Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Israel’s Prophecy for Issachar

Genesis 49: ¹⁴ “Issachar is a strong donkey,
Lying down between two burdens;
¹⁵ He saw that rest was good,
And that the land was pleasant;
He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden,
And became a band of slaves.

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Issachar was the son that Leah had after being barren for years. Issachar means “Reward.”  Leah was so happy that she was no longer barren that she felt GOD had “rewarded” her. She traded mandrakes to Rachel for a night with Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• Issachar is referred to as a “strong donkey”” meaning he was a very hard worker.
• Issachar was wise enough to rest between receiving payments.
• Issachar became a tribe that was hard working, but never became slaves of any kind.

 

Hard work and reward for the work is attributed to Issachar. Israel must have seen his son work hard in silence, never complaining about the work. This was Israel’s ninth son, but the fifth son of Leah.

 

I can’t help but notice that Israel named all of Leah’s children together during his blessing. He wasn’t just trying to remember them and forgot the order. He was very intentional in his blessing order. Issachar was older than Zebulun, yet was named after him. He was one of the younger sons, so he may have hung out with the children of Leah and Joseph and Benjamin. GOD blessed Issachar.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Issachar’s hard work?
• Have you ever felt that your life had a lot of hard work?
• Can you wait for the blessing your hard work is going to bring from GOD?

Clean Shining Linen

Clean Shining Linen

Revelation 19: ⁵ Then there came from the throne the sound of a voice, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!” ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. ⁸ She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God's people.)

 

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Feeling pretty hungry, I decided to leave work and go to lunch. I looked in my wallet and had just enough money to buy my lunch. Yes, I said money and not a debit card. I knew of a place that I could get a full meal for the amount I had. I ran into a person who asked me for some money.

 

• I had to decide if I was going to eat or help this person eat.
• I had only enough money for one person to eat.
• I missed lunch that day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an amazing sight. He witnessed every person who believed in and served the living GOD, wearing “clean shining linen.” He then was given where the clothes came from. “The linen is the good deeds of GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be one of “HIS people” so I can enjoy an eternal relationship with HIM.
• GOD sees every deed I did and will do, and HE turns the good ones into “clean shining linen.”
• I sometimes question why do good, when I have problems that need a good deed.

 

“What about me?” is the question I sometimes ask GOD. I mean, it seems like when I have the least amount of money, someone comes up to me and asks for my last dollar. “Come on GOD, can’t YOU plan a little better?” I question HIM in frustration. BUT GOD is gentle with HIS response with me.

 

HE gently says to me “Do it this time and trust that I have much more for you.” I sigh and obey HIS leading. Every time I have done this, HE blesses me here on earth and in heaven. I then feel foolish that I did not want to serve in the first place. I am glad GOD gives me many opportunities to do HIS good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Does it seem like the writer was having a hard time describing what he saw and heard?
• Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of doing something good for someone versus taking care of your own dire need?
• Will you continue to seek doing GOD’s good deeds, knowing HE sees you and loves every good deed you do in JESUS name today?

Living Hope

Living Hope

1 Peter 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, ⁴ and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. ⁵ They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

 

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Feeling anxious about my pending job evaluation, I prepared my statement of the year’s accomplishments. When I sat in front of my boss, I could see that the evaluation was already written, signed and provided to me. It did not match what I thought.

 

• I put a lot of hard work into the job, only to get an average evaluation.
• I thought I did the right things to get recognized, but was told that other people performed better.
• I lost hope in the job, because I could not have worked any harder than 60 to 80 hours per week.

 

Peter discussed hope that cannot be stolen and will never decay. This hope is in GOD’s rewards in heaven for each of those HE calls HIS own.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s rewards for me are based on HIS love HE has for me.
• GOD sees what I  do for HIM and loves it so much that HE stores up rewards in heaven.
• GOD’s rewards are not based on human performance, rather HIS overflowing love for me.

 

Knowing that being born into sin seemed unfair to me. I mean, because I was born I deserve to go to Hell?! Yes. But the other side to the unfairness is quite amazing. Just by belief in JESUS not only saves me from eternal separation from GOD, but gives me unimaginable rewards that can never fade.

 

GOD provides me with living hope to look beyond this life. This hope propels me into action for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to save me and reward me greatly.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone, only to be met with disappointment?
• Will you seek living hope that actively seeks what GOD wants so you can receive rewards in heaven beyond your imagination?

Seen and Rewarded

 

Seen and Rewarded

Philemon 1: ¹ From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy—

To our friend and fellow worker Philemon, ² and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow soldier Archippus:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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“Could you come into the conference room?” said my boss. “I have to finish some work” I replied. He said, “It can wait, come in.” When I walked in, everyone in the division was there and my family. “Great work!” they exclaimed.

 

• I was surprised that I was being recognized
• I was not doing the work to be recognized, rather it had to be done.
• I appreciated being recognized.

 

Paul and Timothy recognize the efforts of Philemon and many others. Philemon had opened up his house to have followers of JESUS come in and meet to discuss HIS marvelous works and miracles. This was a very dangerous move because of the societal consequences. Paul knew he was in for a challenge and asks GOD to grant him and them “grace and peace.”

 

My Observations

• Serving GOD can sometimes be challenging.
• Being open to give GOD my everything is something HE is pleased with.
• Despite the societal pressures, GOD wants me to serve HIM with all my heart.

 

Mentioning JESUS is LORD is no picnic. I mean, three will be opposition, mislabeling and sometimes unwarranted attacks. BUT GOD sees it all and is pleased. HE sees my sin and my pitiful efforts to serve HIM and provides “grace and peace” anyway.

 

GOD loves when people open up their homes to speak about HIS SON. HE enjoys when people come together and pray, praise and heal. HE rewards those who are willing to follow HIM without worry. I gladly serve GOD without expectation, knowing HE will reward me with treasures in heaven that cannot be eaten by moths and cannot be stolen.

 

Challenge

• How is the writer able to send praises to people while sitting in prison?
• Have you ever been praised for something you accomplished?
• Will you put human praise aside and seek GOD’s “grace and peace” today?

Victory Found

Victory Found

2 Timothy 4: ⁶ As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. ⁷ I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. ⁸ And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day—and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

 

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Looking for a “win”, I joined various groups, followed certain sports teams and even competed. Sometimes my team won, which made me feel better as a human for some reason, and sometimes my team lost. When I won a bowling trophy, I wanted another. After a while, I wanted more and more trophies and awards in life.

 

• I wanted to feel like I was getting ahead.
• I guess I just wanted to feel special for a moment.
• I wanted to have a bright shiny moment in my life that was sometimes filled with hurt, and pain.

 

Paul tells Timothy this is the end of his life. He mentions that he has participated in the greatest competition, namely the fight against evil. He also mentions that he is on the winning side and has a “victory prize” waiting for him in heaven.

 

My Observations

• Friendly human competitions are alright BUT GOD wants me to join the competition against the evil one.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so HE wants me to join the side that already won so I can receive my prize.
• GOD wants me to “wait with love’ until the Day JESUS returns.

 

Waiting on JESUS is hard, especially during times when it seems like evil is rampant. I mean, the world seems to have lost its mind! BUT GOD sees all the violence, hurt and pain. Instead of competing with one another HE wants something different.

 

Waiting with love is different than being nervous that my moment here on earth has not happened yet. It means I will keep showing love to those HE sends me to or who HE sends to me. It also means that even though life can be hard, GOD still wants me to join in on HIS victorious side and do my part with love. I gladly join GOD and know my victory has already happened.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer feels satisfied?
• Are you disappointed with your accomplishments?
• Instead of looking at your situation, will you love someone who GOD wants you to show love to and keep pressing forward in the “race” of life by seeking HIS Kingdom today?

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

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Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

It Comes Out

 

It Comes Out

1 Timothy 5: ²³ Do not drink water only, but take a little wine to help your digestion, since you are sick so often.

 

²⁴ The sins of some people are plain to see, and their sins go ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others are seen only later. ²⁵ In the same way good deeds are plainly seen, and even those that are not so plain cannot be hidden.

 

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Sneaking off from work seemed like a good idea. Others were doing it so I decided to try it. I went to my apartment and played cards until it was time to go punch out. It worked! Soon I made a habit. I even made plans during work. I wen home and cooked dinner. When I went to punch out, my supervisor asked. “Where were you and why do you smell like cooked food?”

 

• I had gotten caught and I was embarrassed.
• I disappointed my boss who believed in me.
• I took for granted something I was supposed to be doing, and my hidden plans became exposed.

 

Paul turns from mentoring Timothy to encouraging him. He first expressed concern over Timothy’s health. He then gives some encouragement to Timothy, who may have been frustrated that the people he was leading were missing the value in his servanthood. He let Timothy know that even the smallest, hidden good deed will be seen.

 

My Observations

• My hidden sin tends to make itself known at an inconvenient time.
• JESUS forgave me for all my sins, hidden and plain to see.
• It is more satisfying to live with a clear conscience and do good deeds for the LORD, than to keep hiding things in my heart that get me deeper and deeper into trouble.

 

Hidden things come out. I mean, the thing that I think I can hide and take to my grave is probably the thing that will hurt the most because GOD has to reveal it. “Well, HE forgives me, right?” Yes, but it may still have pain and at some point I got tired of causing my own pain and blaming it on everyone else or circumstances.

 

GOD sees my heart and wants me to ask HIM to live inside. HE then prompts me to do “good deeds” that serve HIS purpose of bringing people back to HIM. HE sees the tiniest hidden good deed and also shows HIS gratitude in ways that are amazing! I am so glad GOD cares and sees all good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the care from the writer?
• Have you ever done a hidden sin and think it will never come out?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD, including the sneaky, bitter, hateful things, so HE can be faithful and just to forgive you of those sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?
• Will you also start doing “good deeds” that are pleasing to the LORD today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, you know my deepest hidden sins. Please forgive me. YOU also know the deepest hidden sins of this reader. Make him or her able to confess to YOU these sins so YOU will forgive and cleanse. Please also fill his or her heart with YOUR good deeds today. amen

Hope Never Lost

Hope Never Lost

Colossians 1: ⁵ When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven.

 

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Special mementos were something I dragged around through life. One box contained pictures, cards and other items from my childhood through adult life. One day I would look at these items with fond memories, I thought. Unfortunately, the box got wet and moldy in transport from one place to the next. I had to toss everything.

 

• I wanted to hold onto that stuff.
• I labeled these items as special and wanted to keep them at all costs.
• I was unable to keep the items safe and they were lost anyway.

 

Paul admires those who have placed their faith in the Good News about JESUS when they heard about it. Since the Good News offers hope that cannot be tarnished, stolen or damaged by anything on earth, placing hope in this was the right move.

 

My Observations

• GOD has a special place for me that is far greater than this earth.
• My hope is based on the Good News of JESUS being raised from the dead.
• Nothing can steal, tarnish, dent, rip, crack, blotch, tear or ruin the rewards GOD has for me.

 

Shortsightedness makes me think things in this world can be special. I mean, material things like houses, cars, tech, clothes, art, jewelry and other items can sometimes make me temporarily feel special, but can be lost.

 

Since the world’s pleasures are temporary, I fall into a trap of a lifelong pursuit that ends up being hopeless. BUT GOD provides a remedy. “Let it go” is what HE says. Anything that cannot be taken into heaven is not worth losing my soul over. HE wants me to care about my relationship with JESUS and do the same for others. I am glad I can place my hope in something that will be eternally available.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone and it or they got damaged?
• Do you have regrets in missing some event or thing?
• Will you learn about the Good News of CHRIST so you can place your hope in what HE has done for you and so you can see other people need to hear HIS wonderful message today?

Nothing Held Back

Nothing Held Back

Ephesians 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. ⁴ Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him.

 

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Searching for some relaxation, I pursued life’s pleasures. I was now out of “the house” and on my own. Parties were fun, sex was fun and waking up in the middle of the afternoon was fun. But life had a way of returning. Sometimes life came back faster and harder than I wanted.

 

• I had a misconception of heaven.
• I thought I could find a bit of perfection here on Earth.
• I wanted relief from life so I indulged in the world’s ideas of what a “blessed” life is.

 

Paul clears up a misconception of being able to find heaven on earth. He also gives everyone who believes in JESUS some relief that their sins are forgiven and we are declared “holy” and “without fault.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS tremendous blessings HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to know JESUS and for JESUS to know me so I can receive spiritual blessings.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE chose me to be with JESUS before HE made me.

 

Spiritual blessings are hard to imagine. I mean, I am so immersed in what the world dictates as “blessed.” Whether it is the lust for money, power or pleasure, life has a way of clouding my vision of what true blessings really are.

 

When I turn to the world, I tend to get mad at GOD for not “blessing” me enough. I look at bills, or people’s actions, or where I am in life and question GOD. BUT GOD took care of my doubts, fears and lusts. HE gave me a wonderful gift, namely JESUS and now I have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world I can get. I thank GOD for the many blessings HE poured out on me.

 

Challenge

• Where is the writer’s focus?
• Is it possible we may have a misconception of what heaven is?
• Will you give GOD the FATHER your thankfulness today for having chosen you and for giving you HIS all?

Train Like an Olympian

Train Like an Olympian

1 Corinthians 9: ²³ All this I do for the gospel's sake, in order to share in its blessings. ²⁴ Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. ²⁵ Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. ²⁶ That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. ²⁷ I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest.

 

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“Practice is after school” the coach said. Having no idea what that meant, I was excited. “After you finish stretching, follow the leader in a two mile run.” I was exhausted when I finished, but glad that It was done. I was ready to go home when the coach said “That’s it for the warm up, now let’s get to the practice.” “You have got to be kidding me!” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many things I have practiced for.
• There have been plays, sporting events and presentations I have practiced for.
• There have been many times that I have competed and sometimes I won the prize.

 

Paul compares spreading the Gospel to that of training for the Olympics. He mentions track runners and boxers in his comparison. He says “they submit to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last” But what crown will last?

 

• GOD wants me to treat my life as though I were practicing for the most difficult competition.
• GOD wants me to treat the Gospel as if it were an Olympic event.
• GOD wants me to treat my mind body and soul as an athlete does, with complete self-control.

 

Quite honestly I still get amazed at the timing of the scripture. I mean, the Olympics are going on right now and I get excited watching those who have spent their entire lives dedicated to discipline for a shot at winning the highest prize, a gold medal. But this prize will not last. The next Olympics will come and their name will be forgotten.

 

BUT GOD does not forget my name. When I stay in the race of life and dedicate it to spreading the Gospel, I win an eternal crown. GOD’s rewards are far greater than any I could ever imagine. I gladly train so I can finish the race and hear GOD say “Well done.”

 

• Do you admire people who win contests?
• Do you get excited when a person or a team wins?
• Will you put the same type of excitement into winning people for CHRIST today?

The Action IS the Destination

The Action IS the Destination

⁵ After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are simply God's servants, by whom you were led to believe. Each one of us does the work which the Lord gave him to do: ⁶ I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. ⁷ The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. ⁸ There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. ⁹ For we are partners working together for God, and you are God's field.

 

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When I fell into trouble, I turned to GOD. I figured HE was mad at me for the sins I committed that week or possibly the night before. With an empty bank account and a broken down car, I had nowhere else to turn. “Maybe if I turn to GOD, HE will get these credit collection agencies off my back” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many times I thought serving GOD was a means to an end.
• There have been many times when I believed I could serve and GOD would react to my service.
• There have been many times that I wondered “what good am I doing and does it make a difference?”

 

Paul tried to reconcile an argument over people following him or Apollos. He explained that both are servants of GOD and neither are more important than the other. The work they do is what matters to GOD and HE will reward people on what they do.

 

• GOD wants me to focus on “planting” HIS plants.
• GOD wants me to know that HE will provide others to water HIS plants.
• GOD wants me to see the vast field HE grows with many plants HE raised up.

 

Plant is an action and a thing. I mean I can plant a plant that plants, plants. But sometimes I want to be the one that grows the plant. That is when I run into issues. I want to control the situation so I can stop or start serving GOD when it pleases me.

 

GOD sees when I am sincere. HE knows the times I am really planting plants for HIM and HE blesses me when I am simply serving HIM because HE is GOD. HE blesses others who do their part in watering, and nurturing the plant during the growth process. I am glad to be a part in the vast field of plants GOD is growing.

 

• Are you trying to do something to get GOD to do something for you?
• Do you look at other people as being more important than you in GOD’s kingdom or vice-versa?
• Will you simply serve GOD today so HE will provide you with HIS blessings?

 

Job or Faith

 

Job or Faith

Romans 4: What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? ² If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about—but not in God's sight. ³ The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” ⁴ A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. ⁵ But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself. 

 

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My schedule was from Sunday night to Thursday night. Some parts of the job were peaceful, others were a bit stressful. Like the time I had to clean “stuff” smeared on the walls toilet and floor. It put me behind schedule but I did it. When Thursday came, I could not enjoy the weekend because Sunday night was on its way.

 

• I have had many jobs in my life.
• I have showed up for each of those jobs, on time and ready to work.
• I have worked hard on each of those jobs and I was paid for it.

 

Paul gives an example that is widely known amongst Jews and Gentiles. Abraham was declared righteous by GOD because of his faith in GOD. Paul then explains that a person who is paid for work is doing it for the wages. But a person who depends on faith is doing it for GOD and HE will add this to the account HE keeps.

 

• GOD sees every act of faith I do.
• GOD knows when I am being faithful to HIM.
• GOD loves when I chose faith over doing stuff.

 

Acts of faith need no payment. I mean, when I am truly showing faith to GOD, HE knows when I have sacrificed to do something strictly for HIM and not for my well-being. But what about pastors, missionaries, priests and clergy’s? Aren’t they paid? Yes, some are supported by faithful people who use faith to give to those who have dedicated themselves to speaking about GOD.

 

Unfortunately, there are some who speak GOD and who do not believe in HIM. That is not for me to decide, BUT GOD knows. Getting back to faith. It can be shown in more than monetary giving. Faith is believing that JESUS died and rose for me. It also means telling people about this gift. I am grateful GOD enables me to show faith in HIM daily.

 

• What are you faithfully doing for GOD?
• How is GOD stretching you to grow for HIS purposes?
• Will you use more faith today and believe in GOD’s promise HE told you?

Another Path

 

Another Path

Romans 2: ⁶ For God will reward each of us according to what we have done. ⁷ Some people keep on doing good, and seek glory, honor, and immortal life; to them God will give eternal life. ⁸ Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury. ⁹ There will be suffering and pain for all those who do what is evil, for the Jews first and also for the Gentiles. ¹⁰ But God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good, to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles. ¹¹ For God judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Lying, cheating and stealing wasn’t working. I was still in debt with a broken car, broken relationships and to top it off, I was cleaning toilets for people who seemed to care less about actually having the “waste” go “in” the commode. “There has got to be a better way!” I exclaimed.

 

• There were times when I felt like giving up.
• There were times when I felt that I was even bad at doing wrong.
• There were times when I felt I was on the wrong path, but did not know how to get on a good one.

 

Paul writes about GOD’s two rewards. One will be welcome, the other despised. He then writes about the way to get the rewards. Some people who are already doing what is right in GOD’s eyes, will get the reward that is welcome. Those who reject what GOD says is right will receive the reward that is punishment.

 

• GOD wants me to do what is good according to HIS way.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS glory and honor every day.
• GOD wants me to pursue immortal life based on the belief that JESUS died for my sins.

 

Good versus evil is usually a topic that is scoffed at. I mean some of the nicest people could end up being eternally tormented, simply because they reject JESUS being the Savior who died for mankind and was raised from the dead.

 

On the other hand a sinner like me, who believes in JESUS, will be saved and rewarded, simply by believing. GOD gives me another path that is not so glamorous. It is a path to serve people without being known. I am glad GOD is excited about placing me on HIS path.

 

• Are you on the wrong path and do not know how to get on the right one?
• Is your heart so hard that you cannot surrender your life to GOD, so you stubbornly seek your own path?
• Will you let go of your path and allow GOD to heal you so you can be used for HIS great and marvelous purpose today?

It’s Getting Done

John 3: ²² After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised. ²³ Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptised. ²⁴ (This was before John was put in prison.) ²⁵ An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. ²⁶ They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – the one you testified about – look, he is baptising, and everyone is going to him.’

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Working long hours, I felt exhausted but satisfied. I mean I had everything under control, or so I thought. “Why don’t you let that person do this part of the project now?” my boss said directedly. When the person did their work, I felt a sense of jealousy. They were getting accolades I was used to getting.

• I felt jealous.
• I felt I was losing accolades.
• I felt I was slipping in value.

JESUS and HIS disciples were baptizing people and John “The Baptist’s” disciples questioned why these guys were doing this. They noticed their crowd was getting smaller and smaller and sensed something was wrong, or so they thought.

• GOD wants me to be part of a team who bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see how HE is working through others.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM daily for what HE is doing, especially when someone else is doing it.

As long as it is getting done, who am I to argue. If someone else is serving GOD by serving others, I do not need a pat on the back or an accolade for what I am doing. GOD sees what I am doing as part of HIS plan for all of humanity. HE knows the pie is big. In other words, HE knows the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few. I am glad I am part of GOD’s big picture.

• Are you jealous of someone’s abilities?
• Do you talk bad about someone so you can get praise?
• Will you stop trying to point at yourself and allow GOD to work through others and through you?

Doing the Best Anyway

Luke 19: ¹¹ While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. ¹² He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. ¹³ So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until I come back.”

¹⁴ ‘But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, “We don’t want this man to be our king.”

¹⁵ ‘He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

¹⁶ ‘The first one came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned ten more.”

¹⁷ ‘“Well done, my good servant!” his master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.”

¹⁸ ‘The second came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned five more.”

¹⁹ ‘His master answered, “You take charge of five cities.”

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After seeing belligerent outbursts, many people moved away from this particular person. I felt stuck as those who recognized the behavior early, moved on quickly and I felt I had nowhere to go. Each day I had to pray “LORD give me the strength to work for this person.” After a long while, the person called me in their office. “You’ve been promoted, now get outta here” they said gruffly.

• There have been times when I wondered if the person in control was worth serving.
• There have been times when I questioned the person in control versus focusing in on what I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been times when I endured the person in control and it paid off.

JESUS states the behavior of people through a parable regarding the prophecy of the kingdom of GOD. Since they had a misconception of what would take place, JESUS spoke first about how they hated the ruler and how he was made king. Then JESUS spoke about faithful servants who could care less about who their boss or circumstance was, they would do their job well anyway.

• GOD wants me to be faithful as I can to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be strong enough to keep HIS commands even when it is not comfortable for me.
• GOD wants me to be HIS servant even when things are not going my way.

Rewarding the faithful is what GOD does best. But sometimes it seems like the rewards take a long time to arrive at my doorstep. GOD wants me to continue on with the journey in spite of the circumstances. HE guides me in my faith.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like blaming GOD?
• Will you serve GOD anyway through your difficult circumstance?

No Pat on the Back

Luke 17: ⁵ And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”

⁶ So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. ⁷ And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? ⁸ But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? ⁹ Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”

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Looking at the article that went around about someone, who gave a lot of money to a church, sparked an idea. I would do the same. When I gave the same sum I placed my hand to my ear but heard no accolades. “What about the service I did on this particular day?” I said to the LORD. I mean, shouldn’t I be better off for doing stuff for GOD?

• There were times when I thought doing stuff for GOD was a measure of my faith.
• There were times when I thought I could “move up” in the corporation of GOD.
• There were times when I thought I could get “closer” to GOD by working really hard at it.

JESUS explains what it means to have faith. True faith can not only do the impossible with full belief, but it also means following GOD without needing to see what or how HE is doing things.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM with the attitude of “I am only doing what HE made me for.”
• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose rather than expecting my service to promote me in HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to not think I can manipulate HIM into giving me more by being ”good.”

Faith is also knowing that GOD expects me to serve others just as HE, the Most High, serves me. When I doubt HIS love, I am not showing the faith HE deserves. HE simply wants me to believe in HIS plan, and tell people about HIS SON every moment I can. GOD increases my faith by giving me opportunities to explain HIS love daily.

• Do you want more faith?
• Do you think you deserve more from GOD?
• Will you seek the lost for GOD without expecting anything from HIM right now?
• When GOD does give you what you ask HIM for, will you believe it only came because of HIS love and not what you did?

Jealousy Control

Luke 15: ²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’

²⁸ “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. ³⁰ But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’

³¹ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. ³² It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”

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Listening with anticipation I waited to hear who won the top employee award. When they announced this other person, I immediately got upset. I mean this person didn’t do half as much as I did and he constantly asked me questions. This day of celebration was over for me.

• There were times when I was jealous instead of celebratory.
• There were times when I was not happy for “that” person because I was envious.
• There were times when I felt I “deserved” better than “that” person.

JESUS speaks about the dedicated brother who “followed all commandments” and did everything right, yet felt slighted when his father threw a party for the one who wasted money. The father’s perspective was interesting. He gets a party but “All I have is yours.”

• GOD says to me “Do not want for anything.”
• GOD says to me “I AM with you always.”
• GOD says to me “I have rewards for you that you cannot see right now, but have patience.”

“Why does this person have it so easy and I have it hard?’ was my question to GOD on many occasion. I mean it seemed “unfair” that people who never profess GOD seem to have it easy while I was struggling day to day serving HIM. “What good is it anyway?” I exclaimed.

GOD reminds me that my rewards are in heaven for everything I do here on earth. When I sincerely serve HIM, I get excited when someone else gets more than me. GOD fills my heart with the fact that HE has a great reward for me because I can enjoy seeing what HE is doing in other folk’s lives. Praise for others brings rewards.

• Are you struggling so much that you get jealous when someone else gets something?
• Do you feel mad at GOD for not giving you more?
• Will you open your heart wider for others and add praise to GOD when they get a temporary windfall?
• Can you praise GOD today for the rewards in heaven HE is storing up for you?

Can’t Pay Back

Luke 14: ¹² Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. ¹³ But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.¹⁴ And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

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“Here are a pair of shoes” a person said to me. I had worn my shoes down to the point where I had holes in my soles. “Thank you” was all I had to give him in return.

• There were times when I was given a lot and could not repay.
• There were times when people gave me a lot but I had nothing to give them.
• There were times when I stood around with no gift to give yet I was invited to the party.

JESUS tries HIS best to guide the church leaders onto a different path. HE explains that inviting people who can easily repay is not the goal, instead invite those who cannot repay.

• GOD says to me, “Go. Seek those who cannot do for themselves.”
• GOD says to me, “Give. Do not seek repayment for money given to those in need.”
• GOD says to me, “Grow. Be strong enough to leave the rich and support those I want you to serve.”

Help the poor, maimed, lame and blind is what GOD wants me to do. But what about my problems? GOD says “I have sent you help and I desire to make you whole.” My wholeness comes from GOD and HE desires to share HIS healing to those who will accept HIM. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborer’s are few. HE wants me to seek those who cannot repay.

• Are you in a position where you can celebrate with those in need?
• Can you take a little of your blessing and give it to someone in need today?
• Are you the one in need and do not feel like asking for help?
• Will you ask GOD to deliver people who can supply your need today?