Barriers Removed

Barriers Removed

Hebrews 11: ²⁹ It was faith that made the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the water swallowed them up.

 

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“But I don’t know anything about the business side” was my nervous response when offered a position I was unfamiliar. My entire career had been spent in technology and I was now being asked to move into operating the business from a nontechnical view. “Don’t worry about it” was the response. They cleared all barriers to getting the position.

 

• I felt I did not have the skills to do the position.
• I wondered why I was chosen for the position.
• I nervously stepped into the position and made it safely through.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives a strange example of faith. He mentions the Israelites “ability” to cross the Red Sea as if on dry land, while the Egyptians could not. Many of the Israelites were nervous and later they complained about Moses and ultimately, GOD. Yet GOD protected them.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protects me in spite of my doubt, fears and worries.
• GOD knew I would mess up and HE protects me anyway.
• GOD sees all hearts and protects me from those who try to stop me from serving HIM.

 

Serving GOD pleases HIM, but causes the enemy to get upset. I mean, when I put my mind and heart into action for doing something meaningful for CHRIST, GOD gets excited. Unfortunately, it causes me to rile up Satan who, in turn, tries to place obstacles in my way. BUT GOD sees the obstacles and removes them.

 

It is not because I am faithful and sinless, it’s because HE is faithful and sinless. JESUS faced every temptation I could ever face and more. HE did not sin when tempted and was murdered by HIS own creation. HE was raised from the dead and provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live in those who believe in HIM. HE did it all and did not rely on my faulty faithfulness. I am glad GOD is faithful to me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention faith when it came to the unfaithful Israelites?
• Have you ever sinned and were nervous about receiving punishment from GOD?
• Are you doubting HIS love for you because of your current situation?
• Will you believe in HIS power over your situation and believe HE is faithful to you even though you cannot possibly be faithful to HIM because we are all sinners?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please protect this reader from his or her thinking. Please guide us from worry, fear and doubt. Show us YOUR faithfulness, especially when we are unfaithful. Thank YOU! amen

Remove Obstacles

Remove Obstacles

1 Corinthians 9: ¹² If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we have an even greater right?

 

But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ. ¹³ Surely you know that the men who work in the Temple get their food from the Temple and that those who offer the sacrifices on the altar get a share of the sacrifices. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord has ordered that those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.

 

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“But I don’t have any money to get there” was my statement. “Don’t worry about that, we will pay for you to get there” was the reply from the company. “But I don’t have a place to live” was my reluctant reply. “Don’t worry. We will put you in a hotel for a couple of weeks to find a place.” I had no other barriers so I took the job.

 

• I have seen the world remove barriers when it came to making money.
• I have seen the world remove any excuse for not getting something accomplished.
• I have seen the world remove any obstacle to the success it wants to achieve.

 

Paul speaks about “those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.” He speaks about the Law of Moses that GOD put into place stating those who tend to the temple are able to eat part of the sacrifice. In other words, they received part of the donation. But Paul did not force this right.

 

• GOD wants me to remove barriers to hearing HIS word.
• GOD wants me to remove excuses to listening to the Gospel of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to remove obstacles to following CHRIST as the Savior.

 

Removing obstacles requires additional sacrifice to help immature or blind people see. I mean, when I cannot grasp how to do something, I sometimes need an example to show me how it is done, then I can do it willingly. GOD removed an impossible to overcome obstacle for me.

 

HE needed a sinless human to die for the sins of humans. JESUS, being GOD the SON, volunteered. HE became a human, was tempted in every way and did not sin. HE was murdered and was raised from the dead as the risen Savior. I am grateful HE removed this obstacle so now I can have an everlasting relationship with HIM.

 

• Are you within your rights, but these rights may be a barrier?
• Are you at a decision point where you have to choose GOD or “the right” which could be an obstacle?
• Will you temporarily remove any obstacle to seeing or hearing GOD so “those people” will someday mature to follow HIM on their own?

Another Route

Another Route

Acts 19: ⁸ Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

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“There is no way to get there” were the sad words. “I’ll take you was my response. The roads were icy so many of them were closed. I tried the normal routes, only to be met with barriers. A thought popped in my head. “Try a route that is slightly unorthodox.” The back roads were open and even more treacherous. After much prayer and passing over 100 overturned trucks and cars, we made it. Now I had to make it home.

• There were times when it seemed impossible to get to the destination.
• There were times when it seemed like barriers kept popping up and I would never reach the goal.
• There were times when I felt like giving up, but was too deep into the journey to stop.

Paul spoke in the synagogue because it seemed like the right place to discuss the Messiah. He tried to reason with the church goers for months, but the crowd became obstinate. Paul and the disciples moved their gathering to a lecture hall where they could speak freely about JESUS being the Messiah. This was a better route.

• GOD wants me to know there will be barriers to speaking about HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that obstacles will be placed in front of me.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to provide another route to bring people to HIM.

Sometimes it feels hopeless, especially when the obstacles pile up all at once. BUT GOD shows HIS great plan and somehow clears the right path for me to follow. Time after time HE has provided when I could see no provision. I am amazed at HIS love.

• Are you facing an overwhelming number of obstacles?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you allow GOD to show you another route so you can see HIS power today?

Easy to Believe

Luke 11: ⁴⁵ Then one of the lawyers answered and said to Him, “Teacher, by saying these things You reproach us also.”

⁴⁶ And He said, “Woe to you also, lawyers! For you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. ⁴⁷ Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. ⁴⁸ In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. ⁴⁹ Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,’ ⁵⁰ that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, ⁵¹ from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.

⁵² “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

⁵³ And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, ⁵⁴ lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.

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“All you need to do is believe that JESUS died for your sins and is raised from the dead” someone told me. It was very exciting to hear. I was so excited that I wanted to do more. I read about GOD, sang about HIM and attended gatherings about HIM regularly.

But when it was my turn to tell someone about HIM I gave them my list. “Go to church, give when it hurts, stop sinning and study only the Bible.”

• There were times when I added hurdles to getting to GOD.
• There were times when I added steps to getting to GOD.
• There were times when I had people do things I could not even accomplish.

JESUS blasts the lawyers of the church for holding people to a standard they could not keep. HE saw through their controlling methods that forced people to look at GOD as impossible to please. HE said the blood of the prophets will fall on those who hinder the kingdom.

• GOD wants me to know that a relationship with GOD is “free” in spite of what blind greedy people will say.
• GOD wants me to know HE took care of everything in spite of the messages that make people “try harder.”
• GOD wants me to know that HIS power is permanent in spite of my thoughts that my sin is greater than HIS grace.

Adding burdens to JESUS’s salvation is probably one of the largest crimes GOD will remember. HE wants me to give a simple message that HE loves HIS creation and the worthiness of the relationship comes from HIM. Since HE said “MY grace is sufficient” then is all I need.

• What burdens are you putting on others in order for them to “believe” in GOD?
• Do you think your rigor is a standard for which others should meet?
• Can you stop adding “your” burdens on others and give them a simple message of HIS love today?

Overcoming Barriers

Mark 4: ¹³ And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? ¹⁴ The sower sows the word. ¹⁵ And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;¹⁷ and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble. ¹⁸ Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, ¹⁹ and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

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Station four was my nemesis. It was the part of the obstacle course that I could not overcome. The gym teacher required that I do ten pullups before moving on to the rest of the course. “Ten? I can’t even do one!” I said to myself.

• Sometimes life feels like a huge obstacle course.
• Sometimes life has big things in it that seem hard to overcome.
• Sometimes life deals out difficulties that seem impossible to overcome.

Ailments, broken relationships, poor grades, job pressures, job loss and death of loved ones are a few obstacles that have kept me from shouting from the mountain that GOD is awesome! I mean how awesome is HE when I am standing out in the rain, getting soaked waiting on a bus? GOD wants me to get stronger.

• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see Satan trying to steal GOD’s promise of peace and his attempt to replace it with worry.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to understand there will be tribulation and persecution so I need to prepare myself.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to know I am susceptible to lust of money, lust of power, and lust in general.

When I feel scared, worried, lustful or judgmental, GOD wants me to get my answers from HIM instead of acting on impulse. HE enables me to see that in the middle of a trial, I can still bear fruit for HIM. HE wants me to quiet down, seek HIS face for direction and actually go where HE leads me. There is where I will find fruit for HIS kingdom!

• Have you given up on GOD?
• Do you feel more worried than full of praise?
• Can you look at what GOD has said about your situation in HIS word and act accordingly?
• Will you accept HIS message of peace for you today?

Removing Obstacles

Isaiah 57: ¹⁴ And it will be said:

“Build up, build up, prepare the road!
    Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
¹⁵ For this is what the high and exalted One says—
    he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
    but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.
¹⁶ I will not accuse them forever,
    nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
    the very people I have created.

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Sleep could not find me; rest hid its face as well. I tossed and turned trying to think of how to solve a problem at work and I just could not think of the answer. Suddenly I got the answer in the middle of the night. I was so excited that I got up and wrote down the answer. The next day I went into work only to find the rules had changed and another obstacle was put in place.

• Many times I have faced obstacles.
• Many times the road seemed impossible to travel.
• Many times it seemed like giving up was the best option.

“Why try if ‘they’ are going to make up new rules on the fly?” I thought to myself. I mean sometimes the obstacles seem too large and come too often. Shouldn’t I just run and hide in a cave, never to talk to anyone again? I mean, why try?

• GOD said to me “I will prepare your road for you.”
• GOD said to me “I will remove the obstacles out of your way.”
• GOD said to me “I will revive your spirit for MY sake. I know your sins and I will not accuse your of them forever.”

After the rules changed once too often, the leadership was removed and soon I had a group of people who seemed to be helpful rather than accusatory. I could thrive and the barriers were removed without me lifting a finger. GOD made me realize that I sometimes place barriers in the way of others and I should remove them as much as possible. In spite of being sinful, GOD blesses me anyway.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you stop being angry at GOD for a moment to notice HIS compassion?
• Will you allow HIM to remove the obstacle in HIS time?
• Can you be content with where HE has you until HE removes the barrier you are facing?

Excuses

Judges 6: ¹⁴ The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

¹⁵ “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

¹⁶ The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

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Distracted was the word that described my pitiful efforts. As I floundered through my classes I was stuck in a perpetual “I can’t do it” mode. I had no discipline, resources or focus and people expected me to graduate?! I didn’t even know where to begin.

• When I see nothing but problems ahead I am probably making up excuses.
• When I can’t think and I feel lost I am probably making up excuses.
• When I feel overwhelmed because the task at hand is huge and I feel small I am probably making up excuses.

Back then I couldn’t see how I was going to accomplish the task at hand because I made excuses. Everything was a barrier and I couldn’t find my way around, over or through them.  At one point I just sat in my apartment and stared in despair. BUT GOD had something different in mind.

• GOD says “Go in strength” meaning not my strength but HIS.
• GOD says “I am sending you” meaning HIS plan will work no matter what I will encounter.
• GOD says “I will be with you” meaning HE will be with me!

It is never my plans that succeed rather it is GOD’s plan that will never fail. When HE says “go” I must listen. When HE says “I will be with you” I should drop my fear and know HE is there to protect me. GOD tells me to “go in the strength I have” for in my weakness HE is strongest!

• Are you trying to do things with your own power?
• Do you have a very large task facing you?
• Won’t you ask GOD to take over your plan?
• Can you add trust to your plan?

Is the obstacle a test?

Judges 3 These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan² (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):

³ the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. ⁴ They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” ran through my mind on my second and a half job out of college.  It seemed like I would get hired, but not elevated.  “What’s the problem?” I asked someone.  They gave me some tips that I followed to the letter, still no promotion. In fact many people gave me tips here and there and nothing happened.

Finally I met a few mentors who taught me how to face obstacles with resiliency. I got promoted.

• When I want things to come to me easy I have a wrong expectation.
• When I give up too early because it is too hard I have a wrong expectation.
• When I want to sit back and let the plan work itself out I have a wrong expectation.

Obstacles seem to pop up at the worst time and I used to think the Devil was the cause of problems and GOD was in charge of solutions, but I left one person out of the equation, me.

• GOD sometimes wants me to grow so HE places obstacles in my way that I can handle.
• GOD allows me to face the consequences of my sin here on earth so I won’t have to face eternal consequences.
• GOD uses obstacles to get my attention when I have forgotten about HIM or when I think I can survive on my own.

There is a way that seems right to me, but the way of the LORD is far above my thinking. Instead of running away from the obstacle, I must face it no matter how large it may seem because GOD has a plan for it.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Do you think GOD has left you on your own?
• Can you stop sulking about the obstacle for a moment and look to GOD’s power?
• Won’t you recognize where your talent and abilities come from and thank GOD for the gifts HE has given you?

Threatening GOD

Deuteronomy 1: ²⁹ Then I said to you, “Don’t be terrified. Don’t be afraid of them. ³⁰ The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will fight for you. With your own eyes you saw how he fought for you in Egypt.

³¹ “You also saw how the Lord your God brought you through the desert. He carried you everywhere you went, just as a father carries his son. And now you have arrived here.”

³² In spite of that, you didn’t trust in the Lord your God.

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For months our lives were put on hold.  Every decision was based on the possibility of moving to a new city “if” I got the top position in the company. I felt extremely nervous during the interview and did not get the position. I do remember pouting.

“LORD, what’s the purpose of being ‘good’ if nothing comes out of it? I’m done serving!” I said during my tantrum. Little did I know HE had much better things in mind for me and I was busy making HIM an enemy!

• When I have trials placed in front of me I sometimes pout.
• When I have obstacles placed in front of me I sometimes kick and scream at GOD.
• When I am not getting “my” way I sometimes throw a tantrum, threatening GOD in the process.

Like a four year old who wants to run away from home I looked around and realized, where will I go? I mean everything and everywhere and everyone is HIS. You would think I would become rational at that realization. Instead I thought, “well, YOU are GOD, of course ‘YOU’ would say don’t be terrified and don’t be afraid, but I’m human what can I do?”

• GOD says “TRUST in the LORD with all your heart in all your ways and do not lean to your own understanding.”
• GOD says “Put aside childish things” and “have faith in your GOD for I delivered you.”
• GOD says “the fear of GOD is the beginning of wisdom.”

In other words, why am I yelling at GOD for not getting my way?  GOD has a better plan that I could never dream up.  HIS ways are solid and I can be free to be “me”, not what everyone expects me to be. I don’t have to threaten HIM or coerce HIM into getting something I probably didn’t want in the first place.

GOD knows what’s best. HE wants a solid “trust” from me. I Believe!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you ready to throw in the towel because life is getting difficult?
• Why do you have to be convinced over and over that GOD is faithful?
• Won’t you get rid of you pride of needing GOD to prove HIMSELF and show HIM your trust?

Waiting for something?

Genesis 29: ²⁰ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

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Patience has never been an attribute of mine. I would wake my parents at two o’clock in the morning asking about Christmas. When I started college I wanted to be finished so I could start working! Yeah, I think I’m crazy too. It seemed like the days and hours would drag by and when I looked at the clock, time would stand still! Seems like trials are the same way.

• When I really want something that seems unobtainable I pout as I wait on it.
• When I really want something but it’s not the right time I get impatient dreaming about it.
• When I really want something right now that isn’t going to be available for a while I get frustrated.

Just because I want something doesn’t mean I am ready for it. I remember wanting a management position but I had never managed anyone. When I got the opportunity I found it harder than I thought. I am glad I only had a small group so I could mature.

• GOD has told me to wait many times so I could get fully prepared to handle HIS plan.
• GOD has slowed me down many times because HE knows I would have stepped out too fast with things incomplete.
• GOD has placed obstacles in front of me to grow me for the task otherwise I would be too weak to handle the problems I will face.

Patience is definitely a virtue and whether I like it or not it is something GOD wants me to have. With patience, better things happen to everyone involved. Not only do I grow others do as well.

• Are you waiting for something to happen?
• Are you losing your hope?
• Can you understand that GOD wants you to keep on going to get stronger?
• Won’t you focus on HIS strengthening instead of looking at gloom?

GOD is with you through the tough times

Genesis 15: After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.

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As I sat at my desk I calculated just how much work I had to do to get the project finished.  My boss seemed to care less about our health and well being and just wanted everything done. I actually thought this was going to be the place I was going to retire from.  I tried to look at my future but the more I looked at it the more frightened I became. What was I going to do?

• When things look difficult I can only see problems.
• When situations get tough I get blinded by my circumstances and I fret about the outcome.
• When obstacles are placed in front of me I think there is no way out and I get frightened.

One problem with looking into the future is I don’t own it. In other words I have never been in the future so why do I think it is going to be as bad as my mind is making it.  Looking back on the many times I have been scared about situations I realize GOD brought me through them and made me a bit stronger.

• GOD said “Do not be afraid” for HE alone holds the future.
• GOD said “I am your shield” so anything that will harm my soul will be guarded by HIM.
• GOD said “I am your great reward” so instead of thinking of the solution to my circumstance I should be thinking about how GOD is using this to grow me.

Life has its difficult moments and GOD knows I will be frightened about the future BUT HE wants me to focus on HIM rather than the circumstance to grow me and mature me in areas HE knows I need to grow.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you believe you need to grow?
• Can you understand that GOD knows you and loves you deeply?
• Won’t you let go of your fears and allow GOD to grow you today?

Persevere – Keep Going – Don’t Stop!

Revelation 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

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Challenges seemed to be easy for me years ago.  I once stayed at work for 36 hours straight to meet a deadline. Now it seems like challenges want to get the best of me.  I entered a marathon and it seemed like every practice run, no matter how short, was a chance to give up.

I also run a small business and there are days when the challenges mount and I want to give up. Is there any way to remain fueled?

• When a challenge gets put in front of me then it seems like more challenges pile on.
• When an obstacle gets put in my way it seems like my plans fall apart.
• When a situation occurs it seems like GOD doesn't care and HE is only concerned with the after-life, not “my life.”

GOD knew this life would be challenging for me before HE made the world.  HE knew I would need salvation yet HE created me anyway. Please don’t misunderstand, GOD is pure love and wants the best for me and HE also knows this life is going to be difficult.

• When mankind sinned, GOD cursed the Earth, space and everything I can see or touch.
• When mankind sinned, it broke my relationship with GOD and now I need a savior.
• When mankind sinned, it made life difficult and many times I want to give up.

BUT GOD knows my deeds! GOD knows how difficult this life can be and HE wants me to persevere! HE says keep going, do not quit, do not spot! HE says “I know your deeds” and just knowing that HE knows fills me up. HE expects me to not grow weary because HE is my fuel.

With GOD on my side, how can I fail? HE is the source of strength for anyone who wants to keep going.

• Are you getting tired?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Won’t you stop trying under your own might and ask GOD what HE wants for you?
• Can you pursue your dreams while including GOD?
• Won’t you stop your complaints for a moment to see HIS blessings?

Crossing the finish line feels great!

Acts 28:  ²⁸ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” ²⁹After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.

 ³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

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Rounding the bend I could hear cheering off in the distance but I couldn’t see anyone. My legs were so tired and I was out of breath, I felt like giving up! Finally as I turned the corner I could see the crowd and I got a little renewed energy to continue.

The distance was no longer an obstacle and adrenaline shot through my body. “Maybe I can finish”, I thought. As I crossed the finish line from the race I had just run, it was exhilarating!

• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that sometimes seems too difficult to finish.
• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that seems like the enemy is winning and I am alone.
• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that seems full of obstacles that hinder me.

Paul had been wrongfully jailed and told to “shut up” his persistent discussions about JESUS. The message he presented caused riots amongst those who could not accept the Gospel. Paul appealed his sentence all the way up to Caesar and was able to present the Great News about JESUS to a much greater crowd.

After all the pain he went through, Paul was finally able to live amongst those who wanted to hear the message GOD sent. He had crossed the finish line “with boldness and without hindrance.”

• When an obstacle appears, GOD enables me to finish strong by going around it.
• When enemies attack, GOD enables me to remain in the race by praying for them.
• When life seems too difficult, GOD enables me to see HIS power as HE removes harmful things from my hands.

Freedom is what we all aspire to have and one day it is coming, but until then I would rather be chained to GOD and finish the race than continuing down a losing path.

• Are you trapped?
• Do you feel closed in?
• Can you connect your plans to GOD and finish HIS way?
• Are you willing to start over and try GOD’s plan this time?
• Are you willing to “lose” your life so you can “gain” it back, this time more fully?

The plan for evil will fail against me.

Acts 23: ²⁵ He wrote a letter as follows:

 ²⁶ Claudius Lysias,

   To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

   Greetings.

 ²⁷ This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.

²⁹ I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him that deserved death or imprisonment. ³⁰ When I was informed of a plot to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers to present to you their case against him.

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Rumbles of headcount reductions rippled through the organization stifling any productivity. Rumors of who was going to stay or go had many paralyzed. Some of my peers resorted to “slander” as their defense and they even attacked me just as the nation had been attacked by terrorists just weeks before.

I got a phone call that said, “I would like for you to come with me to the west coast.” Wow, they chose me over those who were trying to slander me!

• I will never know how many evil plots GOD has protected me from.
• I will never know how often GOD steps in to keep HIS plan intact.
• I will never know how GOD uses someone’s evil plan to complete HIS good and perfect plan.

Paul was defenseless against the plot to kill him. His message of JESUS’ salvation threatened the lifestyles of the Sanhedrin rulers and forty men vowed to not eat until Paul was killed. GOD intervened and had believers and those who did not believe in JESUS, help Paul to safety.

In other words GOD said, “MY plan for Paul isn’t finished!” HE does the same for me.  There is no evil plot that can go against me until GOD’s plan for me is complete. Yes, some lies against me may work for a minute and I may fall down a couple of times with their sin and sins of my own, BUT GOD’s plan cannot be stopped!

• GOD’s plan for me is definite.
• GOD’s plan for me is unpolluted.
• GOD’s plan for me is impenetrable by evil so I can have no fear of failing!

Every plot against me will fall back on the plotter, maybe not right away, but it will. I don’t need to see the revenge, I just have to believe GOD’s plan is great!

• What is GOD’s plan for you?
• Are you being attacked?
• Can you realize that your attacker means evil BUT GOD will use the plot for good?

Why “not” me?

Acts 21: 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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Tired from a hard day’s work I just wanted to get home.  I made it from the train to my car and noticed my car had been dented and the window broken out.  “Not my tapes” I thought to myself. (Yes I mean cassette tapes!)

The music I meticulously collected for years was now gone. GOD, “Why me?”

• When I started following GOD I expected nothing to go wrong in my life.
• When I started following GOD I expected things to go smooth.
• When I started following GOD I expected never to be in pain again.

Wow was I wrong about my expectations of GOD.  I thought by believing in JESUS, my problems would be gone. It seems to be quite the opposite. 

• When I live for GOD, many obstacles will get in my way.
• When I live for GOD, the road will become more difficult.
• When I live for GOD, there will be times where it seems like the entire world is against me.

Life is not fair and I should expect difficulty when I live for CHRIST.  I’m not saying that GOD wants life to be harder, rather HE understands that all people choose to go their own way which causes a problem in the relationship with HIM.  I run away from humility, love, kindness, joy and compassion and run towards lust, envy, jealousy, anger and the things GOD doesn’t want me to have and the world loves me.

When I leave the things alone that the world wants me to have I suddenly find myself in a fight. The more I tell people about the great news about JESUS, the more angry the world becomes because it wants to hold onto sin tightly. I have a new expectation namely I expect the world to be mad at me for trying to follow GOD.

• Are you stuck in your sin?
• Are you trying to live for GOD but are trying to keep your sin too?
• Are things going wrong now that you have chosen to live for GOD?
• Won’t you choose to live for GOD through difficult times?

Are you serving “your way” or “GOD’s way?”

Romans 16: 17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

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What does it mean “to divide or put obstacles in someone’s way”? Thinking back on how I treated people I can say I have done both and the results weren’t pretty. Division means sticking to “a side” to an argument without developing a “win-win” solution.

• When I use my own logic I quickly jump to “a side” versus watching GOD change the situation.
• When I try to get my way I don’t listen to GOD when he is speaking through my adversary.
• When I try to spread my argument to others I divide people and collide with GOD.

 Obstacle building means blocking ideas or placing unnecessary hurdles in the way for the purpose of killing the idea.

• When I “fold my arms” and refuse to help I am building an obstacle.
• When I develop rules that are hard for others to follow I am building an obstacle.
• When I heap high expectations on people I am building an obstacle.
• When I refuse to communicate clearly and want people to read my mind I am building an obstacle.

 GOD wants me to spread unity even though it may mean not getting my way. Trusting in GOD means letting HIM deal with people who are not following HIS words the way HE intended. Trust me; HE has dealt with me on numerous occasions.

• Are you dividing people at work, home or church?
• Why are you trying so hard to be heard or get your way?
• Can you serve the person who is going down the “wrong path?”

Decide “not” to be an obstacle to someone’s success

Romans 14: 13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

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My actions may have caused a few people to stumble along the way. I just wanted to have fun I thought. We played drinking games that led to getting drunk which led to people dropping their inhibitions which sometimes led to fights or sex depending on the evening. My innocent party led to others stumbling in the wrong way.

I’m not saying don’t drink, there are too many arguments over alcohol, but I am saying that I must think through all of my actions no matter how innocent.

• I choose not to show kids rated “R” movies, there are enough attacks on their sexuality.
• I choose not to drink any longer, I have friends who struggle with alcoholism.
• I choose not to curse any longer, I have friends who have negative words constantly hurled at them.
• I choose not to let fear get the best of me, the situations of the world are frightening enough for many.

My choice is just what it is… “Mine.” Just because I don’t do certain things anymore doesn’t make me any holier or special to GOD. I was already special enough when I was in the middle of my sins that HE allowed HIS SON to take my consequences. Please don’t think of my acts as being weak in faith though.

• GOD is pleased when I give up certain pleasures for faith.
• GOD is delighted when I purposefully stop sinning to help someone else get through their trials.
• GOD is excited when I stop judging a person because of their religious practices and I show them CHRIST by example “and” word.

As I finished the chapter I noticed these words “19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” “Every effort” for peace with each other means someone has to go first. While I still sin, I choose to be the one who brings peace to relationships by doing things for GOD.

• Are your acts causing someone to stumble?
• Does what you are doing seem innocent?
• If what you are doing is a sin, can you cut it out to help someone else?
• What are the consequences of you holding onto your “pet sin?”