Seven I Wills

Seven I Wills

Exodus 6: ⁵ And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. ⁶ Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the Lord; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. ⁷ I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. ⁸ And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the Lord.’ ” ⁹ So Moses spoke thus to the children of Israel; but they did not heed Moses, because of anguish of spirit and cruel bondage.

 

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GOD continues HIS reassurance to Moses. First, HE said that Pharaoh was no match for HIM. Then HE told Moses who HE is. Now GOD states what HE was going to do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD hears all groanings that are caused by oppression of HIS people.
• GOD keeps every promise HE makes.
• GOD says “I will” seven times to show that HIS plan is complete.

 

Here are the seven “I will's”

1. I will bring you our from under the burdens of the Egyptians
2. I will rescue you from their bondage
3. I will redeem you
4. I will take you as MY people
5. I will be your GOD
6. I will bring you into the land I swore
7. I will give it to you as a heritage

 

What I notice is there is nothing required of any person for GOD to execute HIS plan of deliverance. When GOD says “I will” it means it’s going to happen exactly the way HE said it would. GOD not only swore by HIS name, HE sealed it seven times with HIS promises. GOD loves the number seven. HE mentions HIS seven SPIRITS in the books of Isaiah and Revelation.

 

Moses told the children of Israel what GOD said, but they did not believe him. They were so oppressed that they could not hear what GOD had to say. This is a real feeling all of us can fall into. But their feelings mattered to GOD enough that HE decided HE would take care of everything and they did not have to worry. GOD sealed HIS promise seven times.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses of HIS promises?
• Has GOD made promises to you that have not come to pass and you are so focused on your problem that you have take your eyes off of HIS promise?
• When GOD makes a promise, do you get distracted by life and stop believing in HIS promise or do you press forward with trust?

Shrewd Plan

Shrewd Plan

Genesis 42: ¹⁰ And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. ¹¹ We are all one man’s sons; we are honest men; your servants are not spies.”

¹² But he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.”

¹³ And they said, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan; and in fact, the youngest is with our father today, and one is no more.”

 

¹⁴ But Joseph said to them, “It is as I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies!’ ¹⁵ In this manner you shall be tested: By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. ¹⁶ Send one of you, and let him bring your brother; and you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested to see whether there is any truth in you; or else, by the life of Pharaoh, surely you are spies!” ¹⁷ So he ^[d]put them all together in prison three days.

 

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Joseph was put in an awkward position. He was surprised to see his brothers and he was being watched by the Egyptians. Joseph devised a plan to bring Benjamin to Egypt without letting either side know what he was doing.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph was not acting petty by placing them in jail for three days, rather he needed to position his brothers as spies with the Egyptians so he could pretend to interrogate them without blatantly showing favor.
• Whoever was the spokesperson for the brothers was being honest at that moment, but knew the brothers had a secret.
• Joseph did not ask them about their family, but they volunteered the information about the size and makeup of the family.

 

Being thrown in jail looks like poetic justice, but it was probably wise positioning on Joseph’s part. Why would he show a specific group of people favor that he did not show anyone else? He had to think of a plan that would give him access to his brothers in front of the Egyptians while showing them favor.

 

But sitting in jail was a consequence of their attempted murder and treachery. GOD was orchestrating a reunion that would ultimately move the Israelites into the promised land. “Three” days was used as their sentence, probably not by coincidence. This number was connected o the butler’s and the baker’s dreams. GOD may have given this number to Joseph as the symbolic time JESUS would spend being raised from the dead.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s accusation of his brothers?
• Have you ever been placed in a difficult situation that seemed like punishment, but was really a blessing?
• Can you look at your current situation differently, knowing GOD is working it out for you to fit in HIS plan?

Free Will Obtained

Free Will Obtained

Genesis 4: ⁸ Now Cain^]talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

⁹ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”

He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

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GOD created the heavens and the earth with love in mind. When HE created the garden of Eden, HE made a special place for HIM to have an everlasting relationship with HIS creation. But Satan had another plan that would ruin humans. When Adam and Eve were fooled into sinning, they had a choice, but did not choose wisely.

 

Now Cain was furious at being rejected by JESUS. He was also jealous that his brother’s offering to JESUS was accepted. If Cain were an only child, there still would have been a problem between JESUS and Cain. But he wasn’t an only child. He killed his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Cain did not learn murder from anyone.
• Cain allowed anger to turn into hatred which made him commit murder.
• Cain probably stewed over the offering situation and became enraged during the conversation with Abel, which led him to murder.

 

I can only imagine the conversation between Cain and Abel. Cain, full of blame, may have asked questions as to why Abel showed him up when it came to the offering. Or maybe he tried to convince Abel to help him build the garden and to stop following JESUS. GOD did not reveal the conversation. But HE did reveal the outcome, namely murder.

I believe it was JESUS who asked Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” JESUS knew what had happened, but Cain lied. And on top of the lie, he gave a sarcastic remark about responsibilities. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  could have been a reply referring to not being a shepherd. This was the first rejection of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the conversation between Cain and Abel?
• Have you ever argued about free will in a convenient way that fights against its existence?
• Will you recognize that GOD’s love will not stop you from sinning, rather that JESUS died for your sins and was raised from the dead to forgive you if you believe you need to be forgiven?

Street Justice

Street Justice

Revelation 17: ¹⁵ The angel also said to me, “The waters you saw, on which the prostitute sits, are nations, peoples, races, and languages. ¹⁶ The ten horns you saw and the beast will hate the prostitute; they will take away everything she has and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and destroy her with fire. ¹⁷ For God has placed in their hearts the will to carry out his purpose by acting together and giving to the beast their power to rule until God's words come true.

 

¹⁸ “The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth.”

 

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After being robbed, I was shaken. I feared sitting in certain seats on the bus, or even going down certain streets. Someone said to me, “Don’t worry, those people who did you harm will face street justice.” In other words, someone will rob the robber.

 

• I saw “street justice” happen to thugs in my neighborhood.
• I heard about “street justice” happening to gang members.
• I witnessed thugs beating up the thugs who once bullied me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, got another statement from the angel who took him into the desert. The angel explained that the great city that caused humans to sin, would face “street justice’ from the beast and from those who may be leaders of countries. Their jealousy of the power would cause them to desire to take down part of Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will allow evil people to take down evil people.
• GOD wants my heart to remain focused on HIM and not return evil for evil.
• GOD does not want me to celebrate the demise of anyone, because it could happen to me.

 

“Turnabout is fair play” is a term that means, it is alright to do evil to someone who has done evil to me. But this causes a problem to the believe. I mean, the world may look away at my “street justice” BUT GOD will not look away. All my sins come with consequence. BUT GOD gives me a better way.

 

Instead of committing sin, GOD wants me to give my enemies over to HIM. “Vengeance is mine says the LORD, I will repay.” HE is sovereign and just to carry out what HE said HE would. HE sees the victim and the foe. HE knows who is the oppressor and listens to those who cry out to HIM. I give my enemies to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the angel remind the writer that the woman was the great city?
• Have you ever been wronged and wanted to do something wrong to “that” person?
• Will you give “that” person over to GOD so your conscience will be clean today?

Business Plans

Business Plans

James 4: ¹³ Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” ¹⁴ You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. ¹⁵ What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But now you are proud, and you boast; all such boasting is wrong.

 

¹⁷ So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.

 

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After the promotion, my sites were set on the top spot. I could see myself running the entire “world” at this particular company. When the top person got wind of my promotion, I had more of a fight than I planned for. I lost the battle.

 

• I did not get what I planned.
• I did not reach what I thought I should reach.
• I did not know GOD had something better in store for me.

 

James spoke specifically to those who were boasting about their plans. Business people were probably using statements of expansion and greenfield markets. He warned them to use the correct words when making plans.

 

My Observations:

• My plans are weak unless GOD says “Yes.”
• Anything I think I will do has to be blessed by GOD “allowing” it to happen.
• GOD’s plans will always happen so I have to align to HIS will.

 

Making plans for the future is necessary for business people. I mean, fiscal projections and future orders help businesses run smoothly to provide great service. All projections and future plans need to be put under GOD by saying these words “If it is HIS will.”

 

This means I, as a business person, knows that anything can happen and it is GOD who has control. When I add the “anything can happen” factor to my plans, I am more ready for circumstances that may arise. I may even live my life differently, knowing JESUS could return at a moment’s notice. I gladly give my plans to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer say “Do not make plans” or “make plans, aligning them to GOD’s will?”
• Have you ever made a plan and something totally unexpected happened to cancel those plans?
• Will you align to GOD’s will, knowing plans can change, and praise HIM for every moment HE allows you to do HIS will?

Wanted Provided

Wanted Provided

Hebrews 10: ⁸ First he said, “You neither want nor are you pleased with sacrifices and offerings or with animals burned on the altar and the sacrifices to take away sins.” He said this even though all these sacrifices are offered according to the Law. ⁹ Then he said, “Here I am, O God, to do your will.” So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place. ¹⁰ Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all.

 

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After a number of hot days, I noticed the duct tape was peeling on one of my car “repairs.” I finally got tired of the temporary nature of taping things together. I went to the junkyard and found a replacement part. It wiped out the few dollars I had, but fixed the car.

 

• I needed a permanent fix, but was using a temporary one.
• I got used to the temporary fix and was willing to keep doing it for a while.
• I finally reached a point where I could see the futility in a temporary fix.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, discussed the futility of animal sacrifices. GOD didn’t want those. HE wanted a pure sacrifice from a sinless human. JESUS volunteered to be the perfect sacrifice. HE said “Here I am, O GOD, to do YOUR will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD would prefer my admission to sin versus me trying to hide the fact that I cannot follow the rules.
• GOD provided me with a way to have an everlasting relationship with HIM, namely JESUS.
• GOD got exactly what was needed by JESUS becoming a sacrifice, all HE wants me to do is recognize this act of love.

 

Trying to follow the rules feels good to me. I mean, I can measure when I “did” stuff, but I cannot measure when GOD took care of it all. I want to be part of my salvation, so I jump in with moments of abstaining from sin. I then look to GOD for my pay as if to say “See how good I was, now give me more of life’s comforts.”  HE sees through my righteousness and is forgiving.

 

GOD knew I could not handle what it would take to have a loving relationship with HIM. HE was only satisfied with the act JESUS did. This selfless act of love was just right. I am glad JESUS was just what GOD wanted.

 

Challenge

• How are we purified according to the writer?
• Have you ever thought your being “good” give you more of GOD?
• Will you focus your praise on what JESUS did so HE can guide you today?

Will

Will

Philippians 2: ⁸ He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—
    his death on the cross.
⁹ For this reason God raised him to the highest place above
    and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
¹⁰ And so, in honor of the name of Jesus
    all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below
    will fall on their knees,
¹¹ and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

 

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Walking into a quiz was a surprise to me. I had missed the previous class that announced the quiz and was unprepared. I walked out and applied for an extension to take the quiz the following week. During that week, I felt like giving up. I was asked to go to a party. “I wonder if I should” I thought to myself.

 

• I was discouraged and felt like giving up.
• I wanted to finish, but was easily distracted by people and circumstances.
• I felt alone with no guidance.

 

Paul continues to describe what JESUS did after becoming a human. He talked about the humility and obedience JESUS carried as HIS normal way of living. HE could have said, “I AM GOD, so you better do as I say.” But HE never uttered those words. Instead HE remained obedient all the way to death.

 

My Observations

• My “will” can cause me to lose focus of “GOD’s will.”
• GOD wants me to align my desires to HIS “will” so I can see true success.
• One day I “will” bow my knees and proclaim JESUS is LORD.

 

“Will” can mean leaving stuff to people, an act of kindness, a strong desire or a future state of being. All of these definitions were fulfilled by GOD through JESUS. HE gave everything to HIM because of HIS obedience and humility. JESUS showed immense kindness to HIS creation, even though they hated HIM. HE was determined to accomplish HIS task and walked with perfection, though tempted at every decision.

 

One day all “will” fall on our knees and all “will” openly proclaim that JESUS CHRIST is LORD. Whether we like it or not, it “will” be revealed to us who JESUS really is. I am thankful GOD enables me to do HIS “will” by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT. I believe what JESUS did was necessary.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer amazed about?
• Have you ever wanted to be noticed for your title or accomplishments or some other status?
• Have you ever been forced to submit to authority when someone you did not like received a title?
• “Will” you openly and “willingly” point your life to JESUS without any expectation and begin proclaiming that HE IS LORD today?

Alignment

Alignment

Ephesians 1: ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers ¹⁷ and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

 

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Complaints about the preaching became the norm for me. I went to sleep on one set of sermons and others I tried to escape by being “busy” during the discourse. And what was it with the uniforms people wore? And why don’t they update the music?  And why was church service so long? And…

 

• I was blind to what people were doing for GOD.
• I could not value how people were serving GOD because I was too busy complaining.
• I saw myself as being right and “they” were serving GOD wrong because “I” did not hear what I wanted to hear.

 

Paul compliments the people on their faith in JESUS. He heard about their faith and had to do something special. He gave thanks. He also asked GOD for them to receive wisdom as given only by the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul aligned to GOD’s will.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to seek and admire those who put their faith in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to value what people are doing for HIM and give thanks for them by remembering them in prayer.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to provide wisdom from the HOLY SPIRIT so they may know HIM.

 

Recognizing other people is important to GOD. I mean, seeing what people ”are” doing for HIM rather than harboring a complaint is wonderful to HIM. Unfortunately, I look at things from my selfish perspective and wonder what is in this for me? GOD sees my complaint and knows my justification attempts for acting foul.

 

HE forgives me, opens my eyes to HIS servants and cleans my heart to see HE has a multitude of servants who love HIM. HE wants me to see that HE has placed many people around the world who show love for all HIS people. I give thanks for those who serve GOD because of their faith in JESUS and I align to GOD’s will.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers heart for the people?
• Are there people you can think of who have been faithful and could use your prayers?
• Will you take a moment and remember those who serve GOD and ask that HE provide the HOLY SPIRIT to open eyes and reveal who HE is today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for his or her faith in YOUR SON, JESUS. Please open our eyes and reveal who YOU are today. amen

Complete Understanding

Complete Understanding

2 Corinthians 1: ¹² We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom. ^13-14 We write to you only what you can read and understand. But even though you now understand us only in part, I hope that you will come to understand us completely, so that in the Day of our Lord Jesus you can be as proud of us as we shall be of you.

 

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When I become a parent, I will correct the list of complaints I had against my parents. But then I became one and got “complete understanding.” When I am the boss I will change how things are done. But I became one and things did not go as I thought. But now I had “complete understanding.” Running a business will be easy is what I said until I ran one and it wasn’t so easy. But now I had complete understanding.

 

Paul send his letter with a caveat. He did not include some of the stuff that would be hard to understand. Luke wrote about Paul being bit by a venomous snake and remaining alive. Paul did not write this about himself and did not include many other miracles he witnessed or performed. He knew his focus was not to point to himself, but JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be ruled by HIS holiness.
• GOD wants me to be as sincere as I can when I speak about HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I will not have “complete understanding” until HE transforms me to HIS true creation.

 

Confusion seems to be the norm during this life. I mean, when one person says “the truth”, another comes along to refute what was said. Human brawls increase rips in families, neighborhoods and communities. Disunity increases. Slander undermines the ability to help.

 

BUT GOD completely understands and has given us only a tiny revelation of HIMSELF. JESUS spent a little time being human and was tempted in every way a human could be tempted. HE died and was raised from the dead. HE has all authority. I am glad HE has complete understanding and wants to share it with me.

 

Challenge

• Has anyone ever questioned how and what you do without having complete understanding?
• Have you ever questioned GOD or complained about HIS plan for your life?
• Will you step back from the current situation and know GOD has complete understanding over your situation and has already added HIS love to it just for you?

Not My Will

Not My Will

Acts 21: ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

¹⁵ After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem. ¹⁶ Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples.

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Excited that I was going to finally have sex, I figured out my plan down to the letter. I would “borrow” the car pick up the girl from her house, have sex and go back home. The plan was brilliant. When I asked for the car, I was met with “It needs a new radiator. It’s not going anywhere.”

• Many times I have been prevented from doing what I wanted to do.
• Many times my plans have been derailed.
• Many times my will was pointed in a, not so good, direction.

A huge crowd tried to persuade Paul from going to Jerusalem. When they heard the prophecy of his imprisonment, and knowing what happened to JESUS, they wanted to play it safe. But Paul was not persuaded. He knew he had to lay aside his will and live for GOD.

• GOD wants me to lay aside my will for HIS.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice my will and live for HIM.
• GOD wants me to see my will can get in the way of HIS will.

“YOUR will be done”, are hard words to say. I mean, I want to be in control of the situation or get my way. BUT GOD loves when I say and mean those words. When I want to do something sinful and back off because of GOD said not to do it, HE rejoices and rewards me.

HE also loves when I do something HE wants me to do, especially when I don’t want to do it; like apologize first, or give my last dollar to a homeless person or call the lonely even though they have never called me. I am glad to do GOD’s will for it has many rewards.

• Are you frustrated because you are not getting your way?
• Do you think your way is aligned to what GOD wants in your life?
• Will you take a moment and ask GOD to do HIS will in your life even if it means to let go of something precious to you?

Getting Wiser

Getting Wiser

Acts 18: ¹⁸ Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken. ¹⁹ They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. ²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. ²² When he landed at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

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“How dare they!” I felt with anger. Ready to fight, I went and found people who would back me up. Throwing aside consequence, I wanted to right this wrong and was willing to punch someone in their face. Fortunately, the fight did not break out.

• There was a time when I was quick with anger.
• There was a time when I felt rage when someone said the “wrong” thing the “right” way.
• There was a time when I reacted before I considered if I should even react.

Paul had faced a lot of hardship. From fall of being a Pharisee to rise of being a true follower of JESUS, Paul faced beating and near death spreading the gospel. He wanted to stand out, so he vowed to remain bald. He then did something uncharacteristic by declining a request to stay with a group. “I will come back if it is GOD’s will” he said.

• GOD wants me to mature in my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow in the examples HE gave through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and let HIM do the fighting.

After getting beat up enough, I say to myself “There has to be a better way.” GOD knew Paul had to suffer. Paul, at one time, pursued murder in the name of GOD. He was growing with wisdom and sought a better way to convince people and allow GOD to do the fighting. GOD wants me to do the same.

HE wants me to plant the seeds of HIS love and allow HIM to bring someone else to water the seeds and HE grow the seeds. HE also wants me to see how slow HE is to anger and how graceful HE is with me daily. I appreciate HIS patience with me.

• Are you filled with rage?
• Are you quick to anger and react often?
• Will you allow GOD to slow your anger so HE can speak through you today?

Helpless and Mighty

Mark 4: ²⁶ And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, ²⁷ and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. ²⁸ For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. ²⁹ But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

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When the car stalled out for the fifth time it seemed like we would never get home. The two hour journey had now turned into six. My cousin and I sat there waiting yet again for something miraculous to happen. After fifteen minutes I started the car again. This time it made it all the way home.

• Sometimes I have problems I cannot fix.
• Sometimes I have a desire but no solution.
• Sometimes I have an immediate need but have no way to meet that need.

Helpless is never a fun feeling but it is definitely useful. Looking back on the car situation, I can truly say that it was only GOD that brought me through that situation. I had nothing to offer, no power to give.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD.”

In my weakness GOD’s might is made perfect. GOD is the one who knows how seeds sprout in this story. JESUS lets HIS disciples know that the power comes only from HIM. I am supposed to go out and plant seeds of love, knowledge and faith to many and let GOD grow the seeds.

As much as I may want someone to believe in CHRIST, I am helpless BUT GOD is mighty! HE wants me to be ready for HIS harvest so HIS glory will shine bright.

• Are you ready for GOD’s harvest?
• Can you stop fearing and allow GOD to deliver you the way HE wants to?
• Will you continue to spread the seeds of GOD wherever HE sends you?

Will Call

Mark 3: ³¹ Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. ³² And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.”

³³ But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?”³⁴ And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! ³⁵ For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

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“What do YOU want from me?” was my anxious cry as I did not get my expected outcome yet again. Here was my normal pattern. I would want something, ask GOD “Please let me have that something” then pout when that something does not come in the time or way or amount that I wanted.

• Many times I am not open to GOD’s will.
• Many times I secretly get mad that GOD doesn’t answer my prayers in my time, my way.
• Many times I question GOD’s will when something “I” consider “bad” happens to me.

From car accidents to robberies to failed careers to people leaving when I needed them the most, I prayed prayers I thought were earnest and sincere but did not get what I wanted. In frustration I would cry out “What!?” meaning “What is the will of GOD?”

• GOD says to me “I want you to tell people about ME in everything you do.”
• GOD says to me “I have a serious plan for you that will be met with opposition, but I AM there for you.”
• GOD says to me “MY will is that all will be saved and I need you as one of MY few laborers.”

When I realized my purpose I could see GOD’s will a little clearer. HE doesn’t need another selfish, attention grabbing person who feels a little too confident in themselves. GOD needs me exactly as I am, sin and all, to tell other people “JESUS loved me to the point of death for me and now that HE is alive I can live eternally with HIM, no sickness and no pain.”

I hear GOD tell me to “Help that person” or “Pray for those who harm you” or “Give what you can while praising ME to be able to give.” GOD then grows me up to complain about HIM less and less. When something “bad” happens I also understand that is part of HIS will as “All things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” GOD calls me to do HIS will.

• Are you complaining that you are not getting your way fast enough?
• Can you accept GOD’s timing and methods?
• Will you praise GOD and tell people about JESUS in the middle of your crisis?

Knowing What is Needed

Matthew 6: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

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“Please let the stock rise higher” was my “prayer-ish” thought. I was trying something new and I wanted to see if it would work. I invested in a “penny” stock to see if I could make some extra cash. I watched the value increase to a point just under my threshold. I figured the value would keep increasing. Suddenly it fell and fell and fell. Weeks later I got a letter stating the stock had no value.

• Sometimes the motive behind my prayer isn’t the best.
• Sometimes the method behind my prayer is loud and boisterous.
• Sometimes the length of my prayer, compared to “that” person, is too long.

Communicating to the GOD of the universe requires thinking sometimes. I mean other times when there is an emergency there may be no time to think. There are other times however that maybe I should stop for a moment and process what I’m about to ask GOD.

• GOD wants me to take prayer seriously.
• GOD wants me to have a habit of praying in secret so HE will reward me, not people.
• GOD wants me to want what HE wants so my prayers can align with HIS will.

Praying to be seen or heard is what GOD seems to be against in this passage. HE sees when I am trying to be the center of attention and rejects the prayer. Since HE wants me to succeed, HE teaches me to pray. HE guides me to acknowledge HIM as supreme, debts, temptation and HIS power to overcome anything.

GOD takes prayer very seriously. Whether eyes open or closed, head up or bowed, GOD takes time to listen to me. HE wants me to pray while walking, driving or in a closet on my knees. GOD listens when I earnestly pray.

• Are you trying to be seen by others when you pray?
• Do you feel you pray “better” than “that” person?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to others or trying to be seen and sincerely pray to the unseen GOD?

Favorable or Unfavorable

Jeremiah 42: Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached ² Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. ³ Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

⁴ “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the Lord your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the Lord says and will keep nothing back from you.”

⁵ Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the Lord your God sends you to tell us. ⁶ Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”

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Tired of all of the issues I finally said “GOD, YOU win!” I was finally too tired to fight HIM and it seemed like I was not going to get my way anyway. The more I tried to do things on my own, the worse things got.

• There are times when I think I can solve my own problems.
• There are times when I think I have it within myself to come up with a solution.
• There are times when I think I can face any situation and hit it head on with my own strength.

In this world of “individualism” I was king. I mean I was great at not needing anyone and groused at those who did. BUT GOD took me through many situations that had me turn back to HIM. Things were falling apart left and right and eventually I had no place to turn. “GOD help me” was my cry.

• When I cry out to GOD, HE always answers.
• When I say the name of JESUS, HE always comes through.
• When I place my worries, sins, doubts and fears in front of GOD, HE always takes care of me.

There is one caveat that HE wants me to do. When I do turn my face back to HIM, HE does not want me to turn away from HIM again. HE desires that I live a life that is obedient to HIM whether HIS answer is favorable or unfavorable. HE wants full rights to my life and I must give HIM full praise. Ever since I realized this, all has gone very well.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you seem worried?
• Can you stop worrying for moment and ask yourself “Why do I not trust GOD?”
• What are you fighting GOD about?
• Will you stop being exhausted by trying to steer GOD and ask HIM for HIS favorable or unfavorable direction?

What is Said Will Be Done

Isaiah 46: ¹¹ From the east I summon a bird of prey;
    from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
    what I have planned, that I will do.
¹² Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
    you who are now far from my righteousness.
¹³ I am bringing my righteousness near,
    it is not far away;
    and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
    my splendor to Israel.

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“I will be there in about forty five minutes” I said. When I jumped on the road there was road construction and I made it to my destination thirty minutes late. “I will buy a new suit” I thought to myself.  On my way home, my transmission went out and I no longer had the funds to buy anything for a long time. My predictions don’t always come true.

• Some things are out of my control.
• Some circumstances are not mine to predict.
• Some situations pop up that I could never foresee.

Even when I planned ahead and walked the line as carefully as I could, it seemed like some “unforeseen” circumstance would appear that was out of my control which would make me have unresolved worry. What was I to do?

• GOD says to me “Depend only on MY plans for what I have said that I will bring about.”
• GOD says to me “Place your trust in ME for what I have planned that I will do.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to ME, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from MY righteousness, I AM bringing MY righteousness near, it is not far away.”

Trust in GOD means I have to drop my stubbornness to follow HIS plan. HE is the only one who can save me. I have no ability within myself to get where I am going. GOD can choose to send me here and there and I must be willing to go where HE leads me. HIS salvation is far greater than anything I can do. I place my trust in HIM.

• What do you place your trust in?
• Are you filled with mistrust, fear and doubt?
• Can you drop your stubbornness and your fight and place your trust in GOD?
• Will you look to HIM for HIS nearby salvation?

Extreme Example

Isaiah 20: ² at that time the Lord spoke through Isaiah son of Amoz. He said to him, “Take off the sackcloth from your body and the sandals from your feet.” And he did so, going around stripped and barefoot.

³ Then the Lord said, “Just as my servant Isaiah has gone stripped and barefoot for three years, as a sign and portent against Egypt and Cush, ⁴ so the king of Assyria will lead away stripped and barefoot the Egyptian captives and Cushite exiles, young and old, with buttocks bared—to Egypt’s shame.

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Obedience in GOD seems strange. I have never seen any example in the Bible where a person goes to church for an hour or two, writes a check and does some amazing things. In fact it seems quite the opposite. Isaiah was to be used as an extreme example, warning people about what HE was going to do. Isaiah had to walk around naked for three years!

• Sometimes I think GOD only wants to use me the way “I” want to be used.
• Sometimes I think GOD only cares if HE gives me “my” way.
• Sometimes I think GOD only works when I “feel” blessed.

Who wants to be called crazy? I sure don’t. Walking around naked these days would get me locked up in most places. Speaking boldly about JESUS seems crazy to a lot of people these days too. Speaking about the demonic world seems even crazier and has been replaced by marriage seminars and family dinners in churches. But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants to use me if I let HIM do as HE pleases.
• GOD wants to give me an extreme example if my trust in HIM is strong.
• GOD wants me to focus on spiritual treasures not earthly comforts.

I am not saying that GOD has given me something extreme to do. In fact, the things GOD has me doing seem quite tame. I am saying that I need to be open to HIS leading, which may be extreme for me at times. HE may say give up everything and follow me.

People would look at me like I was crazy. HE may say pray constantly, give to the needy or “be” the needy. I don’t know what HE has in store for me, but I must accept HIS path with wide open arms!

• Are you being used on your own terms?
• Do you think of GOD in a small way?
• Can you allow GOD to be bigger and bolder in your life?
• Will you listen to HIS guidance today through HIS word and not on your own thoughts?

Taking Credit

Psalm 59: ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely.

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Prayer was approaching a habit at this time. I decided to pray about the situation and it seemed like everything cleared up overnight. People around me saw that I had talent and I was promoted. Soon after I got as tough as the other bosses. “’I’ am strong enough to handle these people” I thought to myself.  “I” made it here “myself” and “I” can reach the top.

• It is false to think that I have any power whatsoever.
• It is false to think that my health, wealth and welfare come from me.
• It is false to think that I can breathe on my one, work on my own, live on my own.

I used to think that strength came from me. I mean when I was scrawny, I lifted weights and grew large. When I wasn’t successful, I worked harder than anyone else until I was. Soon I thought I was a self-made man. BUT GOD wants different.

• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for every step that I take.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to sing to HIM and about HIM because HE is the one who deserves credit.

It is GOD who raised me up and it is up to HIM to place me wherever HE wants me to go. HE is the bright shining light in the morning who blesses me with strength. I have no might at all. I cannot breathe without GOD. HE has the right to do as HE pleases and I praise HIM for it. I can always rely on GOD.

• Are you doing things on your own strength?
• Do you think it is your might that has you where you are?
• Do you think that your sin controls GOD’s blessings?
• Can you look at GOD’s grace as being sufficient?
• Will you look to GOD and praise HIM for being your strength today?

Expect the Unexpected

Psalm 22: ¹⁹ But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

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“Help” was all I could utter when trouble number three came. I mean the car was broken, my credit was broken and my will was finally broken. I wondered how far GOD really was from me. I thought that if I started following GOD that things would be fine. I would be rich and famous and on a perpetual vacation. Why was I going through this?

• Sometimes I go through trials.
• Sometimes I experience trouble.
• Sometimes I have pain.

So many unexpected things happen and when they do I am taken thoroughly by surprise. This causes a mild panic and then a crazy thought comes to mind. “GOD is gone” or “GOD is punishing me”, but this thinking is extremely flawed.

• GOD allowed trouble on HIMSELF so HE could empathize with my troubles.
• GOD experienced ever temptation so HIS grace IS sufficient for me.
• GOD wept when HE saw all the troubles I would experience so HIS compassion for me is extreme.

GOD gets no pleasure in seeing me in pain. In fact it hurts HIM deeply when I anguish because HE place the HOLY SPIRIT inside me. GOD cannot get “away” from me even though it feels that way. So when the unexpected comes up, GOD is there, ready to go through the problem with me. HE wants me to expect the unexpected so I can put more trust in HIM.

• Are you in shock over something?
• Did something recently happen that caused you to go in a different direction suddenly?
• Can you ask GOD for strength to quickly resolve your new direction?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS swift resolution?

Strange Ways Work

Psalm 18: ³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.

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With a car full of my stuff I turned down a semi-familiar street. I had only been to this town once so every street looked the same. I felt something say “Turn here.” I looked to the left and it was a one-way street headed in the opposite direction so I only had one way to turn. About one block later my quest ended with the apartment I sought out. Not only was it the perfect price, I discovered it was only blocks from my new job.

• My intuition can be faulty.
• My instinct can fail.
• My insight can be wrong.

Finding an apartment the way I found this one goes against logic. I mean one approach could be to go to my place of work then look within a certain radius of that location, comparing pricing until I found some within my range, and then executing a cost benefit of each one… whew! GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD wants me to not to be foolish rather depend on HIM for my decision making.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM first then proceed in the direction HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to take refuge in HIS way which sometimes may seem strange to everyone around me.

Conventional methods do not seem GOD’s style in my life. I mean HE has lifted me up to places I never should have been and taken me places I never should have gone. Like Noah building an Ark or Joshua marching around a city seven times and defeating it with a trumpet, GOD has me doing strange things that seem extremely unconventional to everyone around me.

HE makes me realize I must depend on HIM and seek HIS face daily in spite of what surrounds me. It is GOD who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

• Are you listening to GOD?
• Does HE have you doing something out of the ordinary that is beneficial to the kingdom and not harmful to others?
• Can you put your full trust in HIM today?