Make Up Our Own Minds

Make Up Our Own Minds

Romans 14: ⁵ Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We each should firmly make up our own minds. ⁶ Those who think highly of a certain day do so in honor of the Lord; those who will eat anything do so in honor of the Lord, because they give thanks to God for the food. Those who refuse to eat certain things do so in honor of the Lord, and they give thanks to God. 

 

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“No! It must be this way” one person said to me. Another said “It must be that way”, passionately. I was quite torn over the argument at the time. A group of people had very good arguments for how to dress when attending church.

 

• There were times when I thought “my” way of worshipping GOD was the only way.
• There were times when I thought the music I liked was the only music pleasing to GOD.
• There were times when I thought the decorations, lighting and chairs arranged a certain way were the only way to truly worship GOD.

 

Paul tries to warn people to stay away from petty arguments by dealing with a difficult subject, namely honoring GOD. Some people dedicate a certain day to honor GOD and some think all days should honor GOD. Both are right if they do so to give thanks to the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have an individual relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to honor HIM by the things I eat and do.
• GOD wants me to give thanks to HIM by believing in JESUS.

 

Honoring GOD is a personal thing. I mean, I like to get up early, pray, exercise, grab a cup of coffee and read. Others like to finish their day singing to the LORD. Any praise that includes thanks for JESUS dying for our sins and being raised from the dead is acceptable to the FATHER. I am glad HE give me a personal relationship with HIM.

 

• Do you think the way your group worships is better than another group?
• Do you judge the way someone sings, dances, or speaks for the LORD?
• Can you learn to appreciate how others are giving thanks to JESUS so you can broaden your community?

Thankfulness Power

Thankfulness Power

John 11: ³⁸ Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. ³⁹ Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

⁴⁰ Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” ⁴¹ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴² And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” ⁴³ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” ⁴⁴ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

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“What will I say to him?” were my thoughts. I had an audience with this particular church leader and I did not want to waste it. Should I ask to diversify the music to reach a broader audience? Should I point out the messages spoken in fear versus boldness? Should I ask him to speak more about JESUS and less about social policy? Then a soft voice said “Tell him thank you.”

• There are times I want to complain.
• There are times I want to let “that” person know just how wrong they are.
• There are times I want those who harmed me to really get what’s coming to them with “my” sharp words.

JESUS was deeply saddened over the entire situation. I mean not only was Lazarus dead, but the crowd of humans HE created did not believe HE was and is GOD. HE lifted HIS eyes and started the conversation with familiar, yet strange words. “FATHER I Thank YOU.”

• GOD wants me to thank HIM before I request more.
• GOD wants me to be in a thankful mind when I am asking HIM to perform another miracle.
• GOD wants me to overflow with thanksgiving to show how much I understand I need HIM.

Appreciation for the FATHER is often overlooked. Yes, Lazarus was dead and decaying. Yes, JESUS raised him up and healed whatever killed him. BUT the FATHER agreed that JESUS would and should raise, whom HE pleased, from the dead.

GOD deserves me staring at my GODLY account as much as I look at my bank account. HE wants me to thank HIM for everything I have, AND ever had. True thankfulness disarms those who are combative. I thank GOD for all HE has done for me.

• Do you need something really big right now?
• Are you fooled into thinking you have not paid enough money and that is why you are not getting your way?
• Will you add the thankfulness of GOD to your heart, so HE can hear your prayers for them and you today?

Looking for Thanks

Luke 17: ¹¹ Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. ¹² As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance ¹³ and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

¹⁴ When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

¹⁵ One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

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Being angry at “that” person made it difficult to be thankful. I took the things offered to me but felt rage in my heart. I mean it was their fault so I have a right to be angry, right?

• Many times I had anger in my heart.
• Many times I had too many problems on my mind to be thankful.
• Many times I had an expectation that was not met.

JESUS cleansed ten lepers but only one returned to say “Thank YOU.” It was possible that the other nine were cast out of the church, according to the law,  and accepted mingling with the “foreigner” Samaritan. When JESUS sent them back to the church to be restored, they did not thank HIM.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for every little thing people do for me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for all that I have, even through difficult times.
• GOD wants me to be thankful because hatred and bitterness can fill my heart and blind me to HIS wonderful plan.

“Thank YOU” is what GOD is looking for, but in many instances I give HIM complaints about not having enough. While HE can handle my complaints and requests for more stuff, HE does want me to say “Thank YOU” every now and then. A heartfelt thanks is in order for GOD from me today. “THANK YOU LORD!”

• Are you busy complaining to GOD about the latest problem?
• Can you recall the last time you really said “Thank YOU” to GOD?
• Will you take a moment today and praise GOD by saying “Thank YOU?”

Illogical Thankfulness

Luke 10: ²¹ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ²² All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

²³ Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; ²⁴ for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

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Driving down the road, I hit a huge patch of water. The car spun all the way around then wound up sideways to oncoming traffic. I corrected the car and was able to continue without any harm to me or my family. I thanked GOD for HIS protection.

• Sometimes I am tempted to give myself credit.
• Sometimes I think “I” performed all of “my” accomplishments.
• Sometimes I think “I” am in control.

JESUS did something extremely strange. HE thanks the FATHER for hiding things from the “wise and prudent.” HE then thanks the FATHER for revelation to “babes.” Afterwards HE turns to the disciples and says HE reveals who, HE and the FATHER is, to whom HE chooses.

• GOD says to me “I accept your thankfulness.”
• GOD says to me “I enjoy your thanksgiving.”
• GOD says to me “I know it is difficult sometimes but I AM there for you and I appreciate your praise and thanks.”

Sometimes it is all about GOD. HE deserves praise whenever I can. Sin makes me want to run and hide from GOD, but HE appreciates illogical thankfulness, even after sin. HE enjoys my confession that I need and want HIM to cleanse me of unrighteousness.

HE is pleased when I credit HIM for “everything”, large and small. GOD is my protection, HE is my strength, HE is my savior. I owe everything to HIM.

• Is your logic larger than GOD?
• Do you believe in “some” parts of the Bible and not others?
• Do you think GOD made you incorrectly and that humans have a better answer than HE does?
• Will you yield your life to HIM today and know HE made you, only HE can cure you?

Check Marked

Mark 12: ⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

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When I stopped by the meeting, I saw faces I did not recognize. I said what I was supposed to say and left. I could not find my schedule so I called my administrative assistant. She told me what my next meeting was. “Who are these people?” I asked.

• There have been times when I went through the motions.
• There have been times when I did what I was supposed to do then left.
• There have been times when I got something over with, then check marked it done.

JESUS took an opportunity to watch “how” people were giving which many mistake for “what” was given. When HE called HIS disciples over, HE wanted to explain the difference between going through the motions versus true passion. HE says the same to me.

• GOD wants me to be passionate about what I am doing.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to live my life with abundance instead of complaining that I don’t have enough.

For some reason I used to picture this poor widow as being hunched over and old, wearing the darkest clothing and some sort of hood covering her worn face. I pictured her slipping the money shamefully into the till.

BUT GOD says something different. She may have had a smile on her face that brightened up the room because of her excitement that she could give again! When I am stuck on money I see this story being about money. GOD wants me to have passion for prayer, serving others and being able to sing again. HE wants my all!

• Are you going through the motions with GOD?
• Do you look at “going to church” as just something you do weekly?
• Can you stop checking off GOD and live a life with passion and abundance with HIM?

Series of Events

Matthew 17: ²⁴ After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”

²⁵ “Yes, he does,” he replied.

When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”

²⁶ “From others,” Peter answered.

“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. ²⁷ “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”

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Walking past the corner house of a friend’s block I looked down and there I found a crisp dollar bill. Excitedly I picked it up and went on my merry way. Soon I found myself staring at the yard intently because I found all kinds of treasure like rulers, jewelry, pens and balls. Who would lose a ball? What an amazing yard I thought to myself.

• Many times I have not credited GOD for something amazing.
• Many times I thought “luck” existed.
• Many times I attributed a house or a shirt or a yard as having special powers.

Looking back I realize I never praised GOD for those amazing finds. Peter on the other hand was told before the miracle happened exactly the amount he would find.

GOD knew way before that someone would lose a coin and a specific fish would mistake the coin for food and swallow it. At the right time, that same fish would get hungry and get caught by Peter.

• GOD performs miracles daily that I cannot account for.
• GOD can use a discomforting eyelash to distract the bully as the person is too preoccupied to focus on me.
• GOD can have someone lose money only to be found by the right person at the right time.

JESUS was pointing out how unfair the tax collectors were, yet HE yielded to their greed. It is quite possible that the coin in the fish was dropped from the collector himself. Only JESUS knows the series of events that leads up to a miracle I benefit from.

• Have you ever found something at the right time?
• Have you ever thanked GOD for your finding?
• Will you allow GOD to work out your problems HIS way?

Is this how you repay ME?

Amos 2: ¹⁰ I brought you up out of Egypt
    and led you forty years in the wilderness
    to give you the land of the Amorites.

¹¹ “I also raised up prophets from among your children
    and Nazirites from among your youths.
Is this not true, people of Israel?”
declares the Lord.
¹² “But you made the Nazirites drink wine
    and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.

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Swish, I went to the ground in front of the bus! The driver had just started to pull off and suddenly stopped in the nick of time. I was not harmed. “Hey!” someone cried out to me to get my attention just before I stepped into traffic. I was not harmed. A car in which I had two total loss accidents was now in its third and final accident. I was not harmed.

• I have had many close calls in my life.
• I have had some very narrow escapes in my life.
• I have had several brushes with death in my life.

During the incident I don’t think I got scared, but afterwards I shuttered with fear. I may have become a little more cautious when standing on a snowy bus stop. Safety became top of mind as I plodded along with new fears. BUT GOD saw I was missing the lesson.

• GOD does not save me to be safe rather HE wants me to have a relationship with HIM.
• GOD does not protect me from harm for nothing rather HE wants me to serve HIM.
• GOD does not answer my prayers just to give me “my” way rather HE wants me to align my desires to HIS in order to grow HIS kingdom.

The one thing I did not do in the incidents mentioned is “Thank GOD” for HIS protection. HE enabled me to be safe in many instances so I can speak about HIM this day. Unfortunately there have been times where I have forgotten that I am HIS creation.

I kept stacking up demands and requests, not serving or praising HIM, meanwhile HE allowed me to keep ignoring HIM until I was in deep trouble. Fortunately for me GOD is slow to anger. HE listens when I truly turn my heart towards HIS. I can actually hear GOD’s pain as HE mentions HIS salvation of when we were brought out of the desert. GOD deserves my praise!

• Are you demanding GOD to get you out of your situation?
• Do you feel HE is ignoring you?
• Will you allow HIM to guide you back to HIM by praising HIM today?
• Will you take a moment to thank HIM today for all HE has done in your life?
• Have you ask GOD for your purpose yet?

Remembering is Important

Isaiah 22: ¹⁰ You counted the buildings in Jerusalem
    and tore down houses to strengthen the wall.
¹¹ You built a reservoir between the two walls
    for the water of the Old Pool,
but you did not look to the One who made it,
    or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

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Night after night I worked hard on the project. When I finished I was invited to attend the convention. “My” project was such a success that they gave me a reward and a huge bonus. “I” did it, I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I think I am the one who accomplishes things.
• Sometimes I think I am the one who deserves accolades.
• Sometimes I think I am the captain of my fate, master of my soul.

When I put in a tremendous amount of effort I tend to forget GOD. I mean I know HE is there, yet I forget to turn and acknowledge HIS involvement.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge HIS presence every step of the way.
• GOD wants me to see HIS miracles daily so HE can do marvelous works around me and possibly through me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for the tiniest things this way I will be appreciative of larger things.

Many times I thought “I” was the one who deserved the pat on the back, so I poked my chest out. BUT GOD was gracious enough to take the back seat for a while. HE was patient with me and made me realize that I need HIM not the other way around. HE should get all the accolades for every accomplishment I get. GOD is awesome!

• Do you think “you” accomplished what you accomplished?
• Do you think “you” are being held back by someone?
• Can you stop and acknowledge GOD in your plans today?
• Will you turn and thank HIM for all HE has done in your life?

A Time of Thanksgiving

Nehemiah 12: ⁴³ And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

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Things seemed to break daily. Setback after setback, we kept plodding along until one day we were finished. I mean, it was over. No more extremely late nights. No more scratching my head wondering if this thing will ever be finished. All of us went out and celebrated.

• When I finish a large project I celebrate.
• When I get through a huge trial I celebrate.
• When I move past a large obstacle I celebrate.

Celebration is only natural when I get over the hump, but can be quite difficult if I haven’t quite made it there. If I am still in the trial and everyone else is celebrating, I can feel a little down. BUT GOD wants me to see what HE is doing.

• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS daily victories rather than waiting on a big ending.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS moment by moment victories rather than waiting on seeing things as I expected.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS tiny victories rather than waiting on the huge battle scene at the end of the movie.

Seeing GOD on a daily basis is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to celebrate HIM with praise for the mundane just as much as getting through a large trial. In fact, the more I praise HIM the easier it is to get through the trial.

• Do you feel like pouting right now?
• Do you think celebration is not for you right now?
• Can you stop looking at your situation for a moment and celebrate GOD?
• Will you slow down enough to see what GOD is doing around you and appreciate where HE has you right now?

How Great Thou Art!

2 Samuel 7: ²² “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 

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Sin takes my thoughts off of how GREAT GOD really is. I mean I get so busy asking for forgiveness that I can’t bring myself to marvel at HIS greatness. Worry does the same. It robs my thoughts of the splendor of GOD. I can say the same for a busy life, troubles and even vacations.

Each distraction takes my mind off of GOD and places it on yet another prayer asking for something. GOD deserves something different.

• HEAVENLY FATHER thank YOU for being GOD, I adore YOU!
• JESUS thank YOU, thank YOU for volunteering to take my execution sentence, I am at a loss for words.
• HOLY SPIRIT, thank YOU for dwelling in my sinful body, guiding me, comforting me, leading me and interceding for me.

GOD is truly amazing! There is none like HIM and no human can match wits with HIM. HE has forgiven me and raised me up in spite of my sin!

I’m Jealous

1 Samuel 18: ⁶ When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. ⁷ As they danced, they sang:

“Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands.”

⁸ Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?” ⁹ And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David.

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Sitting at my desk I excitedly filled out the forms to get my new company car.  I turned them in with great anticipation of the new car smell and an updated model. Days later the HR person called me in her office and said I had to get a car that someone else had driven for a while.  “Why do I have to drive a hand-me-down?” I thought to myself.

• When I get jealous I am blind.
• When I envy something I can’t see.
• When I covet something I am sightless.

Jealousy is the beginning of demise.  When I see someone else get ahead and I sit struggling, I get jealous and cannot see what GOD is doing in my life. I find myself looking over the fence at my neighbors’ yard rather than paying attention to my own. Once jealousy flares up then my compassion goes down.

• GOD wants me to celebrate when HE blesses others.
• GOD wants me to recognize HE is blessing me.
• GOD wants me to know HE loves me during trials and in times of peace.

Discouragement is definitely a tool of the enemy to try to break my spirit. It makes me question where GOD is and enrages me with the blindness of jealousy. GOD wants me to spit out my bitterness and focus on HIS everlasting love.

• Are you bitter?
• Do you think “that” person is the problem?
• Can you focus on what GOD is doing in your life and not anyone else’s?
• Won’t you praise GOD today?

Be thankful for one another.

1 Thessalonians 1:  ² We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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By six thirty A.M. my voicemail already had messages. After clearing them and walking around to greet my staff meetings began and lasted until early evening. With voicemail and e-mail full, I sat at my desk clearing away the work only to prepare for dinner, but not with my family.

Meanwhile at home, meals were being prepared, clothes cleaned and kids were going to school. Exhausted from work, I would sit around on weekends in the “presence” of my family only to be thinking about “that” meeting or presentation. All of my conversations were about work, never once asking “specific” questions about others lives or struggles. My first words outside of work were “why isn’t this place clean?”

• When I am focused on “me” I am less thankful about others.
• When my world is the center of attention then I forget what blessings GOD has given me.
• When I look for something to always be wrong with people then I can’t see what’s right with them.

Thanksgiving is here and for many the holiday can be exciting, but for some it brings out some deep feelings of a painful year and unmet expectations. Depression sets in because the thought of unrealized dreams cloaks the seasons’ meaning. BUT GOD wants us to think differently.

• Being thankful of GOD means I recognize HE “is” doing great things.
• Being thankful of others means I recognize what “is” not what “isn’t.”
• Being thankful of myself means I know my soul “is” in GOD’s hand and no one can pluck it out.

Paul, who also authored of this letter, wrote “it is great to be content in every situation.” He understood “things” come and go, but GOD’s love remains through thick and thin. My contentment needs to be based on what GOD “is” doing not on the false expectations I place on HIM or others.

It’s not always easy to be thankful of others because my judgment may be clouded, BUT GOD wants me to be thankful of HIM and others so I will take steps to get there.

• Are you thankful of GOD and do you know HE “is” blessing you?
• Are you truly thankful of your family or are you trying to get your way?
• Can you stop worrying long enough to add GOD’s thankfulness to your day?
• Can you drop your selfishness for one day and recognize the people and things you have to be thankful about?

Lord, Thank You (Friendship Poem)

Lord, thank You for loyal, loving friends

Who are there in winter or springtime fair.
New acquaintances are easy to come by,
But true friendship is extremely rare.


A friend always sees the best in you,
Although they've known you at your worst.
They laugh with you in the good times,
When storms threaten, they'll be there first.


They'll offer a shoulder to rest your head
When tears are welling in your eyes.
Take a walk down friendship's path with you
And help chase away those stormy skies.


Lord, thank You for all the gifts You give
Each one makes our life seem more worthwhile.
But one of the finest gifts you've given us
Is the warmth of friendship's loving smile.