Interesting Choices

Interesting Choices

Genesis 42: ¹⁸ Then Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God: ¹⁹ If you are honest men, let one of your brothers be confined to your prison house; but you, go and carry grain for the famine of your houses. ²⁰ And bring your youngest brother to me; so your words will be verified, and you shall not die.”

 

And they did so. ²¹ Then they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.”

 

²² And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the boy’; and you would not listen? Therefore behold, his blood is now required of us.” ²³ But they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them through an interpreter. ²⁴ And he turned himself away from them and wept. Then he returned to them again, and talked with them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes.

 

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Joseph told his brothers that one must stay in prison while the others take the grain home and bring Benjamin back. Not knowing it was Joseph, Reuben got angry and said “See, I told you this would happen” in so many words. They did not know Joseph could understand their discussion because he spoke to them through an interpreter.

 

My Observations:

• Simeon was chosen by Joseph possibly because Simeon had a quick temper, and he killed the Shechemite men, avenging Dinah.
• Reuben chose to not be part of the plot against Joseph and he brought this up during the distressful conversation.
• Jacob would eventually curse Simeon for his rage that he may not have gotten under control.

 

Simeon made a choice to kill the Shechemite men when is sister Dinah was assaulted. But he went several steps further by taking the Shechemite possessions. When Reuben left the scene of the crime during the plot against Joseph, Simeon was the next oldest brother and it is believed that he made the decision to dip Joseph’s coat in blood to pretend Joseph was killed by an animal.

 

Akk of the brothers spent time in prison. But Simeon would spend extra time while the brothers traveled back home and then returned with Benjamin. Joseph wept over the pretense, but got his composure back, knowing his family would one day be united.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the choice of Joseph and his brother’s argument?
• What choices have you made that are growing up to be consequential?
• Would you believe GOD is showing you grace over that bad decision and is using it for HIS good plan?

Given Another Way

Given Another Way

1 John 3: ⁴ Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law, because sin is a breaking of the law. ⁵ You know that Christ appeared in order to take away sins,  and that there is no sin in him. ⁶ So everyone who lives in union with Christ does not continue to sin; but whoever continues to sin has never seen him or known him.

 

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Going on a trip, I set the GPS to provide directions. But when the request to hear a song from another device came up, I switched over and connected to the passenger’s phone. We drove and drove and after a while I questioned why I wasn’t hearing directions. I looked at the GPS and it kept saying “Turn around.” We had driven twenty-five miles in the wrong direction.

 

• I could not hear which direction I should go.
• I needed to be on a different path, but had no way to hear what path I should be traveling.
• There was something that could get me back on the right path when I realized I was going in the wrong direction.

 

At first glance, it sounds like John is about to get harsh. But he is speaking to believers of JESUS, trying to encourage them. He attempts to let them know that JESUS is the only forgiver of sins. John had written earlier in the letter “But if anybody does sin”, knowing humans will sin. He points out that those in union with CHRIST always have a way back to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• All human made roads lead to death, BUT GOD made a way back to HIM, through CHRIST our LORD and Savior.
• My past, present and future sins are forgiven by JESUS, but those who choose to not believe in HIM will remain in their sins.
• Declaring there are other ways to GOD’s grace, does not mean the declaration is true and without consequence.

 

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” is a scary Proverb to me. I mean, sometimes I really, really think I am headed in the right direction by trying to fit into what the world has to offer. Things seem to “go right” for me amongst humans, meanwhile GOD is constantly trying to say to me, “you are on the wrong path.” HE has a remedy.

 

JESUS placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to let me know when I am headed on the wrong path. HE gently tells me to “turn around” and “follow JESUS’s ways.” HE also begs for my forgiveness because there is no sin in GOD. I am so grateful for CHRIST who loves you and  me dearly.

 

Challenge

• What logic is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever done something that seemed right to you but was very wrong?
• Will you allow GOD to put you on HIS path so you can go in the successful direction HE has laid out for you?

People Treatment

People Treatment

James 2: ⁸ You will be doing the right thing if you obey the law of the Kingdom, which is found in the scripture, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ⁹ But if you treat people according to their outward appearance, you are guilty of sin, and the Law condemns you as a lawbreaker. 

 

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Approaching a person with tattered clothing was easy. I felt comfortable “telling” him or her about GOD. But approaching a person in an elevator who wore expensive clothes made me hesitate.

 

• I said to myself, “He or she won’t want to hear this message.”
• I convinced myself that one group was easier to speak to than others.
• I inadvertently treated people different based on socio-economic status.

 

James continues to warn everyone about mistreating people based on appearance. He drives the point deeper by stating tat everyone should “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” He also provides what would happen if mistreatment occurs based on appearance.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to value everyone as much as HE values them.
• GOD wants me to see how much HE loves people, so I have to look at people differently.
• GOD gives me an easy way to treat people well, namely love people as I love myself.

 

Treating people on different levels is easy to do, especially if he or she looks different than me. I mean, I cannot possibly know what is inside of someone’s heart by looking at him or her. Lavishly dressed people may be full of as much hatred as a tattered dirty dressed person. They also could be full of love. Who can tell? GOD can!

 

HE wants me to see him or her as a person who need the love of GOD as much as I do. HE wants me to think “What would I do and feel if I were in this person’s situation? Would I be afraid to ask for help? Would I be too proud? HE then wants me to take action and do “the right thing.” I am glad GOD does not judge me based on my masks, because HE knows my heart.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize treating people the same?
• Have you ever looked at someone and thought differently about him or her solely based on appearance?
• Will you practice seeing beyond outer appearance so you can embrace the love of GOD for him or her today?

Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing

Hebrews 13: ¹⁸ Keep on praying for us. We are sure we have a clear conscience, because we want to do the right thing at all times. ¹⁹ And I beg you even more earnestly to pray that God will send me back to you soon.

 

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Having said the lie, now I had to live with it. Whenever I saw the person, my conscience felt guilty. “Oh great! Now I’ve lied and I have guilt?” How can this be fixed? A thought popped in my head. “Lie again to fix the last lie.”

 

• I was headed down the wrong path.
• I was trying to fix my lies with more lies.
• I was starting to get good at lying versus simply having a clear conscience.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asked for prayer because he knew they could be tempted to do the wrong thing which would lead to a guilty conscience. He must have been going through something difficult because he asked for prayer twice.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gives me rest when I have a clear conscience.
• GOD lets me sleep when I do not lie to HIM or myself.
• GOD provides peace when I desire to do the right thing.

 

Doing what is right can sometimes be hard. I mean, when I get insecure about what I did or am about to do, I may not want to experience any consequences, so I lie or stretch the truth. The problem with that approach, is I still face consequences and lost sleep in the process.

 

Peace and rest are elusive when I do not do the right thing. I’d rather follow GOD and enjoy peace than to live with hidden secrets and mounting sins. I gladly do the right thing for GOD and could use your prayers to keep going, HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is “the right thing” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever done the wrong thing and tried to cover it up?
• Have you gotten so good at covering things up that you now believe in your own lie?
• Will you get some relief from your guilty conscience and confess to GOD that you do not know how to go forward, so HE can step in and guide you to HIS path today?

Chained to the Rock

 

Chained to the Rock

Romans 7: Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? ² For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. ³ So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

 

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Looking outside, I could see a warm inviting setting. Butterflies flapping and birds chirping made me want to be out there. But I was stuck in class. “When I grow up, I’ll be able to go outside when I want to.” I said to myself. I grew up and started working. “When I grow up, I will retire and go outside” I said to myself, looking out the window again.

 

• There have been many times I just wanted to be free.
• There have been many times I felt imprisoned.
• There have been many times I wanted to do as I pleased, but was bound by something.

 

Paul tries to explain what the Law does, to a male dominated group of religious leaders who knew it well. His example was a married woman being “bound” by the Law to not have sexual relations with any other man while the husband is still alive. But she is released from the Law of marriage if her husband dies.

 

• GOD wants me to know that when HE cursed the earth, all humans were “bound” to the Law.
• GOD wants me to understand that when the first human sinned, it caused me to be guilty of all sins written in the Law.
• GOD wants me to know that while I am alive, I have to be “bound” to something, otherwise I would be as wild as my sinful heart wants to be.

 

All humans are chained to the rock of the Law. GOD placed the Law in every human’s heart, giving me no excuse for not knowing. I am guilty as charged. How can I be freed from the guilt that wasn’t even caused by me? JESUS freed me from the death sentence the Law brings.

 

I am free to do as I please. But my heart is still sinful. GOD made it easy. Just believe in JESUS and HE will clean my heart and I can live to please HIM. I am grateful JESUS set me free.

 

• Are you looking for a better life?
• Do you think that if you got that car, house, job or mate, that your life would be “better?”
• Will you stop looking for happiness in things or people and invite JESUS into your heart so HE can clean it and focus you on the purpose HE made you for today?

Feeling Better Afterwards

 

Feeling Better Afterwards

Romans 6: ¹⁵ What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! ¹⁶ Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey—either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God.

 

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“Ugh! It’s raining outside” I groused to myself. I had a long day and I felt a bit tired. But it was time to go exercise. This meant leaving comfortable surroundings to do something hard. I quickly put aside the complaint and went to the gym. I felt better for going and it stopped raining when I got out.

 

• Many times I felt better by doing what I was supposed to do.
• Many times I felt better by sticking to the plan.
• Many times I felt better by avoiding the negative words that would have stopped me from doing what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul asks a rhetorical question. “Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under GOD’s grace?” He then answers “By no means!” He then shows a decision that has to be made. Either obey sin leading to death or obey GOD, leading to life.

 

• GOD wants me to obey HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to guide my actions.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM, even when HE says “No” or “wait.”

 

When I sin I feel good for a moment, but feel worse afterwards. I mean, the guilt of the sin surfaces and I when look for relief from the guilt, it is nowhere to be found. BUT GOD provides another way.

 

When I struggle through and stop listening to the sin that knocks on my door daily, or hourly, I feel better. Then, when something goes “wrong” in my life, my conscience is clear and I can see GOD grace in the storm “with me” rather than wondering if it is HIM punishing me. I am glad GOD gets excited when I obey HIM.

 

• Is GOD trying to tell you something, but you are not being obedient?
• Is your hidden sin causing problems all around you, yet you are too scared or proud to confess?
• Will you stop choosing sin as your comfortable place and be uncomfortable with a clear conscience by following what GOD wants you to do today?

Why Don’t You Be Perfect Trap

 

Why Don’t You Be Perfect Trap

Romans 2: ¹⁷ What about you? You call yourself a Jew; you depend on the Law and boast about God; ¹⁸ you know what God wants you to do, and you have learned from the Law to choose what is right; ¹⁹ you are sure that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in darkness, ²⁰ an instructor for the foolish, and a teacher for the ignorant. You are certain that in the Law you have the full content of knowledge and of truth. ²¹ You teach others—why don't you teach yourself? You preach, “Do not steal”—but do you yourself steal? ²² You say, “Do not commit adultery”—but do you commit adultery? You detest idols—but do you rob temples? ²³ You boast about having God's law—but do you bring shame on God by breaking his law? ²⁴ The scripture says, “Because of you Jews, the Gentiles speak evil of God.”

 

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Trying to fit in, I had several sets of “friends.” One set was for playing cards and games, the other for dancing and socializing and there was another who spoke about having sex with as many as they could. I tried to please all groups by indulging in the activities.

 

When I matured and GOD began to guide me, I went back to some of my “friends”, trying to get them to stop doing some of the things I had done. Not admitting my own wrongs, I showed verse after verse from the Bible. They turned a deaf ear.

 

• There were times when I wanted people to do what I said, not what I did.
• There were times when I wanted people to turn from their ways, while I conveniently hid my sin.
• There were times when I wanted people to “be good” so I told them to stop sinning but forgot to mention my sins.

 

Paul turns to the Jewish church leaders and speaks about how they boasted about depending on the Law of GOD. He also writes about how they elevated themselves to the title of “teacher” and “preacher.” Then he asks, “Why don’t you teach yourself?” He challenged their hidden sin.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways and the heart of HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be able to admit my sin, giving power to HIS word.
• GOD wants me to point to HIM as the only good example so people will not become disappointed with my hypocrisy.

 

Saying “Do not steal” and taking even a paperclip from work is hypocrisy. The same with saying “Do not commit adultery” and watching porn or saying “I detest idols” and not giving to the poor but instead buying a huge TV.

 

Each Law GOD gave was to show how impossible it is to be perfect. The more a human tries to be perfect the more that person breaks all the laws. But there was one who was able to keep every Law, namely JESUS. HE became a human and never sinned. I am glad I can admit my sin to people and point to JESUS for my forgiveness.

 

• Are you trying to manipulate people into being perfect while you are being a hypocrite?
• Do you secretly break GOD’s law by taking credit for something you did not do?
• Will you get off the path of trying to make everyone else perfect and admit to them your sins so they can admit their sins to GOD and accept JESUS as their Savior today?

Innocent

 

Innocent

Acts 25: ²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

 

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

 

²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. ²⁴ Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. ²⁵ I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. ²⁷ For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

 

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After having sex outside of marriage, I wondered if the sky would open up with fire from heaven to punish me. It didn’t, so I pursued this often. After stealing and justifying the theft by saying “I was pledging a fraternity while being broke.” Again, I wondered if I would be super punished. I wasn’t. But when I got hurt or thieves stole from me, I questioned GOD’s very existence.

 

• There were times when I wanted my way and got it.
• There were times when I did wrong and there seemed to be no consequence.
• There were times when I deserved punishment but did not receive it.

 

King Agrippa and Bernice were well known. They came in town with a huge parade and celebration. They wanted to be amused by the situation Paul was in so they asked Festus to have him brought before them. Festus said, in so many words, he could not find anything Paul had done wrong. Yet Paul remained in jail.

 

• JESUS did nothing wrong, yet HE died because of my sins.
• JESUS was innocent, yet HE was blamed by me when things did not go my way.
• JESUS never committed a single sin, yet HE was punished for all of my sins.

 

Guilty people do not want the guilt, so it is easier to not believe in deserving punishment than to accept responsibility. Not accepting responsibility will have eternal consequence. GOD allowed HIS SON to voluntarily die for the sins of humanity.

 

The only term HE put in place is to believe JESUS died and was raised from the dead for my salvation. When I believed this, I gained eternal live. I am grateful an innocent man cared enough about me to die just for me.

 

• Do you feel you are innocent?
• Are you trying not to look at your sins to avoid feeling guilty?
• Will you take responsibility for your life and admit to GOD you need HIM for day to day problems as well as eternal salvation today?

Turn Down the Sound

Turn Down the Sound

John 8: ⁴³ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ⁴⁶ Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? ⁴⁷ He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

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With the feeling of guilt, I got into my car. I knew what I had done was wrong and I felt bad about it. I rationalized my sin by saying, “Well, it’s not like I’m murdering someone or doing drugs”. In order to drown out the guilt, I turned up the music. “Ah, that’s better” I said to myself. I wonder how long I can distract myself with music? The next day, my peers congratulated me because they too were doing the same.

• There were times when I did not want to be guilty.
• There were times when I wanted to turn up the noise in order to drown out my guilt.
• There were times when I tried to fill my life with the noise of being busy so I would not have to listen to what I was supposed to.

JESUS tells the church leaders “Your father is the devil, who lies all the time.” Being a strong group, they probably talked to each other, justifying their hatred towards JESUS. Their hearts were too hard to hear GOD, but they could hear each other.

• GOD wants me to be quiet sometimes so I can listen to HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do before I make my decisions.
• GOD wants me to give my guilt to HIM by confessing my sin, rather than hiding from HIM and adding noise to my life.

Meeting GOD head on is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to not hide in my guilt, rather give it to HIM to do as HE pleases. The more I ignore GOD, the harder my heart gets. Soon, I would not be able to hear HIM at all. BUT GOD steps in. HE orchestrates circumstances in my life that require me to listen to HIM. I am grateful HE cares for me.

• Are you trying to ignore GOD so you can do what you want to do?
• Do you avoid studying GOD so you won’t have to know your guilt?
• Will you stop looking at other people and look at your own guilt so you can confess to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Guilty Decisions

Mark 6: ¹⁴ Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

¹⁵ Others said, “It is Elijah.”

And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”

¹⁶ But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” ¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. ¹⁸ Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

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“I wonder if I got away with it?” was my question. I cannot remember which thing I did, but I was definitely guilty. When someone came near me and asked any question I wondered if they knew about that thing I had done. “Why are people looking at me?” was my thought.

• When I am guilty I make guilty decisions.
• When I am guilty I think everyone around me is bringing up my infraction.
• When I am guilty I try to ignore my guilt but the guilt gets louder.

Herod was clearly guilty in many ways. He killed a person who told him of his infraction, now that JESUS was on the scene he thought it was his victim coming back to haunt him.

• GOD wants me to tell others about my sin so others can feel comfortable with telling their sins.
• GOD wants me to have peace and knows I will make mistakes.
• GOD wants me to avoid sin, but knows I can come to HIM even when I do.

Herod mistook JESUS’s arrival. He was so self-centered in his sinful lifestyle that he missed the possibility of grace, same with me. I was trying to hide sins instead of making them known so others could forgive them or even learn from them.

GOD doesn’t want me to have guilty decisions because they lead to more and more shame. HE wants me have peace that only comes form HIM.

• Are you guilty?
• Have you been hiding your sin for a long time?
• Can you be brave enough to confess your sin instead of trying to make others feel guilty?
• Will you accept GOD’s grace today?

Asking for Forgiveness

2 Chronicles 6: ²¹ Hear the supplications of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

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Laughing at the escapades of a friend, the teacher came in and saw what he was doing and immediately grabbed his arm to get his attention (yeah I know, this is back in the day). She said he would have to stay after school fifteen minutes. The laughter stopped but a giggle still remained on my face.

She then turned to me and asked “what’s so funny?” Then the words of devastation came from her mouth “You stay too! And when the time is up I want you to apologize.” Parents knew how long it would take us to get home and if we weren’t there we were questioned. And besides, why do I have to apologize? “I didn’t do anything wrong” I said to myself.

• Many times I don’t see myself as being guilty.
• Many times I rationalize what I’m doing to justify my actions.
• Many times I think I am innocent when I am really guilty.

GOD said “Your righteousness is like filthy rags” and HE is right. My acts of service have sin at the core. Even my prayers come from a sinful perspective because GOD knows I will do the same sin again and again. But there is something amazing that happens with GOD when I communicate to HIM.

• GOD says “All have sinned and have fallen short of MY glory.”
• GOD says “Confess sins. I am faithful and righteous to forgive sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”
• GOD says “I truly love you so put your trust in ME.”

Admitting to GOD that I need HIM instead of being on the path I am on helps me see HIM in a different light. Instead of blaming the ONE I need I have to humbly ask for forgiveness especially when I think I haven’t done anything wrong. The Pharisees never could see they were wrong so they could never confess.

Asking GOD for forgiveness is a privilege. It shows HIM I have nowhere to turn and I trust HIS ways.

• Are you in a quandary?
• Do you feel GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you ask HIM for forgiveness and to open your eyes to a stronger relationship with HIM today?
• Can you stop being defeated, put your feelings behind you and start trusting in GOD?

Admitting it gives me power

Numbers 5: ⁵ The Lord said to Moses, ⁶ “Speak to the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘Suppose a man or woman does something wrong to someone else. Then that person is not being faithful to the Lord. People like that are guilty.

⁷ “‘They must admit they have committed a sin. They must pay in full for what they did wrong. And they must add a fifth to it. Then they must give all of it to the person they have sinned against.

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One day I decided to stop lying and admit stuff.  It seemed like the weeks that followed were full of opportunities for me to stretch the truth. My boss had asked me if I had completed a certain report. I thought to myself “say I’ve started it but I ran into difficulty” but the real answer was “no” and that’s what I told him but I also explained I was busy with other items. He accepted the truth.

You mean all I had to do was admit I was wrong.  I started doing this all over. Soon I was able to face my fears and sometimes I didn’t get the thing I really desired but my conscience remained clear.

• When I do something wrong to someone I don’t want to admit it.
• When I shirk my responsibility I don’t want to admit it.
• When I mess up I don’t want to admit it.

GOD made an enormous number of laws for humans to follow.  If one law was broken, then I would be guilty of all. HE made it much easier on me by dying for my guilt. I must admit I am in need of HIS death, burial and resurrection in order to have a relationship with HIM.

• GOD wants me to admit I am a person who doesn’t like HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to admit I deserve to be separated from HIS love.
• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than thinking I can clean myself up.
• GOD wants me to admit I am guilty but I can be freed from guilt by belief in HIS actions.

Admitting things to humans is difficult but liberating. The sin holds no power when I admit my wrong. Admitting things to GOD is even more powerful!

• Are you in the wrong and haven’t admitted it?
• Have you committed a sin and in your mind you have spun it around to make it look like the other person?
• Can you admit your guilt to GOD?
• Don’t you want to be free?

I’m not wrong am I?

Leviticus 4: ²² “‘Or suppose a leader sins without meaning to. If he disobeys any of the commands of the Lord his God, he is guilty.

²³ “‘But suppose he is made aware of the sin he has committed. Then he must bring an offering. It must be a male goat. It must not have any flaws. ²⁴ He must place his hand on the goat’s head. He must kill it. He must do it at the place where the animals for burnt offerings are killed in the sight of the Lord. His offering is a sin offering.

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²⁶ “‘He must burn all of the fat on the altar. He must burn it in the same way he burned the fat of the friendship offering. When he does, he will pay for the sin of the leader. And the leader will be forgiven.

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Spray painting the dented car and parking it in the garage was my cover-up. Hiding the Playboy magazine in fishing magazine cover was my cover-up. Going into the men’s washroom and sleeping on the job was my cover-up.  I didn’t want the consequence, I wanted to get away with what I was doing.

• GOD wants me to admit when I am guilty so there can be forgiveness.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I deserve consequence for my sin.
• GOD wants me to believe that my sins are forgiven.

When JESUS was murdered by people who attend church regularly, HE did it without complaint that HE was being falsely accused. HE died specifically for my sins and said “It is finished” meaning no more has to be done.

It is sometimes hard to grasp that ALL my sins are forgiven, no matter how many times I commit them or how heinous they are. GOD said “MY grace is sufficient” which shows HIS love is extreme.

BUT GOD does have a condition. HE wants me to acknowledge I deserve consequence and accept HIS forgiveness even when I think HE can’t possibly forgive me another time. GOD forgives me and that is the GREAT NEWS!

• Do you think everyone else is sinning and you aren’t?
• Do you find yourself talking about what other people are doing and not admitting what you are doing?
• Do you realize that if you confess your sins GOD is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness?
• Can you believe GOD even forgives “that” person? 

Feeling Forgiven

Exodus 26: ³³ Hang the curtain from the hooks.

“Place the ark of the covenant behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Room from the Most Holy Room.³⁴ Put the cover on the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Room. The cover will be the place where sin is paid for.

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As I told one lie it seemed only fitting to tell another.  How in the world could my parents tell that I was lying? I mean the first response of “I don’t know” should have been sufficient. Why were they asking me so many questions? Can’t this incident just be done?

• Many times I want forgiveness without admitting I did something wrong.
• Many times I want forgiveness without understanding consequence.
• Many times I want forgiveness without having to face the fact that I am flawed.

The initial covenant between mankind and GOD included a lot of conditions, like a special ceremony for confession of sin. GOD designed a special place that humans were supposed to enter with extreme caution and reverence.  Confession of sin was the main focus and it had to be done the right way, with the shedding of blood from a sacrifice. Do I need to do this?

• GOD did away with the sacrifices to HIM because HE sacrificed HIMSELF for me.
• GOD no longer needs the blood of an animal because HE used HIS own blood to pay for my sins.
• GOD does not need me to carry around stone tablets because HE placed HIS law in my heart.

One of my major battles is “feeling forgiven” rather than “:knowing I am forgiven.” Yes I know CHRIST died for me but sometimes I don’t “feel” it. GOD says “I will be with you always” and that lets me know I am forgiven. The laws in my heart battle with the ways of the world.

The battle wants me to doubt GOD’s everlasting love so I mistakenly seek “feeling” forgiveness with my own made up blinded criteria. GOD says to me “you are forgiven” and that’s all I need!

• Are you down on yourself?
• Are you feeling neglected rather than victorious?
• Can you stop believing the lie and start believing that GOD does care for you?
• Won’t you help others believe GOD cares for them?

Would seeing GOD make a difference?

Exodus 24: ⁹ Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up ¹⁰ and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. ¹¹ But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

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Mustard yellow, rust, distinct figures hanging from the mirror and a vanity license plate individualized my car. People would often say, “I saw your car” but the reference would be at places and times I probably should have been studying or in bed. I wonder if GOD were standing visibly in front of those places would I enter.

• GOD wants me to have character and perform just like HE is standing right in front of me.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS plan when no one is watching me.
• GOD wants me to treat HIM as GOD not as a distant possibility.

The elders of Israel weren’t supposed to go see GOD but they did anyway out of curiosity or disbelief is my guess. They actually saw who Moses spoke to and knew he wasn’t making all of this up to control them. In spite of “seeing” GOD and witnessing HIS miracles they could not stop sinning.

• It’s up to me to choose GOD instead of being on the wrong path.
• It’s up to me to desire GOD’s way instead of thinking my way is a good way.
• It’s up to me to focus my energy towards GOD’s people rather than catering to those who do not love HIM.

GOD wants me to love HIM and that means understanding HIS compassion for “everyone” not just my exclusive mind. HE desires that I act with character to draw people to HIM.

• Are you acting with character?
• Are your thoughts filled with judgment or compassion?
• Can you focus on what GOD wants you to do instead of wanting to see HIM as some sort of parlor trick or magician?

GOD forgives

Exodus 12: ²² Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.

²³ When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

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Sometimes I forget that JESUS forgives me.  I mean it’s very clear that HE can’t stand sin and has some very clear rules that I have ignored. Should I run out and buy some livestock and figure out how to build an alter to sacrifice a lamb to be forgiven? Should I ignore HIS rules completely and do what I want?

• GOD told the Israelites to stay inside because HIS judgment was imminent.
• GOD gave specific rules for the Israelites to follow so they would remain safe from HIS judgment.
• GOD used a symbol of belief as the method of restraining HIS judgment.

I actually believe this was JESUS walking through the land.  Prior to HIS death burial and resurrection I believe HE told the Israelites to use the blood of an unblemished lamb to symbolize the death HE would go through for all of mankind.

• JESUS committed no sin and remained unblemished by sin.
• JESUS was murdered by people who attend church regularly and knew the Bible very well.
• JESUS left the cross as a symbol to everyone who believes in HIM, they can receive everlasting life.
• JESUS will allow people to not believe in HIM and to accept HIS judgment.

Accepting what JESUS did enables me to have eternal life. HE doesn’t want me to be part of an exclusionary club rather HE wants me to tell people about this great news! HE wants people to know HE forgives!

• Are you in the middle of a lifestyle that seems hard to stop?
• Are you battling with fear, sexuality outside of GOD’s structure, substance abuse, hatred, lust for power or something else?
• Can you stop trying to cure sin for a moment and look to JESUS who has already cured sin?
• Won’t you stop trying to look at your own power and look at HIS?

Curiosity closed my eyes

Genesis 3: ⁶ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

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Music and a crowd seemed like the place I wanted to be.  It was exciting to see everyone having “fun.” Let’s play “insert drinking game name here.” In other words we were in college and any game could and would turn into a drinking game.

I was curious because I had never drank before. When it was my turn I grabbed a cup and quickly gulped it down.  Everyone cheered and laughter ensued. We played until the wee hours of the morning. The next day I was sick and sluggish, but that sure was “fun.”

• The crowd makes many actions seem “fun” but am I masking something?
• The crowd makes many actions seem “innocent” but is it good for me?
• The crowd makes many actions seem “delightful” but where is the crowd when things go wrong?

The argument over drinking continues but I’m talking about temptation in general.  The crowd will have me doing almost anything nowadays and I will easily fall for it because it seems “pleasurable.” But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants my spiritual eyes open and my sinful eyes closed.
• GOD wants me to pay attention to HIS ways instead of falling for ways that take me from HIM.
• GOD wants me to view HIS ways as being pleasurable versus the tempting ways of the crowd.

It sounds like I will never have fun again, right? Wrong! GOD never said act like a stiff, judgmental, old crony. HE wants my life to be full and rich but on HIS terms not mine. The first sin closed every human’s eyes and even Adam and Eve’s relationship was shaken with each other. BUT GOD saved them and me!

• Are you justifying what you are doing?
• Do you think it’s hard to follow GOD’s ways?
• Won’t you start learning who GOD really is?
• Can you seek HIS loving ways instead of following a path that may lead to destruction?

Something to look forward to

Revelation 22: ³ No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

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Ever have “one of those days?” I’ve had days where from the time I woke up until the time I went to sleep there were nothing but troubles.  It seems like when I said “what else could happen” something else would happen.  Is there any relief in sight?

• When Satan was thrown out of heaven for wanting to be GOD he tried to ruin mankind.
• When Satan tempted the first humans to sin GOD cursed the Earth and everything that surrounds it.
• When Satan plotted against GOD in an effort to take over GOD sealed up his fate along with anyone who does not believe in HIS SON.

So the Earth is cursed and life is difficult.  I should actually expect things to go wrong, not in a pessimistic way rather in a healthy understanding way.  GOD loves humans. GOD loves me, so much so that when HIS SON volunteered to take my punishment HE allowed it. Now JESUS has been raised from the dead and the curse will be lifted.

• One day JESUS will lift the curse on everything and I will be able to worship HIM without problems.
• One day I will be able to see JESUS and be excited about being in HIS presence.
• One day I will have HIS real name written on my forehead because I am one of HIS.
• One day I won’t need lights or the sun because I will have the SON.

Just thinking of this makes me breathe a sigh of relief. Knowing HE did all this for me makes me continue with “hope.”

• Do you have hope?
• Can you see that GOD has done it all just for you?
• Won’t you stop focusing on today’s issues and know GOD loves you dearly?
• Can you look forward to HIS promises?