So They Say

So They Say

1 Corinthians 10: ²³ “We are allowed to do anything,” so they say. That is true, but not everything is good. “We are allowed to do anything”—but not everything is helpful. ²⁴ None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.

 

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“It’s alright to drink” people convinced me as they cited numerous reasons. I cautiously bought in. One night on a business trip, we went out drinking, We drank 18 pitchers of beer between 3 people. I was driving and somehow we made it back to the hotel in one piece.

 

Many messages were at the front desk for us. The 9-1-1 emergency system that we programmed was down and we had to go into work immediately. I was not in a good position to work or drive and I was putting people in danger.

 

• There have been many times when I allowed myself to do anything.
• There have been many times when I bought into things without knowing limits.
• There have been many times when I did not assess if “this” thing was good for me or not.

 

Paul seems to be addressing “fitting in.” “They say” implies there was an argument placed in front of those who were trying to live a life for CHRIST, but did not know how. He agrees, “We are allowed to do anything – but not everything is helpful.”

 

• GOD says to me “I have forgiven you for all your sins.”
• GOD says to me “I have remove your sin from you as far as the east is from the west.”
• GOD says to me “I will wipe away your tears.”

 

JESUS gives me some amazing promises I can truly rely on with no catch. I mean, HE doesn’t say “I forgive you”, then blasts me with “But you didn’t follow the rules that one time on Tuesday at 12:34 PM.” HE truly forgives me. HE then gives me the HOLY SPIRIT, who cannot stand any sin I do, and places HIM inside me to comfort me, instead of judging me.

 

Now, I have a choice. I can feed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, or I can feed the lust inside me. Both are there and are fighting with each other. I can also choose to limit myself or maybe even do without. The HOLY SPIRIT also says to me “forgive” when my flesh wants to hold onto past hurts. I am not good at limits or forgiveness, BUT GOD shows me the way, little by little.

 

• Do you feel free to do anything, but may be doing some harmful things?
• Do you know you are forgiven, yet are blatantly still doing some habits that may not be pleasing to GOD?
• Will you run every thought past GOD so the HOLY SPIRIT will guide you in your actions so the interests of others can be for HIM today?

Unfortunate Unity

Unfortunate Unity

Acts 5: ⁵ Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. ⁶ And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

⁷ Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?”

She said, “Yes, for so much.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ¹⁰ Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. ¹¹ So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

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When pledging to get into an organization, we all agreed to lie and steal on a number of occasions. I mean it was only for a short time. I could do and say what I wanted to as long as I was with the group. I fit in and we made it into the organization. In one meeting, we discovered money was missing. “How could this happen?” we all exclaimed.

• There were times when I showed unity but it was missing something.
• There were times when I showed unity but the actions were not above the level.
• There were times when I showed unity but I did not want to tell everyone why I was unified.

Ananias and Sapphira sold their land like everyone else, but held some money back for themselves and made it look they gave their all. This pledge ended up being a deadly vow they did not have to make. While they showed unity in their marriage, it was missing one key ingredient, namely GOD.

• GOD wants me to have unity in HIS word.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM first before anything else.
• GOD wants me to make attempts to unify under HIM so all efforts will be blessed.

Unity is extremely important to GOD. When two or more people vow to stand for what GOD stands for, incredible things happen. Unfortunately when people act on their own, avoiding GOD’s unity, their promises are not heard and prayers end up falling by the wayside.

GOD wants belief in HIS SON to be unified by HIS followers. HIS power, HIS name and HIS position as GOD are all to be lifted to the highest reverence. Even if one person does not have as much faith as another, unity kicks in when by accepting the statement “I believe but LORD help the part of me that does not believe.” I am glad unity is possible through CHRIST.

• Are you right in a group but wrong in the eyes of GOD?
• Do you believe your efforts are unifying or divisive?
• Will you look to unify all your efforts under the way GOD says versus your solo actions so true success can blossom today?

Giving In

Luke 23: ²⁰ Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again. ²¹ But they kept shouting, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’

²² For the third time he spoke to them: ‘Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.’

²³ But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate decided to grant their demand. ²⁵ He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

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Tired of being alone in the small town, I decided to hang out with coworkers. When we traveled, we ate together and I gave in to drink with them. “C’mon, have a little more” they said. After twenty two pitchers of beer between the three of us, I had to drive back to the hotel. Somehow I made it there but upon arrival the front desk person said “You have a message…The system is down you are being requested to come in.”

• In the past I gave in to what the crowd wanted.
• In the past I gave in to fit in.
• In the past I gave in to something I was against.

Pilate tried to wash his hands of sentencing JESUS to death, but the church leaders had stirred up the crowd so much that he had to acquiesce. He gave in to the crowds wishes and sentenced an innocent man to death and released a murderous rebel.

• GOD wants me to stop comparing my sins in terms of size.
• GOD wants me to do what is right when the time comes to make a decision.
• GOD wants me to stand up for what is right rather than giving in to the crowd.

Standing firm on GOD’s word is sometimes difficult. I mean if the crowd says one thing and I am the only one standing firm on following GOD, then it can feel uncomfortable. BUT GOD protects me and gives me the right words and actions to follow HIS ways. I am grateful for HIS guidance.

• Are you facing a difficult decision?
• Would the decision make you unpopular if you follow GOD’s ways?
• Will you decide to follow what GOD is telling you to do anyway, no matter the human consequence?

Shielded from Hatred

Matthew 10: ²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

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“Get that Bible off of your desk!” was the exclamation from the account manager. At that time I was taking a theological class and wanted to get my studies in before work. I would arrive at 6:30 AM, thinking I was a model employee, instead I was met with opposition. I did not hang out with the fella’s drinking or carousing. Should I have tried to fit in?

• Sometimes I’m face with the dilemma of fitting in.
• Sometimes I am challenged with choosing between following GOD and looking good before humans.
• Sometimes I face the world with my beliefs and I’m met with being outcast and labeled.

I felt like I was on an island, but something within me said “Keep going, it will be alright.” After a while I was moved from that account. I saw my career diminish so I changed jobs. At the next place I ran into a group of people who would openly pray at lunch. I didn’t think this could exist at a company.

• GOD wants me to stand firm so HE can deliver me.
• GOD wants me to stand firm even though people may hate me.
• GOD wants me to stand firm when I am not quite fitting in.

Instead of compromising my beliefs, GOD wants me to stand firm. HE has a marvelous plan for me on the other side of someone’s hatred. “Standing Firm” on GOD’s word is the shield HE gives me to battle hatred. I can place my belief, trust and faith on GOD and let HIM handle my haters!

• Are you hated by someone?
• Do you feel like you are on an island even when you are in a crowd?
• Can you “Stand Firm” on GOD’s word so HE will fight your battles for you?
• Will you put your trust in GOD today?

How to Get Back on Top

Hosea 4: Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites,
    because the Lord has a charge to bring
    against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness, no love,
    no acknowledgment of God in the land.

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¹⁰ “They will eat but not have enough;
    they will engage in prostitution but not flourish,
because they have deserted the Lord
    to give themselves ¹¹ to prostitution;
old wine and new wine
    take away their understanding.

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Wandering around the desert is not fun. It seemed like everything was going wrong all at once, meanwhile the people I met there did not seem fulfilling. I mean we would go out, drink and laugh only to return to a place of loneliness. “Is this it?” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I was in a crowd and felt lonely.
• There were times when I was around laughter and was crying inside.
• There were times when I wanted to fly only to have my wings ripped off by life’s challenges.

“We’re going out drinking, you want to come?” was the statement that I finally had to say “No” to. It wasn’t the people or the drinking; it was the emptiness of the action that I found less fulfilling. We would sit drink, complain, joke, and jab each other, only to go back to our empty lives. Something had to change.

• GOD said to me “Increase your measure of faith in ME daily.”
• GOD said to me “Increase your love for ME and others daily.”
• GOD said to me “Increase your acknowledgement that you need ME daily.”

When I dropped to my knees and prayed I was amazed. My heart was opened and my mind was cleared up. I went from complaining about my situation to being thankful for where I was. No longer did the sordid jokes have the same effect on me. Helping thieves become wealthier just did not have the same taste.

GOD wants me to flourish but on HIS terms. HE desires to give me sober understanding to follow HIS ways and to lead others to do the same. I acknowledge I need HIM more than anyone.

• Are you lonely?
• Do you find yourself headed down the wrong path but cannot stop yourself?
• Will you stop for a moment to acknowledge GOD in your life?
• Will you reach out to HIM and ask HIM for direction?

Better Them than Me

Proverbs 4: ²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
²⁴ Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

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Fitting in was my desire, no matter what group. The guys in the locker room were always talking about their latest “conquest” and laughed at my lack of “adventure.” They described girls by their body parts and soon I was part of their joke. Not willing to stand up for my beliefs, I caved and joined in with the group. It was easier to have them ogle the girls than take the ridicule.

• There have been times when my faith got challenged and I lost.
• There have been opportunities for me to stand up for what is right and I failed.
• There have been situations where my character could have shined and I chose the crowd instead.

Peer pressure was not the dynamite rather it was only the fuse. In other words the lust was already there. All it took was a few words to ignite the flame that exploded almost immediately. GOD knew and wanted me to change.

• GOD wants me to guard my heart for HE knows I will fall deeply into sin if I don’t.
• GOD wants me to know everything flows from my heart so I need to place HIM in it rather than things that do not please HIM.
• GOD wants me to keep corrupt talk from my lips which is tied to my heart.

It took some of life’s beatings to recognize that it is not worth following the crowd. One sinful joke, leads to many which in turn degrades my character. Soon I end up in a place that I wonder how I got there. BUT GOD is gracious! HE forgave me and made a way to escape. HE blessed me with HIS protection and guided me through the darkness. GOD is my guide.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What perverse words are you using?
• Can you ask GOD to change your heart so you can change your words?
• Will you join GOD in expanding HIS kingdom rather than fulfilling your lust or complaint or slander or hatred?

My Community Reputation

Nehemiah 11: ⁶ The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of standing.

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Scrawny was my description in the neighborhood I grew up in. I can think of other adjectives like “holey pants” and “Professor” although that one didn’t quite turn out to be an insult. My next neighborhood was more of an extended area known as high school. I traveled one hour by bus through many tough areas and the terms “easy target” and “punk” were hurled at me.

Tired of these labels, I decided to make my own reputation in my college neighborhood, so I collected my wit and became a jokester with a foul mouth. I always had something funny to say so my crowd soon began to degrade to those who wanted to hear that kind of humor. Soon I had a reputation of “clown” and could not be taken seriously. What reputation should I have?

• There have been times where I wanted to be known.
• There have been times where I wanted to be popular.
• There have been times where I wanted to be heard.

It is easy to get a reputation that has little to no value to anyone else. Others were getting recognized for being “most likely to succeed” and I was being called out for being a “clown”.  My reputation was broken. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said to me “You will be insulted, BUT I made you beautifully and wonderfully.”
• GOD said to me “Do not be afraid of those who can harm you with words or even harm your body, but fear GOD who can harm the soul.”
• GOD said to me “Walk in MY ways and I will always make your paths straight.”

If GOD leaves me on this earth to reach 120 years old, what do I want my community reputation to be? Do I want a legacy to myself or to be known as a clown or would my life have pointed to GOD? GOD desires that I spend more of my time with HIM so I can point people to HIM.

• Are you trying to make a reputation for yourself?
• How are you viewed in all of your communities?
• Can you see if you need to move out of the complaining community and into a compassionate one?
• Will GOD say “Well done my good and faithful servant” to you if your heart is hard?

Don’t go with the flow

1 Kings 22: ⁵ But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

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¹² All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. “Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.”

¹³ The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.”

¹⁴ But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

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“All your problems will go away. GOD will provide you with health, wealth and happiness” is what I want to say to entice people to accept CHRIST.  This naive thinking turned my tongue into a lying instrument.  After telling people “it will be alright” and watching things get worse, I questioned GOD.

• GOD never said things would be easy.
• GOD never said I wouldn’t have troubles.
• GOD never said all of my problems would go away if I follow HIM.

Following GOD invites trouble. I mean as soon as I stop following the world, it becomes my enemy. Things will be a bit tougher as I resist temptation and walk in HIS ways. Even my tongue will have to be guided to give the right words at the right time. Sometimes GOD will give me wonderful news through HIS word and sometimes the words will be a bit sharp, cutting me and others.

• GOD wants me to speak the truth but delivered in love, not judgment.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by understanding HIS word and not deviating from it.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by saying HE is supreme and has the right to say “No.”

Yes GOD wants to bless everyone, but in HIS time and HIS way.  There may still be some pain each of us has to endure, some longer than others. BUT GOD wants me to say what HE wants me to say, knowing HIS word is best to follow.

• Are you telling people what you want to say or what GOD wants you to say?
• Do you feel you have to say “everything will be alright” even though you weren’t told to do so?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to say and find the courage to say it?

Hiding my faith

1 Kings 18: ²¹ Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

But the people said nothing.

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Nervous and quite embarrassed, I asked for a coke in a drink glass. Everyone was drinking and laughing and drinking some more. Someone approached me and asked “What will you have?” I didn’t have an answer for him. About a week prior, I had taken a vow that I would never drink again. I did this as part of my journey back to the LORD and I wanted to take HIM seriously by taking a vow. That was the only reason and I didn’t want to say this to the guy.

“I don’t drink” I said to him. “Why?” he replied. “Should I tell him about my vow?” I frantically thought. I panicked and said nothing about GOD. “I just don’t drink.” I wonder if I missed an opportunity.

• There are times that I felt I could have shared my faith and didn’t.
• There are times that I felt like hiding my faith in order to “get ahead” in business.
• There are times that I felt like going with the crowd instead of showing my faith because I didn’t want to be looked at as being weird.

When I looked out the window of life and saw a bunch of people playing in the street of sin, I felt left out.  I mean they seemed to e having so much fun, meanwhile I’m over hear struggling not to do those things AND I’m struggling to make it. It didn’t seem “fair.”

• GOD said “Don’t hide your light under a bushel” meaning let people know “whose” I am.
• GOD said “If you are ashamed of me I will ashamed of you.”
• GOD said “Be ready to speak about ME and I will give you the words.”

I sometimes forget that I am GOD’s creation. HE created me with a purpose to spread the great news about HIS SON. It seems like such a simple task but the world doesn’t want to hear my message and wants me to “say nothing” or join in on the “do anything that feels good” message.

I do know it’s confusing to talk about grace verses working my way into heaven, BUT GOD want me to be prepared to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice. HE will give me the right words to douse the confusion and make HIM known. HE doesn’t want me to “hide” my faith in order to get ahead.

• Are you hiding your faith?
• Do you feel ashamed to say “JESUS” out loud?
• Do you act different around one crowd?
• Can you drop your shame of GOD?
• Can you start by showing your faith in a small way and build on it daily for GOD’s purpose?

Following GOD gives me peace

Numbers 25: ¹² “So tell Phinehas I am making my covenant with him. It promises to give him peace. ¹³ He and his sons after him will have a covenant to be priests forever. That is because he was committed to making sure that I, his God, was honored. In that way he paid for the sin of the people of Israel.”

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“Don’t lie this time” was the thought that popped in my head when I finally reached the courage to face my flaws. It was so easy to think of an excuse rather than face the consequence of my action. I actually can’t remember when this thought popped in my head but it has lasted throughout my life.

This meant I couldn’t stretch the truth by saying I got caught in traffic when the road was clear and I was actually late. It meant I couldn’t say my phone was broken that’s why I didn’t call. It meant I couldn’t say everything is fine when I am hurting inside.

• When I follow GOD I must face my own flaws.
• When I follow GOD I must say what HE wants me to say no matter how incriminating it may be.
• When I follow GOD I must reduce so HE can increase.

The spotlight is fun but it requires “reputation management” which causes me to hide my flaws. When I hide my flaws I can’t minister to those who have the same flaws. They will look at my façade thinking they need to be perfect and that is not the case.

• GOD wants me committed to making sure HE is honored.
• GOD wants me to show I am flawed but HE isn’t.
• GOD wants me to tell others I sin daily but I’m forgiven eternally.

When words I write point to me, then I get my reward here on earth. When they point to GOD, we all reap eternal rewards that I can never imagine!

• Are you putting on a façade?
• Are you busy pointing out someone else’s sins and haven’t confessed yours?
• Can you tell someone if you have fear, doubt, lust, pride, anger or something else that keeps you from exciting worship of GOD?

When in Blank do what the Fill in the Blanks do

Leviticus 18: The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ² “Speak to the people of Israel. Tell them, ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ You must not do what the people of Egypt do. You used to live there. And you must not do what the people of Canaan do. I am bringing you into their land. Do not follow their practices.

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“Grab a sheet” said the people on my floor. A frat was having a toga party. I had no idea what type of party this was going to be so I watched everyone get dressed like Caesar and tromp to the party. As the alcohol poured the people got wilder and wilder. “I wonder if I should stay” crossed my mind.

• The crowd will always want to be wild.
• The crowd will always want to justify its actions.
• The crowd will always want more instead of holding back.

Many times I followed the crowd and it seem to always end up in the same place, regret. You would think I would have learned from the first time but the crowd sounds so fun and so convincing. What am I to do?

• GOD says I brought you out of the crowd for MY purpose.
• GOD says I took you out of situations so you could follow ME.
• GOD says I rescued you from MY wrath and focused it on those who choose to turn away from ME.

GOD says “Follow ME” and he means it in a loving way.  I have a choice to follow HIM or not. HE forgives me for my sins but loves when I choose to leave the sin alone.

• Are you following the wrong crowd?
• Do you think the crowd you are in is righteous?
• Can you ask GOD where HE wants you to be?
• Won’t you check your own motives to see if they align with GOD?

I do not want to be a scapegoat

Leviticus 16: ²⁰ “Aaron will finish making the Most Holy Room pure and clean. He will finish making the Tent of Meeting and the altar pure.

“Then he will bring the live goat out. ²¹ He must place both of his hands on its head. While he does that, he must tell me about all of the sins the people of Israel have committed. He must tell me about all of their evil acts and the times they did not obey me. In that way he puts their sins on the goat’s head.

“Then he will send the goat away into the desert. The goat will be led away by a man who was appointed to do it.²² The goat will carry all of their sins on itself to a place where there are no people. And the man will set the goat free in the desert.

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A few people caused mischief in the classroom this day. It was fun! They were running around like they had lost their minds while the substitute teacher stepped out. Just like a sitcom, when she returned I was acting crazy.  It looked like I was the ring leader of this craziness and I only joined in at the end!

I was punished for everyone else’s mayhem and sentenced to picking up the room by myself.

• Being the scapegoat feels rotten.
• Being the blame feels terrible.
• Being the scoundrel feels horrible.

I have tried to make others the scapegoat by pointing out their flaws and infirmities. Maybe if I can point to someone else then I won’t be noticed. Maybe I can look better than “that” person then my shortcomings can be overlooked.

• JESUS became the scapegoat for me.
• JESUS was blamed for all of my sins.
• JESUS was sentenced to death because of me.

An innocent man died because of me. While this is a sobering truth it is also a celebration point. HE was raised from the dead and so was I. Every sin I have and will commit has been forgiven!

• Are you making someone the scapegoat for your shortcomings?
• Are you blaming someone else for you behaviors?
• Can you accept your responsibility and confess your sins to GOD?
• Can you admit you are a sinner and know that with confession you gain your power back?

I have someone who can help

Hebrews 2: ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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When I compare my temptations to other folks they seem rather mild. Okay, I was tempted to take my parents’ car without permission, look at a body I wasn’t married to, or move ahead in the company while taking others out of my way. People today would say “you are really a wimp” especially since I was really nervous as the temptation popped in my head.

Even though my temptations may seem mild they are temptations nonetheless. Who can help me with my temptations?

• When I am tempted to sin, I try to run away from GOD.
• When I am tempted to sin, I blame GOD for making too many rules.
• When I am tempted to sin, I look at others instead of myself and I justify my actions.

The devil knows sin blinds me from GOD’s grace. Every time I sin, I can’t see how GOD would love me, nor can I see that I have the right to tell anyone else about HIM.  I mean what would I say? “Follow the rules?” I couldn’t even follow them myself. Wait, maybe that’s what I should say!

• I should tell people I sin and GOD forgives me.
• I should tell people JESUS became a human and understands everything I go through.
• I should tell people GOD desires to help “anyone” who is willing to hear HIM.

GOD loved me so much that HE took my punishment for sin. HE sentenced HIMSELF and allowed HIS humans to murder HIM. Before HE died HE was tempted in every way possible. Yes “every way.” HE never sinned and fully understands my battle. HE is my focus to help me see around the temptation.

• Are you tempted?
• Do you feel like you are not in control of your life?
• Can you allow GOD to comfort you?
• Won’t you believe HE knows what you are going through and wants to help?

Peer pressure got to me!

Luke 23: ²² For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore I will have him punished and then release him.”

 ²³ But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. ²⁴ So Pilate decided to grant their demand. ²⁵ He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.

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It felt great being on my own for the first time. I could do with my body or someone else’s body, what I wanted to. When I got around the crowd, I could be the life of the party.  My language changed from holier than thou to holy . My peers egged me on.  I was the “man” or so I thought.

• Each time I choose my sinful life over JESUS I lose.
• Each time I downplay my relationship with JESUS HE does the same to me.
• Each time I stand for “nothing” I’m actually standing against what JESUS says.

Pilate could care less about JESUS as he saw HIM as only a mere man. I guess sometimes I do the same.  Oh yes I know HE is GOD and HE died for my sins, but I treat HIM like HE isn’t quite in charge of my life rather I am. 

With bad plans in hand I go about trying to please myself or others not once considering what GOD wants.  When I even think I’m not going to get my way, my nerves get on edge and sin ensues.

• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure isn’t easy but it’s the right thing to do.
• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure actually makes me make some hard choices about my current behavior.
• Choosing JESUS over peer pressure seems to never look easy but has always benefit me and those around me who I feared.

Killing an innocent man to protect his wealthy lifestyle and power is definitely a bad decision, BUT GOD looks at my life and says my sins are equal if not worse than Pilates because I know better.

• Are you afraid to audibly say JESUS’ name to “certain” people?
• Do your peers enjoy your sin?
• Will your peers get punished for the sin you commit?
• Will you get punished for the sin you commit?
• Does GOD punish anyone or is HE just a big pushover?
• Does GOD’s love for me have room for me to ignore HIM or even go against HIM?

Am I ashamed of GOD?

Luke 9: ²⁶ Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

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“Born again people are so annoying” a person said to me. They went on to say “they stopped me and tried to force their religion down my throat.” “This is awkward” I thought to myself. “What should I say? Should I tell them I am a follower of CHRIST? No way, that would be too embarrassing! I know… I’ll just keep it to myself and avoid the conflict.”

• I get ashamed of GOD when I am in the middle of sin.
• I get ashamed of GOD when I want to fit in.
• I get ashamed of GOD when my position in life is more important than telling people about GOD’s one and only SON.

I never use the words “I’m ashamed of GOD” but my actions speak volumes. GOD wants me to never be ashamed of HIM or HIS ways. I have to admit, some of GOD’s ways are weird. That’s because I am looking at them through tainted lenses.

• It’s weird to give when I don’t have much BUT GOD loves when I do.
• It’s weird to pray for my enemies to prosper BUT GOD loves when I do.
• It’s weird to be humble especially when passive aggressive arrogance is the way to a fortune BUT GOD loves when I am humble.

GOD loves when I take my will and submit it to HIS structures. One such structure is telling people about my sin and the forgiveness JESUS gives me all while not being ashamed. This boldness will bring persecution from humans and I won’t have my lustful way. BUT GOD will be pleased and will not be ashamed of me when HE returns.

• Are you ashamed of GOD?
• Do people know you are a child of GOD?
• Does “that” person know you are a child of GOD?
• Do people know the sinful you or the GODLY you?

Your Calling

Luke 1:

⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation
   through the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
   by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness
   and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

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Confusion never comes from GOD. So when I ask, “What does GOD want from me?” it is clear I’m not listening to HIM.

• When I believed JESUS “was” and “is” GOD, HE wanted me to tell people about it.
• When I believed JESUS spoke with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT and convinced them that HE should become human, HE wanted me to tell people about it.
• When I believed JESUS volunteered to be murdered in order to save me, HE wanted me to tell people about it.

GOD wants everyone to know about HIS message of mercy, peace and forgiveness. I have to understand that I need mercy, peace and forgiveness in order to accept the mysterious facts HE presents in the Bible.

• If I don’t think I need to be saved then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t believe there is a heaven or hell then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t think there is a definitive right or wrong then there is nothing to believe in.
• If I don’t believe in demons, sin or a cursed Earth then there is nothing to believe in.

I do believe in all of the above and I also believe the Bible is very real and true to its words that time is extremely short. I can follow politics, movie stars and monetary dreams which amount to nothing or I can follow GOD and receive HIS peace.

• Will you accept HIS calling to you?
• Will you tell people about the marvelous news JESUS has done for you?
• Can you drop your fears of being labeled “weird” and accept GOD’s label of “son” or “daughter?”

Satisfying the crowd is easier but deadly.

Mark 15: ¹⁵ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

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Comedy was something I have always loved perhaps because it was my way of escaping pain. I wasn’t a good comedian, but I had a strange sense of humor that I never turned off. I constantly had an audience and I felt I would disappoint them if I didn’t say something that would make them laugh.

The elite group on campus approached me one day. “Wow” I thought to myself, “I finally fit in.” They said “We would like to make you one of our notables namely Campus Clown.” I guess satisfying the crowd didn’t gain me anything.

• Sometimes it’s easy to go along with the crowd, but if they are wrong it can be deadly.
• Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in everyone else’s complaints, BUT GOD despises my complaints.
• Sometimes it’s easy to join in on sinful behavior because everybody is doing it, BUT GOD wants me to be different and stand firm.

Pilate was a great politician who had the power to release JESUS but chose to go with the crowd to save his reputation. Unfortunately he will remember his poor choice forever. This example lets me know I need to watch which crowd I am going with.

• GOD wants me to stand out instead of fitting in.
• GOD wants me to stand firm instead of choosing sin.
• GOD wants me to stand up instead of sitting in.

I sin on a daily basis. I am no better than Pilate, but I have chosen to believe JESUS died specifically for me and now I can choose to stay out of the crowd and depend on HIM.

• Are you trying to fit in?
• What part of your soul are you giving up every day?
• Can you depend on GOD more and accept your differences?

Ashamed of GOD

2 Timothy 1:  ⁶ For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

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Standing in a bar felt strange to me this time. While the surroundings were familiar, I felt out of place. I had rededicated my life to following CHRIST and wanted to live a life pleasing to HIM. I just didn’t know it was going to be this hard. I was single and just looking to hang out with some friends.

Flirty drunk women approached me. “Of course now they approach me when I’m trying to follow GOD! Where were they when I wasn’t thinking about GOD and serving HIM?” I actually was speechless because I was ashamed of telling them why I wasn’t getting drunk or flirting. I mean, what will the guys think about me?

• Peer pressure says it’s alright to sin and weird to serve GOD.
• Peer pressure lets others feel great about their sins and leaves me miserable in mine.
• Peer pressure can get out of hand quickly escalating my sin into areas that are against GOD.

God wants me to follow HIM without being ashamed of HIM or HIS ways.  I must admit to the logical mind GOD is strange. HE made humans build an ark, march around a city, blow horns to knock it down and walk around naked just to prove HE is GOD and we are powerless.

Nowadays it’s strange to mention the forces of evil, Hell or Satan. BUT GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to “be bold” not timid about telling people of the great news about JESUS.
• HE wants me to show “love” in a world of lust.
• GOD wants me to have “power” over my sin nature.
• He wants me to exercise “self-discipline” to control myself during temptation.

There have been many times I have been ashamed of GOD. When it seems like the crowd is having fun or making more money or buying more stuff, I get angry at GOD and ask “why can’t I have those lustful things?” Well I really don’t ask “that” question, but I question HIM just the same.

GOD answers, “I love you far more than the things of this world. Focus on ME and you will never go wrong.”

• Are you ashamed of GOD and HIS ways?
• Do you have a plan that seems to be different than GOD’s plan?
• Does GOD have you doing something weird that no one can understand but HIM and you?
• Can you be “BOLD” today and tell others about HIS SON?

You are made to "change" others, not have others "change" you!

Matthew 5:13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

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I went to a party at work once and there were people telling foul jokes after getting drunk out of their minds. I was conflicted because at that time, years ago, I had just returned to serving CHRIST. I didn't know much about the Bible and I avoided church because of the hypocrisy.

There I was not knowing what to do. Join in as I have in the past or stand firm. I chose to stand firm while not judging. "How 'bout a drink?" they would ask. "No thanks", I replied. Then the question would come out. "Why not?" Now, there is nothing wrong with drinking, but I had just made a promise to GOD that "I" would no longer drink.

What was I going to say? Should I tell then I turned over a new leaf for CHRIST? Should I tell them I am a new creation? This is my chance to shine some light into the world! So I muttered "I stopped drinking" and before I went into why someone interrupted us and my words about CHRIST never came out.

I wonder what I would have said then. Now I know. After many encounters similar to this one I would say the "right" thing to the crowd I am speaking to. What's the right thing?

Well, on occasion I blurted out "it's because of CHRIST that I don't drink any longer." Of course my statement was full of pride and judgment so the crowd slowly crept away from me.

Another occasion I tried to be sly and 'slip JESUS in' by saying "I just started going to church" as weird as I felt, a couple of people complimented me and resumed their conversation. Wow, that was anticlimactic. Where were the pats on the back and the angels singing?

"Salt and light" are not "pride and judgment."
"Salt and light" does not expect fan fair.
"Salt and light" does things to celebrate what GOD has done for them. HE did everything for us now we are to be salt and light to celebrate CHRIST. "
"Salt and light" points people to CHRIST and does not focus people on our actions.
"Salt and light" leads people and does not blame them.

• Are you ashamed to admit you are a Christian to that person or group?
• Have you hidden your light just to fit in?
• Are you blaming someone for your situation?
• Do people around you praise GOD because of your life or are they running away from you?