The Answer

The Answer

John 7: ²⁵ Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? ²⁶ But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? ²⁷ However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”

²⁸ Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. ²⁹ But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

³⁰ Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. ³¹ And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

============

For once in my life, the answers were easy. I had prepared ahead of time and could recall the information clearly during final exams. When I got my grades for that semester, I was pleased. So, why was I still broke with no way to pay my bills? And why did a relative of mine get sick?

• There are times when I have more questions than answers.
• There are times when I am in situations that seem overwhelming.
• There are times when I want to know exactly what to do but do not have a clear answer.

Some from the crowd commented that the leaders were definitely trying to kill JESUS. The church leaders must have spoken against JESUS behind HIS back. The crowd noticed how boldly JESUS spoke without retaliation. JESUS tells them why. Many believed.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the answer to life.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HE is the only reason for my existence.
• JESUS wants me to believe that I am HIS person and HE is my GOD.

“Who will do more signs than this Man has done?” was the crowds reply. They were seeking the answer to life and realized they found it. But what about the broken cars, relationships, bones and ability to feed myself? JESUS is the answer to all of that as well.

GOD cares about me eternally and HE cares about my present state. HE does care about the things I get concerned about and wants me to have faith that HE is the answer to all of my questions. HE miraculously heals, amazingly provides and unbelievably fixes things I could never imagine. I am glad JESUS is my purpose for HE is “the answer.”

• Are you too scared of your situation to have faith in GOD?
• Is your mind racing trying to figure things out on your own?
• Will you allow GOD to calm you down and use HIS power to guide you through this situation, HIS way today?

Tempting Words

Luke 22: ⁶³ The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. ⁶⁴ They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’ ⁶⁵ And they said many other insulting things to him.

============

“If YOU are GOD, then…” were the unfortunate words I have said or thought many times. I mean “IF” YOU can do what YOU say YOU can do then do exactly what I’m thinking.

• Many times I have lacked faith in GOD.
• Many times I wanted GOD to do what “I” say.
• Many times I questioned GOD’s timing, motives and power.

The men who guarded JESUS mocked HIS position as GOD. They blindfolded HIM saying “Prophesy! Who hit YOU?” In so many words they were saying “If YOU are GOD then do what I say or what I am thinking.”

• GOD says to me “I AM the LORD your GOD, do not put ME to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Believe in ME as a child and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “I know your thoughts and they are not MY thoughts.”

JESUS chose to be beaten even though HE could have easily wiped out those who sought to harm HIM. So why don’t I question that? I mean that doesn’t make sense either. GOD’s plan is full of grace mercy and love, which doesn’t make sense to a sinner like me.

GOD is very much GOD, no “if” statement needed. In my blind state, I cannot actually see what GOD is doing. All I know is I need to put my trust in HIM. I am blindfolded like JESUS was and I trust HIS plan.

• Do you think GOD should be doing something different in you life?
• Do you believe GOD has only punishment in mind for you?
• Can you ask GOD to reveal HIS loving plan for you in the middle of your difficult situation?

Already Here

Luke 11: ²⁹ And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. ³⁰ For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. ³¹ The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

============

“I won’t do that” I said to myself as I observed the consequences played out on another person. At one point I was the one who would rush in and made errors, now I had the luxury of learning from the mistakes of others so I could go on a smoother journey.

• There was a time when “my” way included mistakes.
• There was a time when I did not consider the consequences of my actions.
• There was a time when I joined in with the crowd instead of learning from past mistakes.

JESUS saw through the crowds desire for parlor tricks. HE has healed a man of a demonic spirit that kept him mute. The crowd demanded a “sign” that JESUS was in fact, GOD. JESUS said the generation was evil and their disbelief would be judged by others who died not believing. HE also gave an example of how people in the past believed and repented.

• GOD wants me to learn from the specific people HE gave me as examples.
• GOD wants me to observe the past so I can get the present right.
• GOD wants me to absorb HIS word and fully trust that HE is the one and only savior.

Trusting in GOD means I drop the childish tests that I used to put HIM through. The words “If YOU exist then…” need to disappear from my vocabulary. GOD is GOD. HE gives me invisible trust so I can have invincible faith. JESUS is the root of that faith. HIS word is planted in my heart and grows daily. I learn from HIS examples.

• Are you making the same mistakes as those who did not trust in JESUS?
• Do you test GOD’s grace to the point of disbelief?
• Will you stop trying to see with your natural eyes and open your spiritual eyes by listening to GOD today?

Hearing Quantities

Luke 4: ²³ He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” ²⁴ Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. ²⁵ But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; ²⁶ but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.²⁷ And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”

============

“How many people showed up?” was the question of the church leaders posed to me. “Two” was my answer. I could see the disappointed and disgusted look on their faces and I felt like they thought I should have done more to make the event successful. “Maybe we should serve free hot dogs” were the next words out of their mouths.

• People have measured my success on their view of the numbers.
• People have based their opinions of my success by looking at quantities.
• People have tried to find the root cause of the problem by looking at numbers.

JESUS told the people, who did not believe HE was the Messiah, that prophets are not accepted in their own neighborhoods. HE sighted two examples of the most powerful prophets, Elijah and Elisha, being rejected and the consequences of the rejection was death, famine and lack of healing. Only small quantities were saved.

• GOD does not want me to focus on quantity rather quality.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM with faithfulness rather than measuring everything HE does.
• GOD wants me to preach HIS word no matter how small the crowd.

Faith is the missing ingredient when it comes to numbers. GOD sends me the number of people HE wants me to talk to and HE sends me to the number of those HE wants me to serve. Whether it’s one or one thousand, my focus should be on what HE wants me to say and how HE wants me to act. Quality is more important than quantity with GOD.

• Are you ashamed of how many people you serve for GOD?
• Are you not being heard even though you desire your friends and family to believe fully in CHRIST?
• Can you have enough faith to allow GOD to work in their lives and you stop trying to force the situation to happen?

Gimmicks

Mark 11: ¹⁵ So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. ¹⁶ And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. ¹⁷ Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

¹⁸ And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. ¹⁹ When evening had come, He went out of the city.

============

“Should we throw a pizza party?” was my contribution to the suggestions to solve the dwindling church attendance problem. I mean everyone likes pizza. Who wouldn’t come for that?

• There have been times when I tried to bait people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to fool people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to use gimmicks to get people to listen to the word of GOD.

Church had become a place of business rather than a place of worship when JESUS walked into the temple. More activity was centered on what was sold rather than “who” it was sold for. Exploitation and corruption had entered the church because there was serious money to be made.

• GOD said to me “Gather with people to pray to ME.”
• GOD said to me “Gather together so you can pray for one another.”
• GOD said to me “Gather with people so you can bear one another’s burdens and experience joy with one another.”

JESUS is enough and HIS message of salvation is true. Entertaining bored, skeptical people will almost never be quenched. GOD wants me to find those who need HIS SON and tell them about HIM. That is all. HE is not impressed by gimmicks to raise money that only go back into the pockets of those raising the money.

Pure worship is what GOD is looking for and GOD will bless those who allow HIM to deliver droves of people. HE can and will guide people to me, all I need to do is believe.

• Are you trying to trick people to come to church?
• When they get to your church will they hear a message of HIS love or another gimmick?
• Can you stop trying to trick people into believing in JESUS and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to move them in HIS own time and way?

Give Me Evidence!

Mark 8: ¹¹ Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. ¹² But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

============

“Do you accept CHRIST as your personal Savior?” I asked the man directly. He replied “Um, I don’t know. Can I get some food now?” This was my first and only conversation with the person and I was disappointed with the outcome. I mean people did not tell “me” if they were saved or not.

• There were times when I sought confirmation that people around me were following GOD.
• There were times when I looked for signs that the message “I” was teaching was sinking in.
• There were times when I searched for evidence that people were following the message “I” said to them about GOD.

Seeking signs from JESUS was the number one fault of the Pharisees. They were high and mighty and needed proof from JESUS that HE was and is GOD. “Prove it to us” was their statement, demanding that GOD meet their expectations. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD tells me “Do not put the LORD your GOD to test.”
• GOD says to me “Believe in ME and you will be saved.”
• GOD urges me by asking “Why do you seek a sign of MY love when I have died for you.”

“Show me a sign LORD” are words I have mistakenly said to GOD in moments of disbelief. No matter what GOD brought me through, it came back to questioning GOD’s love, power and sometimes HIS existence. Fortunately GOD was gracious enough to forgive my insecure immaturity.

HE wants to grow my faith on a daily basis. HE loves when I credit HIM with every move I make. GOD enjoys my thanks without requiring HIM to part oceans on a daily basis.

• Are you in need of evidence from GOD?
• Do you think HE should meet your expectations of should you meet HIS?
• Will you stop looking for signs from GOD and thank HIM for all HE does for you daily?

Prove Yourself

Matthew 16: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

² He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ ³ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. ⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

============

“If YOU are GOD then…” were the immature words out of my mouth as if to say, “Prove YOURSELF to me.” Looking back on these words, I can see why they were a problem with GOD.

• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I don’t believe who YOU are.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “YOU should bow YOURSELF at my demands.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I am a better judge than YOU so prove YOURSELF to my standards.”

“Prove it” was the approach the Pharisees and Sadducees took towards JESUS. Their expectation of a military genius and a mighty, muscular, king was thwarted by this insignificant looking being who spread love and peace versus conquering enemies.

Since JESUS did not meet “their” expectation, they put up barriers to make HIM prove HIMSELF as being GOD to them. I have done the same. BUT GOD guides me back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIM with childlike belief.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIM with my whole being.
• GOD wants me to obey HIM rather than tempting HIM to prove HIS abilities.

Parlor tricks are not GOD’s style. HE does not bow down to any human no matter their demands. HE deserves praise, honor and reverence from me because HE is GOD. All I need to do is believe.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you try to force HIM to perform a miracle in front of you so you can believe?
• Will you stop trying to get GOD to prove HIMSELF to you and start trusting in HIM today?

Hits Too Close

Matthew 13: ⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. ⁵⁴ Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. ⁵⁵ “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

============

“But you are supposed to be a role model to me” I said to myself as I watched yet another mentor fall by the wayside. This person seemed like a godly giant, but turned out to be just like the others. My faith dwindled quickly.

• My faith used to be based on someone else’s actions.
• My faith used to be based on what I could see others do.
• My faith used to be easily thwarted by the fall of others.

When “that” person sinned, I would be so disappointed. I could not hear any preaching or teaching from them. BUT GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM and the people HE sends.
• GOD wants me to drop my arrogance of thinking “that” person can’t possibly perform miracles.
• GOD wants me to stop looking at the sinner and look at GOD inside.

I am in a very popular club, namely ALL those who committed sins. Miracles do not come from humans rather they come from GOD. I should focus only on the SPIRIT not the sinner. Judging people weakens my faith. GOD wants me to see HIM in action, even through the highly unlikely.

• Are you judging someone who is an unlikely candidate for GOD?
• Are you basing your faith on someone else’s actions?
• Can you stop looking at others and start looking at the HOLY SPIRIT?

Miracles Have Purpose

Matthew 11: ²⁰ Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. ²¹ “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²² But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

============

Desiring to see a miracle, I asked GOD to do some of the stuff I read about. “Part a river” or “Heal ‘this” specific person” or “Heal my eyes.” I wanted to see GOD in action. I was met with silence.

• There were times I did not have faith in GOD.
• There were times I wanted GOD to prove HIMSELF to me.
• There were times I wanted to do my own thing and seeing a miracle may not have changed me.

Looking back I can see my lack of maturity in how I thought of GOD. I figured HE was not as much of a GOD if I could not see the stuff “I” wanted to see. Fortunately for me GOD works differently.

• GOD performs miracles on a daily basis; I need to open my eyes to what is going on around me.
• GOD shows me HIS power each and every day; I need to be willing to accept what HE is showing me.
• GOD speaks to me every day; I need to have a willing heart to hear what HE has to say.

“Give”, “Forgive”, “Pray” or “Go” are words I often hear and ignore along with many others. GOD tends to tell me things that would benefit HIS kingdom and I ignore what HE says because I am too busy with “my” stuff. I mean what about me, is my pout.

GOD forgives my selfish times too. HE simply wants me to see HIS miracles and repent.

• Are you trying to make GOD prove HIMSELF?
• Is your faith based on what you can see?
• Will you stop looking and start paying attention to who GOD is bringing to you?

You Are Welcome

Matthew 10: ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

============

Listening for the misplaced word or being skeptical was my skill when I attended church. I did not need to know the Bible because I could smell a phony a mile away. “That person is going to talk about money” and many times I was correct. “This place is a sham” I thought to myself.

• I have criticized preachers, teachers and disciples of GOD.
• I have attended church with cynicism.
• I have passed up the homeless thinking “They are just going to use the cash for alcohol or drugs.”

Protecting myself from the dangers of “sneaky people” took me to a place where I could not let my guards down. I was so focused on defending myself that I could not hear what GOD was saying through many people. BUT GOD wanted my heart to change.

• GOD wanted me to open my hurt heart to listen to HIS message through other hurt people.
• GOD wanted me to accept my role of serving others without judging their motive.
• GOD wanted me to give what I have, even if it is only a cup of water in service to HIM.

My heart of stone had to change. It had become cynical, mistrusting and certainly unbelieving. I could not see GOD’s miracles on a daily basis and I wondered where HE was. GOD opened up my heart to trust HIM versus trusting people. HE wants me to listen for HIM instead of listening for mistakes.

Even people with hidden agendas can speak a truth about GOD, so HE wants me to listen intently for HIS words. GOD wants me to welcome HIM by welcoming HIS people HE sends me.

• Are you being critical?
• Do you listen with hurt untrusting ears?
• Are you skeptical of those around you?
• Can you give your hurt to GOD and allow HIM to open your heart to welcome people in instead of pushing them out?

Powerful Faith

2 Kings 13: ¹⁵ Elisha said, “Get a bow and some arrows,” and he did so. ¹⁶ “Take the bow in your hands,” he said to the king of Israel. When he had taken it, Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands.

¹⁷ “Open the east window,” he said, and he opened it. “Shoot!” Elisha said, and he shot. “The Lord’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!” Elisha declared. “You will completely destroy the Arameans at Aphek.”

¹⁸ Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. ¹⁹ The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”

²⁰ Elisha died and was buried.

============

Vague instructions and a mind of doubt made me call off the hunt early. I was running out of gas and the “down the road and turn left” directions left much to be desired. I panicked as the light had been on for a while. We were in the middle of nowhere so I looked for signs of life off in the distance.

As I changed course, I made it to civilization only to find everything closed! I drove twice as far as the person had instructed and eventually found gas. On the return trip I noticed the gas station the person had originally instructed me to go to was only a block away from where I turned around.

• Sometimes my doubt will make me change course.
• Sometimes my fear will make me take a wrong turn.
• Sometimes my worries will make me panic and come up with crazy plans.

There have been times where the level of my faith dictated the amount of success I achieved. I mean when I put my head down and stayed on the path, I was successful. When I was unsure of the path, questioning GOD every step of the way I wasn’t so successful. GOD wants my faith to be full.

• When I attack something with faith, GOD’s might takes me over the top.
• When I trust GOD, HE shows me just how powerful HE is.
• When I believe in GOD, I get rewarded beyond my wildest dreams.

GOD moves mountains daily. For some, HE shows HIS power blatantly, for others it’s more subtle. GOD has told me to open my eyes to HIS marvelous works daily and add a measure of faith to face the day.

• Are you full of doubt?
• Have you given up too early?
• Can you ask GOD to give you the right amount of strength to keep going on the course HE has you on even through difficulty?

GOD’s Leadership Style

1 Kings 12: ⁷ They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”

⁸ But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. ⁹ He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

¹⁰ The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. ¹¹ My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”

============

Gruff, pushy and cocky were my observations of those who made it to the top. It seemed as if the mental bullies made it, while the faint at heart could only sit back and be destroyed. Something had to be done.  I took a deep breath and slathered a thin layer of toughness on the outer shell of my personality. It worked!

I then began to toughen up my shell to face those who were arrogant and annoying! One day I realized I was on my way to becoming them in order to fight them.

• Just because I have the title, doesn’t make me a leader.
• Just because I am in charge, doesn’t mean I can force people to do my bidding.
• Just because I am the designated leader, doesn’t make my leadership style better.

My tough exterior was slightly misguided.  I thought I had to become tough “like” the bullies instead of recognizing where true power comes from.

• GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent but harmless as a dove.
• GOD wants me to recognize true power as being the person who knows when “not” to use it.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS power and let HIM fight the battles instead of thinking I have to do all of the fighting.

The toughness GOD wants me to have is dexterity to stay with HIM when I think I should handle the situation on my own. GOD wants me to remain strong in faith rather than relying on what I can see, touch or feel. HE wants me to follow HIS ways which are the ways of a servant. This sounds counterproductive, but GOD’s ways always yield fruit.

• Are you the faint at heart?
• Do you lack faith?
• Can you toughen up your faith in GOD which will give you a different kind of toughness?
• Can you stop trying to be like people and focus on your growth in GOD?

Asking for the correct path

2 Samuel 5: ¹⁸ Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; ¹⁹ so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”

============

When I began college I jumped right in, doing as I was told and failing miserably at it. In fact one professor said to me “unless you write a brilliant final, you WILL fail this class.” Ugh, the words still shutter in my mind!

When I graduated I thought to myself… “That was rough! How can I do things differently?” I got on my knees and began to pray this simple prayer “LORD please make me successful.” When I got up, nothing changed. I mean I still had a beat up car, bills and a job I had no clue how to conquer. But for some reason, I felt different.

• When I proceed in my plan without GOD I fail miserably.
• When I think I can do things without GOD I am sadly mistaken.
• When I march forward without GOD I run into many problems that HE allows me to stay in.

Desires and goals pop into my head and they seem quite innocent. I mean it’s not like I’m trying to hurt someone or perform a crime. BUT GOD wants my entire life

• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans because HE may have something different in mind.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans to give HIM the chance to say NO or NOT NOW or YES.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM about my plans so HE can add something special to them and truly make it a blessing.

When I leave GOD out of my plans, I leave out answers about the future that only HE knows. I leave out power to remove obstacles that only HE can remove. I leave out compassion for others that HE adds to my plan.

GOD answered my simple prayer and may me wildly “successful.” When I don’t include HIM, my plans fall apart, so I try to ask HIM for HIS blessings on a daily basis.

• Are you trying to do things on your own?
• Do you think you can execute your plan without GOD?
• Are you trying to execute a plan that has not been blessed by GOD?
• Won’t you ask HIM for direction today and allow HIM to work in your life?

Sometimes my faith needs help

1 Samuel 23: ¹⁵ While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. ¹⁶ And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 

¹⁷ “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” ¹⁸ The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

============

All I could think of was “Mud” and “Dust” and “The weak baby with the fly on its eye” as I answered the call to go on this particular missions trip.  I was scared out of my wits. When we had our first meeting, one of the leaders asked are there any concerns?

I, of course, raised my hand and began blurting out a list of questions expressing my obvious concern. One of the leaders told all of us “Do not be afraid. GOD will watch over us.”

• Sometimes I get afraid of the unknown.
• Sometimes I dream of what could go wrong with my comfortable life.
• Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if the worst happens.

I imagined sleeping in a bug infested hut and in reality we stayed in a nice home in a great city. The images I had seen from television placed a false view of the people I would be serving. My fear almost kept me from answering the call BUT GOD sent word through HIS servants.

• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD said to me “I will be with you.”
• GOD said to me “Serve MY people and you will be fine.”

I went on the trip and it was life changing. I saw extreme wealth and extreme poverty. I witnessed people starving to hear a message of hope and now I want to give that hope to many. I am glad GOD sent people to calm me down.

• Are you nervous about something?
• Do you fear the worst?
• Can you hear this message that GOD is with you and loves you dearly?
• Won’t you comfort a person who is nervous and tell them to “keep going?”

Fear makes me do dumb things

1 Samuel 21: ¹⁰ That day David fled from Saul and went to Achish king of Gath. ¹¹ But the servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:

“‘Saul has slain his thousands,
    and David his tens of thousands’?”

¹² David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. ¹³ So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard.

 ============

Walking from one school to the next, a buddy and I chatted along the trek. We turned the corner and was met with a pack of street dogs. A couple of them began to growl. My friend took his book bag and waved it at the dogs. I on the other hand saw a tall bush, not a tree, a bush.

It was manicured with no branches at the bottom and flimsiness at the top. I quickly tried to escape in this thing to no avail. I had to join in on the fight.

• Fear makes me react on first impulse.
• Fear makes me think the worst is going to happen.
• Fear makes me play out suppositions in my mind that really aren’t true.

Fear makes me think things are disastrous. Even my shadow scares me when I’m fearful. I then start playing out “what would happen” scenarios and I go down a path that makes me even more fearful! BUT GOD says different.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM instead of being fearful.
• GOD wants me to give my fears to HIM in prayer.
• GOD wants me to agree HE is mighty and on my side so there is no need to have fear.

Many times I have feared the worst and GOD says to me “do not be afraid.” HE knows the situation seems bleak BUT HIS power is far greater than any situation I can face. HE understands my fear, worry or doubt and asks that I give to HIM “specifically” calling out the fear to HIM in prayer. HE then grants me peace that I don’t understand.

• Do you have fears?
• Are you afraid of a particular situation?
• Can you put your trust in HIM today?
• Won’t you mature in CHRIST by placing your faith in HIM?

GOD’s Plan

Joshua 3: ⁷ And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.

============

“What a nice sash. You must have worked hard. You will do well!” were the words from a gentleman from another country I remember to this very day. At that age I felt rather directionless and I was in the scouts.  I read my scout book and looked at what it would take to achieve badges.

I sewed my badges on my sash with pitiful stitching. Some were dangling pathetically while others were crooked and pinched. I had no idea what affect this gentleman’s profound words would have on my life. GOD elevated me to heights I never would have dreamed of.

• Sometimes GOD’s plan starts out with very simple roots.
• Sometimes GOD’s plan seems cloudy and I have no idea where HE will take me.
• Sometimes GOD’s plan looks pitiful and hopeless.

Nay-sayers seem to gravitate towards my plans. “You can’t do that” is the first thing out of their mouths. “The odds are against you, why try” is their follow on question. At times, my actions did seem futile and pitiful, BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “I will begin to exalt you” right at the inception of any plan.
• GOD says to me “The battle is not yours” so any fight I face is going to be won.
• GOD says to me “I am with you, who can be against you” so obstacles and barriers have to bow down to HIM.

When GOD says HE has a plan for me, HE means it. The obstacles of life are a training ground for the strength I will need in another battle. HE grows me and cares for me along the way. HE exalts me in HIS time.

• Are you wondering where GOD is?
• Can you see GOD is with you and will never leave you?
• Won’t you stop trying to fight so hard and let GOD fight for you?

All that matters

Deuteronomy 11: ²² So be careful. Obey all of the commands I’m giving you to follow. Love the Lord your God. Live exactly as he wants you to live. Remain true to him. ²³ Then the Lord will drive out all of the nations to make room for you. They are larger and stronger than you are. But you will take their land.

============

Like deer in headlights I sat in my chair stifled by worry.  I had so many “giant” situations on my mind that flooded my thoughts I could not see a way out. I mean, I had never been released from any position before and I hadn’t given them a reason to this time. Bills weren’t going to pay themselves.

What about paying for college? What about retirement? And that little old lady in some country far away from me, who is going to give to her if I’m out of work?

• My worries blind me.
• My lack of faith blinds me.
• My trust in myself blinds me.

When I think I made it to the top on my own accord then I get blinded to who really put me there in the first place, namely GOD. When HE toppled my tower, I thought HE was mad at me because I was blind to what HE was really doing in my life. HE was refocusing me to look at HIM.

• When I worry I remember to “love the LORD.”
• When I lose my faith I remember to “live as HE wants me to live.”
• When I get suspicious of GOD I remember to “remain true to HIM.”

It was GOD who cleared the way for me to reach the heights I rose to and it is up to HIM to keep me low or raise me up again and again. It’s not that my desires don’t matter to HIM, all that matters is that I love and respect HIM enough to allow HIS decisions to be final. I can find relief from worries by following GOD.

• Are you worried?
• Are you facing a “giant” situation?
• Do you think your “giant” is larger than GOD?
• Won’t you stop thinking about your “giant” and look at how powerful GOD really is?