Looks Different

Looks Different

Acts 7: ⁹ “And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ¹¹ Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. ¹² But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. ¹³ And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. ¹⁴ Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. ¹⁵ So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. ¹⁶ And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

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Headed to a party, I got excited over the music playing in the car. I sat in the back seat, dancing a little, looking forward to the festivities to come. A friend, who was driving, said “Something looks different.” We drove and drove. Soon my anticipation dance turned into boredom. We were lost, so we headed back.

• There have been times when I did not get a chance to do some things I probably should not have done in the first place.
• There have been times when I tried to go places I should not have been and things looked different.
• There have been times when I got lost because something was different than the path in my head.

Stephen continues with his discourse. He talked about Joseph’s history of being sold into slavery and delivered from many catastrophes by GOD. Stephen used this example for a purpose, to show how greatness looked different.

• GOD has a plan for me that looks different than the one I would choose.
• GOD has a plan for me that sometimes seems difficult but includes HIS great reward.
• GOD has a plan for me that seems like a field of obstacles, but HE is with me.

Greatness looks different to GOD. I mean when the obstacles are too big for me to remove and GOD removes them, I have to rejoice and tell people about HIM. Then, after a while, I realize HE removes the small obstacles I thought I was handling.

GOD’s power looks different than I could ever imaging. Each trouble I get into, I can see HIM there, suffering with me. The ONE who has infinite power, infinite wisdom and is everywhere, stops, sits and cries with me. HE then does something unexpected. HE raises me up at HIS time. I am grateful GOD’s greatness looks different than what I expect.

• Are you desiring something and everything seems to be going wrong?
• Do you think the situation has gotten the best of you and you have nothing left?
• Will you accept the fact that GOD loves you dearly and is with you, even through the difficult times, so HE can make you great in HIS way?

Drive and Determination

Mark 16: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. ² Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. ³ And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” ⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. ⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

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Ignoring all the rules, I noticed one person rise to the top. He pushed at people and ignored what they did and who they were. “Maybe I should be pushy so I can get ahead” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to be the one who pushed people around.
• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to “do what it takes” to be perceived as strong.

When everyone who followed JESUS was in hiding, two Mary’s were still plotting how to serve HIM one last time. They had no tomb to give HIM so they wanted to do something special for HIM even though HE was dead.

On Saturday the two Mary’s began their plan by buying the best spices they could. On Sunday, at the crack of dawn, they put their plan into action, but they ran into a snag. “Who will roll away the stone?” They did not know it was already taken care of for them.

• JESUS wants me to have drive to follow HIM especially when it seems like HE is silent.
• JESUS wants me to have determination to serve HIM even when it feels hopeless.
• JESUS wants me to have fortitude to continue especially when life puts huge stones in front of me.

Gentleness instead of pushiness is a great way to demonstrate determination. The two Mary’s, while determined, did not plot to hurt people in the process of serving GOD, Their plan took drive that only came from GOD and they would not stop until they did what they sought out to do. I appreciate their gentle example.

• Are you willing to give up when GOD wants you to continue?
• Do you think drive and determination looks like pushiness?
• Can you change your perspective of drive and determination to add faith and fortitude to continue in the plan GOD has for you?

Great Desires

Mark 10: ⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

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This time I had a plan. I would arrive a little early so I could position myself near the door. When the gym teacher would say “Go” I would burst out of the door and run to the fence. The first one to the fence would be the captain of the team and I wanted to be captain for a change. As I raced out the door the faster kids beat me profusely!

• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to be the one in charge.
• There were times when I wanted to be the person in the spotlight.

Competition and conflict spread through the disciples. Each one wanted to be great amongst men. JESUS saw what was going on so HE called them to teach them an important lesson about true greatness.

• JESUS says to me “If you want to be great you must desire to be a servant.”
• JESUS says to me “I did not come to be served, but to serve” so use this as you example.
• JESUS says to me “I came to ransom MY life for you and for many.”

Desire had to be put in check. JESUS wants me to desire to be great, but do it HIS way. HE came as a servant and wants me to be one too. HE knows the world would laugh at the things HE calls “great” like simply smiling at people or praying for those ahead of me in traffic.

“You call that great?” the world would say. GOD says “If you have served even a cup of water to these little ones you have served ME.” Yes, that is great! Now, back to the playground. I served as a person on the team as best I could and the team captain said, I want you on my team again. “Hmm, maybe there is something to serving after all.” I thought to myself.

• Do you desire to be great?
• Are you busy telling everyone how great you are?
• Can you redefine your definition of greatness as one who serve JESUS by serving others?

You are of Great Value

Matthew 10: ²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Everyone else seemed to have some special skill, while I did not seem to have anything “special.” Some were good at sports while others were great writers yet others were incredible thinkers. I went to school with the strong and mighty, brainy and rich, beautiful and liked. I did not seem to have any of the above. Where did I fit?

• There were times I did not feel I had any value.
• There were times I felt everyone else had skills and I possessed none.
• There were times I thought I could never “fit” into the crowd.

Walking through life, I felt afraid to meet people or sit at the “popular” table in fear of rejection. I mean what if they don’t like “me?” GOD says something very different.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”
• GOD says to me “Be afraid of the ONE who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

“Worth” means I have value to GOD. When everyone around me is losing their heads and blaming it on me, GOD says to me “You are valuable to ME.” HE wants me to hear what HE whispers in my ear and proclaim it from my roof that “JESUS saved me from myself and the world!”

Health is also nothing to worry my head over. HE has that too! HE knows just how to fix my body and HE can heal any ill. GOD has given me a purpose and that is far more valuable than the acceptance any crowd can ever bring.

• Do you feel afraid of the crowd?
• Are you afraid of your job, your wealth or “that” person who is bullying you?
• Can you confess your fears to GOD and ask HIM to guide you to a place of strength?
• Will you accept a life of purpose from GOD so you can drop your fears of life?

Remember what has been done

1 Chronicles 17: ⁷ “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. ⁸ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth. 

⁹ And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning ¹⁰ and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also subdue all your enemies.

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“How am I even alive?” I thought to myself today. I mean I should have been hit by the car I stepped in front of. I should have fallen from the factory I climbed on. The car I drove at high speeds with bald tires should have flipped over. I should have been brutally mauled by the thugs who robbed me or shot by those who pointed guns at me. But I wasn’t.

I should still be in the neighborhood I grew up in, cowering under my bed because it has gotten worse and worse. I should still be wearing holey pants and eating an occasional mustard sandwich. But GOD said different.

• GOD says to me “I took you from meager beginnings and appointed you over many in the business world.”
• GOD says to me “I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off your enemies from before you.”
• GOD says to me “Now I will make your name like the names of the greatest men on earth.”

Yes I was terrified of writing that last sentence. I asked GOD over and over, “are you sure you want me to write that?” I mean Joseph declared some pretty lofty things and seemed so naive. Also, I have taught many people to focus on humility and let GOD worry about which title HE wants to give you.

I also don’t feel like I deserve “greatness.” I mean I’m a sinner just like anyone else. What if I’m just hearing my own sinful desires to be a conqueror of nations? What if it’s just the greed speaking?

• GOD said to me “Let me handle the definition of ‘greatness’ not man.”
• GOD said to me “Seek my kingdom first and foremost and I will add much to you.”
• GOD said to me “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” so I won’t have to “try” to please GOD because HE is already in love with me.

I guess I was looking at the word “greatness” with sinful eyes. Humans think greatness is a title, fancy car and huge bank accounts. I don’t know… maybe GOD will allow me to have some of that stuff, but the GREATEST human who walked the planet never sinned, never asked for a title and was murdered for something I did. JESUS is the “greatness” my life should point to.

• Are you seeking greatness?
• Can you modify your definition of greatness to focus on “kingdom” greatness?
• Can you focus your life on the ONE who is great, namely JESUS?

The LORD is ahead of me

Judges 4: ¹⁴ Then Deborah said to Barak, “Go! This is the day the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” So Barak went down Mount Tabor, with ten thousand men following him. ¹⁵ At Barak’s advance, the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot.

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“07734” were the numbers I used to type “hELL0” on the bulky calculator of the olden days! This was about the extent of my exposure to computers, yet the industry fascinated me. Four years later I entered college and felt overwhelmed. I didn’t even know where to get registered for my classes. Twenty years later I was the head of a department of technology people.

When I was going through school and entry level jobs, I had no idea what was in store for me. BUT GOD did.

• Sometimes I focus too much on the problems of today.
• Sometimes I want the obstacles to go away by themselves.
• Sometimes I think problems are much greater than they are.

If you would have told me I was going to be the head of a department when I received a letter from the dean stating I was no longer in school, I would have told you, “you are crazy!” BUT GOD said something much different than the problem I was facing at the time.

• GOD knows the plan HE has for me and it is good.
• GOD knows the obstacles I face and knows exactly how to strengthen me with them.
• GOD knows exactly how long to let a problem persist in order for me to fully understand HIS salvation in the matter.

Looking back, I can clearly see that it was GOD all along who was way ahead of me clearing my path. HE fought my battles and comforted me when I fell, over and over. HE taught me to pray for others especially those who do not like me and HE will fight all my battles. HE clears the way!

• Are you facing problems?
• Do you think you are alone?
• Can you look back on your life and see how GOD has worked in your life?
• Won’t you let HIM do marvelous things with your life by following HIS plan for you?

Trading in fear for something better

Joshua 1: ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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Deep in thought, I took notes on how I was going to approach my programming when the phone rang.  It was a major corporation asking me if I could program 3D images of a human heart beating on a screen as surgeons performed operations. I froze and said “I’ll pass.” A chance to become the head technology executive of a major company came open and they asked me. I froze and they passed me over.

A major division of a company was opening up and they asked me to lead a portion of it. I froze and my boss’s boss said “What are you scared of?” I took it and got promoted several times.

• Fear holds me back.
• Fear drives me to snap decisions.
• Fear makes me wonder if I had just tried what would I have become.

As I look back on things it was the times that I was stifled with fear that I performed the worst. I would think of the worst case, act nervous and guess what… the worst case would happen! I then would remember the outcome and apply the pain to my decisions saying “I can’t do that, whatever that is.” GOD commands something different.

• GOD commands that I be strong because this earth is cursed and problems will arise each day.
• GOD commands that I be courageous because many issues will pop up which will  make me want to quit.
• GOD commands that I should not be afraid to take steps into the unknown because HE sees everything.
• GOD commands that I should not be discouraged because the LORD my GOD is with me wherever I go.

Will I ever become weak, frightened, worried or discouraged? Yes, BUT GOD has used a stern voice to get my attention when things are going wrong. HE says focus on ME instead of what you worry about. HE knows my plans are nothing without HIM.

When I accept the fact that it’s not my ability that makes me successful, I can accomplish anything GOD has HIS hands on!

• Are you afraid?
• Do you have fear that is stopping you from doing something great?
• Won’t you stop looking at your abilities and let GOD own your plan?
• Can you believe HIS plan will work and stop looking at the surface?

GOD’s plan for me can’t be stopped

Genesis 48: ³ Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me ⁴ and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’

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Sitting at my desk preparing for a meeting my boss’s boss came into my office exclaiming “The head of the department wants to meet with you. What’s this all about?” “I have no idea” was my true reply. As I sat in this rare meeting I soon found out he was asking for a favor from “me.”

The project I was working on had some personal meaning to him and he wanted special care of it. I promised and followed through with my commitments to him.  I went back to business as usual. Years later I discovered that my fast track promotions were all because he was watching over me and I didn’t even know it.

• When GOD has a plan for me, no one has the power to disturb it.
• When GOD has a plan for me, it will happen just as HE planned.
• When GOD has a plan for me, HE says “I will” which means “it will” happen.

Sometimes I think I have to do stuff to be noticed or become great, BUT GOD has a plan that is far greater than any plan I could come up with. Many times I can’t see HIM working but HE is there. HE has calculated my sins along with the sins of everyone involved and built a plan that can’t fail.

When GOD says “I will” it means HE built the plan without consulting me, and that’s a good thing! HE only has love built into HIS plan for me and my input would be sinful and selfish. I am glad GOD made the choice to include me in HIS plan.

• What is your purpose?
• Is GOD using your life or are you busy worrying?
• Can GOD have everything including your sin?
• Won’t you let GOD direct your steps and let HIM take care of the plan no matter how complicated or desolate it seems?

How can I serve you?

Luke 22: ²⁴ A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. ²⁵ Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.

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Lack of confidence has not been an issue with me in the past. “I am the most humble person I know.” In fact “I am the best at not only being humble, but I’m the best at not bragging.” Hopefully you caught the joke in that statement.

When I stopped doing certain sins I was humble, or at least I thought I was, but something happened when my zeal for others to stop their sins became more important than the person. I confidently approached people about believing in CHRIST but made it seem like they had to be perfect before GOD would help them. How naive.

• When I judge others I am not serving them.
• Even if I’m on a “serving” committee my heart may not be serving.
• When I’m so wrapped up in telling GOD to fix my problems I can’t seem to serve.
• Even if GOD brings me out of the situation I forget my promises to HIM and go back to my sins.

False humility can creep in quickly when I try my best to stop sinning and I look at what others are doing.  Yes the Bible does say to correct each other in love and to correct those who sin against me. But the GOD also says be very humble and careful about my approach otherwise I “will” fall into the same sin.

My goal should not be to receive awards from humans for what I’ve done to please GOD. I should do the things GOD tells me to do without the need for a thank you or a notice of recognition.

• My service to others is recorded by GOD.
• Every act of kindness I perform should be done without bragging so the benefactor will focus on GOD, not me.
• Even if I’m the “boss” I need to serve my employees and those who support my efforts.

Serving is becoming a lost art. “WIFM” is what’s in it for me? GOD’s answer to WIFM is “your eternal salvation along with heavenly treasures for humble serving is in it for you.” I have to remember my greatness is only because of GOD’s greatness.

• Do you think you are in control of your life?
• Are you upset at GOD’s plan for your life?
• Can you recognize the need to be humble while serving others?

Want true "Greatness?"

John 13:12When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

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I ask people all the time "Are you ready for "greatness?" I really didn't know what it meant to be "great." I used to think it was how my parents made me feel when I achieved something. Then I thought "greatness" was how the teachers made me feel when I got good grades. Later I thought "greatness" was how each company made me feel when I received an award. I received a lot of awards!"

Human greatness" is defined differently than GOD's greatness. Many people think they are great because of what they achieve on this earth and the accolades they are getting from their bosses, peers and subordinates. I know I used to think so.

• To be "Great" in GOD's eyes I have to be humble, not boastful.
• To be "Great" in GOD's eyes I need to recognize when to use grace instead of force.
• To be "Great" in GOD's eyes I have to learn about GOD's ways.
• To be "Great" in GOD's eyes I need to serve instead of being served.

"Great" people are rarely recognized. They are people who help others and serve others without bragging or boasting. Each and every day they serve someone without asking for anything in return. They usually have a lot of needs themselves, yet they give their all to others.

I ran away from "GOD's Greatness" to follow "Human Greatness." Let me tell you, it only takes you so far.

• Human Greatness is temporary.
• Human Greatness is fleeting.
• Human Greatness fills me up for a second and then leaves me emptier.
• Human Greatness makes me jealous of someone else’s achievements.
• Human Greatness makes me do anything to get it again, even compromise my values.

JESUS said, "You want to be great, wash someone's feet." HIS illustration was the lowest job on earth at that time. Wash dirt and animal poop from a poor person's foot. Kings, politicians and wealthy people could not understand this teaching. They had everything they would ever need, including a great title, yet they were not "great" in GOD's eyes unless they served people.

I have served people around the world and I have to say that it is not easy to see someone in need and not want to do everything it takes to help them out of their situation. GOD himself said "the poor you will always have." HE meant that humans would be too greedy to serve and share so you will always have poor people.

Now that I know what to do, I must do it. I must serve to be great in GOD's eyes.

• Are you ready for greatness?
• Who are you serving today?
• Do you have friends or family who are less fortunate than you?
• In spite of your situation can you serve someone today?

Are you ready for "Greatness?"

Matthew 20:20Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

21"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom."

22"You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered.

23Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father."

24When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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At one time I used to think "greatness" was defined by the "American Dream" of obtaining vast amounts of wealth, power and respect of those who did the same. For some reason I could never obtain all three at the same time.

When I was respected by the rich and powerful, I was poor and struggling but I could give them something they wanted, thus the respect. When I had vast amounts of power, those who had the same became threatened that my power was absorbing theirs.

When I had vast amounts of money the "Joneses" demanded I had more by acquiring the latest style, trinket or gadget. It seemed like my quest for greatness was never ending.

Then I read this passage and it was very strange to me. JESUS was the lowest man whoever walked the earth. HE had no possessions, no home and was ridiculed and lied about wherever HE went.

I don’t want that! I mean, who wants to be ridiculed! I like the respect of those who envy my status. Right? Well, not necessarily. The shallow conversations about more trinkets and garments get old after a while.

• The hole in my heart to please my LORD and savior gets bigger when I try to fill it with stuff.
• The quest for power exhausts me because once "obtained" its a struggle to "maintain."
• The respect of the wealthy is always fleeting because of their paranoia.

So how do I become great? Serve. Okay, so I tried it. I shoveled my neighbors walkway. It felt good. They thanked me, the end. Am I great yet GOD? Can I have my earthly status back? A feeling came over me, "Not yet." "Do it again, this time for all your neighbors."

You have got to be kidding! Do the whole block? "Yes, and pray for each household as you do it." Well, what about me? I need stuff too! Who is praying for me? As the silence grew I obeyed. At first it was fun, but after the 50th time it became old.

Neighbors stopped thanking me. Newspapers hidden by deep snow clogged my snow blower. The cold seemed colder. "Why am I doing this?" I asked myself. Where is my greatness?

Then one day a neighbor stopped and said "My children asked, why does he do that for everyone and I told them because he's a Christian and he is the best example on this block." As she rolled up her window and drove away, it hit me. Greatness is not defined by "pats" on the back or rewards or accolades of man.

GOD uses our servant hood to point people to HIM. The more I seek respect, wealth and fame here on earth, the more disappointed I will be. The more I seek GOD's desires, the more satisfied I will be. It's funny... The empty hole in my heart filled up that day.

• Are you seeking "greatness" by human standards?
• Are you tired and worn out seeking this type of greatness?
• Have you served others lately in spite of your situation?
• Do you do things "for GOD" to get noticed "by GOD" or humans?