Batteries that go forever

2 Peter 2: ²⁰ If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

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Refreshed was the feeling I woke up to at the leadership retreat. Three days of being away from the grind had actually charged my batteries. We spoke about concepts that I was going to try and now I had a new way of thinking.

During my first day back we faced a crisis. It was all hands on deck and people were getting a little short tempered. I was cool and calm and we got through the storm. But the next day happened and the next week happened. Finally I was back to my fast paced, high stressed old self again.  What was that retreat about again? Hmm, I can’t seem to remember the concept I was going to implement.

• Knowing about JESUS isn’t a short term solution to an immediate problem.
• Knowing about JESUS isn’t a way for me to keep my sin and fool myself into thinking heaven is my home.
• Knowing about JESUS isn’t something I can just try to stop my trial and return to my old way when the situation clears up.

JESUS wants more than “knowledge” of HIM, HE wants belief. HIS death was a permanent act and so was HIS resurrection. HE will never die again and HE will remain raised forever. I can’t simply believe HE exists rather I should believe in HIS position as the only sinless human to ever walk the earth.

Now that HE has been raised, the FATHER has placed HIM back over everything. My belief needs to be directed on my need for a savior. My birth alone is reason to be sentenced to eternal separation from HIM.

• JESUS died for me to save me from eternal separation.
• JESUS was raised to build a special place for me to spend eternity with HIM.
• JESUS lives for me to eradicate every sin I have and will commit.

Will I still sin? Unfortunately yes. BUT GOD is slowly changing me to love others and to love myself, to show mercy the way HE shows mercy. I have not arrived, but I’m not the same.

• Are you living a lifestyle that is against GOD?
• Are you secretly or overtly sinning because you have given up on GOD?
• Can you allow GOD to give you “purpose” that will keep you from falling away from HIM?

A growth prayer

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

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GOD will provide knowledge of HIS will through the HOLY SPIRIT HE placed inside me.

GOD will give me understanding so I can live a life worthy of the LORD, pleasing HIM daily.

GOD will guide me to bear fruit when I do good works for HIM.

GOD will place situations in front of me that stretch me to grow.

GOD will exercise my emotions strengthening my faith while understanding my fears, doubts and worries.

GOD will use HIS might to enable me to patiently endure the hardships of life.

GOD will accept my joyful thanks because HE took me into HIS family forever.

amen

True Strength

2 Corinthians 12: ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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One hundred thirty pound weakling was the best description of me after college. I joined the local gym in hopes of gaining some muscle. Slightly intimidated, I eased my way into the free weight area and attempted to bench press. Muscle guys stared intently as I struggled to lift the weight. After I finished they asked, “are you done?”

“Yes” I said and they began to add weight and bench ten times what I was lifting. My strength was not adequate to help them if they needed a spot.

• My strength will not get me very far in life.
• My strength comes in short bursts and quickly runs out.
• My strength sometimes feels helpless in situations I cannot control.

Whenever I am facing some difficult situation I think my strength is sufficient. I mean I start working on stuff as fast as I can in hopes that “my strength” can deliver me. There is one flaw to my plan. My strength isn’t strong enough to erase wrong or create right. My strength is laced with holes and powered by fear and weakness. My strength is not adequate.

• GOD says “MY grace is sufficient for you” which means HE does not need “my strength.”
• GOD says “MY power is made perfect in weakness” which means I have to admit I am weak.
• GOD says “MY SON paid the price” which means I don’t have to seek a savior any longer, I found one.

GOD’s strength is infinite. HE handles all situations with extreme precision and wisdom. HE loves when I step back and watch HIM clear up the situation. HE loves when I recognize HIM as being GOD.

• Are you trying to do things under your own strength?
• Are you attempting to fix your own situation with sin?
• Will you try GOD’s power for a change?
• Won’t you step back and watch HIM work in your life?

When I’m weak HE is strong

2 Corinthians 11: ³⁰ If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

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“This is my year” I thought to myself. The promotion would be mine because our team worked hard and we delivered on time and well within budget. Now it was time to tell people about our accomplishments. Every year we would do performance appraisals and I listed all the things “I” oops “we” had accomplished.

When I didn’t get the promotion a mentor told me I need to learn how to brag about myself without sounding like I’m bragging. I wonder if GOD wants me to do this.

• When I brag about myself I’m seeking approval from people who may not have my best interest in mind.
• When I boast about my accomplishments I overlook the one who made them come true.
• When I brag about my actions I may be trying to cover up flaws.

Boasting draws the attention to me and once everyone is watching, I need to keep on boasting otherwise they will see my broken parts. This vicious cycle does not work well with the LORD because I leave HIM out of the picture.

• When I show others my weaknesses it takes their eyes off of me and puts them on the LORD.
• When I show others my defects it enables others to bring their defects to the LORD.
• When I show others my problems it opens the door for people with the same problem to give it to the LORD.

“Why am I bragging” is the question I had to ask myself. Is it to get another award or accolade? Do I feel better when others celebrate “my” accomplishments? Well, to tell the truth I believed bragging was my way to the top. BUT GOD wants me to use the light inside of me to focus the attention on HIS SON.

HE doesn’t want me to be proud of my weaknesses rather HE wants me to openly admit I have them and HE is the forgiver and gives me eternal life. He wants my weakness to point to HIS strength.

• Are you busy trying to be something in front of people?
• Are you seeking approval from people who cannot see GOD inside of you?
• Can you stop trying to seek human approval and seek GOD’s blessings?
• Will you open yourself up to show your weaknesses so you don’t have to hide any longer?

Fake light

2 Corinthians 11: ¹³ For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.14  ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

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Critical of another preacher, I left this church too. I mean it was obvious he was sleeping with half the congregation and taking their money. When I finally settled on a church I became a Sunday School teacher. This place was perfect because the congregation was a little older. I could still go out on Saturday’s and no one would know.

Then one Sunday someone came in and yelled across the room at me… “We had a great time at the club last night.” My high school students knew exactly which club and knew just how phony I had been.

• When I try to act righteous I shine fake light.
• When I try to act “goody-goody” I shine fake light.
• When I try to act like I don’t sin I shine fake light.
• When I try to act like sin and holiness can live together in harmony I shine fake light.

Fake light is produced when I try to manipulate the Bible’s words to get my way. When it is convenient to use its words in my favor I produce something that repels people away from GOD versus drawing them closer. If I want revenge then I can say “an eye for an eye” but when I have done wrong I can say “the LORD forgives sin.” Where is the true light?

• GOD is not hypocritical so I can put my trust in HIM.
• GOD’s word does not contradict itself so I should take it entirely in context.
• GOD’s methods are unmatched so Satan’s temptation can never fix what is truly broken.

Fake light is dangerous. It goes out and seeks a crowd to justify its actions. It knows sin and is not willing to admit it. Justification is in fake light rather than sanctification. BUT GOD is the true light. JESUS volunteered to become the only human to live sinless. HE, being GOD, became lower than me and took my punishment. Now HE is alive and I am forgiven. Now that’s light!

• Do you know the “true” light?
• Are you following fake light and fighting to get your way?
• Won’t you turn your life over to the true light?

I have an arsenal available to me

2 Corinthians 10: ⁴ The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.5 

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“Woe is me” I thought to myself many times. I mean “that” person didn’t treat me right or I didn’t win the contest or I was broke again or someone including myself felt sick. “Can’t I ever get ‘my’ way?

• I fight against GOD when what I want isn’t what I need.
• I struggle with GOD when HE delays my deliverance.
• I wrestle with GOD when I lose my faith in HIM and try to go my own way.

There is something inside me that says “this GOD stuff is too hard, give up and go your own way.” The problem with that crazy statement is “which way can I go outside of GOD?” The very thought that I can do better without GOD puts me on the wrong path. Soon my thoughts attack HIS intentions and even still they attack HIS existence. How do I combat this?

• GOD gave me HIS Bible to keep my mind focused on HIS wonderful promises for me.
• GOD gave me five senses to see, smell, hear, taste and touch HIM daily.
• GOD gave me HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and comfort me when things go wrong.
• GOD gave me HIS SON who died in my place giving me free access to the FATHER whom I can ask for anything.

This little situation or that one cannot match the weapons GOD has given me. In fact, once I assess the situation I notice my faith is really being attacked and I am tempted not to use my weapons. GOD says “try ME out and watch the outcome.” HE changes me to be stronger to handle the situation while bringing others along.

The power is with GOD and while I may not get “my” way I will get the best way!

• Are you battling something?
• Is there something in your life making you doubt GOD?
• Can you look at the weapons GOD has given you to protect you?
• Will you help someone realize GOD’s power today?

I am weak when I think I’m strong

1 Corinthians 10: ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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Hard work and innovation wasn’t enough to be in “the club.” I mean I had delivered some fantastic things for the company; shouldn’t I be promoted based on merit? I was careful with my budget, growing people and deriving new ways to grow but “the club” was elusive.

I went out with “the club” and they started talking about women’s body parts. “Is this my entry into the club? Maybe I should join in!” was the tempting thought that popped into my head.

I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• When I think I got it together is when I am the weakest.
• When I believe nothing can touch me is when I will be attacked.
• When I look at my achievements instead of my pitfalls I open myself up to temptation.

There is always a way out of temptation but are my desires blocking the exit door? Temptation doesn’t seem to come straight at me rather it lurks behind some other desire. Temptation also doesn’t seem to attack me when I can truly see I need GOD.

• GOD will always make a way out of temptation no matter how many times I fall.
• GOD gets excited when I get back up and follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to understand I need HIM instead of depending on my strength.

Every human has and will be tempted.  JESUS was tempted in more ways than I can even imagine. Being the all-powerful GOD yet remaining subject to human insults showed incredible restraint that only JESUS could perform.  HE did not fall to temptation to flex rather HE went to HIS execution for me. That is real strength.

• Do you think you have it together?
• Are you focused on your own accolades?
• Are you ready for today’s temptations?
• Will you let GOD be your strength instead of depending on yourself?

Nothing can stop me!

Romans 8: ³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

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 ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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All odds seemed to be against my past.  Growing up where I grew up, when I grew up, how I grew up, one would never say “he would be the leader of technology for a large corporation.  Home computers where only a concept and the exposure to technology in my neighborhood was exempt.

My education in technology was limited in high school and during college my GPA was barely above average. I had no connections, no map laid out and no understanding of how things worked. GOD put all the right people in my life to grow me.

• When all odds are against me I feel like giving up.
• When trouble faces me I feel like throwing up my hands.
• When difficulty confronts me I ask “why me again?”

Faith in GOD means knowing HE is there for me no matter what the circumstance looks like. Things could look thoroughly bleak yet HE is right there protecting, leading and guiding me to a better place.

• Can anyone ruin HIS plan for me? NO!
• Can I ruin HIS plan for me? NO! 
• Can any circumstance ruin HIS plan for me? No!

GOD is way too powerful to have HIS plans ruined by anyone’s sin, including my own.  HE truly has a wonderful plan for me and by being connected to HIM, nothing can stop me especially by following HIS will!

• What is holding you back from doing what GOD wants you to do?
• Do you have fear, doubt and worries?
• Can you put your trust in the LORD to lead you to a better place?
• Won’t you stare adversity in its face and tell it to fight with GOD instead of you?

How to gain “power”

Romans 5: ⁶You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

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Twelve forty five had arrived and my next class was quickly approaching. The card game was getting good and I was definitely winning. I decided to blow off the class. I mean what could they be talking about that I couldn’t pick up later? Well I found out they talked about a lot after failing the class.

My Dean had a discussion with me and told me he was developing my schedule for the next semester. I felt powerless.

• I feel powerless when I sin.
• I feel powerless when I am not following GOD.
• I feel powerless when I have not followed GOD and I am in trouble.

When I have gone on my own path and things are messed up I feel powerless to the point that I can’t even ask GOD for help. I mean HE can’t be that forgiving right? Wrong!!

• GOD saw every one of my sins and died for me anyway.
• GOD saw my entire life and knew I would not choose HIM so HE chose me.
• GOD saw the sin I’m going to commit next month and decided HE would take the punishment.

GOD demonstrates HIS love for me this way, in the middle of my sinful habits JESUS died for me. HE longs for me to stop my sinful habits but knows my limitations. HE had to do something for me because I wouldn’t give HIM a second look. I would go through life powerless.

Power is what GOD wants me to have, not like a superhero where it is internal but as a utensil that gets plugged into HIS omnipotence. HE has all the power I need and HIS grace is truly sufficient to clean my sin. HE is the judge and has determined me righteous even though I don’t deserve it. With GOD I can have unimaginable power to be used for HIS purpose alone.

• Do you feel powerless about some situation?
• Do you feel powerless about your sin?
• Do you know GOD took care of all of your sins from birth to death?
• Knowing what GOD has done for you, what do you want to do for HIM?

There is no problem that GOD can’t handle!

Acts 11: ⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. ⁹ Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

¹⁰ They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

 ¹¹ Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

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Worries, fears and doubts have attacked me throughout the years. Whether it was someone close who was sick or that boss who seemed overbearing, I have wondered in my mind if I was going to make it through “this” situation.

With my mind racing in every situation the only thing I could think of was doom or maybe a little gloom.

• In the middle of my problems it’s hard to see GOD.
• In the middle of my fears it’s hard to see solutions.
• In the middle of my worries it’s hard to understand the positive side.

Problems can blind me into doubting GOD’s power BUT GOD is faithful to deliver me anyway. HE delivered Peter from an impossible situation because HE had another plan for him. GOD says don’t look at the doom and gloom. HE wants me to look at HIM when trouble comes.

• GOD is there to rescue me no matter how difficult the situation.
• GOD is there to protect me even though there may be danger.
• GOD is there to comfort me in the middle of any pain.

I truly believe GOD has major plans for me and no problem or situation can stop HIS plans!

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you realize the problem you are going through is part of GOD’s great plan for you?
• Can you focus on GOD for a little while and watch HIS deliverance?

What do you do when they are kicking you?

Acts 7: ⁵⁹ While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

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Bodybuilding was my excuse for lifting weights but in reality I got tired of being pushed around. I just wanted a peaceful existence but I seemed to attracted “intimidators.” From scrawny to brawny I transformed myself into one of the in crowd. Now I could do the intimidating even to my enemies!

• Fighting evil with evil never works.
• Protecting myself from intimidators causes me to fight under my own strength.
• Feeding my temper and rage only leads to disaster.

Instead of praying for my enemies, I wanted to take them down.  My motto became “I’m not going to take this anymore!” I found myself fighting my way to the top and being called “brave” during the ascent. Was it “bravery” or “bullying?”

• Obtaining my own strength will wear out, but GOD’s strength remains forever.
• Obtaining my own wealth will disappear, but GOD’s wealth will never be stolen or rust.
• Obtaining my own pleasure will satisfy me for a moment, but GOD’s way will satisfy me eternally.

I will be the first to say “don’t take my kindness for weakness.” GOD however has taught me that it is HIS strength that makes me mighty.  HE will take care of my intimidators, slanderers, and those who seek only their way. My job is to pray for their wellbeing and hope GOD will intervene in their lives so one day they receive the ultimate gift of true salvation through JESUS.

This isn’t easy so HE gives me practice on a smaller scale daily.

• Is someone kicking you while you are down?
• Are you being intimidated?
• Do you know you will be truly blessed by praying for your enemy?
• Won’t you let GOD take care of the vengeance and you take care of the grace?

GOD knows

Acts 7: ³³ “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

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On the way back to school I was pulled over for speeding and received a hefty ticket. A month later on the way to court, I was driving the speed limit when a car sped past me yet I was pulled over and given a ticket!

With two tickets under my belt and having barely enough money to pay rent and school I hoped to save up to pay the second ticket which caused a lapse in the fine. Now I owed more! “LORD where are YOU?” I screamed.

• There are times when GOD seems to have disappeared.
• There are times when GOD seems so far away.
• There are times when GOD seems like HE isn’t listening or doesn’t care.

When the pressures of life come crashing at my door I sometimes cave in and just want peace. It makes me want to be silent about the goodness of GOD and slink back in a hole. BUT GOD says something different!

• No matter how difficult the situation may seem GOD is there with a plan of salvation.
• No matter how tough the going gets GOD is there to fight my battles.
• No matter how bleak the situation looks GOD is there to give me peace.

Moses knew he was chosen for something but wasn’t quite ready for what GOD had in store for him. GOD had to take him through the desert otherwise known as “difficult times” to prepare him for true leadership. GOD does the same with me. HE has and is taking me through difficult times to show me HE is in control.

My tiny wisdom and tenacity are useless in difficult situations, BUT GOD’s plans are marvelous and HE is building my faith to follow HIS ways.

• Are you trying hard to fix your situation?
• Are you trying hard to fix “that” person?
• Won’t you let the person or situation go and watch GOD work HIS plan?
• Can look at “letting go” as not giving up rather you are yielding to GOD and not seeking credit?