You are Covered

 

You are Covered

Romans 4: ⁶ David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

⁷ “Blessed are those
    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
⁸ Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

 

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As I ordered my burger, I could not wait to eat. It was lunchtime and this was a departure from the normal bologna sandwich I would carry around in a paper bag. When the burger was cooked, he asked for payment. To my dismay, I left the money at home I was supposed to put in my wallet. “That’s okay, you are covered.” He graciously said to me. Bring it in tomorrow. I was relieved.

 

• Many people have been gracious to me.
• Many people have done thing for me who I am indebted to.
• Many people have not counted my debt against me.

 

Paul reflects on David’s words in one of the Psalms. David mentions that GOD credits righteousness apart from works. Paul mentions that GOD knows the sins of the one who believes in HIS grace, but does not hold that sin against that person.

 

• GOD wants me to believe that my sins have been forgiven by JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be excited that there is nothing more that needs to be done for my salvation.
• GOD wants me to be secure in my relationship with HIM.

 

Knowing I am “covered” means I do not owe GOD anything. I do not owe GOD money, time or treasure. With this realization, I owe HIM everything. I mean, it is really exciting to have a relationship with some as generous as GOD. HE looked at my debt and died for it. What more could HE do?

 

HE wiped away all my debt and nothing more is owed. I am so thankful, that I feel I have to give HIM something. What do I give to the being who owns everything? I give myself, thankfully.

 

• Are you so distracted with the world’s debts that you overlook the debt you owe to GOD?
• Do you think your efforts to stop doing some sins, earns you some righteous points?
• Will you simply believe that JESUS paid it all and all to HIM you owe today?

Incredible Credit

 

Incredible Credit

Acts 26: ⁴ “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. ⁶ And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. ⁷ This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. ⁸ Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

 

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“Self-promote” was the suggestion to get ahead in corporate. I was always taught that hard work speaks for itself. I pondered how I was going to implement promoting myself and take credit more often.

 

As I was driving my family out of town, I hit a huge pool of water on the pavement. The car spun around and around then came to a stop. With trucks on the highway, it was incredible no one hit us. I could not take credit for this miracle of deliverance.

 

• Incredible things have happened in my life.
• I have seen Incredible things that humans would normally take credit for.
• There have been some unexplained incredible things that happened to me that can only be explained one way.

 

Paul continues to explain his defense to King Agrippa. He said he was raised religious and became a Pharisee. This is the group of people that murdered JESUS for saying HE was and is GOD. Paul then asks “Why should any of you consider it incredible that GOD raises the dead?”

 

• GOD wants me to believe in HIS incredible power.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS SON, who was incredibly raised from the dead.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS incredible plan HE has for me.

 

Incredible is only natural for GOD. I mean, HIS power is not my power, HIS ways are not my ways, and HIS thoughts are not my thoughts. HIS power is incredible when I see and hear about HIS miracles. I am grateful GOD includes me in HIS incredible plan.

 

• Are you trying to figure out GOD using human rationality?
• Are you giving humans more credit than you should?
• Will you look at what GOD is doing and see the incredible things HE performs daily?

Roots

Roots

John 9: ³⁵ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

³⁶ He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

³⁷ And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

³⁸ Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

³⁹ And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

⁴⁰ Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”

⁴¹ Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

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After the third promotion I could see the top getting a bit closer. Nervous about the trail, I resorted to listening to lines from some cheesy movie. “You are the master” are the words I remembered, to give me confidence. “You can do this!” I went in and got the promotion. I was invincible! Or so I thought.

• There were times when I had a lot of “self-confidence.”
• There were times when I believed in myself and “my” abilities.
• There were times when I thought “I” accomplished a lot.

JESUS reveals HE is GOD to the man HE healed of blindness. HE then asks “Do you believe in the SON of GOD?” The man says “Yes!” The church leaders, who were very confident in their titles, asked “Are we blind?” They knew the Bible thoroughly and mentioned GOD regularly. They could not “see” their blindness.

• GOD wants me to only have confidence in HIS abilities.
• GOD wants me place my trust in HIS abilities, motives and methods.
• GOD wants me to admit I am blind and need HIM every second of every day.

Forgetting that GOD raised me up from very meager roots led to my blindness. I foolishly believed that it was “my” talents that raised me up to where I got to. My ego was deflated when it was all taken away. GOD showed me just how blind I had gotten. I forgot to give HIM credit for the little things as well as the large.

GOD is in control of everything, no matter what humans think. All trust needs to be placed in JESUS for only HE knows the true plan. GOD is my master, in HIM I place my trust.

• Are you over confident in your abilities?
• Do you suffer from lack of confidence because you think you lack abilities?
• Will you remember where you came from and believe GOD made you exactly as HE wanted so you can serve HIM today?

Subject Matter Expert

Subject Matter Expert

John 9: ²⁶ Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

²⁷ He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”

²⁸ Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”

³⁰ The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! ³¹ Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. ³² Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. ³³ If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

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Being deemed the subject matter expert was a hidden honor to me. I mean whenever someone had questions, they would come to me for the answers. I felt needed and wanted. One day, someone came up to me with a question that I could not answer. How dare they! “Why were they trying to trip me up?” I thought.

• There were times when I thought I could “know it all.”
• There were times when I believed I could be the one who had all the answers.
• There were times when I felt so great about being the subject matter expert that I would defend my title.

The church leaders kept interrogating the man healed of his blindness by JESUS. They repeated their questions, not seeking the truth but to see if they could catch the man in a lie. The man had enough and asked them, “How could HE heal me, the way HE healed me, if HE were not from GOD? This question stumped them so they threw him out of the community.

• GOD wants me to know he raises other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to accept that I am not the only one who follows HIM.
• GOD wants me to place HIM as the only one who is superior.

Superiority is a fatal flaw that GOD wants to get rid of. Bragging and boasting about being an “expert” in knowing GOD or HIS word can be a weakness. The Pharisees could not see GOD when HE arrived because of their blindness to their lust for power. They were supposed to be the experts.

JESUS wants me to be able to hear HIM speak even through the youngest child. HIS truth is true from the rich and learned as well as the poor and unlearned. HE can and will use unlikely people to spread HIS word. I am glad HE gives me grace to hear HIM.

• Do you consider yourself a subject matter expert?
• Do you give GOD any credit for what you know?
• Will you allow GOD to open your ears to hear from people who may not be an expert?

Priority of Urgency

Jeremiah 13: ¹⁵ Hear and pay attention,
    do not be arrogant,
    for the Lord has spoken.
¹⁶ Give glory to the Lord your God
    before he brings the darkness,
before your feet stumble
    on the darkening hills.
You hope for light,
    but he will turn it to utter darkness
    and change it to deep gloom.

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Filled with fear, my mind went into action. “Run for the bus” was the only thought that came into my mind that I could really act on. The unsavory crowd may or may not have been following me, but I did not want to take any chances because I had snuck out the house to visit someone who lived in a very bad neighborhood.

• Fear makes me think urgently.
• Fear makes me prioritize what is important.
• Fear makes me focus on myself rather than on what is important.

Being totally in the wrong, how was I going to ask GOD for help? I mean I wasn’t supposed to be where I was and now I was in trouble. Fortunately GOD is not like humans. HE did not say to me, “See, that’s what you get for doing wrong!” rather HE opened HIS mighty arms and protected me all the way home.

• GOD desires that I turn to HIM out of trust.
• GOD wants me to look to HIM first before I make any decision.
• GOD wishes that I give HIM glory before my feet stumble on the darkening hills.

Every decision I make should be placed before GOD. As I get older, I realize that I am not as “smart” or “wise” as I once thought of myself. My confidence in myself is low but my trust in GOD has grown. HE has brought me through many storms and HE is faithful to continue. GOD’s grace is truly sufficient.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think your decisions are good?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do or have?
• Will you allow HIM to provide the right answers for you?

Foolish Pride

Isaiah 10: ¹² When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. ¹³ For he says:

“‘By the strength of my hand I have done this,
    and by my wisdom, because I have understanding.
I removed the boundaries of nations,
    I plundered their treasures;
    like a mighty one I subdued their kings.

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After praying a few times, I finally got a promotion. This felt great as it seemed like my career was pretty stagnant at the time. About a year after my promotion, it was time for another evaluation. I had worked pretty hard and felt I needed another promotion. I received an average on my evaluation and was passed up for the promotion. I was clearly upset in the meeting. “Look at all the things ’I’ have done.” I exclaimed.

• Sometimes I think more highly of myself.
• Sometimes I think I am the one with the abilities.
• Sometimes I think people owe me things.

It is amazing at what I became proud of. I was proud of my work. I was proud of my bank account and I was proud of my abilities. I made sure the people around me knew I was the person who should be chosen. BUT GOD wanted me to act different.

• GOD said to me “Humble yourself and I will be your guide.”
• GOD said to me “Turn from your wicked ways and watch ME do a marvelous work in you.”
• GOD said to me “Do not think more highly of yourself.”

Pride is hard to see because my ego blinds. I mean, it is hard to see GOD when I think “I” did things on my own. After a while I think GOD did not put me in the position, rather it had to be “my” own abilities. GOD wants me to credit HIM with everything and accept where HE raises me up or lowers me to. HE wants me to point at HIM for every accomplishment and praise HIM for where HE places me.

• Do you have a problem with your life?
• Do you think you “deserve” better?
• Do you need people to admit things to you?
• Can you examine yourself to see if you have pride and ask GOD to remove it?

Idolizing Someone

Psalm 97:  All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

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Star-struck was never my style. I mean I felt so far away from being a celebrity that I could never get used to the thought of knowing everything about them. “Those pitiful people” was my thought of those who follow this crowd. Then someone in my industry created some apps that were used on almost every computer in the world! I thought to myself “Wow, if I could just meet that person!”

• Worshipping people takes my eyes off of what I should pay attention to.
• Worshipping people makes me think that “levels” exist.
• Worshipping people adds jealousy to my demeanor.

Looking at all of the glitz and glamour of these celebrities was somewhat distracting. I mean reading about their lives, watching them on videos and hearing them on broadcasts was a lot to consume. I soon found myself climbing higher and higher in my industry and further and further away from treating GOD in the way HE should.

• GOD wants me to treat HIM as the only celebrity.
• GOD wants me to treat every human the same, with respect and humility.
• GOD wants me to elevate HIS status to worship status, drinking every word said about HIM daily!

If I put even a tenth of the time into worshipping GOD as I do human idols, I would understand HIM so much more. HE is so misunderstood because I am looking at the examples of human idols who sometimes do not proclaim GOD. Worship means I want to be like the recipient of my worship. GOD wants me to “want” to be like HIM. HIS love and compassion should be something I can only strive for.

I do not mean I should be prideful saying “I will be like the MOST HIGH”, see where that got Satan. I believe I should watch GOD’s examples and focus in on HIS training HE takes me through to be more like HIM. I will praise and worship HIM daily!

• Are you jealous?
• Do you follow celebrities?
• Can you place some of your admiration for them into GOD?
• Will you credit HIM for how HE dishes out talent to others as well as yourself?

GOD’s Elevator

1 Kings 16: Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu son of Hanani concerning Baasha: ² “I lifted you up from the dust and appointed you ruler over my people Israel, but you followed the ways of Jeroboam and caused my people Israel to sin and to arouse my anger by their sins. 

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“You are one of the best” someone said to me. I said “Thank you” and moved on. Another person said “You are THE best we have.” I said “Thank you and by the way, have you noticed how other people are slacking off around here?” In fact the more I got complimented, the more I complained about my surroundings.

• Sometimes I think “I” am talented.
• Sometimes I think “I” am the one who is smart.
• Sometimes I think “I” am needed and they are disposable.

It seems like the higher I go the blinder I become as to how I got there. Once I reach a certain height then I think “I” did it all and no one else helped me. BUT GOD wants me to understand where blessings truly come from.

• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to proclaim HIS name every step of the way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to show appreciation by following HIS way.
• GOD is the one who has raised me up and HE wants me to thank HIM instead of thanking myself.

Recognizing GOD is a must. HE protects me, leads me and loves me so why not proclaim HIS name? Proclaiming HIS name comes with a price. It means I can’t falsely thank HIM and secretly follow the world. I must give each god to GOD and let HIM do HIS way with them. If HE chooses to tear them from my hands I must thank HIM instead of cursing HIM.

• Have you recognized where GOD has brought you?
• Do you think you got where you are by yourself?
• Can you tell others about GOD and how HE has blessed you?
• Can you take your blinders off for a moment and drop the complaints from your lips?

It’s actually GOD

Judges 15: ¹⁴ As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him shouting. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. ¹⁵ Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.

¹⁶ Then Samson said,

“With a donkey’s jawbone
    I have made donkeys of them.
With a donkey’s jawbone
    I have killed a thousand men.”

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After months of development the system was finally finished. I had put an incredible amount of time planning and preparing although there were many who worked on the project. When the convention rolled around, we had lines hanging around our booth!

“My” hard work paid off. “I” got an award for it and “I” deserved it right?

• Sometimes I don’t give credit where credit is due.
• Sometimes I think it’s “me” when great things happen and it’s GOD when things break down.
• Sometimes I think I want all eyes on me rather than pointing to the one who deserves it.

Success can easily go to my head.  I have been successful many times in my career and it feels great to have people cast accolades at my feet. BUT GOD deserves some attention.

• I should practice praising GOD for little things so I can praise HIM for big things.
• I should practice praising GOD often so it becomes second nature.
• I should practice praising GOD publicly so I can point my life to HIM rather than having all eyes on me.

I don’t mean thanking GOD publicly for my foul act or sinful gain, I mean I need to thank GOD when people want to praise me instead of HIM. It really is HIM who deserves praise because without HIM I can do nothing.

• Are you looking for praise or thanks from people?
• Do you feel looked over?
• Can you stop wanting accolades and point people to GOD?
• Won’t you take time to praise HIM today?

Never Take Credit

Judges 8: ²² The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

²³ But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

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Graduating with average to pitiful grades was not something to brag about, yet working at the only company that would accept me made me feel superior enough to become entitled. I did not leave when everyone else left because I was studying. Soon I became the best programmer in the department, or at least that is what people told me.

I felt I needed a raise and a promotion otherwise I would take my brilliant mind elsewhere. When I interviewed for another company I didn’t get the job and had to sit humbly at my desk.

• When I think too highly of myself I start comparing what I do to others.
• When I think too highly of myself I become deserving and entitled.
• When I think too highly of myself I forget where I came from.

Gideon knew where his strength came from. I mean 300 men fought and won battles against 150,000 or more. The odds were definitely not in his favor and upon return he rejected the Israelites request to become a ruler. This is a wonderful example to me.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM rather than taking credit.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIM rather than trying to subdue HIM and pretend HIS power is mine.
• GOD wants me to know where my strength comes from instead of thinking I have any power.

Low self-esteem is not what I’m shooting for. I believe GOD made me beautifully and wonderfully. HE loves me with my many flaws and accepts me as I am, but I should not get to the point where I think even the tiniest blessing comes from me. All good things come from GOD!

• Are you comparing yourself or your church or your group to others?
• Do you think “that person” or “that group” is the problem?
• Do you feel you can do or say “it” better?
• Can you reduce your focus on “you” and point your life to GOD today?