But I Need Help

But I Need Help

Exodus 6: ²⁸ And it came to pass, on the day the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, ²⁹ that the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “I am the Lord. Speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say to you.”

³⁰ But Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heed me?”

 

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Moses and Aaron went back to Mount Horeb to speak to the LORD. HE told them to go back and tell Pharaoh to “Let MY people go.” Moses remembered this encounter, but deviated from the story to list a genealogy. He gets back to the action by talking to GOD, telling HIM he does not speak well.

 

My Observations:

• Moses seemed like he was very humble in his assessment of his abilities.
• Moses presented his shortcomings to the LORD as if HE did not know.
• GOD allowed Moses to work within free will, asking HIM for needs that align to GOD.

 

Moses wanted to align to GOD’s vision, but understood that it may take someone who could convince or persuade Pharaoh to let GOD’s people go. Moses thought it was going to be a negotiation, rather than a set of ten plagues that would drive Pharaoh to make the people leave.

 

Moses’s assumption was that his plan would need eloquent speech, when it really did not. Aaron’s words are barely written. Moses could have said what Aaron said, but GOD allowed Moses to ask for something he may not have needed. GOD provided Aaron to go with him.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about his statement of lack and inability?
• Have you ever told GOD that you do not have what it takes to complete HIS plan?
• Have you forgotten that GOD has included you in HIS plan that will always work for the good of those who love HIM?

Needing Help

Needing Help

John 15: ²⁶ “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. ²⁷ And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

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Sitting alone in my apartment was driving me crazy. I did not know many people in the town where I worked and was forced to commune with co-workers. I applied for a few positions away from that place, but found nothing. I felt doomed to stay there “forever.” I started my life over. I was no longer going to be the chief of parties. I wanted to learn about GOD.

• At one point, something changed inside me.
• At one point, I desired to follow GOD.
• At one point, my worries, fears, doubts and complaints were put aside for a new outlook on life.

JESUS gives HIS followers something to look for. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT, who is the HELPER. JESUS also gave HIS followers purpose, namely to bear witness of HIM being our Savior.

• The HELPER will gives me words to comfort others.
• The HELPER fills me up with joy.
• The HELPER changes my mind from worry to victory.

Feeling all alone is sometimes overwhelming. I mean at every turn, there seemed to be a problem that I could not fix. BUT GOD wanted me to look to HIM for all of my answers. Instead of thinking “I” had to solve everything by “myself”, GOD sent me the HELPER.

When I couple myself to GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, I am filled with joy that makes no sense. I can then serve others and speak about JESUS in word and action. I always need help and I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me.

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel worthless?
• Will you accept your calling and allow GOD to speak to many people through you?
• Will you also stop thinking you are broken and let the perfect HOLY SPIRIT reside in you today?

Where to Turn

Luke 8: ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. ⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, ⁴² for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 

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Having no answers, I was in a panic. It seemed like my problems were more than I could handle at the time. I tried asking coworkers and friends, but they had no answers. My family wouldn’t understand. Where could I go for answers?

• There were times when I did not have any answers.
• There were times when I ran out of ideas.
• There were times when the problems seemed to be bigger than any solution I could come up with.

Jairus had nowhere to turn. His only child was sick and he went to JESUS for the answer. He probably heard of JESUS through the news that spread all over the area about HIS miraculous healing. He fell at JESUS’ feet begging HIM to come to his house.

• When I run out of answers I should turn to JESUS.
• When I am faced with problems I should turn to JESUS.
• When I do not have any answers and the problems keep coming, I should turn to JESUS.

JESUS says “Come unto ME all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” HE does not want me exasperated rather at peace. HE knows the enemy will constantly seek to put up hurdles for me to jump so HE makes it easy by carrying me over each obstacle. JESUS gives me hope when there is no hope.

• Do you feel hopeless?
• Do you feel alone with the problems you face?
• Will you turn to JESUS today and give HIM your problems while asking for HIS peace today?

Stressed Out

Matthew 11: ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Meeting after meeting, my day was full. If I wasn’t in meetings, I was answering my voicemail or replying to some scathing email left by the arrogant. After a while I found myself without sleep. I would wake in the middle of the night thinking about work. The speed in which I had to reply to issues was ridiculous. Was there any relief?!

• I have been stressed out in the past.
• I have had extreme pressure in the past.
• I have had to face situations where it seemed as if no one was in my corner and I did not know where to turn.

Feeling like no one cares can lead to even more stress. After a while I even asked the question, “GOD do you care?” HE gave me HIS answer.

• GOD said to me “I care so come to me with whatever is stressing you out.”
• GOD said to me “I love you so I will yoke myself with you and pull when you cannot.”
• GOD said to me “I died for you and now I live so with the power that has been given to ME, I will give you rest.”

There is no issue too great for GOD. There is no problem GOD cannot solve. There is no situation that causes me stress that GOD cannot handle. Whether GOD is my first choice or the last, I can always go to HIM and give HIM my burdens.

I can also learn HIS word so in times of stress I can use them to navigate the unwieldy times. GOD cares enough about me that HE wants me to have peace. All I need to do is seek HIM.

• Are you stressed out?
• Do you face situations that have you deeply worried?
• Can you talk to GOD about what is stressing you out?
• Will you connect yourself to HIM and learn HIS word so you can navigate through stressful times?

Harassed and Helpless

Matthew 9: ³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

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Walking down the hallway of my dorm, a guy stuck his head out of a room and screamed “Hey [racial name]!” and slammed the door giggling. Filled with rage, I went to the night clerk who was six feet, five inches and my friend. We banged on the door until they opened it, there were seven or eight guys in the room.

“Who is the guy who made slurs at my friend?” I pointed the guy out by hitting him on the back of his head. Nothing good came out of the situation. For the rest of the year, the floor had tension.

• There were times when I have been harassed.
• There were times when I have felt helpless.
• There have been times I have taken matters into my own hands and did not get very far.

Rage, anger and hatred are values that get me into trouble. When I feel like retaliating, but cannot, I feel helpless. When someone else attacks me I immediately go on the defense, ready to go to war with them. We will go blow for blow until everyone loses. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently.

• GOD wants me to see the sickness and disease of humanity.
• GOD wants me to have compassion on the crowd.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM “Please send out workers into YOUR field.”

Falling down the hole of rage blinds me to the ailment “we” all have, namely sin. I elevate “that” person’s sins over mine and blame them for all of the world’s problems. GOD wants me to calm down for a moment and pray to HIM so HIS Good News can be spread. The Good News is that JESUS has already won and there is no fight!

GOD wants my rage to be replaced with HIS compassion. HE took care of it all.

• Are you being harassed by life?
• Do you feel helpless?
• Can you stop focusing on the harassment and look at GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you ask GOD for more of HIS workers to help spread the Good News?

The ONE WHO IS

Amos 4: ¹³ He who forms the mountains,
    who creates the wind,
    and who reveals his thoughts to mankind,
who turns dawn to darkness,
    and treads on the heights of the earth—
    the Lord God Almighty is his name.

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Perplexed and nervous, I felt I had nowhere to turn. It seemed like my wits were at their end and I could not see how to get out of the snare I was in. I was sick of being of where I was but too tired to climb out or the hole I was in. “Will I ever graduate” was the thought.

• Sometimes I am sick of where I am in life.
• Sometimes I am tired of where I am in life.
• Sometimes I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!

One reason for my exhaustion is I had nothing to guide me at the time. I mean people gave me a good reason for going to college but never filled in the blanks specifically for me. I struggled wondering if this trial would ever be done. Since then there have been other trials that went even longer. No matter how much intellect I would throw at my problem, I could not get out. Who can help during these times?

• GOD says to me “I formed the mountains and created the winds.”
• GOD says to me “I reveal my thoughts to you.”
• GOD says to me I turn dawn to darkness and tread on the heights of the earth.”

What GOD is saying to me is HE IS in total control of my life. There nothing too hard or too big for HIM. HE sends difficulties in my life to get my attention. HE wants me to turn totally to HIM, seeking HIM daily. GOD wants total acceptance of where HE has me. HE deserves praise daily with a song on my lips. Instead of bringing HIM down, I raise HIM up to be GOD in my life!

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you stop looking at your success and start looking at GOD’s mighty power!
• Will you turn your face to GOD today?

Independence Quandary

Hosea 10: ¹² Sow righteousness for yourselves,
    reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
    for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
    and showers his righteousness on you.
¹³ But you have planted wickedness,
    you have reaped evil,
    you have eaten the fruit of deception.
Because you have depended on your own strength
    and on your many warriors

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“I cannot wait to get away from here” I thought to myself when my parents were trying to tell me yet another thing to do. As I left home, I embarked on my journey of “independence” and immediately ran into trouble. My car broke down. Not having many numbers to call, I choked it up and phoned them.

• Sometimes I wanted to be independent.
• Sometimes I wanted to be on my own.
• Sometimes I wanted to not have to be told what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

I looked at GOD the same way. I mean HE was always trying to tell me to do stuff that did not seem “fun” and yell at me for the stuff I was doing wrong. I wondered if I could be independent of HIM for a while too.

• GOD said to me “I love you, I will be right here when you return to ME.”
• GOD said to me “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• GOD said to me “Put your trust solely in ME and your paths will be made straight.”

Storming out from GOD was similar to how I stormed out from my parents. I only wanted to contact them when there was trouble, but otherwise do my thing and never let them know if I had fallen. I wanted to do my thing without having GOD looking at me as well. BUT GOD wanted me to see HIM differently.

GOD wants me to see HIM as the only one who could save me from this degrading world. HE wants me to see just how far I had fallen and to say “I need YOU LORD” as a show of my quest to be with HIM. HE is NOT trying to harm me or control me. GOD wants to protect me but as long as my stubbornness to allow HIM to protect me the way HE wants to exists, I will fail at my own plans. I’d rather depend totally on GOD than on me.

• Are you independent?
• Do you find yourself spinning your wheels when things are not going your way?
• Can you stop trying to be independent and look to GOD to fulfill your needs?

Thoroughly Protected

Ezekiel 35: ¹² Then you will know that I the Lord have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” ¹³ You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. ¹⁴ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

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We split up and ran in different directions to divide the would-be robbers. When I felt the coast was clear, I went back to the grocery store looking for my friend. As I walked into the store one of the detectives summoned me over. “Is he one of them?” he asked my friend. “No, he was the one I told you about who was being chased with me. He is my friend.” I never felt more relieved because they did catch the thugs and drove us home.

• Some people thought I was down and tried to kick me.
• Some people thought I was an easy target, and I was.
• Some people thought I could be taken advantage of and they were right.

We were outnumbered five to two. They even yelled out “Shoot them!” thinking that would stop our mad dash. The odds did not seem in our favor. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said “I have heard all the contemptible things” meaning HE is listening to those plotting against me.
• GOD said “You boasted against ME and spoke against ME without restraint and I heard it” meaning HE listens to those who think they do not need HIM and who are against those HE protects.
• GOD said “I AM the Sovereign LORD, I will make you desolate” meaning HE is going to take down those who try to harm me.

GOD provides special protection for those who HE gives a purpose. I did not know it at the time, but HE protected me through many other similar incidents. As I look back through all the times I needed protection, I cannot help but think “Why me?” GOD says to me “Because I want you to tell people about MY SON.”

GOD’s protection should never be wasted. HE protects me in order for me to spread the Good News about HIS SON.’’

• Are you scared?
• Are you full of fear?
• Can you let go of the situation ling enough to give it over to GOD and watch HIS deliverance?
• Will you walk in HIS strength and protection today?

Special People have a Place

Psalm 140: ¹² I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
    and upholds the cause of the needy.
¹³ Surely the righteous will praise your name,
    and the upright will live in your presence.

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“I’m going to teach these people” was my attitude in preparing for my trip from the city I stayed in. When I arrived in the rural area, I noticed the people had the clothes on their back and not much else. They started singing to an out of tune guitar and homemade drums. Their dancing was infectious and praise was deeply felt. My attitude changed from being the teacher to needing to be taught.

• Sometimes my position blinds me to my own needs.
• Sometimes my wealth blinds me to my own growth.
• Sometimes my title blinds me to my own areas where I need help.

“The Poor” and “The Needy” are usually people I go to, but what happens when I am “The Poor” and “The Needy”? Does my arrogant statement still apply? The people sung and danced without thought of getting something tomorrow. They had nothing and praised more than I ever did. At the time I had a video camera around my neck and other gadgets to provide “comfort” for myself. I then realized my praise towards GOD was only based on what HE had done for me lately.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in bad times and good times.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face no matter what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to never give up on HIM because HE never gives up on me.

The LORD secures justice for me. When GOD says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” HE is telling me to throw away pride, arrogance and self-promotion. GOD wants me to worship HIM in spirit and truth. HE upholds my causes and I will praise HIS name!

• Are you actively seeking those who are in need?
• Are you in need and feel left out?
• Will you put your trust in GOD knowing HE is actively pursuing you?
• Will you praise GOD today without expectations?  

When My Back is Against the Wall

Psalm 70: ³ May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
    turn back because of their shame.
⁴ But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
    “The Lord is great!”

⁵ But as for me, I am poor and needy;
    come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    Lord, do not delay.

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When my professor said, “I think you should choose another major” I was devastated. Meanwhile my car was broke down and bill collectors were calling. This was the worst year ever… well at least that’s what I thought back then. It’s amazing how large these problems felt.

• There are times when it seems difficult for me to just hold on.
• There are times when it seems like everything is falling apart for me.
• There are times when it seems as if nothing is going right for me.

“Woe is me” could be said many days and that makes me want to schlep into a corner and ball up into the fetal position. One negative thought after the next tell lies about the current situation, bringing on discouragement. BUT GOD breaks through with HIS might!

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I AM with you” meaning I do not have to believe in my lying thoughts.
• GOD says to me “Take heed, salvation is here” meaning I am not the one who will save me, rather it is GOD.
• GOD says to me “Trust and obey, keep seeking MY kingdom and I will deliver you” meaning I do not have to exhaust myself but ask GOD to fill me up.

Discouragement is one of the enemy’s weapons. He throws obstacle after obstacle at me until I feel my efforts are futile. BUT GOD wants me to remain encouraged so I can use the creative mind HE gave me. GOD wants me to seek HIS face so I can have peace. Once I have peace then HE can remove negative thoughts and replace them with HIS inspired activity.Peace is not a hard thing to get when I ask GOD for it and give HIM today’s worries.

• Are you in need?
• Do you feel overwhelmed?
• Can you give your problems to GOD in exchange for a moment of peace?
• Will you stop thinking one way and allow GOD’s infinite imagination to enter you?

A Passionate Prayer

Psalm 69: ¹³ But I pray to you, Lord,
    in the time of your favor;
in your great love, O God,
    answer me with your sure salvation.
¹⁴ Rescue me from the mire,
    do not let me sink;
deliver me from those who hate me,
    from the deep waters.
¹⁵ Do not let the floodwaters engulf me
    or the depths swallow me up
    or the pit close its mouth over me.

¹⁶ Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;
    in your great mercy turn to me.
¹⁷ Do not hide your face from your servant;
    answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.
¹⁸ Come near and rescue me;
    deliver me because of my foes.

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“LORD Help!” were the only words I could think of as my car began to skid. One moment I was driving steady the next my car began to wag and almost spun out of control. The car skidded through a red light of a usually busy street. No one hit us.

• Sometimes I am in immediate danger.
• Sometimes I need help right now!
• Sometimes I am in trouble and the situation is dire.

David was sick and tired of being sick and tired. At one time he was praised and at this moment he was being hunted for execution. I feel the same way at times. I chalk up life’s lessons as something to store up in my memory but there are times when trouble really seems to get heavier and hotter. What can I do?

• GOD says to me “In times of trouble call to ME and I will save you.”
• GOD says to me “No matter where you think you are I have MY arms open wide for you.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.”

Some trials make me go into action and I put my hands into things GOD should be handling, but there are other times when I have no time to plan, grab on or fix my trouble. Only GOD can handle the situation and all I can do is say “GOD Help!.” Just like the Psalmist said, “GOD knows my folly and my guilt is not hidden from HIM.”  GOD’s grace is the focus in times of trouble.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel you are running out of time?
• Can you focus on GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you rely on GOD rather than your power?

Where to Cry Out

Psalm 54: ¹ Save me, O God, by your name;
    vindicate me by your might.
² Hear my prayer, O God;
    listen to the words of my mouth.

³ Arrogant foes are attacking me;
    ruthless people are trying to kill me—
    people without regard for God

⁴ Surely God is my help;
    the Lord is the one who sustains me.

⁵ Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
    in your faithfulness destroy them.

⁶ I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
    I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
⁷ You have delivered me from all my troubles,
    and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.

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As I presented my idea, it was shot down quickly. “No big deal” I thought. At the next meeting I did the same with the same result. I went to another meeting with another group and got the same result. I wonder if it is my presentation style. I went to a mentor and asked “What was my problem?” He said, “This group has banned together, you cannot win.”

• There have been times when I’m on the other side of the crowd.
• There have been times when I’m on the outside rather than being on the inside of the crowd.
• There have been times when I cannot seem to win over a certain crowd.

The funny thing is as soon as I declared I would follow CHRIST a little deeper, I started having troubles. I mean I took a stance and would no longer participate in the “harmless” conversations that joked about body parts. I would no longer use the slander tactic to remove the leader above me, instead I would only speak positively, no matter how they behaved. I would no longer look the other way while someone’s drink tab was a bit high. How did I get there in the first place?

• Only GOD can help me follow HIS path because other paths are celebrated by the masses.
• Only GOD can help me follow HIS path because other paths, while destructive, are crowded.
• Only GOD can help me follow HIS path because other paths seem so glitzy and glamorous but are full of destruction.

Blind ambition is the correct term that put me in a place where I could no longer be “me.” I had to be someone else in order to get ahead. Whatever lusts the leader had, I had, or at least pretended to have. BUT GOD wanted me to act differently. HE said to me “What is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?” This was a very harsh statement at a pivotal point in my career.  I chose GOD.  HE hears my cries and delivers me from my troubles.

• Where are you?
• Are you trying to fit in the crowd?
• Can you take a stance and follow GOD no matter what?
• Will you ask GOD to help you follow HIS path?

Expect the Unexpected

Psalm 22: ¹⁹ But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

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“Help” was all I could utter when trouble number three came. I mean the car was broken, my credit was broken and my will was finally broken. I wondered how far GOD really was from me. I thought that if I started following GOD that things would be fine. I would be rich and famous and on a perpetual vacation. Why was I going through this?

• Sometimes I go through trials.
• Sometimes I experience trouble.
• Sometimes I have pain.

So many unexpected things happen and when they do I am taken thoroughly by surprise. This causes a mild panic and then a crazy thought comes to mind. “GOD is gone” or “GOD is punishing me”, but this thinking is extremely flawed.

• GOD allowed trouble on HIMSELF so HE could empathize with my troubles.
• GOD experienced ever temptation so HIS grace IS sufficient for me.
• GOD wept when HE saw all the troubles I would experience so HIS compassion for me is extreme.

GOD gets no pleasure in seeing me in pain. In fact it hurts HIM deeply when I anguish because HE place the HOLY SPIRIT inside me. GOD cannot get “away” from me even though it feels that way. So when the unexpected comes up, GOD is there, ready to go through the problem with me. HE wants me to expect the unexpected so I can put more trust in HIM.

• Are you in shock over something?
• Did something recently happen that caused you to go in a different direction suddenly?
• Can you ask GOD for strength to quickly resolve your new direction?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS swift resolution?