Preparing for Change

Preparing for Change

Genesis 35: ² And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. ³ Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” ⁴ So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

 

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Jacob was told to go to Bethel, the place where GOD showed him a great ladder where angels were descending and ascending. Over the years, Jacob picked up many people as servants, who had varying beliefs. He told everyone, including Rachel, to get rid of the foreign gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had finally placed all of his trust in the LORD.
• Jacob saw the power of GOD’s protection in the past and did not want to do anything to upset the balance.
• Jacob finally saw value in purifying, getting rid of foreign gods and cleaning up to see GOD.

 

As if to say “You can’t just show up any old way,” Jacob told everyone to prepare to meet GOD. He did not want a single person to show any kind of opposition to GOD. He had been in distress before and was facing a larger problem.

 

He ran from one person before. He ran from Esau and ran from Laban, but this time he could not run from a reputation of being a murderer and a thief of an entire city. This label would need GOD’s intervention. He prepared his group to be as reverent, outwardly, as possible.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s instructions to his entire household?
• What preparation have you done to turn to GOD?
• Is this a time that you should purify yourself to hear GOD’s pending instructions for your next steps?

 

Patient Hope

 

Patient Hope

Romans 8: ²² For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. ²³ But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. ²⁴ For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

 

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Standing out in the snow, I leaned my head in the street. There was a certain headlight I was looking for that would bring me comfort. I was waiting on a bus and it seemed like it would never come. I knew it was on its way, but I looked for those headlights, as if to will the bus to come faster. The snow came down harder and I simply had to wait.

 

• There have been many times when I hoped for something to arrive a little faster.
• There have been many times when I knew something was on its way, but I could not see it.
• There have been many times when I felt miserable waiting, yet I could not do anything else.

 

Paul switches from creation to humans in his explanation of how everyone and everything is waiting on GOD to reveal HIS children. He says “We who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free.” He then explains that it was hope that saved us and it is hope that will keep us waiting in patience.

 

• GOD gives me patience by believing HE has the situation taken care of.
• GOD provides for me when I cannot see what I am looking for.
• GOD delivers me out of the darkness, even though I sometimes feel like I am stumbling.

 

“Wait on the LORD” are some tough words to swallow. I mean, cant HE just come back and get all this over with? GOD wants the full number of those who will believe in JESUS to be accounted for. Since we are all still here, I have to patiently wait.

 

GOD is gracious in my waiting. HE gives me purpose to reach those who HE sends me to so they can be added to that number. I cannot make JESUS return any faster, but I can serve HIM with hope and patience until HE does.

 

• Are you weary from waiting?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS and stop looking at the current situation that GOD has already taken care of?

Confusion Explained

Confusion Explained

Acts 1: ⁹ Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

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“Can I help you?” was the question posed to me. Without letting me ask any questions another statement followed. “I see some confusion on your face and I am here to help.” Was I that transparent? Yes! I was frozen and did not know how to proceed. I was glad to have someone who cared.

• Many times I have been stuck and did not know what to do.
• Many times I was amazed at GOD for a moment, but stood frozen not knowing what to do the next day.
• Many times I saw incredible things GOD has done and did not know what to do next.

The disciples witnessed JESUS taken up into a cloud. Was this the same cloud JESUS used in the days of Moses? What will happen next? There were probably many questions on their minds. Two angels appeared and explained that the disciples should move on with their lives after seeing this marvelous event.

• GOD guides me after incredible events.
• GOD sends me after life-changing situations.
• GOD clears up my confusion because HE wants me to succeed.

When facing really difficult times, then out of nowhere, seeing GOD perform something incredible, it can cause confusion. BUT GOD is not the author of confusion. HE clears things up and guides those, who listen to HIM, on a journey towards abundant life.

GOD gives hope to the hopeless. “JESUS will return just as HE left” is the message of hope GOD gave to the disciples and all who believe in HIM. This incredible account fills many with hope and the everlasting water flows from all who accept the call. I am grateful for being sent.

• Have you experienced hearing from GOD but are now confused?
• Do you feel filled up one minute and empty the next?
• Will you let GOD clear up confusion and accept HIS journey HE has for you today?

Ignoring Signs

Ignoring Signs

John 20: ³⁰ And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

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Making great time, I kept my foot on the pedal. I must have shaved three or four hours off of my trip. As I approached a local road I was met with signs that stated a twenty five mile per hour limit. “You have got to be kidding!” I said to myself. I looked around and all the other drivers were creeping along at this snail’s pace. Ignoring all the signs, I kept at my pace. The ticket was very expensive.

• I have ignored many signs in my life.
• I have closed my eyes to signs that I should have paid attention to.
• I have been told something, ignored what I was told and faced consequence.

JESUS did many supernatural things that cannot be comprehended. HE wasn’t doing slight of hand, nor was HE using some evil mysticism. JESUS healed the blind, cured the sick and opened the mouths of the mute so they could proclaim HIM as THE CHRIST, the one and only Savior.

• JESUS wants me to believe I need a Savior.
• JESUS wants me to believe I need HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE still does miracles every day, but it takes spiritual eyes to see them.

It takes more work to ignore GOD than to see HIM. In fact, the more humans ignore GOD, the worse humanity will get. Each human based solution to problems that are spiritual will only make matters worse. GOD centered solutions are different.

JESUS said “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of MY followers, you will surely be rewarded.” The solution isn’t the focus, rather “why” the problem is being solved. GOD wants me to give to people, pray for people, be with people so HE can be seen. JESUS did many signs in my life, I am grateful I can see them without ignoring them.

• Are you ignoring what GOD has done in your life?
• Are you busy giving credit to humans or seeking credit for yourself?
• Will you look at all the incredible signs in your life and believe JESUS is your Savior and you need HIM today?

Joining the mob

Joining the mob

John 18: ³⁹ “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

⁴⁰ Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

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Hearing the cheering made me want to cheer. It was my first college football game and I could feel the excitement in the stadium. Years later I was in a group who complained, a lot. After a while I felt myself wanting to do the same. My verbiage had turned negative. I could feel the intensity in the building.

 

• I used to join in based on what was going on around me.
• I used to get emotionally involved even when I did not have all the facts.
• I used to absorb the energy of the crowd, even when the crowd was going in the wrong direction.

Pilate asked who he should release, JESUS or a known felon named Barabbas. The crowd did not care about prophecy concerning the Messiah coming to save the world. Nor did they care that JESUS was innocent. They began chanting “Barabbas” with the same excitement as being at a game. I wonder if I would have joined in.

• JESUS wants me to have a solid relationship with HIM so I cannot be swayed by misinformation.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM daily so I cannot be fooled by deception.
• JESUS wants me to hear HIS voice through all the world’s chanting.

The world can be quite noisy. Cause after cause points out the misgivings of others daily. One cause pulls and the other pushes. BUT GOD wants me to seek HIM, not causes. HE wants me to listen to what JESUS did and explain to others HE is my Savior.

HE wants me to see beyond those who seek power, even in churches. GOD shows who sincerely seeks HIM and who wants HIS SON as their savior. HE sends me to them or them to me. GOD gives me purpose to reach those whom only I can reach.

• Are you following the crowd?
• Do you have less belief in GOD and more belief in the news?
• Will you give your life over to GOD and seek HIM daily so you can hear HIS small still voice?

Nice Skyline

Matthew 24: Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. ² “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

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Wonder filled my eyes as I approached the city on the train. I had been downtown many times, but this time I was there to see the sights by myself. I looked up in amazement. “What wonderful buildings!” I thought to myself.

• I love cities with nice architecture.
• I admire those who can plan buildings and execute putting them in place.
• I enjoy visiting cities with buildings that look like art.

Around the world I have seen buildings built with magnificent prowess. JESUS’s disciples were trying to get HIM to notice the magnificent buildings of the time, probably in awe of human accomplishment. JESUS explains what will happen to the buildings.

• JESUS says to me “Everything you do on earth is temporary except with humans.”
• JESUS says to me “Every project you build on earth will be thrown away, except those concerning humans.”
• JESUS says to me “Every accomplishment that makes humans point to other humans will be brought down, for I AM the way.”

There is something amazing about seeing a nice skyline. BUT GOD has a greater place planned for me. In other words, if I thought humans could build magnificence, wait until I see what GOD can do!. JESUS referred to HIMSELF as the temple that would be torn down and raised back up in three days. I need to admire HIS beauty alone!

• Do you admire what people do and accomplish?
• Do you want to be admired?
• Can you stop wanting the spotlight or shining the light on humans and start pointing at JESUS?

An Incredible Find

Matthew 13: ⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

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Incredibly, JESUS uses money as an analogy to Heaven. I guess it’s because money presses against humans from all sides and is sometimes my highest worry. HE knew just how to get through to people to enable them to gain understanding.

• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is far more valuable than any currency in the world.
• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is extremely rich and well worth everything I have here on earth.
• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is a wonderful find.

Finding GOD is an indescribable feeling. It is like a weight lifted from my soul. I mean when I lose my way, I always have a way back. GOD provides in incredible abundance but sometimes in ways I cannot see.

I noticed the second parable discusses the person who was “looking” for fine pearls. Those who seek GOD shall find HIM.

• Are you looking for something else?
• What are you looking for?
• Can you seek GOD today and delight in HIM?

Looking and Listening

Matthew 13: ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. ¹⁷ For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

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Seeing and hearing GOD are two things that eluded me for the longest. I just wanted to hear the movie like voice, booming through the clouds. I also desired to see the hand people always paint, reaching down to pick me up. Wouldn’t seeing and hearing make me believe more?

• My faith in GOD has sometimes been small.
• My faith in GOD has sometimes been mixed in with fear and doubt.
• My faith in GOD has sometimes had a dangerous mix of “prove YOURSELF.”

“If YOU are GOD, then why don’t YOU…” has been a thought that has popped into my mind This thought is one that I have learned is the most dangerous one to entertain. It questions HIS being, authority and love. It also introduces my doubt which leads me to need for HIM to boom HIS voice and reach down in ways my small faith can understand.

• GOD shows me HIS hand when HE feeds me daily.
• GOD talks to me through HIS word and HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD gives me purpose of spreading HIS word to those who can hear it.

Every day GOD shows me something and says a lot to me. HE takes my fears, doubts and worries and transforms them into faith, love and peace. HE walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. Now I expect to be attacked and I also expect that GOD will protect.

• Are you looking tor GOD?
• Do you want a sign from HIM?
• Can you seek HIS face in a different way by seeking to do HIS will?
• Will you listen for HIM by reading HIS word today?

Sit and Wait

Isaiah 18: ⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:
    “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place,
like shimmering heat in the sunshine,
    like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

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“Heal my eyes since you are GOD” was my tempt of HIS power. I had just come from a conference and was very young in my quest for knowledge of GOD. I went to bed as prescribed and woke up to the normal blurry vision I always had. They said “Ask for anything and I will receive it” why didn’t YOU do what I said. Silence was GOD’s reply.

Years later, while using an electric saw, a large object popped up and hit my glasses. I was not wearing safety goggles because it was only a quick cut. Thank GOD for needing glasses!

• Sometimes GOD is silent to me.
• Sometimes GOD remains quiet when I request something.
• Sometimes GOD says nothing when I ask HIM for stuff.

Since I do not know GOD’s thoughts, I sometimes ask for stuff that may throw the entire plan off. When I pout about not hearing from HIM, it just shows how little I trust in HIS glorious plan. Even when I make something an emergency in my mind, HE sometimes sits and shows me that it wasn’t as urgent as I made it.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM for the long haul, not just in short bursts.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM in the middle of the storm, not after.
• GOD wants me to trust that HE has a purpose for HIS silence and HE will deliver me when and how HE chooses.

GOD’s silence is good, but sometimes difficult to swallow. HE grows my faith in HIM and helps me focus only on today.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Is your faith waning because you have not heard from GOD?
• Will you allow GOD to perform HIS miracles in HIS time?
• Will you take GOD’s silence as an opportunity to grow your trust instead of growing your blame?

Filled with Wonder

Isaiah 4: ² In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. ³ Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. ⁴ The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. ⁵ Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. ⁶ It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.

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As I looked at this passage this morning I noticed that I was left out. I’m not saying that I’m not included in the promises. I am saying I don’t have anything to do but sit here and watch.

• The LORD will be beautiful and glorious.
• The LORD will wash away the filth, HE will cleanse bloodstains.
• The LORD will create.

Sometimes I think GOD is just sitting around doing nothing but watching HIS experiment to see if I will make it out of the maze of life. As I sin, it equates to running into a wall and if I get lost it is similar to going into a dead end section of the maze. BUT GOD wants me to take off my blinders.

• GOD wants me to see only HIS glory so I won’t use my own.
• GOD wants me to see only HIS power so I won’t think I need any of mine.
• GOD wants me to see only HIS promises so I won’t get caught up pouting over what I don’t have.

Looking at GOD does not always mean looking at the answer guy who just sits and waits to fix my problems. HE is the way, the truth and the life. GOD is active in my life on a daily basis. Minute by minute HE is there. Sometimes I just need to see only HIM and nothing else.

• Can you look at GOD today?
• Will you seek only HIS face and try to please HIM?
• Will you ask HIM to show HIS might today?

Looking in the Right Place

Psalm 123: ¹ I lift up my eyes to you,
    to you who sit enthroned in heaven.
² As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
    as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
    till he shows us his mercy.

³ Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us,
    for we have endured no end of contempt.
⁴ We have endured no end
    of ridicule from the arrogant,
    of contempt from the proud.

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One request and one request alone is what I noticed in this passage, “Have mercy on us.” The writer of this Psalm describes the people who are in prayer as “slaves” which I find interesting as well. Here is what I pondered.

• I should look at GOD from a different viewpoint of being elevated instead of being on the same plane.
• I should look to heaven for my cure rather than those around me.
• I should look at my approach to GOD subtracting demands and adding humility.

The request from the writer was not specific at all. It did not have a timeframe, a dollar amount nor a person to get rid of. It just says “Have mercy on us.” This takes all of the control out of the prayer and puts it in GOD’s mighty hand.

• GOD do what YOU will, but show us YOUR mercy.
• GOD flex YOUR might, but show us YOUR mercy.
• GOD provide in YOUR way, but show us YOUR mercy.

Arrogance and pride are the contempt of the LORD. HE threw Satan out of heaven because of Satan’s pride. GOD sees the seed of HIS deliverance and it cannot contain my arrogance upon reception. I cannot boast or brag that I deserve GOD’s deliverance, I can only say “HE had mercy on me.”

I know I have heard the preachers say “GOD is your friend” and “JESUS is my brother” but I am careful to know I need to lift them up and treat the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT with respect rather than any old way. The right place to look at GOD is “up” for HE knows every situation and is in control.

• Are you treating GOD as common?
• Do you think HE is against you?
• Will you elevate GOD to the right place and let HIM “show HIS mercy” on you?
• Will you drop all arrogance and pride and flow with HIS plan?