Addressing Integrity

Addressing Integrity

Exodus 23: “You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. ² You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice. ³ You shall not show partiality to a poor man in his dispute.

 

⁴ “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. ⁵ If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

 

⁶ “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute. ⁷ Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. ⁸ And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.

 

⁹ “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE had many things to say about using clear judgment or integrity in matters.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted impartial judgment.
• GOD wanted fair treatment, even towards enemies.
• GOD wanted a mindset that treats strangers well.

 

Rumors are unverified stories, gossip, or pieces of information that pass quickly from person to person without proof of whether they are true or false. Moses had a difficult job assigned to him. He had to lead the people into the promised land, and he had to judge disputes along the way.

 

While this set of scripture can be applied universally to you and me, I believe there was a personal meaning for Moses. He had to face poor people who would lie and wealthy people who were getting lied on. He would also face rich people trying to bribe him.

 

GOD was universally addressing integrity. HE wanted to introduce resilience to rumors, lies, bribes and ill feelings towards enemies. GOD’s expectation of HIS people was to be above lies, bribes and hatred. HE still wants this for you and me. HE wants us to have compassion for strangers as we were once strangers.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS view on justice and integrity?
• Do your lips easily spread gossip, rumors or unverified information to feel superior?
• Have you asked yourself, “Am I trying to be superior with unverified information or should I use integrity to please GOD?”

Anatomy of a Lie

Anatomy of a Lie

Genesis 3: Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

² And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; ³ but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

⁴ Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 

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Harmony existed between GOD, man and woman. GOD had HIS two trees, man and woman had their millions of trees. GOD could eat from HIS trees, man and woman and animals could eat from an endless variety. Satan, took the form of a serpent, probably to hide from being seen. He did not approach the man, rather he approached the woman.

 

My Observations:

• Satan started his lie by questioning GOD in a way that creates doubt.
• Eve, added words to what was told to her.
• Satan capitalized on her misunderstanding by telling her something that was not true.

 

Let me start off by saying that GOD has not revealed all that HE is to humans. I have to go to the end mankind to explain the beginning of the fall. In the end, Satan “was” sentenced to eternal death and GOD sealed up his fate in a scroll that could only be opened by a sinless human. Satan was thrown out of heaven to earth.

 

I believe this is where our story picks up. Satan wanted to ruin “all” humans, starting with the first. His plan probably included staying around the garden and controlling the humans with lies. This is not written, but fits the way Satan operates. Satan’s entire motive was to “be” GOD and to take over. If he could get the humans to fall, then he would accomplish getting all humans!

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD clarify the conversation between Eve and Satan to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to lie?
• Are you being lied to regarding your worth, or if GOD loves you?

Words of Integrity

 

Words of Integrity

1 John 4: ⁴ But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. ⁵ Those false prophets speak about matters of the world, and the world listens to them because they belong to the world. ⁶ But we belong to God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever does not belong to God does not listen to us. This, then, is how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

 

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“Spin” was the word used in explaining a difficult situation in a way that made it look as if the company was not at fault or was not responsible. “You should learn how to spin things” was the statement made to me as advice in the new role I had.

 

• Something didn’t feel right about “spinning” words.
• Something inside me said “this is wrong” but “everyone” else said I should go with the new statement.
• I felt bad delivering the “spin” but eventually got used to it.

 

John attempted to address integrity. He may have seen people who were believers, willing to use the words of the world, instead of using the truth. He may have also seen that people may have been discouraged because some people were not listening to the words of love being presented. He gave believers of JESUS assurance.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s word is made with love for you and me.
• HE wants us to find HIS lost sheep, so we can bring HIS loving message to them.
• I have to realize that some people will not listen to the message of GOD because they do not know HIM.

 

When I say “JESUS loves and forgives you” I get a couple of different responses. I mean, one person will not say anything or may even say “get away from me”, while the other may burst into tears of joy and say “Thank YOU LORD.” GOD wants me to seek those who will hear HIS message.

 

This means I have to get used to people who may reject JESUS as their Savior, whether I like it or not. HE doesn’t need me to be heard, because HE is the one who draws people to HIM in the first place. I just need to be ready with HIS message. I am glad people spoke to me about JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What concern so you think the writer was addressing?
• Have you ever told someone about your belief in JESUS and got an unexpected response?
• Will you seek those who can hear GOD’s message of love by keeping your integrity, no matter what the world may think today?

Seeing Beyond Distractions

Seeing Beyond Distractions

2 Corinthians 11: I wish you would tolerate me, even when I am a bit foolish. Please do! ² I am jealous for you, just as God is; you are like a pure virgin whom I have promised in marriage to one man only, Christ himself. ³ I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake's clever lies. ⁴ For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a different Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the gospel you received from us!

 

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“Why is he talking to me?” I thought to myself as the playground thug stopped me to ask very random questions. I was taking a different route home I usually did not take. He was being oddly nice for a change. Other thugs, who were within sight, began to giggle.

 

I expected being pushed or punched so I braced myself. After the brief conversation, they walked away. Someone said to me, “They were practicing picking your pocket. Didn’t you feel the guy rummaging through your coat?” I did not.

 

• When I get distracted I can be deceived.
• I was too busy looking at the problem to see the deception.
• Instead of staying on the path home, I went to a place where I let the deception happen.

 

Paul tried to soften the blow that people were being deceived into believing a false gospel of salvation. He was afraid that their minds would be corrupted and the pure devotion to CHRIST would be abandoned in trade of another lesser spirit.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to remain focused on JESUS as the only way to salvation.
• GOD wants me to accept the promise HE has for me, to be with me for eternity.
• GOD wants me to remain devoted to CHRIST as my Savior.

 

Distractions are in abundance these days. I mean anyone could raise up a cause and speak boldly about it and be justified in what is being said. BUT GOD wants me to surrender my life to the one and only truth, namely JESUS.

 

When I can name a human or a group of humans as having “the answer” I fall prey to being distracted from the purpose GOD created me for. I lose sight that I am here for one reason, that is to be pleasing to GOD. I then try to make GOD bow down to my path and decisions BUT HE laughs at the attempt. I am glad JESUS saved me from myself and those who try to steal GOD’s title of being the MOST HIGH.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the concern of the writer?
• What do you notice about the mind in this passage?
• Will you look beyond the distractions of your circumstances and be led by the HOLY SPIRIT, who was sent by JESUS to live inside those who believe in HIM as the one and only true Savior today?

Identified in the Line-Up

 

Identified in the Line-Up

Romans 3: ⁹ Well then, are we Jews in any better condition than the Gentiles? Not at all! I have already shown that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. ¹⁰ As the Scriptures say:

“There is no one who is righteous,
¹¹     no one who is wise
    or who worships God.
¹² All have turned away from God;
    they have all gone wrong;
    no one does what is right, not even one.
¹³ Their words are full of deadly deceit;
    wicked lies roll off their tongues,
    and dangerous threats, like snake's poison, from their lips;
¹⁴     their speech is filled with bitter curses.
¹⁵ They are quick to hurt and kill;
¹⁶     they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go.
¹⁷ They have not known the path of peace,
¹⁸     nor have they learned reverence for God.”

 

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Years of music gone. Someone broke the back window of my car and stole all my mix tapes. Yes I said tapes. How dare they! Having watched a lot of TV shows about cops, I thought “maybe they can dust for prints or pull up a book of usual suspects or put people in a line-up where my neighbors can point out the culprit.”

 

That did not deter me from going out that night, trying to “steal” someone’s girlfriend at the bar.

 

• There were times when I wanted justice when something happened to me.
• There were times when I wanted to point at what others were doing wrong.
• There were times when I wanted forgiveness for my wrong but justice for theirs.

 

Paul gets very real about this sin situation. He talks about those who think they are “good” but are not. He states a list that is harsh and when reading it, the tendency is to think of other people. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

• GOD wants me to see myself as a person who would never choose HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I need HIM by identifying with the sin that naturally flows from me.
• GOD wants me to understand that my heart needs daily cleaning.

 

“No one is righteous” when compared to JESUS. There are a lot of people who do nice things, but no one is sinless down to the motive. But there was one who remained sinless, namely JESUS. HE became a human, lived to adulthood and was murdered, all without committing a single sin. I identify with the list of sins and I am grateful JESUS forgave me.

 

• Are you mad at someone and think you are “righteous?”
• Do you see the faults in others and not your own?
• Will you ask GOD to look at your own heart to show you how much “you” need HIS grace today?

Shown to be Right

 

Shown to be Right

Romans 3: Do the Jews then have any advantage over the Gentiles? Or is there any value in being circumcised? ² Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews. ³ But what if some of them were not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful? ⁴ Certainly not! God must be true, even though all human beings are liars. As the scripture says,

 

“You must be shown to be right when you speak;
    you must win your case when you are being tried.”

 

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“Who broke this?” I was asked. “I don’t know” was my lying answer, knowing full well I broke it. “I promise I will never do that again” was my lying statement when I got caught speeding. “I believe GOD can do anything” was my lying statement when doubt filled me up so much that I took matters in my own hands.

 

• Many times I have lied out of convenience.
• Many times I have lied to protect myself.
• Many times I have lied for no reason at all.

 

Paul continues the explanation of GOD’s relationship with humanity. He speaks about GOD choosing the Jews to reveal HIS message to the world. Unfortunately, this all important message was not handled with the faith it deserved. Some were not faithful to the message and chose to lie, to keep a following versus pointing their lives to JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to grow up enough to speak the truth about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to recognize that I need HIM to open my eyes to my lies.
• GOD wants me to confess my lies because they stain any righteous acts I may do.

 

One prophet, Isaiah, was called to be a speaker for GOD. He confessed to GOD that he was a liar. GOD healed him of lying by giving him courage to speak the truth about JESUS. He then wrote this about JESUS, “But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM, And by HIS stripes we are healed.”

 

GOD can take a liar like me, forgive those lies and fill me with confidence in HIM that HE will be faithful because HE cannot and will not ever lie to me. When HE says “You are forgiven for all your sins because you believe in MY SON” HE means it. I believe I am forgiven for my lies.

 

• Are you a liar, even to yourself?
• Do you hide things to protect your image?
• Will you change your speech and be “shown to be right” so others can hear what JESUS has done by HIS forgiveness today?

Courage for Truth

 

Courage for Truth

Acts 21: ²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

 

³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

 

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Feeling pressured and not wanting to get in trouble, I thought of a “story” to cover myself. I had broken the bottom window of the door by losing my grip on my bike. Something popped in my head. I could blame the kid from two doors over. I mean, he “could” throw things, right? So what if he was in his wheelchair and wasn’t outside and the bushes would have not made it possible.

 

There were times when I was determined to cover myself.

There were times when I was too scared to even admit wrong to myself.

There were times when I felt it was easier to lie rather than facing the consequences of my actions.

 

Some Jews recognized Paul and immediately thought of lies. They grabbed him and told the crowd that Paul, singlehandedly, told “everyone” “everywhere” to not follow the Jewish law that he upheld. They also supposed he brought a Gentile into a Jewish temple. They stirred the crowd to beat Paul because of their lies.

 

GOD wants me to be courageous enough to tell the truth.

GOD wants me to be in the practice of admitting my sin so when someone confronts me, it won’t sting as much.

GOD wants me to invite people to GOD rather than excluding them to one race.

 

Believing in “a” truth is dangerous. I mean I can convince myself of anything regardless of the overwhelming evidence. GOD has provided overwhelming evidence of HIS love for humanity through HIS SON JESUS. HE chose to die for my sins and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What lies are you telling yourself or others?

When will you grow up to stop lying to show you are superior or “right?”

If you are courageous enough to lie to others and yourself, will you add to your courage by dropping your lies and telling people about “the” truth of JESUS being the only Savior today?

Fighting Rumors

Fighting Rumors

Acts 21: ²⁰ When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. ²¹ They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. ²² What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, ²³ so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. ²⁴ Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. ²⁵ As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”

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Someone reported a rumor about me. I was highly insulted so I reacted quickly in defense. It seemed the more I reacted the worse the rumor got. In fact, more rumors got added because I was shaken.

• There were times when worried about what people thought of me.
• There were times when I tried to please everyone.
• There were times when I thought rumors could hurt my reputation.

The crowd at Jerusalem was excited to finally see Paul. He told them about all GOD had done. After hearing what Paul had to say, they warned him about the rumors of him preaching against the Laws of Moses. They vowed to clear his name and tell everyone he lived according to the law. They also instructed the Gentiles to have self-control.

• GOD wants me to know my reputation with HIM is spotless.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE forgave me and that is all that matters.
• GOD wants me to embrace HIS protection, especially when people lie about me.

Rumors and lies are very similar. I mean the motive behind both do not come from a good place. The enemy used rumors and lies to trick humanity into sin. He wants to do the same today. GOD holds my reputation.

HE sees my prayers, service and efforts to resist sin. While I fail in everything I do, the HOLY SPIRIT fortifies my relationship with JESUS. I am grateful I cannot be removed from GOD’s hand, even by rumor.

• Is someone slandering you?
• Do you feel your reputation is in trouble because someone is lying on you?
• Will you focus on what GOD wants in your life so you can stop worrying about what people think about you today?

Slander Reaction

Slander Reaction

Acts 6: ⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

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Part of the fight of being a leader was protecting my reputation. For years, I made sure my decisions were not only sound, but heard. Things were going well, until I wanted to be “me” instead of who they wanted me to be.

I could no longer hide my faith just to get ahead. The slanderers made up their weird stories, but this time I did not care if those in charge wanted to believe lies.

• There came a time when I got tired of protecting what people thought of me.
• There came a time when I just wanted to be me instead of who everyone wanted me to be.
• There came a time when I realized I was not living by faith rather I was doing what was expected of me.

Stephen was doing great things for GOD. That’s what he was made for. Some jealous church leaders tried to fight his wisdom but found they could not beat him on that front. So they made up lies about him to capture him. Stephen’s reaction was simply to sit, peacefully.

• GOD wants me to know vengeance is HIS.
• GOD wants me to understand that I will be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to expect a fight because of my service to the LORD.

Yelling at me, lying on me and hating me are actions I should expect from those who do not believe. It does not feel good. BUT GOD wants me to react different to the outbursts and slander. HE wants me to understand that HE is in control and humans are not.

HE knows the heart and is willing to clean it if I confess. HE also knows the hearts of those who try to harm me because of my service to HIM. HE protects the relationship I have with HIM. Humans my hurt my reputation or sometimes, my body. BUT GOD holds me everlasting. I am grateful GOD hold my reputation.

• Are you being lied about?
• Do you have someone talking negatively about you behind your back?
• Will you let what they are doing go so GOD will handle them in HIS time without you seeing HIS punishment on them?

Turn Down the Sound

Turn Down the Sound

John 8: ⁴³ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ⁴⁶ Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? ⁴⁷ He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

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With the feeling of guilt, I got into my car. I knew what I had done was wrong and I felt bad about it. I rationalized my sin by saying, “Well, it’s not like I’m murdering someone or doing drugs”. In order to drown out the guilt, I turned up the music. “Ah, that’s better” I said to myself. I wonder how long I can distract myself with music? The next day, my peers congratulated me because they too were doing the same.

• There were times when I did not want to be guilty.
• There were times when I wanted to turn up the noise in order to drown out my guilt.
• There were times when I tried to fill my life with the noise of being busy so I would not have to listen to what I was supposed to.

JESUS tells the church leaders “Your father is the devil, who lies all the time.” Being a strong group, they probably talked to each other, justifying their hatred towards JESUS. Their hearts were too hard to hear GOD, but they could hear each other.

• GOD wants me to be quiet sometimes so I can listen to HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do before I make my decisions.
• GOD wants me to give my guilt to HIM by confessing my sin, rather than hiding from HIM and adding noise to my life.

Meeting GOD head on is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to not hide in my guilt, rather give it to HIM to do as HE pleases. The more I ignore GOD, the harder my heart gets. Soon, I would not be able to hear HIM at all. BUT GOD steps in. HE orchestrates circumstances in my life that require me to listen to HIM. I am grateful HE cares for me.

• Are you trying to ignore GOD so you can do what you want to do?
• Do you avoid studying GOD so you won’t have to know your guilt?
• Will you stop looking at other people and look at your own guilt so you can confess to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Covering Power

Matthew 28: ¹¹ While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened.¹² When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³ telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

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Stepping into the house, I went to get the meat I prepared to put on the grill for the friends who had arrived. Engrossed in conversation I forgot to watch the fire and it grew a little more than I desired. I quickly ran outside and put the lid on the grill which doused the flame. I brought the meat out, took the lid off and the flames jumped out even more than before!

Covering up fire is similar to the cover up the guards were trying to do. They tried to cover up the greatest thing that happened in the history of all humans. The more they covered it up the faster the message spread.

• GOD wants me to continue the message of JESUS’ resurrection with the same fervor.
• GOD wants me to tell the world of JESUS’ resurrection as if it happened a few minutes ago.
• GOD wants me to speak to many about JESUS because apathy has set in.

“When will JESUS return?”, people wonder. Few sermons are preached on what will come because so many have died saying the same thing that the message falls on deaf ears. BUT GOD says different. HE wants me to act like this very day is the day so I should not waste it.

HE allows me to pursue dreams but wants me to ask for HIS guidance and direction. HE says go out and make disciples of the many I will give you.  My dreams must include a plan to tell people about HIM to break through the cover up.

• Are you distracted by what the world offers?
• Has the notion of JESUS’ return become a boring story for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while carrying the message of GOD with you somehow?

Think Like One

Matthew 27: ⁶² The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

⁶⁵ “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” ⁶⁶ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

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“What will I say to them” ran through my mind. I thought up my “story” and worked it out in my mind. When I told the person what had “happened” they began to question and I had no good answers. My lie had not gone that far.

• There were times when I lied to cover myself.
• There were times when I made up stories just to be seen in a good light.
• There were times when I tried to get others to say a lie with me.

Unfortunately for the Pharisees and chief priests, they were thinking like liars and thieves. They thought they could cover their murder by sealing the grave. They even agreed on their lie. GOD saw it all.

• GOD wants me to tell the truth even when it hurts me.
• GOD wants me to not hide my sin so others can be healed.
• GOD wants me to stop being a fraudulent religious person and be transparent.

What good is it to be evil and attend church regularly? I mean on the outside I may look good, BUT GOD sees my heart. HE knows when I am covering something up and will not stand for it. “Every hidden thing will come to light” GOD says, so it is better to bring my sins to the surface than have GOD expose them in a more difficult way.

• Are you covering something up?
• Do you think your lie is not going to be found out?
• Will you stop hiding your sin and confess it so GOD can use it for good?

Looking for Trouble

Matthew 26: ⁵⁷ Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. ⁵⁸ But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward ⁶¹ and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

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“This guy has got to go!” I thought to myself. He was causing problems at work and stirred everyone up. I asked people what he did wrong and they could not tell me for certain what he was doing. No one else had the nerve to get rid of this person so I had to be the one. Finally one person came forth and told me about some trivial mistakes. “Maybe I can use this” I thought.

• There were times when I looked for evidence against “that” person.
• There were times when I sought to prove my position was right.
• There were times when I would have listened to false witnesses and been alright with it.

Peace is all I wanted even if my employees may have been the malefactors. It was easier to fire one than many, no matter how “right” he was. GOD wants me to have a different attitude.

• GOD wants me to stand up for what is right versus following the crowd.
• GOD wants me to guard against pleasing the crowd versus following what HE says.
• GOD wants me to seek first HIS righteousness instead of looking at humans who may have hidden motives.

When I look for trouble in a person I often can find it. I mean everyone has problems and I can make their imperfections stand out with the right crowd behind me. GOD wants me to seek what is good not what is obviously bad. HE saved me in the middle of my sins and desires to do the same for “that” person. HE wants me to have grace.

• Are you looking for the worst in “that” person?
• Are you immaturely building up evidence against them and getting your crowd to believe in you even if the truth may have been stretched?
• Will you stop looking for trouble and start looking for GOD’s grace today?

Lifejacket

Matthew 19: ²³ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

²⁵ When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

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“Lifejacket” I thought to myself. “Why would I need one of those? Will we sink? Is this boat safe? This was my reaction to my first boat ride in a small two oar boat. I clung onto what I thought would save me and did not enjoy the trip, at first.

• I have clung onto things I thought would save me.
• I have broken my neck to remain “insured.”
• I thought doctors, investors and insurance people could protect me.

One item I could not protect with my lifejacket was my soul. As precious as I thought my body was, my soul was so much more important. JESUS talks about this with HIS disciples. “Who then can be saved?” they asked in response to the wealthy having a difficult time entering heaven.

• GOD wants my total trust in HIM
• GOD does not want me to think I can save myself by “my” wealth or diet or exercise.
• GOD wants me to place an impossible task in HIS hands and allow HIM to wipe away my mountain of sins.

It is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven mainly because wealth blinds. With extreme wealth, family and friends soon look like problems rather than sheep who need feeding. JESUS wants me to see others around me who need HIS kingdom. HE especially wants me to see that I need HIM more than anything.

• Are you chasing wealth?
• Are you blinded by your things?
• Can you seek GOD first before you seek wealth?
• Will you allow GOD to steer you in HIS direction today?

Seeking Wisdom

Proverbs 1: ⁷ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

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“How do I” was a question I asked often. It worked when the person was for me, but then they were against me, I received information with half-truth or flat out wrong information. Then someone I did not like asked me a question. Hmmm, should I give them a half-truth or should I give them wrong information to throw them on the wrong path?

• Sometimes I am faced with the same things that annoy me.
• Sometimes I am tempted to act like “everyone” else.
• Sometimes I desire to be like the crowd no matter how wrong they may be.

Fitting into a group feels great for a moment but sometimes the consequences to my character are devastating. When I seek advice from someone who’s reputation is unsavory, I get their truth which could be harmful. I begin to act like them and soon I forget about being on a good path. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to be in the crowd without thinking like the crowd.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom and not be affected by those who do not follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be confident and acknowledge HIM instead of following the crowd and hiding HIM.

GOD wants me to fear hiding my relationship over the glamour of fame and glory. HE wants me to seek HIS wisdom, not mans. HE will provide HIS strength, protection and love when I ask. HIS instruction is best to follow because it baffles those who claim to be smart. I chose to fear the LORD so I can gain knowledge.

• Are you seeking the advice of those who are not following GOD in order to get ahead?
• Do you think you are not affected by acting like them even a short period of time?
• Will you stop believing in lies and start seeking GOD?

Is my witness reliable?

Deuteronomy 19: ¹⁵ One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

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My gruff boss pulled me into his office asking me about a person who previously worked with me at another company.  I didn’t like her very much but she was highly qualified. “I don’t think she will be a good fit” I told the guy. He didn’t hire her. I wonder if people would say slanderous things about me.

• When I am blind and I want something my witness may not be reliable.
• When I am blind and full of fear my witness may not be reliable.
• When I am blind and carry bitterness or poison my witness may not be reliable.

My witness depends on how I view the person. I may see something that wasn’t there because I want the person to fail or get out of my way.  In other words I may fool myself into believing something that isn’t true and then my witness becomes false.

• GOD wants me to be a reliable impartial witness.
• GOD wants me to allow HIS will to be done so my witness has to align with HIS.
• GOD wants me to see others as HE sees them rather than stirring up the crowd.

Compassion is what GOD wants me to give people. A criminal deserves to be convicted but I must not slander the person into being a criminal. GOD will root out the evil in HIS time, my job is to be reliable, truthful and loving.

• Do you desire for a person you don’t agree with to fail or succeed?
• Do you think your words are helping people see that person in a good or bad light?
• Can you modify your witness to include your faults or are you busy talking about what others are doing wrong?
• Won’t you take your blinders off and look at your witness?

Keeping Promises

Numbers 30:1 Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of Israel. He said, “Here is what the Lord commands. ² Suppose a man makes a special promise to the Lord. Or suppose he takes an oath and agrees to do something. Then he must keep his promise. He must do everything he said he would do.

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“I promise I won’t do that again” were my empty words to the LORD as I tried to escape consequences of my actions many times.  Whether it was a ticket that I got off with a warning or a close call with something else, I found that the thing I would “never” do again would be done again, sometimes within 24 hours!

• GOD doesn’t like my empty promises.
• GOD doesn’t like when I use a promise to get my way and then not keep my promise.
• GOD doesn’t like when I don’t follow through with my promises to HIM.

A vow to GOD is important to HIM. HE doesn’t take my promises lightly even though I might.  It may be a character situation that HE is looking at.  HE knows a destructive path is built on deception and when I lie to HIM by making a promise I have no intention of keeping, HIS anger is stirred.

• GOD wants me to make special promises to HIM to keep our relationship close.
• GOD wants me to keep those special promises, showing HE is more special than anything else.
• GOD wants me to do everything I said I will do and not change my mind when the going gets good.

If I vow to give more when I am wealthy then I must give more when I am wealthy. In fact I need to start giving more before I get wealthy. If I vow to stop doing something, then I need to stop doing that thing unconditionally rather than waiting on GOD to orchestrate the perfect time.

Making a promise is special to GOD.  HE doesn’t want me to shy away from doing that.  BUT HE would rather that I not promise rather than making an empty promise that I won’t keep.

• Have you made empty promises to GOD?
• Have you broken your vow to HIM?
• Can you ask HIM for forgiveness of your broken promises and realize HE forgives you?
• Can you stop trying to fix your broken promises and focus on your relationship with GOD?

Who can I trust?

Mark 13: ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

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“I got your back” were the words I loved to hear in tenuous situations. Whether it was weaving through the bullies on the playground or the bullies in business, I loved to hear someone was supporting me.  Unfortunately I have used empty words to “say” I was supporting a person but never did anything to help them.

• When I use words with “empty promises” I get the person’s hopes up and dash them to the ground.
• When I use “flattery” to get what I want I imprison my soul.
• When I use “catch phrases” to impress people I draw attention to myself and away from GOD.

My words were not always reliable. I have really wanted that promotion or job so much that I would have said anything to get it. Who cared if I stretched the truth or inflated my skills as long as I got my way.

• GOD’s words are definitely words I can count on.
• When GOD promises something to me I can truly count on it.
• GOD never says anything HE doesn’t mean because HE cannot lie.
• When GOD said HE loves me, I can truly know without doubt “HE LOVES me.”

GOD said “I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.” He also said “I will be with you even to the end.” HE also said “ALL of your sins are forgiven because you believe in MY SON.” I can truly believe without question that CHRIST’s return is imminent because HE said so.

Humans make empty promises and I am no exception. BUT GOD’s words of love, grace, mercy mixed with wrath will come to pass.

• Have you been disappointed by someone’s empty words?
• Are you using empty words or lustful flattery?
• Can you focus your attention on GOD’s words for a moment?
• Will you add to your belief HIS promises so your faith can increase?

Watch out!

Matthew 26: ⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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“LORD if YOU would just get me out of this situation, I will never to ‘that’ again” are the empty words I have used several times with GOD.  I said these words to manipulate GOD into not punishing me for the sin I had just done.

• When I lie my SPIRIT cries out yet I lie anyway.
• When I lust my SPIRIT cries out yet I lust anyway.
• When I am lazy my SPIRIT cries out yet I am lazy anyway.
• When I am lost my SPIRIT cries out yet I remain lost anyway.

Temptation to sin is like falling into a sticky gooey substance with dirt and junk blowing around getting stuck to me. No matter how hard I struggle it seems like stuff just stick to me.

• In order to avoid temptation I need to watch where I go.
• In order to avoid sin I need to pray for help.
• In order to avoid the traps laid out before me I need to watch out.
• In order to avoid GOD’s judgment on me I need to pray for HIS forgiveness.

“Watch and Pray” are GOD’s words to clean me up while avoiding the pitfalls of life that I can easily fall into. HE wants me to understand myself and know what tempts me in order to stay away from that thing. HE knows if I were around “that” temptation I would easily fall into the sin.

The best thing for me to do is stay far away from that temptation by “watching” out for it and “praying” for GOD’s strength.

• Are you falling into the same sin over and over?
• Do you feel discouraged that you are doing that sin again?
• Can you believe GOD has forgiven you for all your sins?
• Can you relax your mind enough to replace discouragement with “watching” and “praying?”

Watch your mouth!

Matthew 15: ¹⁰ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

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Anatomy was the favorite topic of the guys. You would think they were doctors by their bold description of a woman’s body. Some of their jokes became funny to me and soon I joined in on the humor.

After a while I could weave together a tapestry of obscenities that would make a pig blush. I was the center of attention and GOD didn’t like it!

• When my heart has evil in it, my mouth will soon follow.
• When my heart has evil in it, my words will be filthy.
• When my heart has evil in it, my actions will match my words.

Fitting in or following GOD is always the difficult choice. I chose to fit in and wound up on a very lonely road.  When problems arose, the crowd left because I hadn’t served anyone but myself.  How did I get here?

• GOD says plant “whatever is true” in my heart and I will have great results.
• GOD says plant “whatever is noble: in my heart and I will always take the high road.
• GOD says plant “whatever is right” in my heart and my lips will not house lies.
• GOD says plant “whatever is pure” in my heart and my words will honestly be clean.

If garbage goes in my eyes and ears, then that’s what comes out.  The more I hang around the wrong conversations, the more I spit out the filth and poison I’ve planted in my heart. I’ll try to justify by saying all people sin, but GOD wants more. HE wants me to clean up my act and follow HIS ways.

• Are your words filthy?
• Do your words have a touch of poison in them towards “that” person?
• How many times have you complained today?
• Can you stay away from the gossipy, lustful, greedy, complain filled poisonous conversations today?
• Will you speak about GOD’s greatness instead?