Followers

Followers

Revelation 19: ¹⁰ I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God!”

 

For the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophets.

 

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As the other speakers finished, I noticed the audience gave the obligatory applause. I was next. I gave my presentation and got strong applause, due to the interest in the subject.

 

• I felt good getting the applause.
• I wanted to get that same applause again and again.
• I wanted more and more people to know “my” name, so “I” could get a promotion.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was filled with awe. He saw such great wonders, so he decided to do something. He fell down to worship the angel but was abruptly stopped. “Don’t do it!” was the exclamation from the angel.

 

My Observations:

• The angel saw Satan get kicked out of heaven for trying to be worshipped.
• GOD is a jealous GOD and deserves to be worshipped alone.
• Any following that I create should be pointed to JESUS.

 

Developing a kingdom on earth can be dangerous. I mean, when people follow me, they are following a flawed person. But when they follow JESUS, they follow perfection. Following flawed humans can possibly cause deeper flaws in my character because I could be subject to manipulation.

 

JESUS is the one all of us need to follow. John the Baptist, different than the disciple, pointed people to JESUS. He did not think it was important to hold onto followers when JESUS was the Way, the Truth and the Life. I gladly point people away from following me and onto the path of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer try to worship the angel?
• Have you ever become enamored over a certain human you thought had more capabilities than you?
• Have you considered following JESUS with your life so you can see what perfection looks like and share it with others today?

Undisciplined Celebration

Undisciplined Celebration

Revelation 11: ⁷ When they finish proclaiming their message, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will fight against them. He will defeat them and kill them, ⁸ and their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, where their Lord was crucified. The symbolic name of that city is Sodom, or Egypt. ⁹ People from all nations, tribes, languages, and races will look at their bodies for three and a half days and will not allow them to be buried. ¹⁰ The people of the earth will be happy because of the death of these two. They will celebrate and send presents to each other, because those two prophets brought much suffering upon the whole human race. ¹¹ After three and a half days a life-giving breath came from God and entered them, and they stood up; and all who saw them were terrified. ¹² Then the two prophets heard a loud voice say to them from heaven, “Come up here!” As their enemies watched, they went up into heaven in a cloud. ¹³ At that very moment there was a violent earthquake; a tenth of the city was destroyed, and seven thousand people were killed. The rest of the people were terrified and praised the greatness of the God of heaven. 

¹⁴ The second horror is over, but the third horror will come soon!

 

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“No talking during library time” were the words of doom. Who wants to spend 30 minutes being quiet? First a note was passed, then a giggle would happen. Soon a word or two would come out, then full conversations. The battle of quiet to noise went on. Months later, the library teacher left and we celebrated! But another was put in place. This one was more strict and would enforce discipline.

 

• We wanted to do what we wanted to do!
• We wanted the teacher to be stopped by any means necessary.
• We celebrated the teacher’s abrupt departure, only to be met with a more strict teacher.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the “beast” rise from the abyss. This being was able to kill the two prophets of GOD. People around the world celebrated, unknowingly siding with the beast, who could be classified as the second part of the unholy trinity with Satan. All seemed lost, BUT GOD intervened.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has total power over life and death.
• GOD has a specific time in which HE does everything.
• GOD has a plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom, so celebrating against GOD would not be wise.

 

Getting my way may not be good for me. I mean, when I want something that is not good for me, I may put my desires over GOD’s. HE may even allow me to get my way, but I may not want what I get. Trouble follows a celebration of my being undisciplined. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

“Surrender” is something I need to do in order to truly change. HE wants me to surrender my life to HIM by believing in HIS SON, JESUS, who died for humanity and was raised from the dead. Only JESUS can cure the mess humans have made.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem as if he was writing a horror movie of today?
• Have you ever celebrated something you were clearly doing wrong?
• Will you ask GOD to guide you away from the things you were or are doing, that are against HIM, so you can have a loving relationship with HIM today?

All Makes Perfect

All Makes Perfect

Hebrews 11: ³⁹ What a record all of these have won by their faith! Yet they did not receive what God had promised, ⁴⁰ because God had decided on an even better plan for us. His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect.

 

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“I finished” I said proudly as I watched other people struggling. The task was easy to “me” and I felt good about “myself.” “Why don’t you help other people finish?” was the suggestion said to me that was strange.

 

• I wanted to be noticed for finishing first.
• I was competing instead of relating.
• I had no sympathy for those who were “losing” even though it was not a competition.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, got excited over the mention of this great list of people who expressed faith in many marvelous ways. He then says that what they did was only a small piece of the entire picture.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seems to need a story from my life to be part of HIS great and marvelous plan.
• GOD links my story to other people so we all can live together in a better place.
• GOD’s better plan includes all of our stories, not just the ones we read about.

 

Wanting to be noticed as special makes me compete. I mean, I may work extra hard, or wear something unique, or tell people where I have been so I can be affirmed by society. Then, when I see what someone else has done, I race to do more or to be different. BUT GOD made me unique, so I don’t have to try.

 

When GOD looks at me, HE sees a part of a bigger picture. HE wants all humans to be saved and feels one person is just as precious as another. The person I get mad at, is loved dearly by GOD. HE wants all of us to be saved. I am glad HIS plan includes me and you.

 

Challenge

• What is the “better plan” that the writer mentions?
• Have you ever competed with someone for affiliation, affection, or affirmation?
• Will you seek to be a link in GOD’s plan and join others in bringing people to HIM so HE can have the complete picture HE is looking for today?

Facing Forward

 

Facing Forward

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Global Perspective

Global Perspective

2 Timothy 4: ⁹ Do your best to come to me soon. ¹⁰ Demas fell in love with this present world and has deserted me, going off to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹ Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he can help me in the work. ¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When you come, bring my coat that I left in Troas with Carpus; bring the books too, and especially the ones made of parchment.

 

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“Why would anyone leave this country?” I said out loud. I then defended my position by saying “We got mountains, forests, beaches, deserts and snow for vacation. We have homeless and unsaved people here. Why go anyplace else?” Then a pastor asked me to go with a group to another country. There I saw different needs that were cultural.

 

• I had no idea other people had needs.”
• I saw the world from “my” perspective.
• I never thought I would travel around the world telling people about CHRIST.

 

Saul had a local mission to kill people who followed JESUS. BUT GOD blinded him, healed him and gave him a new mission to preach about JESUS to the Gentiles. He went all over spreading the Gospel of JESUS versus persecuting the church. He was given a global perspective.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants all people to be saved.
• GOD wants me to participate in telling people about HIS SON locally, semi-locally and abroad.
• GOD sees other people who look different than me as HIS children.

 

Having a global perspective is hard to do without exposure. I mean, when I lived comfortably in my neighborhood, people looked and acted like me. I had no idea what other cultures were going through as barriers to believing in JESUS. BUT GOD wanted me to see more.

 

HE orchestrated interactions that were combative at first and then said, “Look at people the way I see them.” HIS love was without prejudice or hatred. HE loves everyone so much that JESUS died for all sins. I gladly open my eyes to GOD’s perspective of wanting everyone saved.

 

Challenge

• Do you see the global perspective of the writer?
• What are the needs you can fulfill in other cultures?
• Will you use your gifts and talents in a local, semi-local and global way for the LORD today?

Urging

Urging

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁰ You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault. ¹¹ You know that we treated each one of you just as parents treat their own children. ¹² We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.

 

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“You should do it!” was the message of the dare. As more people joined in, the dare became more appealing. “I bet you won’t” were the words of the final straw! There was no turning back!

 

• I had to do what people were urging me to do.
• I did not want to be embarrassed so I did it.
• Now that I did it, people urged me to do some other dare that made no sense.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spent a tremendous amount of time with the people of Thessalonica. They made sure their conduct and motives were pure, right and without fault. They were very careful with the people, just like parents are with their children.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat HIS children carefully.
• Encouragement is a gift GOD wants me to give in generous doses.
• Comfort is needed when GOD delivers someone to me who is going through things.

 

Sharing in GOD’s Kingdom is the goal. HE has better stuff, a better place and no worries. HE wants everyone to have a better life. Unfortunately there are times when I think that life can be obtained here on earth. I try to scrape as much money together to pretend I am living a great life. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE wants me to live my life with HIS purpose. This means I should govern myself in a way that is pleasing to HIM. Encouragement and comfort should not be held back from anyone, friend or foe. I am glad GOD calls me and you to share in HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• How did the writers treat the people?
• How would you like to be treated?
• Will you seek to share GOD’s kingdom with everyone and live a life that is pleasing to HIM today?

No Chance Taken

No Chance Taken

Colossians 1: ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

 

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Wanting to get “my” way, I decided to “try” GOD. I had too many calamities going on and wanted some relief. I decided to act “good” so I took an inventory of what I thought was “bad.” I reduced my sin to no avail. More things were going wrong. “What do YOU want from me?” was my complaint.

 

• I was trying to manipulate GOD by being good.
• I thought I was in control of GOD.
• I used flawed logic by thinking GOD reacts to what I do.

 

Paul continues to explain why we should be thankful for GOD. By belief in JESUS, the FATHER rescued us from the power of darkness, brought us safe into the kingdom of JESUS and set us free by forgiving us of all our sins. GOD did it all.

 

My Observations

• When I think I have let GOD down by my sins, I must remember, HE forgave me of all my sins.
• When I think I can manipulate GOD by being “good” I must remember JESUS is the only one who is “good.”
• When I think GOD doesn’t love me or HE doesn’t care about this particular situation, I must remember, HE rescued me before I was even born.

 

We all want to be in control of our lives. I mean, I try hard to be “good” so things will go well with me. But what happens when I thought I was good and bad things happen anyway? I believe it means “bad things happen anyway and I am still supposed to believe that everything was taken care of for my salvation.

 

GOD did not leave it up to me to save me. HE knew I would not choose HIM, rather I would run after what the world thinks is right. HE made a way for me to be saved by giving us HIS one and only SON. I am glad I am forgiven for all my sins, even the sin of trying to manipulate GOD.

 

Challenge

• What are the things the writer is pointing out that are worthy of praise?
• Do you have to “feel” forgiven or know you are forgiven?
• What does “safe into the kingdom” mean to you?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and has not taken a chance on losing you today?

True Citizenship

 

True Citizenship

Acts 22: ²² The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”

²³ As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air, ²⁴ the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. He directed that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. ²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

 

²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

 

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Feeling out of place became the norm for me. After a while, I accepted my misfit status and sat alone in many places. I did not like those who laughed at me or who talked negatively about me. I felt alone.

 

• There were times when I felt alone in a crowd.
• There were times when I felt I did not belong.
• There were times when I felt there had to be another place where I felt welcome.

 

Paul explained his background as a Jew, but when he said he was sent to the Gentiles by GOD, the crowd got angrier. The commander ordered him to be taken inside and flogged. Paul questioned this move, knowing the local law. Paul was a citizen and knew his rights.

 

• GOD wants me to know where I came from.
• GOD wants me to understand that this cursed world is not my home.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom while I am still in this cursed world.

 

Before I was born, GOD made me. I mean, HE knew everything about me before I was ever born. HE chose me and I chose HIM. I believed in HIS SON JESUS as my Savior and HE added me into HIS kingdom as a citizen. The only kingdom that matter is HIS eternal one. I am glad to be part of GOD’s family and a citizen of HIS kingdom.

 

• Do you feel alone, even in a crowd?
• Do you feel like your life has a higher purpose than the one you are living?
• Will you become a citizen of GOD’s kingdom by believing that JESUS died for your sins and is now alive with all authority today and forever?

Change Jobs

Change Jobs

Acts 12: ¹⁶ Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place.

¹⁸ Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death.

And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

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“I can’t do it” I said in the interview. A group of executives wanted me to fire 33% of the staff if I joined the organization. After the interview, back in my home state, someone said “You need to get tough.” The expectation of me was to go along with decisions that could cause many people to lose their jobs, keeping mine in the process.

• There were times when I thought being “tough” was good.
• There were times when I thought nothing of firing people.
• There were times when I was led by the leaders, no matter how poorly they led.

Peter knew the guards were still in close proximity so when they finally opened the door, he told them to be quiet. He had to leave town. Meanwhile the guards, who were probably very tough, panicked. They had good reason. When they could not find Peter, they were put to death by other “tough” guards at the decree of the leader.

• GOD wants me to be wise to the world’s sins but not involved in causing them.
• GOD wants me to understand that I am a sinner who needs JESUS as the answer.
• GOD wants me to know HE can take care of me without the thing I may be holding onto that is harming other people.

“LORD, what do you want me to do?” was the missing question that I never heard or asked during my rapid rise in my career. I just went with the flow. BUT GOD wanted me to be different. HE wanted me to change jobs.

Unlike the world, JESUS showed grace and extreme mercy on HIS creation. This is missing from the world today. Being “tough” and combative is heralded as a badge of honor. GOD wants me to be tough, but to defend those who are being abused, misled and misdirected. HE wants me to stand for HIS entire kingdom, leaving the vengeance and protection to HIM. In JESUS I put my trust.

• Are you pursuing something that may be harmful to you and others?
• Do you think your pursuit will help or hurt GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you consider asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” so HE can guide you to stay or leave for HIM today?

Filled Up

Luke 13: ²⁰ And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? ²¹ It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

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In a hurry, I placed the gas container in the back seat of my car. Unfortunately the rubber gasket was missing which left the top loose and a little spilled out as I turned the corner sharply. Those few drops made the entire car smell.

• Sometimes a little can be a lot.
• Sometimes it only takes a little of something to take over everything.
• Sometimes just a tiny amount matters.

JESUS says a rather confusing analogy about the kingdom of GOD. HE compares it to leaven or yeast, that a woman baking bread, places in the mixture. Only three measures were used to permeate the entire batch. What does HIS analogy have to do with me and my problems?

• GOD says to me “The kingdom of heaven grows because of ME.”
• GOD says to me “Once MY presence enters you, I will fill you up.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the great I AM who is made of the FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT, three in one.”

Such few words describe so much. GOD’s kingdom is growing exponentially in spite of any force trying to stop it. HIS kingdom cannot be yielded in any way. HIS presence inside of me saves me eternally. That cannot be changed. When I ask for more of HIS kingdom, HE give it to me generously.

• Are you seeking the world’s kingdom or GOD’s kingdom?
• What is permeating your thoughts and actions?
• Are you bearing fruit for GOD or does your mind get torn apart with the today’s problems?
• Can you allow a little of GOD to permeate your entire life by letting go of your worries today?

Multiplication and Division

Matthew 12: ²⁵ Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

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“Divide and conquer” was the advice of my boss. I heard it all the time and even used these words. It may have been used in a harmless way at the time to tackle a problem. Division can also have extreme consequences.

• I have seen families divided to long term hurt.
• I have seen neighborhoods divided to long term degradation.
• I have seen churches divided to eternal consequences of someone observing.

Divisive tactics begin by slander followed by justification of a point. “First let me show you how stupid that person is” followed by “Here is why I am right.” Blindly I followed these tactics. It was called “The Game.” GOD was not pleased with those tactics.

• GOD wants me to see others with the value HE sees I them.
• GOD wants me to be with HIM instead of being against HIM.
• GOD wants me to multiply instead of divide.

Living together in peace with people who are against me is difficult but worth it. They may look different than me or even have very different views, BUT GOD wants me to remain and be HIS servant.  HE wants me to pray for the different just as much as I pray for my friends and family.

GOD wants me to bring people together so we can multiply HIS kingdom in unity in CHRIST.

• Are you divisive?
• Do you find yourself brooding over someone?
• Can you stop your pouting and join them so you can bring the kingdom to more people?
• Will you ask for GOD’s strength to stay where you are and reach your different neighbors?

Produce Fruit

Matthew 3: ⁸ Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. ⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. ¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

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Listening intently in the meeting, I picked through all of the rough parts of the conversation to hear what was needed. I formulated a plan and executed it without flaw.  Observers were impressed and gave me a raise, promotion and a bonus!

• There have been times I when worked hard for the world.
• There have been times I when put a lot of effort into obtaining wealth.
• There have been times I when monopolized my time with helping the rich get richer.

You have had a “fruitful” career someone once said to me, but what is “fruit?” I mean if “fruit” is making people wealthy who could care less about the poor, then yes I did that. BUT GOD’s fruit is quite different.

• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of appreciation of HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of thoughtfulness of those who are truly seeking HIM.
• GOD wants me to bear the fruit of passion for HIS kingdom.

Recognition that I am here today and gone tomorrow means that I am not trying to leave a legacy to myself, rather I am trying to put people on GOD’s path so they can carry on HIS plan. Bearing fruit is important to GOD. HE loves that I “believe” in HIS existence but wants much more.

GOD wants me to act upon my belief, bearing fruit whenever and wherever HE sends me. HIS kingdom has to be foremost in my mind so HE can draw those HE desires towards HIMSELF.

• Are you bearing human fruit or GODLY fruit?
• Do you spend most of your time working and are too exhausted to mention GOD during your day?
• Can people see GOD in you?
• Will you step back from bearing worldly fruit for just a moment and bear GOD’s fruit today?

Kingdom Minded

Ezekiel 27: ⁸ Men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen;
    your skilled men, Tyre, were aboard as your sailors.
⁹ Veteran craftsmen of Byblos were on board
    as shipwrights to caulk your seams.
All the ships of the sea and their sailors
    came alongside to trade for your wares.

¹⁰ “‘Men of Persia, Lydia and Put
    served as soldiers in your army.
They hung their shields and helmets on your walls,
    bringing you splendor.
¹¹ Men of Arvad and Helek
    guarded your walls on every side;
men of Gammad
    were in your towers.
They hung their shields around your walls;
    they brought your beauty to perfection.

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²⁶ Your oarsmen take you
    out to the high seas.
But the east wind will break you to pieces
    far out at sea.
²⁷ Your wealth, merchandise and wares,
    your mariners, sailors and shipwrights,
your merchants and all your soldiers,
    and everyone else on board
will sink into the heart of the sea
    on the day of your shipwreck.

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Pondering this chapter, I could not help but notice that GOD pays attention to who is serving who. HE even paid attention to their motive for serving. HE noticed every single thing they were doing and allowed them to accomplish “greatness” in the eyes of humans. BUT GOD wanted something different to be noticed.

• GOD does not mind me accomplishing things as long as HE truly gets the praise for my abilities.
• GOD does not mind me showing my creativity as long as I point to the CREATOR.
• GOD does not mind me becoming wealthy as long as I acknowledge that “my” wealth is but a portion of HIS great wealth.

Tyre was a “self-made” nation. They had great wealth and strong humans pulled alongside to protect the money. BUT GOD was not praised and HE showed them HIS might by tearing down their wealth. HE does the same in my life. When I put too much emphasis on money, HE has a way to pile the bills so high, my little change can’t reach the top of the debt. BUT GOD is merciful.

• GOD says to me “If you would turn your ways back to me, I will raise you up.”
• GOD says to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD says to me “Put ME first and you will be blessed.”

Giving GOD the praise is very important! HE deserves every ounce of credit, but does not need it. HE wants me to see HIS power over everything!

• Are you bragging about your wealth?
• Do you think you are “self-made”?
• Can you stop looking at yourself and your accomplishments for just one second and look at GOD?

I need to go shopping!

Revelation 3: ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

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“There, how does that fit?” the sales clerk asked. “Perfect” was my answer to my new tailored suit. After spending thirty minutes picking out the perfect tie I was now ready to show off my new garments. After wearing the suit twice I noticed a thread coming loose. Even worse I had a snag in my new silk tie. The suit looked old and I hadn't worn it much. I better find a new place to shop!

• Castles, cars and coins rust and deteriorate yet I still crave them.
• Clothes, caps and capes show others I’m successful but they cannot hide my sin from GOD.
• Cruises, champagne, and concierge made me feel special but blinded me to the hurt that was all around me.

Many say “there is nothing wrong with having stuff as long as stuff doesn't have you.” But I find it difficult to have stuff and not let the stuff have me. I mean if I purchase a car it has to be paid for and maintained, same with a house or a gadget.

Also, I did convince myself I deserved a first class vacation because of my neglect to my family by working all the time. When something went wrong I didn't have the words of CHRIST rather I threatened to take my “money” elsewhere. I wonder if I was blind.

• GOD says “buy from ME gold refined in the fire” because it is free of impurities and reflects HIS very nature, this way my wealth is in people not items that can break.
• GOD says “buy white clothes from me” which is the garment of confession, truth, wisdom and purity all of which HE uses to cleanse my unrighteousness.
• GOD says “buy slave to put on your eyes, so you can see” this way I will no longer be blind to how my sin is hurting me and others and I won’t pass by someone in need.

GOD wants me to visit HIS store instead of lusting over the things of this world. I haven’t figured out a way to not let “things have me” but I do realize focusing on GOD brings me legitimate wealth.

• Are you struggling to keep your stuff?
• Do you find yourself wanting more stuff or the latest gadget or the best garments?
• Can you let go of the stuff for a moment and help someone?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s heart and be wealthy HIS way?

A better place to live

Hebrews 11: ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

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Graduation was finally here. I couldn’t wait to go to college for it had to be better than home, I thought.  Years later graduation came around again. I couldn’t wait to get away from college for working in a small town had to be better than college.

Years later I was being courted for a new job back in the city where I grew up. I couldn’t wait to move back because it had to be better than living in a small town.  Wait! Why aren’t these things getting better?

• Sometimes I get disenchanted with where I am.
• Sometimes I look around and see mostly bad and fail to see what is good.
• Sometimes I believe my situation is dismal and I need to move onto something new here on Earth.

It seems like “Utopia” has to be around here someplace. I mean can’t I find a perfect life where everything is easy, there is no fighting and I get my way while everyone else is getting their way? Not here on this planet!

• GOD wants me to remain focused on HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to know this life is extremely temporary.
• GOD wants me to hold on and persevere through difficult times knowing HE has a better place for me.

Admittedly I want the better place now, here on Earth.  I want treasures now and treasures later.  I guess it’s the greed in me. GOD says keep my eye on the prize and remain focused on telling the world about HIS SON. Countries will come and go but GOD’s kingdom remains forever! GOD is not ashamed of me and has prepared a city for me.

• Are you trying to make this world your permanent home?
• Are you frustrated with the way other people are acting?
• Can you focus your attention on helping others remain in GOD?
• Will you stop trying to eradicate sin, which only GOD can do, and focus your attention on loving people?