Plenty to Do

Plenty to Do

Hebrews 5: Every high priest is chosen from his fellow-men and appointed to serve God on their behalf, to offer sacrifices and offerings for sins. ² Since he himself is weak in many ways, he is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and make mistakes. ³ And because he is himself weak, he must offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the people but also for his own sins. ⁴ No one chooses for himself the honor of being a high priest. It is only by God's call that a man is made a high priest—just as Aaron was.

 

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When the position opened, I applied for it. I did not get the position, because It was clearly not in my skillset. But I wanted a promotion. A mentor said, “Don’t worry. It will come. Just be patient..” I did get promoted later.

 

• I wanted to be in charge.
• I wanted to be chosen to lead a group.
• I wanted to be in a higher position, but I could not place myself in it.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, wrote about the position of the High Priest. He explained that the High Priest was fallible. Although prone to mistakes, the High Priest was called by GOD for HIS purpose.

 

My Observations

• Though I am not called to be a High Priest, I still have plenty to do to serve the LORD.
• Even if I am not a pastor, I can lead many people back to CHRIST.
• My service to the LORD does not depend on who is leading a group of people.

 

Atonement for sin is no longer through a High Priest. I mean, JESUS was and is the ultimate sacrifice, taking away the need to use the blood of animals to symbolize the washing away of sins. HIS sacrifice provided the necessary blood to save me.

 

JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me after being raised from the dead. The HOLY SPIRIT guides me to serve others and be served when I need to be picked up. I am glad GOD cared enough for me to put me in HIS plan.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in this passage?
• Have you ever wanted to be in charge?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to all that is needed to be done, so you can take your eyes off of someone else’s life and accept HIS calling on your life today?

Ownership

 Ownership

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹¹ We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. ¹² In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.

 

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Frustrated with how things were going, I quickly assessed it was someone else’s fault. If this boss would simply act right, then I could climb the ladder faster and higher. I left that job in pursuit of the perfect group, only to be met with zero success. “What is wrong with me?” I finally shouted out.

 

• I could not fix my problem until I realized I had a problem.
• I was so busy looking at everyone else, that I took my eyes off of myself.
• I got comfortable blaming other people and did not own my choices, mistakes or path.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give some harsh words to those who refused to work and who were meddling in other people’s business. They provided a solution to “Lazy lives” and “Meddling”, namely ownership.

 

My Observations

• My complaint about other people is usually a problem within myself that I need to give to the LORD.
• Any tendency to live a “lazy life” will backfire in my face.
• GOD wants me to confess ”my” sins so HE will cleanse “me” of all unrighteousness.

 

Ownership starts and stops with me. I mean, when I hear a sermon, it is not about someone else, rather I need to hear the words to grow in areas I am weak. GOD speaks to me daily through HIS word and convicts me in areas HE wants to grow me.

 

When I own my deficiency, HE gives me a workout plan to exercise to. Trial after trial, GOD strengthens me in areas I need to grow. When I can stand up in that area, GOD says “Well done!” I am glad GOD examines me and shows me that I need a perfect GOD to help me with “my” imperfections.

 

Challenge

• What complaint were the writers trying to address?
• Have you ever just wanted to be lazy or speak to other people about someone else?
• Will you take ownership of your relationship with GOD and confess your sins to HIM so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you today?

Top of Mind

Mark 8: ³¹ And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. ³³ But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

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Bored was probably the best word I could use to describe the Sunday school students. Their parents had dragged them there and the person I was co-teaching with sounded monotone. “We need to entertain the students!” I exclaimed. I wonder what kind of gimmicks we can use.

• There were times when I thought people needed to be tricked into believing.
• There were times when I thought people would get bored by teaching what’s in the Bible.
• There were times when I thought entertainment was the best approach.

Peter had just heard the greatest lesson of mankind. He got the inside track on JESUS about to show HIS GODHOOD by being raised from the dead. Unfortunately he rejected JESUS’ statement as if JESUS needed a pep talk to stay in the political game.

• GOD says to me “Keep your thoughts on MY ways.”
• GOD says to me “Pray without ceasing.”
• GOD says to me “Test the Spirit from where people are coming.”

Gimmicks and entertainment can be problematic if they become the end goal. Leading someone to CHRIST must include the HOLY SPIRIT guiding that person. I must have enough faith to allow GOD to give me the right words to tell to people HE sends me.

• Do you think you need gimmicks to trick people into believing in CHRIST?
• Are you trying to attract people by football games and dinners without telling them about CHRIST?
• Can you keep GOD top of mind when reaching out to people?

Overcoming the Unknown

Isaiah 42: ¹⁶ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.
¹⁷ But those who trust in idols,
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’
    will be turned back in utter shame.

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Scared was my first memory of school as my mother let go of my hand in preschool. Frightened was my first thought as I rode multiple busses to high school. Fearful was my first reaction as my father gave a driving lesson. Worried was my first thought as I ventured into the unknown after a long and glorious career.

• Sometimes the unknown can be scary.
• Sometimes the unknown can be frightening.
• Sometimes the unknown can be dark and rough.

Whenever I was frightened or worried or fearful I could not enjoy the moment. I turned good situations into bad and soon I was on a path of destruction. I mean if I never got over the stifling fear of the unknown then I could not get settled enough to enjoy my surroundings. How can I get over this?

• GOD says to me “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known” which means HIS knowledge will be imparted to me.
• GOD says to me “I will turn the darkness into light before them” meaning HE is the way the truth and the light for my path.
• GOD says to me “I will not forsake them” which means HE is the only one powerful enough to keep promises.

GOD knows I can get scared of the unknown. HE is not mad at me for being worried. HE knows I am blind and reaches out to grab my hand and lead me besides still waters and restores my soul. As long as I let HIM lead me, I will be just fine!

• Are you scared?
• Are you worried?
• Does the way you are going seem dark and mysterious?
• Can you allow GOD to lead you?
• Will you put your total trust in HIM today?

Being Lead to the Right Place

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

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It’s easy to have a favorite scripture and this is probably one of the top for me. There are so many nuggets of wisdom that can be grasped from David as he was filled with elation, gratitude, reality and possibly fear.

Here is what I heard this morning.

• I need to listen to the LORD who is the ultimate guide (shepherd).
• I should not want for anything rather understand GOD’s provisions for today.
• GOD gives me peace in lush places and restores my sinful soul with forgiveness.
• Even though I will face things that worry me or scare me I will have no fear because GOD is with me, correcting me and nudging me in the right direction.
• In the middle of calamity I have a feast and GOD gives me a purpose for which good works come and mercy towards me and those I speak to will abound. I will be with GOD forever!

Are you allowing GOD to guide you or are you resisting where HE is taking you?

Do you thank GOD for what you have received this day?

Can you give your fear to GOD and let HIM prepare a meal in the presence of what is scaring you?

Can you see HIS blessings?

True Leadership

2 Samuel ¹⁵ David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. 

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Blame was the name of the game at this particular company. My boss and my boss’s boss played the game extremely well. I wasn’t so good at it but I wanted to get ahead.  With my tiny team of three I worked to get things done. 

One person on my team was quite obnoxious because he was very knowledgeable on the system. Our tiny team would go around in circles because of arguments and discussions brought up by this guy! I thought to myself… I can blame him for our slow delivery. That was a huge mistake!

• I show poor leadership when I blame my people.
• I show poor leadership when I don’t resolve issues quickly.
• I show poor leadership when I am not sure of my direction.

This horrible experience taught me what a poor leader looks like.  After licking my wounds from the beating I received I had a lot of questions. What does a good leader look like? GOD had my answer.

• GOD says in order to be great I must be the least amongst my people.
• GOD says in order to confront people I must understand what love and compassion is.
• GOD says in order to lead many I must follow HIM for HE holds the correct path in HIS hands.

I was so busy trying to be the title that I was not being a good leader. I didn’t know my team, I didn’t know their strengths nor their weaknesses. I focused on the end goal and would get there with a lot of wounds. BUT GOD wanted me to act different. GOD wanted me to treat people right, confront with compassion and reward them for their accomplishments.

He wanted me to accept my position as a leader by following HIM and being led by HIS plans.

• Are you leading a group?
• Do you have Blame on your lips?
• Can you turn your blame into understanding of “that” person?
• Won’t you bring GOD into your leadership style and serve your team rather than forcing them to do your bidding?

GOD is with you through the battle!

Judges 11: ²⁹ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He crossed Gilead and Manasseh, passed through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

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³² Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into his hands. ³³ He devastated twenty towns from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued Ammon.

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Scowling faces made me feel a bit uneasy as I walked through the crowd. As I shook a few hands I engaged people in conversation to find out why they were so angry. As they told me their story I could empathize a bit more.

As I stood at the podium I saw the same scowls on the ocean of people but a sense of peace fell over me. I took a deep breath and began my presentation. I could actually see the scowls lift into smiles as I made some modifications to my discussion that included their pain. I could feel a spirit of peace in the room.

• GOD gives me peace when I face something huge.
• GOD leads me beside still waters and restores my soul.
• GOD fights my battles when I face difficulty.

I would like to say it was me who calmed the crowd, but in reality it was GOD who brought peace in the room. Every circumstance, every situation, every tough decision can be brought to GOD and HE has plenty of peace to give me. All I have to do is trust that HE will be with me as I walk out and fight the battle, knowing the battle is already won because of HIM!

• Are you fighting on your own strength?
• Do you think you can win the battle by yourself?
• Won’t you stop fighting without GOD and ask HIM to go before you today?
• Can you trust that HE has your best interest in mind?

GOD appoints leaders

Numbers 27: ¹⁸ So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader. Get him and place your hand on him. ¹⁹ Have him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community. Put him in charge while everyone is watching. ²⁰ Give him some of your authority. Then the whole community of Israel will obey him.

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“Who put her in charge?” was our thought when we got a new “go-getter” boss. She seemed to never stop working. Her diplomacy skills seemed sharp when she spoke to her boss but when it came to us it was a different story.  I thought about complaining, but could never find the words.

She then approached me and asked me to be the primary speaker on one of the projects we were working on.  “Maybe she isn’t so bad after all.”

• Sometimes I get mad at leaders when I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I think poorly of leaders based on my negative attitude.
• Sometimes I feel the leader is crazy because I didn’t take the time to understand them.

Being a leader is difficult especially when leading a group of whiners and complainers.  Each criticism is but another jab to the face that the leader must take. I wonder how I can make the leaders’ job easier.

• GOD wants me to respect the leader even if I don’t agree with their direction.
• GOD wants me to be creative with the leader because HE never wants me to hide my talent.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE appointed the leader and any criticism of them is a criticism of HIM.

Some leadership styles are more difficult for me to serve under; however it is my responsibility to use my GOD given talents and abilities to their fullest.  GOD appoints leaders and my complaints to HIM are about HIS decision of appointing this person to their post. Every complaint is heard and noted.

I must respect GOD’s decision and ask HIM for help when I don’t feel like following the appointed person.

• Is there a leader that you have complained about?
• Do you think GOD is excited about your complaints or actions?
• Are you performing up to your best when the leader isn’t acting like a leader?

Leaders keep leading!

Numbers 17: ⁴ “Put the staffs in the Tent of Meeting. Place them in front of the ark where the tablets of the covenant are kept. That is where I meet with you. ⁵ The staff that belongs to the man I choose will begin to grow new shoots. The people of Israel are never happy with what you do. I will put an end to what they are saying.”

⁶ So Moses spoke to the people of Israel. Their leaders gave him 12 wooden staffs. They gave one for the leader of each of Israel’s tribes. Aaron’s staff was among them. ⁷ Moses put the staffs in front of the Lord in the tent where the tablets of the covenant were kept.

⁸ The next day Moses entered the tent. He looked at Aaron’s staff. It stood for the tribe of Levi. Moses saw that it had not only begun to grow new shoots. It had also produced buds and flowers and almonds.

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Upon arrival I was met at the door with urgent news about whatever situation was going on at the time. When I got up to my desk there were a number of voicemails expressing dissatisfaction with the problem of the day. After a number of calls, messages and speeches I put the fires out.

Then someone walked in my office and complained about where their desk was located and how I had not addressed the situation. I stayed at work longer to put a move plan together. After their move the person complained about something else. I almost fired that person but kept my cool.

• There are some who I will never please.
• There are some who will always have a problem with me.
• There are some who will complain at the drop of a hat rather than developing solutions.

All I have to say is “GOD sees my efforts.” At times it is difficult to lead a group of complainers because the freedom to develop solutions isn’t involved. As a leader I cannot fall prey to their complaints nor can I be a victim. GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to follow HIS lead.
• GOD wants me to let HIM clear my path.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to work out the situation.

GOD ALWAYS has the final word. HE said HE would “put an end” to Moses situation and HE always has done the same for me.

• Are you facing a mountain of complaints?
• Are you trying to lead a group of people who are not providing solutions?
• Can you stop trying to please people and start pleasing GOD?
• Won’t you ask the LORD for wisdom on how to lead through difficult times?

Am I led by the SPIRIT?

1 Corinthians 2: ¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

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When speaking about the HOLY SPIRIT I sometimes feel like a nut.  I mean can I really tell others that I actually hear something that tells me what to do without sounding crazy? Well, let me tell you, the HOLY SPIRIT tells me stuff to do all the time, sometimes I listen.

• When I’m tempted to sin the HOLY SPIRIT warns me against the sin.
• When I want to be mad at that person, the HOLY SPIRIT says forgive just like you were forgiven.
• When I want to treat myself to something nice, the HOLY SPIRIT says give that extra cash to someone in need.

The problem I have with the HOLY SPIRIT is I want to do what I want to do and most times I don’t want to listen to HIM. HE is always going to tell me to do something I don’t want to do, yet when I listen to HIM my heart is filled.

• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, I never go wrong.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, it’s scary at first then I realize later I’m on the best path.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT, I do things I normally would not do but it furthers the kingdom.

I have seen people burn down buildings or kill their families saying GOD told them to do it. Now to me that’s crazy. The HOLT SPIRIT says to me “Be compassionate to your enemy” or “Go serve when you don’t feel like serving” or “Give even when you feel nervous about giving.” None of these items are news worthy but I can tell you, each time I obey, I understand GOD a little more.

• Are you led by the HOLY SPIRIT or are you doing what you want to do?
• What are you doing to step out on GOD’s faith?
• What part of GOD’s kingdom is HE nagging you about?
• Is there someplace or someone GOD is telling you to serve and you are ignoring it?
• Won’t you listen to the HOLY SPIIT today and obey HIM?

GOD’s protection

Acts 22: ²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

 ²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

 ²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

   “Yes, I am,” he answered.

 ²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

   “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

 ²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

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Project after project I was determined to do my best but it was difficult. It seemed like I kept running into one of those bosses, who wanted to be an obstacle, but somehow they would disappear and I would still be placed on the best projects.

This angered my belligerent boss. I sensed he was out to get me so I worked harder to win him over. The harder I worked the madder he got. He insulted, yelled and screamed at everyone and I was no exception. I was in a bad position but somehow I got promoted. It was because the head of the department knew I was part of a Bible study of a good friend of his.

I had no idea I was being watched by the family.

• GOD protects me especially when I am being mistreated.
• GOD watches over me when things go wrong.
• GOD uses a chain of events that I cannot perceive to guide me, watch me and guard me.

Paul never knew he would be protected just by being born as a Roman citizen. GOD used this link in the chain of events know as Paul’s life to protect him to do GOD’s will. HE has done the same for me many times when I look back but I couldn’t understand HIS protection while I was going through the trial.

• Are you going through a trial that seems hopeless?
• Have you noticed GOD protecting you during your trial?
• Won’t you stop feeling like “woe is me” for a moment to notice GOD’s love for you?