Response to Livestock Diseased – Hard Heart

Response to Livestock Diseased – Hard Heart

Exodus 9: ⁷ Then Pharaoh sent, and indeed, not even one of the livestock of the Israelites was dead. But the heart of Pharaoh became hard, and he did not let the people go.

 

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GOD killed all of the Egyptian livestock as HE promised. Pharaoh checked to see if it was only the Egyptian livestock that was affected or did it include the children of Israel. “Indeed” it was only the Egyptian livestock that was killed. Pharaoh’s reaction, a hard heart.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh faced his worst catastrophe and allowed pride of his position to not relent to GOD’s power.
• Pharaoh was not acting out of fear, rather he may have been trying to prove he was still in power.
• Pharaoh seemed to need to be in control at other people’s expense.

 

With the transportation, food and farm animals all being dead, Pharaoh had to make his own people suffer more by checking on the Israelites by foot. When the report came back that the Israelite livestock was not affected, Pharaoh believed he was a god even more. He probably said, “I can fix this.”

 

I believe Pharaoh devised a plan to take some of the Israelite animals by force. The Bible does not say this, but the next couple of plagues imply that the Egyptians obtained more animals. Since GOD is telling Moses what to write, HE omits the story about Pharaoh’s misuse of power and keeps the focus on how HE was dismantling the mindset that a human can be a god.

 

Pharaoh may have convinced himself that there was a power behind his title. Meanwhile, the people around him had to suffer. The more he dug into his belief, the more people around him suffered. The heart of Pharaoh was hurting his own. GOD remained in control and Pharaoh’s illusion of control was fading.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the death of all Egyptian livestock?
• Have you made decisions that adversely affected people around you, yet you continued anyway?
• Can you surrender your decisions that ultimately affect people by seeking GOD for wisdom and changing your mindset?

Careful Approach

Careful Approach

Genesis 44: ¹⁸ Then Judah came near to him and said: “O my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s hearing, and do not let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even like Pharaoh. ¹⁹ My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ ²⁰ And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, who is young; his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ ²¹ Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ ²² And we said to my lord, ‘The lad cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ ²³ But you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’

 

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Reluctantly, Israel allowed Benjamin to go to Egypt with his brothers to fulfil the terms of Joseph. Judah said he would be responsible for Benjamin and would return with him. But Joseph had his silver cup hidden in Benjamin’s sack. Judah had to respond to the difficult situation.

 

My Observations:

• Judah recognized Joseph’s position and acknowledged his role.
• Judah chose his words carefully when recapping Joseph’s request of them to bring Benjamin to Egypt.
• Judah mentioned that he and his brothers are servants so Joseph would not get placed on guard.

 

Tense situations need a careful approach that may include humbling yourself. Judah saw a situation that could not be won by blaming Joseph or by not admitting to what happened. Even though the situation was manufactured, Judah recapped the situation in a way that would possibly help Joseph hear his plea.

 

Judah was humble, thoughtful and very cautious with his words. This was a dire situation that required him to grow tremendously. He had to speak up for his brother and show respect to Joseph. GOD saw this exchange of words and was changing everyone.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Judah’s careful approach?
• What things are you trying to get that you are possibly blaming others versus adjusting your approach?
• Are there some ways to your approach that could use some humble adjustments that need courage from GOD?

Servant Leader’s Attitude

 

Servant Leader’s Attitude

Genesis 18: Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. ² So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, ³ and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. ⁴ Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Do as you have said.”

 

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Some time after Abraham was circumcised and healed, the LORD appeared to him with two angels. Abraham asked them to stay so he could wash their feet to provide relief. He then wanted them to eat to “refresh your hearts.”

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was a wealthy powerful man who understood GOD’s true power.
• Abraham did not flaunt his power, rather he sprung into action by getting everyone together to serve GOD.
• Abraham did not ask for anything from GOD, rather he wanted to simply serve HIM.

 

The LORD appeared near the terebinth trees. There seems to be something special about these trees because GOD met Abraham there a couple of times. Abraham seemed excited to simply serve. Maybe he wanted to be known as one who is hospitable. He was willing to open his house up to strangers and to share the best food.

 

GOD said HE would stay while Abraham gathered water for HIS feet and food for them to eat. It seems like GOD does not mind being served. It shows the heart of the person who can give a being who has everything a little of what we have.

 

This type of generosity may have stood out to GOD because Abraham did not keep the swag he retrieved from rescuing Sodom. Abraham’s servanthood seemed to come from the heart. He immediately sprung into action looking for ways to make his guests comfortable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how hot it was?
• Have you checked your conversations with GOD to see if you are only asking for things?
• Are you willing to serve GOD simply to do it just for HIM versus getting something from HIM?

Closer to the Garden

Closer to the Garden

Genesis 4: ²⁵ And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” ²⁶ And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.

 

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With paradise lost, grief filled the land. Adam and Eve may have stayed near the garden in hopes that maybe it would be reopened. But the cherubim that GOD placed in front of the entrance would not budge. To top it all off, their son killed their other son. Years passed and Adam and Eve had another son.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had another path to HIS salvation.
• GOD chose sinners to execute HIS plan.
• Anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will not be put to shame.

 

Cain’s family left GOD and became extremely resourceful. On the other hand, Adam and Eve’s family acknowledged GOD by saying “GOD has appointed another seed.” Two paths were being defined in humanity. One that would follow human accomplishments, and one who would worship GOD, asking for help at every turn.

 

No curse was placed on Seth, rather the announcement of his birth was significant. It’s not that his siblings were insignificant, rather Seth’s birth would contain the family from which JESUS would choose to come in the form of a human. Although I believe it was JESUS who walked in the garden, I also believe JESUS was born through a line of humans.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about Adam’s statement?
• Have you ever been curious about your family tree?
• Have you considered how special you are to GOD?

Apron of Humility

Apron of Humility

1 Peter 5: ⁵ In the same way you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” ⁶ Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. ⁷ Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.

 

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“You are pretty good at this” were the words I loved to hear. I became more confident and took on more and more challenges. Soon I was “very good” in my own mind and wanted to make some demands or even leave for something better. After applying outside and not getting the position I had to tone down my demands.

 

• I had become demanding.
• I had become a bit arrogant.
• I had forgotten that I knew nothing when I first started out.

 

Peter turns to new believers to provide advice to them. They may have desired a higher position within serving, so he suggests taking a humble approach. He implied having patience by saying “HE will lift you up in HIS own good time.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD resists my pride, but shows me favor when I humble myself.
• GOD changes my heart when I practice serving others.
• GOD raises me up in HIS time, not mine.

 

Demanding that GOD “make me a leader right here and now” could come from a wrong heart. I mean, I may want to be a leader so “I” can take on the challenges I see fit. When I run into issues, I can simply call on GOD to beat up my enemies and fix all my problems. Unfortunately, HE doesn’t seem to work that way.

 

HE sees my heart and if it is full of pride, resists my efforts. But when I humble myself and ask HIM, “Is this wat YOU want?”, HE gets excited. HE then tells me to “leave all my worries with HIM” because HE cares for me. I am glad GOD takes care of me and raises me up in HIS time.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize serving one another?
• Have you ever thought you would do a better job than your leaders?
• Will you examine yourself to see if there are any opportunities to wear the “apron of humility” by following those put in leadership, whether you agree with HIS leadership appointment or not?

Change

Change

James 4: ⁷ So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. ⁸ Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! ⁹ Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

 

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Realizing that my life was not in a good place, I decided to try GOD as a last resort. I stopped doing the same things “everyone” was telling me to do for “fun” and focus on doing things differently. But it seemed hard because “everywhere” I turned, there were invitations to do the old stuff.

 

• I was trying to start living for GOD, but had the same old habits.
• I was trying to do things that would please GOD, but I had the same old ideas.
• I was trying to fit in with the world and fit in with GOD and it wasn’t working.

 

James provides the solution to the problem of being double-minded. He points to the path of GOD then says “change.” The things that used to be “fun” may not be as fun after all.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s path is not as hard as I think, but it is hard when I am far from it.
• GOD is willing to come near to me when I take steps towards HIS path.
• GOD wants me to change my view of “fun” so I can enjoy life but do it HIS way.

 

Pleasure is not the problem, the definition of what pleasure is can be. I mean, GOD defined a framework for me to choose how to live. I can be free to live as I please within HIS framework. But when I choose to go outside of what GOD defined, I get in trouble.

 

GOD knows I have an enemy that will make me challenge HIS very existence. I will then question everything that HE stands for and make up my own labels for HIM or even ignore HIS existence. I will then create my own definition of “fun” that does not include HIM and put myself and others in harm’s way. GOD wants me to “change” for HIS purpose. I am glad HE comes near to me when I come near to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so passionate about change?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation where you are resisting GOD so you can have “fun?”
• Will you assess your life so you can “change” for the good of GOD today?

Humble Friendship

 

Humble Friendship

James 4: Where do all the fights and quarrels among you come from? They come from your desires for pleasure, which are constantly fighting within you. ² You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it. ³ And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures. ⁴ Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy. ⁵ Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, “The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires.”^[a] 6 But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

 

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Frustrated because it seemed like “everyone” else was getting paid but me, left me complaining about what I did not have. I had just started going back to church and I heard the preacher say “name it and claim it.” In other words say what I want and I will get it. But when I didn’t get it, I got mad.

 

• I was mad at GOD because I did not get what I wanted.
• I thought GOD was supposed to give me what I wanted.
• I thought that I “deserved” better than what I already had.

 

James addressed selfishness by illustrating two friendship types. One friendship is with the world, the other is with GOD. He exposes the root of quarrels and fights, namely friendship with the world. He points out the fact that wrong motive causes a lack in receiving from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• The more I become friends with the world, the more I fight over its pleasures.
• GOD resists my pride, but loves when I humble myself before HIM.
• GOD’s desires are fierce and cannot be quenched by the selfishness of obtaining the world.

 

“What is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” is a deep, convicting question. I mean, insatiable desires that cannot be quenched or controlled causes me to think of GOD in the wrong way. I may think “I” deserve better when GOD has already provided so much for me.

 

HE loves when I can say “Thank YOU for what YOU have given to me, I have more than enough.” This keeps my insatiable appetite down to a minimum and my hatred for other people who may be “in the way of getting mine” diminishes. I am glad GOD is willing to give me grace when I humble myself.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about fights and quarrels?
• Have you ever wanted something and did not get it, so you cried or got mad at another person?
• Do you have a problem with wanting more and more to the point that GOD is no longer the answer?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS true grace so HE can guide you to the things HE wants you to have today?

Followers and Leaders

Followers and Leaders

Hebrews 13: ¹⁷ Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your souls without resting, since they must give to God an account of their service. If you obey them, they will do their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you.

 

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Complaining about the leadership was a common practice with “us.” I joined in on the side conversations about him or her. I could see flaws in their leadership styles a mile away. But then, one day I was made a leader. “Why won’t they do what I say?” was my naïve question.

 

• I thought leadership was easy.
• I thought I had the right to sit back and complain.
• I never considered that perhaps I needed to change my following style.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appealed to those who were not in leadership roles. He urged them to follow their leadership without fighting. He also provides insight into leadership. Leaders will be held accountable by GOD, which can hold a higher reward or consequence.

 

My Observations:

• When I am in a follower role, GOD wants me to set the leader up for success.
• When I am in a leadership role, GOD wants me to “watch over the followers souls without resting.”
• GOD will hold followers and leaders accountable.

 

Bad leaders are common, but is there such a thing as a bad follower? I mean, when I am supposed to do something a certain way and I choose to ignore the leader and do it “my” way, am I being a bad follower? Possibly. Hard to say. I may have to assess why I need to have it “my” way and determine if I could possibly be contributing to the problem with his or her leadership style.

 

Awareness of how I serve others and follow leaders is quite humbling. I have served under belligerent, egotistical, arrogant people who demand so much that people were broken. I have also served  those who set up their followers for success, yet their followers still do not perform. I am glad GOD gives me a chance to humble myself in either a follower or leadership role.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to followers?
• Have you ever been in a leadership role and had a group of followers who made it difficult?
• Have you ever helped a leader succeed?
• Will you bow down to the MOST HIGH GOD and humble yourself in any role you have today?

Declared Clean

Declared Clean

Ephesians 5: ³ Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. ⁴ Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. ⁵ You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

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“How did I get here?” I asked myself. My “friends” were doing things that, at one point, I would have considered low down and underhanded. After a while, I was doing the same stuff or possibly worse. I was in trouble and had no one to help because they were in trouble too.

 

• I was afraid to turn to GOD because my sins were piling up.
• I was nervous of facing the consequences of my decisions.
• I felt unclean, broken and worthless.

 

“Act right!” was seemingly the plea of Paul as he addressed how people were behaving. He saw the people give themselves over to sexual immorality, indecent behavior and obscene, profane and vulgar language. Greed had permeated their every thought. The warning was stern.

 

My Observations

• If I confess my sins GOD is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
• I need to repent or turn away from my sins to mature in CHRIST.
• Nothing vulgar, obscene or greedy in me will be useful to GOD.

 

“Impossible” was my first reaction to this list. I mean I had pretty much committed the whole list and felt I had no place in GOD’s kingdom. Then I reread the first part of the passage. “Since you ARE GOD’s people.” GOD is the one who declared me righteous, not because of me or any action I did, rather it was because of JESUS and HIS action for me.

 

When JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I was now able to be cleansed of all my sins, past present and future. I was declared clean. But those who refuse the wonderful gift GOD has to offer will remain declared unclean. Salvation gives me freedom to choose GOD’s way. I am grateful HE guides me to sometimes choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “share” is the writer speaking of?
• Whether you agree or disagree with the list, what does improving your own life look like?
• Have you ever had a complaint about your bank account being low or for not having enough?
• Will you give thanks to GOD for what you have and where HE has you so you can grow in the way HE wants you to grow today?

 

The Grace Effect

The Grace Effect

1 Corinthians 15: ⁸ Last of all he appeared also to me—even though I am like someone whose birth was abnormal. ⁹ For I am the least of all the apostles—I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God's church. ¹⁰ But by God's grace I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect. On the contrary, I have worked harder than any of the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God's grace working with me. ¹¹ So then, whether it came from me or from them, this is what we all preach, and this is what you believe.

 

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“I’m saved for eternity!” is the Good News I accepted at an early age. This came with a calling to tell other people about JESUS. But that did not stop me from wanting to sin. I wanted to fit in with everyone else, so I stopped being the “goody, goody” person and tried what “everyone else” was doing. It seemed like my sin would be caught and theirs wouldn’t. In fact, it seemed like I would get singled out and they would go free.

 

• I had a misconception of grace.
• I thought grace meant I was forgiven for my sins and I did not have to have consequence.
• I was alright with just getting into heaven, so I figured I would live it up here and then I would be in heaven and I could live it up there.

 

JESUS met Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul was headed to murder more followers of JESUS. HE called Paul into ministry by blinding him. Paul had to suffer to tell people about JESUS. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake and left to die. But GOD’s grace kept him working harder than the other Apostles.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to take my sin seriously.
• GOD wants a real relationship with me and HE does not like sin.
• GOD wants me to surrender my life to HIM and to confess my sin to HIM and accept the consequence of my sin.

 

Being a child of GOD is wonderful, but it ain’t easy. Yes I said “ain’t.” I mean, it seems like other people can act like scoundrels and do as they please while I try to do the right thing and face more suffering. To top it off, when I sin, it seems like GOD comes after me with a stick. Well, at least sometimes.

 

GOD’s grace extends into this life. The effect of HIS grace wipes away my eternal consequence, but let’s face it… If I did something harmful to another person, GOD will allow the consequence to sprout up from the seeds of sin I planted. Grace is still there, I just have to understand I am at GOD’s mercy which diminishes getting “my” way.

 

Challenge

• What new observation about grace do you see in what is written?
• What do you notice about being humble in this apostle’s words?
• What misconceptions, if any, do you have about GOD’s grace?
• Do you think sin can keep you blinded so you will not grow to have a true relationship with JESUS?

Ask for Patience

 

Ask for Patience

Acts 26: Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: ² “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, ³ and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

 

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When the deadline approached, I was nowhere near complete. I had underestimated the school work because I had a job. I had to go to the professor and ask for an extension. It was a humbling experience.

 

• There have been many times when I needed grace.
• There have been many times when I needed mercy.
• There have been many times when I needed someone to be patient with me.

 

Paul was speaking before king Agrippa and a huge crowd. He acknowledged the king’s knowledge of Jewish customs and controversies. Paul then asked for the king to have patience because he knew his story would be long.

 

• GOD wants me to be humble enough to ask for patience.
• GOD wants me to recognize when I need help.
• GOD wants me to understand that I am at the mercy of others, so I need patience.

 

Asking for patience from someone is humbling. I mean, what if they say no? Asking for patience takes courage. When I need patience from someone, it usually means the person is in a position to enforce consequence on me or not help me when I need help.

 

GOD wants me to recognize the need for me to ask HIM to have patience with me. Even though HE is slow to anger, I still need to ask HIM to stay with me when I mess up. I am grateful HE will never leave me nor forsake me. GOD is patient with me.

 

• Did you mess up with someone?
• Do you need their mercy?
• Will you humble yourself by confessing to GOD and ask for patience today?

Recommendations

Recommendations

Acts 16: Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. ² The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. ³ Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. ⁴ As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

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“Mind if I introduce someone to you?” a person from another department asked. “Please” was my reply, not knowing why I was meeting the person. I had a lot of work to do, and meeting someone was the last thing on my mind that day. “You have been recommended to lead a division” the person said. Wow! I didn’t expect that!

• I have been blessed to receive recommendations.
• I have been shocked that someone noticed what I was doing.
• I have been excited to work with those who believed in the abilities given to me.

Many believers approached Paul, recommending Timothy. After a while, Paul could not resist wanting Timothy to join him on the journey to teach the simplified message of obedience to new believers of JESUS. This recommendation paid off. Paul and Timothy spoke, many believed and the church was getting stronger.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM.
• GOD wants me to simply use the gifts HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM and HE will deliver me to the people HE needs me to speak to.

There are two ways to work. One way is to work to seek recommendations or “thank you” from people. While this brings moderate success, my rewards are only the “thank you.” BUT GOD wants me to seek eternal rewards which are given by HIM. This is not achieved by bragging and self-promoting.

GOD wants to be centerstage. My work for HIM should point to HIM. People may notice or they may not. BUT GOD always sees when I work for HIM with sincerity. I am grateful for HIS eternal rewards.

• Are you seeking to be known?
• Do you want to create a huge following for yourself, and not for GOD?
• Will you point people to GOD and allow HIM to change your approach so you become highly recommended without needing to boast?

Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?

John 18: ³³ Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

³⁴ Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

³⁵ Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

³⁶ Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

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 Closing the door quietly behind me, I had successfully made it into the house, or so I thought. “Who do you think you are?” was the question raised from a parent sitting in the dark. I was startled as I did not expect anyone awake at 3:30 in the morning. How was I supposed to answer that?

• The question was asked to make me aware of my problem.
• The question was asked to bring attention to how I was affecting others.
• The question was asked to open my eyes to who was really in control.

Pilate asked JESUS “Are YOU King of the Jews?” What a strange question to ask a prisoner. JESUS quickly saw through the question asking him, “Did others tell you this?” JESUS knew exactly who HE was and is.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the KING of Kings and LORD of lords.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the highest, period.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is GOD and has been given all power by the FATHER.

Giving HIMSELF up to lowly yet arrogant humans, JESUS showed considerable restraint by not having them wiped out by HIS “servants.” HE shows this constraint to me when I sin or try to leave HIM or blame HIM for my situation. JESUS shows me grace beyond compare. I know who I am. I am a creature GOD made to serve HIM and I love HIM for it.

• Do you think more highly of yourself?
• Do your “friends” or servant try to elevate you to a higher place than you should be?
• Will you humble yourself and bow down to JESUS, who is the KING, today?

Don’t Play

Luke 20: ⁴⁵ While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, ⁴⁶ ‘Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets. ⁴⁷ They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.’

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“I dare you to tap his arm” was the playground statement posed to me. This person was known for fighting and had an extremely short fuse. I wandered over and as I got close he turned around and said “Don’t play with me!” I could tell he meant it and, not risking a beating, I walked away. Laughter ensued.

• There were times when I heeded the warnings.
• There were times when I read the signs correctly in spite of what everyone thought.
• There were times when I was forced into using proper judgment.

JESUS warns the people not to be like the church leaders who loved their positions more than GOD or HIS people. HE knew they had money and power on their minds and spoke harshly against it. Even though their prayers contained the word “GOD,” JESUS knew their hearts were not on HIM.

• GOD says to me “Follow MY commands.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the pure at heart for they shall see GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Ask and I will cleanse you of all unrighteousness.”

Comfort and security in cash can sometimes lead me to forget GOD like the Sadducees did. I mean I can see all the symptoms. When someone is in need I can’t give, because I’m preparing for the next problem that could arise any day. But when a rich person asks for a lunch, then of course I will be there.

GOD wants my availability, my humbleness and my desires to be placed at HIS feet. HE wants me to seek HIM rather than positions, titles and piles of cash. GOD expects me to act different and thank HIM for what HE has done daily. I will not play around with HIS word.

• Is GOD truly first in your life?
• When will you get serious about GOD in your life?
• Will you ask GOD to help you let go of the things that you should not be holding onto?

Good At It

Luke 18: ⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: “God, I thank you that I am not like other people – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

¹³ ‘But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

¹⁴ ‘I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’

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Slapping the winning card onto my forehead in exuberance for all to see was my goal, but alas I did not know how to play the card game. I studied the rules. I played and played until I was good at it, missing many classes along the way. Now, I too could slap the winning card onto my forehead in a shout of victory! I was very good at that game, if I must say.

• There were times when I wanted to feel that I was “good at something.”
• There were times when I wanted to be better at something than other people.
• There were times when I wanted to be superior at something so other people would look at me as if I were special.

JESUS spoke to the crowd about church leaders who thought they were “good at this god thing.” HE spoke about how proud they were to follow the rules and compare themselves to others.

BUT HE also contrasted this example with a person whom everyone hated because of his thieving profession. The tax collector did not see himself as worthy, but asked for mercy from GOD. The tax collector was the one who JESUS said was the humble one.

• GOD wants me to know I can never be “good” enough to meet HIS standards.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my sins rather than trying to put on a front that I am perfect.
• GOD wants me to show people that sinners like me can be saved without having to “pay” or “do” their way into heaven.

The “Good News about CHRIST” is not really good news if every human can’t achieve it. I mean if JESUS’s gift of salvation is based on how good I follow the rules, then I am in trouble. JESUS points out that I need HIM as my savior. I sin daily and walk away from HIM daily, BUT GOD is my forgiver. I will never be “good at” following HIM. That’s why I love GOD.

• Do you think you can reach perfection by dropping off a few sins?
• Do you look down on other people or complain about how they are running their lives?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and look at JESUS’s perfection as your salvation?
• Will you ask for HIS mercy on your mountain of sins today?

Absolute Power

Matthew 27: ³² As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³ They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ³⁴ There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

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“One day I will get big and be able to fight back” I said to myself as I stepped into the gym.  Tired of being pushed around, I was motivated to pile on the muscles necessary to pound someone in the face if provoked. When I stepped into a bar with my lifting buddies, I could tell something was different this time. I think we are about to get into a fight. I said to myself.

• Three were times I wanted to be the intimidator instead of being intimidated.
• There were times I wanted to be in power instead of “them.”
• There were times I wanted to be the one on top and have the rest on the bottom.

Intimidation was the weapon of choice the soldiers used when walking through the city with JESUS. They forced a man named Simon to carry JESUS’s cross. I saw the word “they” used in this passage a lot and never in a good context. It seemed like the soldiers had absolute power. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says to me “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of GOD, that HE may exalt you in due time.”
• GOD says to me “I AM your strength in weakness.”

Power causes corruption and absolute power causes absolute corruption, except when speaking about GOD. HE does hold absolute power except HIS is based with love. HE is in control of all and wants all to be with HIM. HE never intimidates or bullies me into believing in HIS murdered SON. HE quietly cares for me and gently restores me. I am blessed by GOD.

• Are you seeking power?
• Do you want your way so bad that you desire a title?
• Will you seek GOD first and allow HIM to raise you up in HIS time, HIS way?

Life’s Elevator

Matthew 23: ⁵ “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; ⁶ they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; ⁷ they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.

⁸ “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. ¹⁰ Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. ¹¹ The greatest among you will be your servant. ¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

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“Making it” was top of mind. I tried not to step on people, but if a person got in my way, they were in trouble. I did get the title and it felt great to have the “respect.”

• Seeking places of honor can sometimes make me blind.
• Seeking to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces can sometimes puff up my head.
• Seeking a title or a position of status can sometimes lead me to think I am better than I am.

JESUS makes it clear that HE is the only instructor and the FATHER is the only father. Anyone who seeks to have the spotlight on themselves in the church will be knocked down.

• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE will not have to.
• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE can use me HIS way.
• GOD wants me to humble myself so HE can exalt me.

When I am in a humble position I celebrate more. I mean when GOD raises me up, even a little, I am thankful and I cheer. On the other hand, when I seek a title that I feel I “deserve” and do not get it, I pout and life is quite miserable. GOD wants me to be a servant no matter what title or position HE gives me. Serving others as HE served me is the highest honor!

• Are you trying to get a title?
• Do you feel you “deserve” better in life?
• Can you seek to serve rather trying to exalt yourself?

A Different King

Matthew 21: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

⁵ “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

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Political figures had me constantly watching the news. Searching for who would be right was my quest as I listened to their boisterous commentaries. The same was happening during the days when CHRIST walked the streets.

• JESUS looked like the worst political candidate.
• JESUS was never politically correct.
• JESUS set a standard that politicians bend and twist.

“If you want to be great you must be last” is what JESUS taught. Who wants to be last? I mean shouldn’t GOD just roar in and say in a Hollywood booming voice “This is my politician whom I am well pleased?” HE decided to slip in gently.

• JESUS came in with true power so HE did not make noise.
• JESUS rode in on what was considered a low animal to show true power.
• JESUS predicted the animals would be at that specific location which showed true power.

True power only comes from JESUS. HIS calm quietness was extremely misleading. Unfortunately the noisy politicians of today drown out the message of CHRIST. More conversations are about them than of the ONE who has true power. JESUS wants my time and my tongue.

• How much time do you spend talking about politicians?
• How Much time do you spend talking about JESUS?
• Can you look to the ONE who has true power today, namely JESUS?

If You Are Willing

Matthew 8: When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. ² A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. ⁴ Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

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“Demand a raise” was the thought that popped in my head. I walked into my evaluation and said all of the things that “I” had accomplished. I literally spent hours writing this stuff down. After the meeting I was proud of myself for being able to come up with all of these “wonderful” accomplishments.

• There have been times I have demanded.
• There have been times I have thought more of myself.
• There have been times I have tried to convince others that I was more than what I am.

Arrogance was speaking to my pride as I waltzed down the hallways thinking “I” did all of this. When I got my average raise, I was furious. Looking back I can see several mistakes in my approach.

• GOD wants me to be humble in my request.
• GOD wants me to recognize HIS power and authority in all situations.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM, not demand HIM.

GOD is not owned by me but HE is my GOD and I am HIS servant. HE enables me to humbly ask for things and HE has the right to say “No”, “Wait” or “Yes” whenever HE pleases. The man with leprosy humbled himself thoroughly. He followed JESUS for a while, he knelt down and he asked, knowing JESUS could say “No.”

One critical thing I noticed is JESUS said “don’t tell anyone.” Wait, there was a crowd there! HE sent the cleansed leper directly to those who opposed HIM as a testimony of HIS power.

• Are you bragging about your power?
• Is all the attention on you?
• Can you stop trying to draw attention to yourself and have people focus on GOD?
• Will you humbly ask JESUS to make you clean?

Trying to Convince

Matthew 7: ²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

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Scared half to death I read this passage. I mean who can be sure they are saved if this is written? Also, the statement “Away from ME, you evildoers!” seems pretty permanent.

• It is quite possible for me to act righteous and not be righteous.
• It is quite possible for me to preach about JESUS and not believe in HIS position, power or protection.
• It is quite possible for me to actually drive out demons and perform miracles in JESUS name without believing “in JESUS name.”

Mimicking a follower of CHRIST is still effective because GOD’s word does not return void. In other words, even if I did not believe in what I am saying, the words are still true. I can say “GOD sent HIS SON to save the world” but if I do not believe HE saved me, then I have wasted my words. What can make me sure?

• GOD says to me “But the one who does the will of MY FATHER who is in Heaven will enter.”
• GOD says to me “Follow MY SON for who I AM well pleased.”
• GOD says to me “Be led by the HOLY SPIRIT and all will be well with you.

A sigh of relief came over me when I saw what I overlooked. GOD simply wants me to do HIS will and stop trying to impress the crowds by pretending to hear from HIM. GOD speaks to me daily through HIS word and when it says to stop, keep going or stand up, I need to obey immediately.

GOD wants my total attention and while I am still a bit nervous about this passage, HE enables me to clearly see that I can humble myself to obey HIS will. I do not have to “try to convince” GOD that I am doing HIS will when I am doing HIS will.

• Are you mimicking?
• Do you have dishonorable motives of leading a group or getting rich off of GOD?
• Can you stop using HIS people and seek GOD’s will for them?
• Will you stop siding with humans and ask GOD to lead you with HIS HOLY SPIRIT?