Grasping

Grasping

John 12: ²⁰ Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. ²¹ Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”

²² Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

²³ But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. ²⁴ Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. ²⁵ He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

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Tickets were mounting as I let the car sit. It was no longer working, nor worth fixing. I don’t know why I held onto it, but I did. “Let it go” someone said to me. I heeded their advice and sold it to the junkyard. I got enough to pay for some of the parking tickets.

• I have held onto things that I should have let go of.
• I have had things in my grasp that I should have freed.
• I have grabbed on tight to things I should have released.

Notoriety of JESUS spread way outside of the Jews. Greeks came to see HIS marvelous works, so they approached HIS disciples. JESUS told Philip and Andrew something different than expected. HE gave a parable about a seed needing to die in order to produce.

• JESUS wants me to let go of my life and give it to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to open my hands and allow HIM to remove what I am holding onto so tightly.
• JESUS wants me to release my grasp of situations and watch HIS power take control.

Giving my life to JESUS was easy at one point. I mean when things were easy, it was easy to believe in HIM. But when the winds of life blew against me, I found myself, trying to execute “my” plan to fix things. JESUS wanted something better to put in my hands, but HE couldn’t while I was holding onto things HE did not want me to have.

GOD wants me to release my grasp and open my heart to whatever and wherever HE has for me. HE gives my life purpose and I seek to serve HIM by serving others.

• Are you holding onto your life?
• Is your life full of blame and disappointments?
• Will you let go of the things that keep you from having a solid relationship with HIM today by seeking those HE wants you to serve?  

Childish Praise

Matthew 21: ¹² Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

¹⁴ The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. ¹⁵ But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

¹⁶ “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants
    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

¹⁷ And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

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Looking under cars for coins, I missed the beginning of the church service. I wanted to buy a doughnut and did not have any money. I didn’t want to ask anyone for money and those tasty morsels were calling my name!

“Ministry costs money” is what I have heard over the years as justification for selling books, CD’s, DVD’s, fashion shows and fancy dinners in the church. For years this has puzzled me because at the end of the “fund raising” thing, I rarely heard if people accepted CHRIST or were healed or turned their life around.

• GOD said to me “Your ministry does not have to cost a dime.”
• GOD said to me “You can pray for people for free.”
• GOD said to me “You can go to people, tell them about ME and have them return to ME for free.”

Ministry does not cost money, buildings do. Please don’t get me wrong, I think it is wise to have a building for people to meet. Sometimes the building’s expenses get in the way of ministry.

The Pharisees enjoyed their buildings. They enjoyed their titles and in order to keep the building and human programs going, they needed money, lots of money. Even though JESUS healed people for free, the Pharisees groused. Meanwhile the children praised JESUS in their innocence. They had no motive, no manipulation.

JESUS wants me to praise HIM like these children. HE desires me to do “ministry” for free each and every day. HE wants me to assemble with others regularly, sometimes in a building. My praise should be as childish as these children.

• Are you stuck thinking your lack of money is why you cannot do ministry?
• Are you praying for money more than praising GOD?
• Can you praise GOD with childish innocence today?

Saved by Silver

Ezekiel 7: ¹⁹ “‘They will throw their silver into the streets,
    and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean.
Their silver and gold
    will not be able to deliver them
    in the day of the Lord’s wrath.
It will not satisfy their hunger
    or fill their stomachs,
    for it has caused them to stumble into sin.

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Broke was the word that best described my situation. It seemed like there were more bills than money. Weekly I would get yet another call from a creditor and it seemed like I was moving backwards instead of forwards. “If I just had a little more money I could relax” I thought to myself.

• There have been times when I really wanted more money.
• There have been times when I craved more cash.
• There have been times when I wanted more stuff but could not afford it.

During this “broke” time I groused and my smile was seldom seen. I mean my life was a shamble right? Wrong! My dependence on cash made my life like a thermometer, hot when I had it, cold when it was gone. What was I supposed to do?

• GOD says to me “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
• GOD says to me “Put your trust in ME and all will go well with you.”
• GOD says to me “Trust in the LORD with all your ways and all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.”

When I calmed down I realized I had never missed a meal and I was living in a semi-paid for apartment. My job was difficult but I was getting a steady paycheck. I truly had a lot to praise GOD about. “You mean I can depend on GOD for my worries?” I thought to myself. This brought a genuine smile to my face. I felt heaviness fall from my shoulders. GOD wants me to smile in the middle of the storm without depending on cash or my wits. HE does care.

• Have you placed too much emphasis on money?
• Do you spend an excessive amount of time worrying about money?
• Will you stop placing so much value on money and start valuing GOD?

Paying Attention in Class

Isaiah 48: ¹⁷ This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.
¹⁸ If only you had paid attention to my commands,
    your peace would have been like a river,
    your well-being like the waves of the sea.
¹⁹ Your descendants would have been like the sand,
    your children like its numberless grains;
their name would never be blotted out
    nor destroyed from before me.”

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Looking out the window, I could see the trees gently moving in the warm breeze. “Was that a squirrel?” I thought to myself. Then the teacher called on me and woke me up from my daydream. I should have been paying attention.

• There were times that I should have paid attention to what is important.
• There were times that I should have noticed what was going on.
• There were times that I should have stopped what I was doing and listened.

Listening to humans is one thing but listening to GOD is quite a different path. I listened to humans because of fear of a broken relationship or fear of loss of money and went down the wrong paths many times. GOD wants me to act differently.

• GOD wants to take care of me so I need to listen to HIM.
• GOD wants to grow me so I need to heed HIS commands.
• GOD wants to protect me so I need to “go” out and spread HIS message no matter where HE sends me.

Peace and security only comes from GOD. People will lead me to believe that money will bring that security or if I could just get that right job “then” I will have peace. GOD says to me “Pay attention to MY commands and you will have peace like a river.” HE takes care of my well-being and watches over my descendants.

• Is peace missing out of your life?
• Are you discontent and complaining to everyone?
• Will you stop looking and start connecting to GOD’s peace?
• Will you allow HIS perfect plan to be in effect in your life?

Serious Security System

Psalm: 121: ¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
² My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

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Returning home from a two day trip I came in through the garage like I normally do. A jolt of fear shot through my body as I noticed that I had forgotten to lock the front door! Thoughts ran through my mind. “Wow what if someone tried the door? They could have come right in and helped themselves!”

• Sometimes I think that locks prevent theft.
• Sometimes I think security systems deter thieves.
• Sometimes I think “I” can protect my stuff.

Thieves have stolen from me, vandalized my stuff and gotten away with my earthly treasure in the past. Well, at least they think they have gotten away with it. I’m not saying to go around with your doors unlocked but I am saying I had to let go of the stuff in order to not fear it’s loss.

• GOD wants me to let go of my earthly possessions in order to see HIM and depend on HIM fully.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to prune away “stuff” so HE can show HIS marvelous work.
• GOD wants me to know HE watches over me when I sleep, when I’m awake, when I travel and when I stay.

It’s amazing how much I worry about the “stuff” in my life. BUT GOD understands and HE knows my needs. HE provides HIS grace, mercy and peace at the right time!

• Are you worried about losing your stuff?
• Do you fear thieves will take your belongings?
• Can you let go of your stuff enough to let GOD handle protecting it?
• Will you build up your trust in GOD enough to let HIM handle the precious things, and people, in your life?

You just never know

1 Chronicles 10: ¹³ Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, ¹⁴ and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

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Another mediocre review left me wondering if I would ever advance. It seemed like a mystery I just could not solve. It also seemed like the oppressors had a few of their buddies in mind to keep them in power. I decided to do my work for the LORD instead of working for these guys.

Years passed and it seemed like nothing changed, but one day I was called into the office and they asked me if I would take on more responsibility. I said yes and that led to other promotions. Soon I was over the department where I felt oppression. It wasn’t by my effort.

• Sometimes barriers seem immovable.
• Sometimes difficult people are placed in my path.
• Sometimes I think I have to be the one who works hard to get to where I want to be.

Looking back I see times where I wanted something so bad I could just taste it. That’s when I would buckle down and work harder only to be disappointed and knocked to the ground. I left no room for GOD to say “Yes” or “No”, in fact I wouldn’t consult HIM at all. BUT GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to have desires but let HIM steer the outcome.
• GOD wants me to have dreams but point my dreams to HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to have wishes but include HIM on all phases of accomplishment.

It is GOD who raises me to heights I never knew existed. HE has placed me in front of the kings of this world and opened my eyes to understand JESUS is the KING of kings. When I let go of my desires and allow GOD to steer the outcome, I end up in a much better place. HE grows huge fruit in my life and I am filled with gratitude.

• Are you feeling oppressed?
• Do you feel held back?
• Can you allow GOD to deal with “that” person?
• Can you dream a good dream and allow GOD to handle how the dream comes to fruition?

Ask with sincerity

1 Chronicles 4: ¹⁰ Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

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Getting more stuff seems like such a greedy prayer to me, so I had to look at this prayer again and ponder it. Many people have told me “You have not because you ask not.” Others say “Just name it and claim it.” BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.

• GOD was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom.
• GOD was please when Moses asked for direction.
• GOD was pleased when the widow asked for her son to be brought back to life.

I have to ask myself “Why do I need more of what I’m asking for?” What will I do when I have an excess of whatever I get? I had a frank conversation with GOD to see if I could handle more money and the answer was “No” at the time.

I had a lot of it so I spent an exorbitant amount of time trying to protect it. In fact when someone asked for it I would quickly assess whether they “deserved” it or would they squander it on something pitiful.  My generosity diminished as fewer and fewer would meet my measure. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to be generous before I am wealthy so I can handle it when I am.
• GOD wants me to let HIM discern how someone will spend any money I give away.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those HE sends me and remove my worries about where money will come from.

When money is the focus of the prayer I am blinded to the greatness of GOD, but when GOD is the focus of prayer my eyes are opened to HIS power and wealth. HE is the one who gives in abundance as long as my motives are focused on HIM and my faith is not dependent on cash.

• Are you praying for more money?
• Have you ever wondered why you this prayer has not been answered?
• If you are praying for a larger title or more money, how will this benefit GOD’s kingdom?
• If you know how more stuff will benefit the kingdom can you start acting like it without the title or the cash?

GOD’s steps to prosperity

1 Kings 2: When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

² “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, ³ and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go ⁴ and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

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Days can become difficult and one can lose heart so GOD says “Be Strong” to me so I won’t become discouraged.

Fast paced life and busy times can blind me so GOD says “Observe what the LORD your GOD requires” so I can slow down, open my spiritual eyes and see how HE is working in my life.

Temptation flaunts itself in my face daily so GOD says to me “Walk in obedience to HIM, and keep HIS decrees and commands, HIS laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses” so the more I follow HIM the clearer my path becomes.

It is very clear that large amounts of money should not be my destination. This turns many people away from following GOD.  Wealth blinds and after a while the only purpose I am left with is to protect my “stuff.”  GOD wants something very different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM no matter what’s going on around me.
• GOD wants me to be delighted in HIS path rather than sulking about what I do or do not have.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so HE will bring many to me to point people to HIM.

“Purpose” is part of the prosperity GOD gives me. When I live my life for HIS purpose I am forever wealthy!

• Are you bowing down to the god of wealth?
• Do you feel nervous about money for yourself or someone else?
• Do you think cash will bring happiness, health and security?
• Can you turn your thoughts to GOD rather than focusing on the things of this world?
• Will you let GOD dictate your wealth based on your generosity?

Watch out when fighting GOD

2 Samuel 18: ⁹ Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

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“I wonder what fun I will have this afternoon?” I thought to myself as I plotted my escape from school. We could go home for lunch and this time I planned not to return. I was a “latch-key” kid meaning I had a key around my neck tied to an old shoe string. Both of my parents worked while I was in school so my plan would be flawless. I would go home to an empty house.

When I arrived, there stood my father. Something had happened that required him to be home. You mean the ONLY time I tried to ditch school was on a day he was there! Yes my plan was small yet huge because I never tried again.

• Looking back I see times where GOD thwarted my plan for evil.
• Looking back I see times where GOD placed an obstacle in front of my plan to ignore HIM.
• Looking back I see times where GOD used something irregular to upset my fall into temptation.

When I was immature in knowledge of GOD it seemed like HE would stop my evil plans in order to keep me on the path. As I grew older, GOD allowed me to fall into the traps I tried to get into.  HE would allow consequences to hit me hard and would always leave HIS arms open wide for my return.

The whole Earth is GOD’s and HE can use any bit of it to make my plans unsuccessful or successful. HE knows when I am trying to follow my own plan which will lead to a destructive path and eventually wind up fighting HIM on all fronts. GOD simply wants me to follow HIM so HIS love for me will be pure.

• Are you fighting GOD on something?
• Can you allow HIM to say “No” or “wait”?
• Do you always have to get “your” way?
• Can you see when GOD is placing obstacles in your path in order to steer you?

Can I pay for my sins?

Exodus 30: The rich are not to pay more nor the poor less than the half-shekel offering to God, the atonement-tax for your lives. Take the atonement-tax money from the Israelites and put it to the maintenance of the Tent of Meeting. It will be a memorial fund for the Israelites in honor of God, making atonement for your lives.”

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Tired of preachers “begging” for my cash and driving away in fancy cars wearing fancy suits I decided enough is enough. “I may as well keep my money instead of giving it to them!” I thought to myself.  BUT GOD says different.  HE does not want me to hold onto cash or be nervous about the lack of it. HE wants me to give freely to not fall in its deadly grip.