GOD sees this and laughs at what I think is impossible.

 

GOD seems to love doing the impossible. HE enabled an elderly, barren couple to have a baby when HE could have used a young fertile couple. That would not have been amazing. HE wants me to know that HE is GOD and that HIS solutions cannot come from anywhere but HIM. I gladly yield to HIS great and marvelous power.

 

Challenge

• What impossible dream do you think the writer gave?
• Have you ever felt there was more to life for you, but you gave up on dreams because it has not happened for you yet?
• Will you renew your faith that GOD can and will revive the situation you thought was dead if you place your faith in HIM today?

Provided For

Provided For

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹⁶ May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul This is the way I sign every letter; this is how I write.

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

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Ready to do a presentation, I pulled out my ancient laptop. “Sorry, we don’t have that type of connection” were the words I did not like hearing, referring to the type of cable needed to connect to a projector.

 

“Search through your bag for a flash drive” were the words I felt. I dug through my bag and, to my surprise, had one I placed there years ago. I copied my presentation and gave it to the organization.

 

• What I needed was there all along.
• I thought my plans would be stopped, but a way was made.
• This small incident taught me there is always another way.

 

Paul specifically mentions he penned the letter that he collaborated with Silas and Timothy. He ends with a prayer for all believers in JESUS. He asks for peace, for the LORD to be with everyone at all times and for grace.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I forget that the LORD is the source of my peace.
• Grace and peace are always with me even when I mess up.
• I don’t have to look far for peace or grace because the LORD is always with me.

 

Grace and peace can seem elusive, but that is a lie. I mean, when trials last longer than expected, I may think GOD is withholding HIS peace. I may even start believing the lie that it may have been some sin that I did, or some action I did not do. BUT GOD is gentle.

 

HE simply whispers “Here, have peace” in the middle of the storm. When everyone else is worried, losing sleep and harassed, GOD can provide peace that is strange. HE also gives me unusual grace that covers sins I know about and those I don’t. I am so glad HIS grace is sufficient.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s prayer?
• Why do you need peace, the LORD to be with you and grace?
• Will you stop trying to acquire something that is with you at all times and thank GOD for being with you, giving you peace and for HIS grace today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please grant this reader peace today. Grant him or her the knowledge that YOU are there and have been all along. Please let the reader know that YOU will never, ever leave, nor forsake him or her. Thank YOU for YOUR grace. amen

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

Philippians 4: ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Looking in my mailbox, I received a note that was unusual for me. “Pick up your package at the front desk” it said. It did not have a return address so it was from someone in the dorm. It had gifts in it.

 

• I was delighted.
• I felt great receiving something unexpected.
• I did not know I needed what was in the package.

 

Paul received many care packages from the people in Philippi. While he was spreading the Gospel, they supported his needs with many packages. Epaphroditus was the delivery person who spent time keeping the packages safe.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my heart open to become a supplier of needs.
• GOD sends me to deliver packages from others when I cannot provide them myself.
• GOD has plenty to give and HE wants me to be a distributor.

 

For many years I thought this passage was about getting stuff. I mean, GOD supplying all “Y” needs sounds cool. But it seems like the sweet aroma to GOD was from those who gave or supported people who were spreading the Gospel. Giving is often overlooked in this passage because I usually want more.

 

Having enough is a strange concept. It means I am thankful for the little I have. It also means I can give someone some of what I have and GOD will be pleased. I gladly will become a delivery person when I don’t have much to give but when I  do, I will give to those in need.

 

Challenge

• What aroma does the writer speak of?
• What needs do you have?
• Will you supply someone’s needs today or become a delivery person if you have nothing to give?

True Freedom

 

True Freedom

1 Corinthians 6: ¹² Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes; but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave. ¹³ Someone else will say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” Yes; but God will put an end to both. The body is not to be used for sexual immorality, but to serve the Lord; and the Lord provides for the body. ¹⁴ God raised the Lord from death, and he will also raise us by his power.

 

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After a string of disturbing news, I felt I had the right to “blow off some steam.” “Come with us to the convention” a few “friends” said. When we arrived, I was amazed. The streets were full of prostitutes, which excited the group I was with even more. I couldn’t do it, even though I was feeling low.

 

There have been times when I turned to sex as the wrong answer to my dilemma.

There have been times when I thought sex would fix the current problems.

There have been times when I fooled myself into thinking sex could bring enough gratification to overcome that trial.

 

Arguments over “what is allowed to do with the body?” are addressed by Paul. He explains that everything is allowed, but not everything is good for you. He talks about addictions, food and sex. These things can enslave a person, taking their minds off of their true purpose.

 

GOD made me for HIS purpose, not mine.

GOD takes care of my wants and needs.

GOD is the only path to true freedom, because it is HIM who provides.

 

“What about this life?” one may ask when it comes to GOD. I mean, we speak about the afterlife and eternal life, but what about the here and now? GOD cares about that too. HE “provides for the body” now and forever more.

 

GOD cares about me and HE cares about my neighbor. HE loves us all and wants me to be part of HIS love. HE made me for HIS purpose and wants me to focus on that. HE provides true freedom that addictions cannot. I am grateful GOD has purpose for me. My body is not “mine” but HIS.

 

Do you think your body is yours to do as you see fit?

Have you been enslaved by food, sex or another addiction?

Will you stop looking at temporary relief and allow GOD to truly set you free so you can live a life of abundance and purpose that only GOD has for you today?

Provided For

 Provided For

Romans 3: ^25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.

 

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“How will I eat?” and “Where will I sleep?” and “Will it be cold or hot?” and “Bugs… Will there be bugs?” were some of the many questions I asked as I volunteered to go on a missions trip to another country. The missions trip leader relaxed my mind by saying “Don’t worry, everything is taken care of.” This rested my mind a little, but the unknown was still ahead.

 

The unknown can sometimes raise many questions inside me.

The unknown can sometimes make me feel uneasy.

The unknown can sometimes make me question if I will be taken care of.

 

Paul continues writing about the Law of Moses. The Law was given to the Jews but the Gentiles benefit from it because GOD wrote the Law in everyone’s heart. The Law is used to show our need for GOD to save us. But doing the Law does not provide salvation. GOD provided “the means” for which we are saved, namely belief in JESUS.

 

GOD knew I would not choose HIM so HE chose me.

GOD knew I needed to be saved so HE chose to die for me.

GOD knew someone had to die to pay for all the sins of the world so HE chose to die so I could live.

 

Trying to be “good” is fine, but what happens when I mess up? Do I get a “do-over?” GOD showed compassion for me and forgave me of all my sins. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I can be guided daily. HE also wants the best for me, so HE corrects me when I sin. I am glad HE is righteous and I accept HIS correction and eternal salvation.

 

Are you worried about your future?

Do you think your skills or talents got you where you are?

Will you place your faith in JESUS and allow HIM to correct you while providing you with everything you need to fulfil the purpose HE has for you today?

Seeker Help

Seeker Help

Acts 17: ²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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“Ready or not here I come” I exclaimed. We were playing Hide and Go Seek, and I was the person seeking. I saw a pair of legs behind some bushes. I quietly caught the hider. Now I had some help. This was a fun day!

• I enjoyed looking for the hidden.
• I enjoyed seeking those who needed to be found.
• I enjoyed finding those who were hidden and getting some help to find others.

Paul explained that GOD does not live in manmade buildings, nor does HE need humans to ‘do’ anything for HIM. HE gives everyone life, breath and everything. HE did all of this so humans would seek HIM and perhaps reach out to HIM and find HIM. GOD is always easy to find.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for everything HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the life HE breaths through me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS who died for me and is alive providing salvation to those who believe in HIM.

When I complain that someone is not doing their part or are not serving enough, I may not be showing GOD enough appreciation. I mean, when I am thankful, praise comes from my lips. I realize how futile my service really is when I try to serve GOD who needs nothing from me or any human.

GOD is complete. I am thankful that HE takes care of everything. My belief in JESUS makes me complete. Since I am thankful for being complete I seek others who have a sense of emptiness only JESUS can fill. I am grateful GOD allows me to seek HIS sheep.

• What are you thankful for?
• Are you seeking inner peace through certain foods, rituals or buildings?
• Will you seek the Living GOD who provides everything you need to seek others who need HIM?

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?

Driven Career

Luke 3: ¹⁴ And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

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“Be cool” was the thought that ran through my mind as the negotiations continued. The opposition was trying to play hardball and I had to do the same. In order to get more money, I may need to flex my power to show them who is really in charge.

• There were times when I thought intimidation was the key to success.
• There were times when I thought getting “tougher” was best for “my” career.
• There were times when I thought climbing the ladder meant taking others down so I could make more money.

Soldiers of certain leaders would not only protect their king, but would sometimes hurt people to take their money, falsely accuse people in order to take their homes and grouse about how little they made in wages. John saw through their question with the aid of the HOLY SPIRIT. His message speaks to me.

• GOD wants me to desire to have peace with people.
• GOD wants me to use my power for grace and mercy versus violence and intimidation.
• GOD wants me to be content with my wages knowing HE is the one who sustains me.

Wow! Everything in this passage seemed to go against what the “successful” people would tell me. I mean those who would tell me to “get tough” are the same people who would tell me I would never have “enough” money. BUT GOD says something different.

GOD wants me to be tough enough to stand up for those who are wronged. HE desires that I trade in my intimidation for compassion. When I get paid for my services, HE wants me to be excited rather than in a constant state of complaint. HE wants me in a state of grace and peace.

• Are you discontent?
• Do you have a complaint about where GOD has you?
• Can you ask GOD for peace with people and contentment for where HE has you?

No Questions Asked

Matthew 15: ³³ His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

³⁴ “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

³⁵ He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. ³⁶ Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. ³⁷ They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ³⁸ The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. ³⁹ After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

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Eight to ten thousand people were fed by seven loaves of bread and a few small, sardine like fish. I would imagine they had no idea a miracle was happening. They were probably too elated that their family and friends were now seeing and walking and healed of their ailment.

• GOD loves performing miracles around me that I do not notice.
• GOD loves when I am elated by what HE has done in my life.
• GOD loves showing me compassion even when I think I don’t deserve it.

What I noticed about this slice of history is JESUS never asked the crowd any questions. HE asked HIS disciples a question about the amount of food probably to make sure they knew what was about to happen was a miracle. But HE never asks the crowd what they would do with the bread or if they deserved it.

HE did not try to ration it to more needy families nor did HE hoard it for the rich and wealthy. JESUS simply gave thanks and then gave bread and fish to those who were delighted in HIM.

• JESUS wants me to delight in HIM daily.
• JESUS wants me to be fed on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to have abundance even when I do not notice it.

HE sent the crowd away and I never heard anyone saying “Thanks” to HIM for the food. They did praise HIM and acknowledged HIM as GOD and that was enough for JESUS. I praise HIM and acknowledge HIM as my savior and GOD today.

• Are you busy looking for a miracle?
• When is the last time your heart was filled with delight?
• Can you seek delight in GOD instead of looking for a miracle?
• When you are being generous, can you stop asking questions about how much they deserve what you are giving?

Giving Up

Proverbs 24:

Saying 25

¹⁰ If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!
¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
¹² If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

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“This was the final straw” I said to myself. Tired of the nonsense that was happening around me, I decided that I had enough. I gave up on helping because I was making no headway at all. In fact it seemed quite the opposite.

• Sometimes it seems like difficulties can throw me off.
• There are times when trouble can feel overwhelming to me.
• Sometimes I just feel like giving up when I am making no headway.

Quarrels and blame were the mode of operation and I truly got tired of being the self-appointed mediator. I said “What good is my help and it certainly doesn’t seem like GOD cares.” How incredibly wrong I was.

• GOD said “I will be with you always” this means HE stays during times of trouble.
• GOD said “Trouble you will have but I send a COMFORTER to you” meaning HE knows I will got through things so HE gave me protection.
• GOD said “Have the faith of a mustard seed” meaning I must believe in HIM even if it is the tiniest belief.

Giving up is quite easy to do, BUT GOD says to me “stay in there and complete your work I have given to you.” HE wants me to continue what I’ve started and never give up.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you look back on how GOD has rescued you in the past?
• Will you allow HIM to take you “through” the trouble instead of around it?

Being Lead to the Right Place

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

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It’s easy to have a favorite scripture and this is probably one of the top for me. There are so many nuggets of wisdom that can be grasped from David as he was filled with elation, gratitude, reality and possibly fear.

Here is what I heard this morning.

• I need to listen to the LORD who is the ultimate guide (shepherd).
• I should not want for anything rather understand GOD’s provisions for today.
• GOD gives me peace in lush places and restores my sinful soul with forgiveness.
• Even though I will face things that worry me or scare me I will have no fear because GOD is with me, correcting me and nudging me in the right direction.
• In the middle of calamity I have a feast and GOD gives me a purpose for which good works come and mercy towards me and those I speak to will abound. I will be with GOD forever!

Are you allowing GOD to guide you or are you resisting where HE is taking you?

Do you thank GOD for what you have received this day?

Can you give your fear to GOD and let HIM prepare a meal in the presence of what is scaring you?

Can you see HIS blessings?

Keep Going Despite the Insults

Nehemiah 4: ³ Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

⁴ Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.

⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

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“Hey four-eyes, you think you are smarter than us!” was an insult hurled my way as I walked on the playground. Fashionable choices in glasses were not an option for me back then and I received the basic “scientist” look. All I needed was a lab coat and a clip board and my look would have been complete.

Some of the bullies spent their time tripping people or washing their face in the snow. Was this my fate? “I’m not even smart” I thought to myself, “or am I?” As I considered what they said, I thought “maybe I am smart.” Soon the bullies were trying to copy off of my paper. I was actually getting good grades and I was being protected instead of pounced on.

• When people doubt me, I begin to doubt myself.
• When people insult me, I replay their insult in my mind.
• When people blatantly oppose me, I wonder how I am going to make it through the situation.

I would love to say I was six feet five inches, two hundred forty pounds and able to fight the greatest warrior when I was born but that was far from the truth. I remained a skinny feeble sort who was laughed at for my pitiful appearance. I wanted to fit in the crowd, BUT GOD had something different in mind for me.

• GOD wants me to accept me the way HE made me.
• GOD wants me to understand He made me in HIS likeness so I need to act like HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat others like the royalty GOD made them.

Despite how people treat me, GOD wants me to keep going. Insults may be hurled my way and doubts may abound. BUT GOD will fight my battles and protect me as HE always has.

• Are you being insulted?
• Do you feel self-conscious?
• Can you keep going despite the insults and doubts from others?
• Will you ask GOD to give you the strength and the resources to keep going?

GOD Moves Hearts

Ezra 1: ⁵ Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

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Stuffing my feet under the chair to hide my holey shoes wasn’t good enough to not be seen. My fraternity brother noticed me and the next meeting brought me a pair of his shoes. I now had one and a half pairs of shoes.

Sitting on the trunk of my broken down car in the dark in the middle of nowhere, an elderly couple stopped and picked me up. They did not look like me or know why I was on my trunk. They asked “Do you know GOD?” I could feel their prayers as they dropped me off at the rest area five miles away.

• Sometimes things look dim.
• Sometimes things look grim.
• Sometimes things look pitiful.

When things were finally out of my control and there was nowhere to turn, GOD stirred someone’s heart to provide something I needed. I hadn’t even prayed for the thing I needed yet GOD saw fit to provide it to me anyway.

• GOD wants my heart to be open for HIS bidding.
• GOD wants my heart to be open for HIS will.
• GOD wants my heart to be open so HE can execute HIS wonderful plan HE has for me.

GOD wants to use me in marvelous ways, if I’m willing. When the clouds of life are in the way I cannot seem to see the SON. BUT GOD clears my path, dusts me off and now it’s my turn to help others. GOD moves my heart.

• Are you open to GOD moving your heart?
• Are you willing to listen to HIM?
• Will you show compassion on “that person?”
• Can you be a blessing to someone today?

HE never fails

Joshua 21: ⁴³ So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. ⁴⁴ The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

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Looking back on several times in which I have cried out to GOD, I realize HE has always been there for me. Through robberies, violence, abandonment, slander and prejudice, GOD was right there protecting me. Personally I don’t see why HE does what HE does.

• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I sin.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I don’t trust HIM.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I blame HIM for the mess I got myself in.

I can’t pinpoint an individual situation that would illustrate a lesson I’ve learned about trusting GOD. All I know is GOD brought me through some very difficult times which leads me to trust HIM more. I mean, at some point I have to grow up and truly trust HIM.

• GOD said to me “I will bless you.”
• GOD said to me “I have a plan for you to prosper, not to harm you.”
• GOD says to me “I will give you hope.”

GOD knows the turmoil I will face on this earth. HE is the one who cursed it so HE knows I will have battles. BUT GOD wants me to rest. HE desires that I have peace. HE cherishes my relationship with HIM so HE keeps HIS promises with me.

• Do you know GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you believe HE wants you to prosper in HIS way and in HIS time?
• Won’t you look back on your life and remember the many times HE brought you through trouble?
• Can’t you trust HIM a little more today?