A Different Goal

A Different Goal

Genesis 39: Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.

 

⁷ And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”

 

⁸ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. ⁹ There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

 

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Potiphar placed Joseph over all his wealth and the management of the household. His wife started looking at Joseph in a desirous way. But Joseph refused her bold and direct approach.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph knew it would be wrong to sleep with Potiphar’s wife, probably because the pre-incarnate JESUS told him it was wrong.
• Joseph’s father had babies from various women, but Joseph was taught something different by the LORD.
• Joseph’s goal was to please the LORD, even though he was still a slave to Potiphar.

 

I believe it was JESUS that blessed Joseph and HE provided him with wisdom to become successful in Potiphar’s household. I also believe that Potiphar’s wife was influenced by the ways of Canaan, so she would seek to get what she wanted no matter the cost.

 

Joseph seemed to have a close relationship with GOD. He may have had conversations with HIM daily. This may have been the reason it was easy to resist the approaches of Potiphar’s wife. Joseph’s integrity seemed to stem from the constant communication he kept with the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation between Joseph and Potiphar’s wife?
• Have you ever been in a situation where everything was going well for you and a temptation pops up?
• Should you increase your conversations with the LORD when you are feeling weak and vulnerable?

Urging

Urging

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁰ You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault. ¹¹ You know that we treated each one of you just as parents treat their own children. ¹² We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.

 

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“You should do it!” was the message of the dare. As more people joined in, the dare became more appealing. “I bet you won’t” were the words of the final straw! There was no turning back!

 

• I had to do what people were urging me to do.
• I did not want to be embarrassed so I did it.
• Now that I did it, people urged me to do some other dare that made no sense.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spent a tremendous amount of time with the people of Thessalonica. They made sure their conduct and motives were pure, right and without fault. They were very careful with the people, just like parents are with their children.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat HIS children carefully.
• Encouragement is a gift GOD wants me to give in generous doses.
• Comfort is needed when GOD delivers someone to me who is going through things.

 

Sharing in GOD’s Kingdom is the goal. HE has better stuff, a better place and no worries. HE wants everyone to have a better life. Unfortunately there are times when I think that life can be obtained here on earth. I try to scrape as much money together to pretend I am living a great life. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE wants me to live my life with HIS purpose. This means I should govern myself in a way that is pleasing to HIM. Encouragement and comfort should not be held back from anyone, friend or foe. I am glad GOD calls me and you to share in HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• How did the writers treat the people?
• How would you like to be treated?
• Will you seek to share GOD’s kingdom with everyone and live a life that is pleasing to HIM today?

Balanced

Balanced

Colossians 3: ¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.

²¹ Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged.

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Imperfect people with many life changes, needed a way to navigate ambiguity. With hurt happening all around, something needed to be said. But what could be the problem? Imbalance.

 

• Wives had complaints about husbands.
• Husbands had complaints about wives.
• Children had complaints about parents and parents complained about their children.

 

Paul addressed issues that continue to this day. Families had become imbalanced and looked for solutions. Unfortunately the solutions must not have worked so the complaints remained. He brings the ultimate solution to address imbalance.

 

My Observations

• Only GOD can bring families back into balance.
• With CHRIST as the foundation, imbalance can be cured.
• GOD wants me to look at my role through HIS eyes instead of mine.

 

Looking at CHRIST as the answer sounds easy, but can be difficult if things are out of balance. I mean, if CHRIST is used to wound people into doing a role that is expected by another person, regret, distrust and resentment can appear. The result is more imbalance. BUT GOD has this too.

 

HE has seen family after family after family try and make mistakes. HE knows the walking wounded need help and HE is willing to bring balance to a specific role. HE wants me to come into balance with HIM first so I can see my role through healed, not hurt lenses. I am grateful for my family and love the fact that GOD loves each person far more than I could ever imagine.

 

Challenge

• What words do you get stuck on from the writer?
• What words from the writer can throw things out of balance?
• Does looking at your own role hurt or bring excitement to you?
• Will you seek a balanced approach by understanding the love that CHRIST has shown can live in you today?

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

Philippians 4: ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Looking in my mailbox, I received a note that was unusual for me. “Pick up your package at the front desk” it said. It did not have a return address so it was from someone in the dorm. It had gifts in it.

 

• I was delighted.
• I felt great receiving something unexpected.
• I did not know I needed what was in the package.

 

Paul received many care packages from the people in Philippi. While he was spreading the Gospel, they supported his needs with many packages. Epaphroditus was the delivery person who spent time keeping the packages safe.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my heart open to become a supplier of needs.
• GOD sends me to deliver packages from others when I cannot provide them myself.
• GOD has plenty to give and HE wants me to be a distributor.

 

For many years I thought this passage was about getting stuff. I mean, GOD supplying all “Y” needs sounds cool. But it seems like the sweet aroma to GOD was from those who gave or supported people who were spreading the Gospel. Giving is often overlooked in this passage because I usually want more.

 

Having enough is a strange concept. It means I am thankful for the little I have. It also means I can give someone some of what I have and GOD will be pleased. I gladly will become a delivery person when I don’t have much to give but when I  do, I will give to those in need.

 

Challenge

• What aroma does the writer speak of?
• What needs do you have?
• Will you supply someone’s needs today or become a delivery person if you have nothing to give?

Must Appear

Must Appear

2 Corinthians 5: ⁶ So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. ⁷ For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. ⁸ We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. ¹⁰ For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

 

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Receiving a summons to appear in court was never fun but it happened. The words “YOU MUST APPEAR” were in big bold red capital letters that seemed intimidating. The letter held instructions about my court date but it also had the traffic violation and the date of my malefaction.

 

• I felt angry, shamed and scared all at once.
• I felt like my perfect driving record was damaged.
• I felt that I had to drive extra perfect to keep from being judged again. This was super false!

 

Paul mentions the true purpose of life. He says “Life is a matter of faith” and then tells everyone that the faith that is worth anything is to please the LORD JESUS who will one day judge everyone according to every deed that is done.

 

My Observations

• Every deed I do is seen by GOD.
• One deed does not undo another deed in GOD’s eyes.
• GOD is the only one who sees the things I do for HIM and judges the things I do for myself.

 

Trying to act righteous can sometimes get me in trouble. I mean, when I think I am pleasing GOD by following the Bible to the letter, I may be hurting others by holding them to a standard I could not keep myself. BUT DOD wants me to act differently.

 

HE wants me to point my sinful life to HIM so others can do the same. Life is not about living in perfection rather accepting perfection which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT will then guide me to the places I need to go and deliver the words I need to say. Life is about surrender so I can be pleasing to GOD. The more I surrender to GOD the more pleasing and amazing deeds HE guides me to do.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about fear and courage in this passage?
• Have you ever placed your courage in something the crowd is saying but felt it could possibly be against what GOD is telling you?
• Can you gain courage to surrender your life to JESUS little by little, giving HIM your deeds as best as you can without worrying about HIS judgement but focusing in on HIS love today?

Complete Change of Mind

Complete Change of Mind

Romans 12: So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. ² Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

 

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Let me review my life’s checklist. High pressured job chasing wealth? Check. Sleepless nights worrying instead of believing? Check. Hidden sin? Check. Overlooked homeless people? Check. Hiding my relationship with GOD to fit in? Check. Yep, I looked like the rest of the world. I wondered if they will give me a raise?

 

• There have been many times when I hid my relationship with GOD to fit in.
• There have been many times when I committed sin, but hid it to fit in.
• There have been many times when I made sure I knew about the world, dressed like the world and worried like the world so I could fit in.

 

Paul appeals to everyone to become a “living sacrifice.” He goes on to say this requires dedication to GOD’s service, seeking to please HIM in every way. He also urges everyone to stop trying to be like the rest of the world and allow GOD to “transform by a complete change of mind.”

 

• GOD wants me to have faith, so HE will put me in situations that require faith.
• GOD wants me to have pure thoughts about HIS creations, so HE wants me to look at all humans as someone HE loves.
• GOD wants me to have a higher standard, so HE gave HIS SON as the measure of perfection to compare my life to.

 

Becoming a living sacrifice is not easy. I mean, as a person born into sin, I crave what the world offers. When the world says it’s okay to have sex outside of marriage, I crave it. When the world says to medicate my problems away, I crave it.

 

When the world mislabels me, slanders me, and overlooks me based on seeing me, I react with the standard hate filled, argumentative,  validation seeking way. BUT GOD wants another way. GOD wants me to say to HIM, “Here I am, please open my eyes to how YOU want me to think.” I am grateful HE is willing to change my mind.

 

• What standard do you have for yourself or others?
• Are you trying to fit into the world and serve GOD at the same time?
• Will you allow GOD to change your mind on your worries, doubts, fears, lusts, and relationships, so HE can guide you and fill your heart with HIS perfect will today?

Delightful Detour

Delightful Detour

Acts 7: ¹⁷ “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸ till another king arose who did not know Joseph. ¹⁹ This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. ²⁰ At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. ²¹ But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. ²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

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Although the road was crowded with stopped cars, I was in the vacation mindset, so it did not matter. I exited to find a place to sleep on the longer route and ran into an oasis of a town with plenty of food I liked and a good place to rest for the night. I never would have picked that town to stay in but it was probably the best rest I had on the trip.

• There have been times when I complained about detours.
• There have been times when I thought alternate routes were a problem.
• There have been times when I was convinced that the faster route was the best route.

Stephen explains that Moses was born during a time of deep paranoia. A decree was sent out to have all Hebrew newborn males killed in an effort to control the size of the population and keep the people slaves. BUT GOD put a detour in Moses life. He was kept alive and learned the Egyptian ways.

• GOD has some delightful detours for me as part of HIS plan.
• GOD prepares me to go out and serve HIM.
• GOD sees the rewards HE has for me because HE was the one who prepared me to serve HIM.

Some detours, even painful ones, turn out to be delightful. When I look back at some of the situations I was furious over, I can see how GOD used a detour to “my” plans so I could be guided in the right direction and learn what HE wanted to teach me.

GOD intervenes. HE does step in and mess things up so I can see what HE truly wants me to do. Even the difficult situations placed in front of me have meaning. I am grateful GOD guides me in places I never would have chosen.

• Are you upset at the current situation?
• Were you moving fast and now GOD has you somewhere else?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour in your life and know HE is preparing you for something bigger than you?

Identity Meal

Luke 4: ³ And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

⁴ But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”

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“Aren’t you in charge?” questioned the salesperson trying to poke at my ego. The decision could cost the company millions so my answer had to be correct. “Being in charge is not what is in question right now” was my reply.

• Some people have questioned “my” authority and it made me furious.
• Some people have checked up on me even when I said who I was.
• Some people have doubted “my” role even when they knew what my role was.

“If YOU are the SON of GOD” were the words the devil used to question JESUS’s validity of being the CHRIST. His next ploy was to tempt JESUS into doing parlor tricks with HIS infinite power.  JESUS showed me extreme constraint.

• GOD wants me to grow in power to forgive those who are hard to forgive.
• GOD wants me to grow in strength to have mercy on those who get on my last nerve.
• GOD wants me to grow in courage to speak about HIM instead of easily conforming to what the world would say.

JESUS had the choice of eating a meal to prove HIS identity to the devil or possibly dying because HE had not eaten in forty days. JESUS chose to put HIS circumstance in the FATHER’s hands implying “I would rather die following what is right than to be comfortable for two seconds.”

GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to sometimes say “No” to the plot of the world. When the world says “Why don’t you work hard for moments of pleasure and stuff” GOD wants me to think about HIS kingdom and chose HIS way. 

Sometimes I choose pleasure, BUT GOD rewards me when I say “I will not live by bread alone, but by every word of GOD.”

• Are you caught up in trying to prove who you are to people?
• Do you think a title or a contract or a job will define you?
• Can you stop thinking about “what” defines you rather than “WHO” defines you, namely GOD?

Earned Favor

Luke 2: ⁵¹ Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

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“Here… take my keys and lock up” were the surprisingly nice words from a very grumpy boss. I mean he never spoke to me and when he did, he barked at me. “Good job” were his next words. I almost fainted on the bowling balls.

• There were times when I have earned favor.
• There have been people who have granted me favor.
• There were times when I received favor from people and had no idea why I received it.

As JESUS got older, HE became wiser, taller and, more importantly, grew in favor with HIS FATHER. But what does favor mean? Was JESUS laughing at crass jokes that were out of character for HIM? Was HE out to please people by compromising HIS beliefs? No!

• JESUS says to me “Serve people while fearing ME.”
• JESUS says to me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Fear GOD and keep HIS commandments.”

Fearing GOD means I don’t want to disappoint HIM. I know I have been saved and HE will not allow me to lose the salvation HE gave me as a gift. I still don’t want to disappoint GOD by being foolish or bending HIS rules to get my way.

GOD has done so much for me that I seek to serve HIM any chance I can. I desire to please GOD more than pleasing humans who, at the drop of a hat, change what pleases them. GOD has already given me full favor but strangely I do not want to take advantage and assume there are no consequences for my actions. I live to please GOD.

• Are you stuck where you are?
• Do you find yourself wanting but not getting?
• Can you give your sins, your desires and your wants to GOD and let HIM do with them as HE pleases?

Crowd Pleasers

Mark 15: ⁶ Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. ⁷ And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. ⁸ Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. ⁹ But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” ¹⁰ For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

¹¹ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. ¹² Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

¹³ So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

¹⁴ Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

¹⁵ So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

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Uncomfortably I sat at my desk. The shirt had too much starch from the cleaners and the stiff collar was cutting into my neck. When I got back from lunch I looked down and had something on my tie. “Oh no! How am I going to go to the next meeting like this?” I groused.

• There have been times when I wanted to look good in front of people.
• There have been times when I wanted to please the crowd no matter how I truly felt.
• There have been times when I wanted to make a good appearance rather than do what I wanted to do.

The church leaders wanted their way so badly that they would do anything to get it. Pilate was a political puppet, used to officially do the dirty work that was in the church leader’s hearts. They saw their chance may be slipping away so they stirred up the crowd to release a known murderer. The crowd was led to a destructive decision, let Barabbas free.

• GOD wants me to do what is compassionate from HIS perspective.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM even if it is not a popular decision.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which may mean being unpopular.

Seeking to fit in may sometimes be a dangerous road. When the crowd rejects GOD and blames those who follow HIM, I have a serious decision to make. “Do I reject GOD too and fit in or do I be a misfit and follow GOD?” I choose the latter of the two. Following GOD is not always popular, but it it truly worth it!

• Are you trying to please the crowd?
• Do you think it would be better if you fit in rather than following GOD?
• Will you choose GOD over fitting in so HE can guide you to a better place?

Nice Threads

Matthew 23: ²⁷ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. ²⁸ In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

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Adorned with a matching tie, new shoes and socks that went with the suit, I was ready for church. I also had a new, unread Bible. When I arrived, I saw tight skirts and smelled perfume. “I have no idea what was said, but I’m sure I would fit in here” I thought to myself. “I mean I look pretty good too!”

• Why did I gather when my heart was filled with lust?
• Why did I attend church when I wanted to be in a club?
• Why did I look at GOD’s children as something I could eventually mistreat as common.

My attitude towards church was that it was a gathering made for me. If I did not like the message or the way people were dressed, I would eventually leave and try again. I found a place where I could hear about GOD and lust at the same time! What a deal! BUT GOD wanted different.

• GOD wanted me to care more about my insides than out.
• GOD wanted me to go to church caring about people not staring at them.
• GOD wanted me to seek to be cleansed from the inside.

Dead and unclean were the words JESUS used to describe the Sadducees and Pharisees. They would bring business deals, lust for power and lust for humans into the church while wearing nice garments and proud smiles. Respected in the community, they pranced before men.

GOD wants me to act different. HE wants me to go to church, ready to confess at the drop of a hat. HE wants my insides to become clean more than the outside.

• Do you pay a lot of attention to clothes?
• Are you trying to dress to please people?
• Can you stop trying to please others and let GOD clean your insides?

Way to Go

Matthew 7: ¹³ “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

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“Fun” was what I sought after. I mean “everyone else” seemed to be having “fun” and here I was, by myself, not having any “fun.” I went to church and all I heard was how bad I was and a list of rules I couldn’t follow. “Maybe I should stop going to church and have some FUN!” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I want what other people have.
• Sometimes I desire what other people are going after.
• Sometimes I crave what the crowd is doing so I can “fit in” with them.

Sex, drinking, and greed were many of the conversations “the crowd” said was okay. It’s okay not to serve GOD or the poor and it’s okay if I believe what I believe and you believe what you believe; was the crowd’s mantra. BUT GOD says something completely different.

• GOD says to me “Enter the narrow gate which is MY SON, JESUS who is the CHRIST.”
• GOD says to me “Stay away from the road to destruction which is listed in MY word.”
• GOD says to me “Find the road that leads to life, namely following JESUS.”

After having ”fun” for a while I found myself at a place where I could not even mention the name of JESUS to anyone around me. “Hypocrite” would be thrown at me if I opened my mouth about GOD because I was not living a lifestyle befitting of HIM, or at least that is what I thought. BUT GOD said something different.

GOD wanted me, in my broken state, to mention how HE rescued me in the “middle” of my sin. HE did not need me to clean myself up in order to mention HIS name. JESUS wiped away my shame and now I can talk freely about my sin without hiding or cowering in the corner. Oh, and by the way, hiding my sin was also me walking on the “broad path.”

• Are you walking on the broad path?
• Are you tired of following GOD’s numerous rules?
• Can you stop for a moment to assess where you are with GOD?
• Do you have hidden sin that you are not admitting to anyone?

What is the Purpose?

Ecclesiastes 2: ²⁴ A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵ for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

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One day I got home after working thirty six hours straight. Yes I stayed awake and worked straight. I finished the work with no commendation, no accolade and quite honestly no appreciation. We did not get the contract and all the work was done in vain.

• Sometimes I think I can make this planet a utopia.
• Sometimes I think I can affect my environment to make it a better place.
• Sometimes I think I can work hard enough to make “it” happen, whatever “it” is.

I was very disappointed with that company so I moved on only to find the next company had its own issues. I finally stopped chasing the rainbow.

• GOD told me to “Do your work as unto the LORD.”
• GOD said to me “Your labor will not be in vain.”
• GOD spoke to me and said “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for my yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

I stopped trying to please bosses and peers and people around me and started pleasing GOD when I did my work. When the boss ranted that “it” wasn’t don’t to his or her liking, I simply asked GOD “How should I handle this” and HE would provide me with a peaceful answer. Soon I found myself working with peace instead of strife. I had a smile on my face daily.

My work became excellent because I wanted to give GOD sacrificial work. I do not need accolades from humans, GOD’s rewards are plenty!

• Are you working hard and getting no satisfaction?
• Have you been passed over one too many times?
• Will you work for GOD instead of working for humans?
• Will you allow GOD to change their heart instead of you trying to?

Periods of Rest

1 Chronicles 23: ²⁵ For David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, ²⁶ the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” 

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With the crowd getting larger, it seemed like this place needed more organization. I implemented some software that would keep track of tithes, offerings and money for the building. Each Sunday I would park myself in the office and half way listen to the sermon on a speaker in the office.

Questions about administration soon led me to take work from the church home. I was the head of the deacons, head of the trustees, head of administration and headed towards going nuts. Is this what GOD had in mind?

• Sometimes I get overloaded.
• Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.
• Sometimes I work to the point of exhaustion.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing but sometimes the volunteer activity needs to be scaled back to have moment of rest. GOD wants me to focus on HIM when HE calls me, but HE loves me so much that HE wants me to have rest.

• GOD said to me “Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “I lead you beside still waters.”
• GOD said to me “Stand still and watch the power of the LORD.”

When I find myself trying too hard to please GOD it usually stems from fear or worry or doubt that HE is with me. It also means I really, really want something that GOD may have said “No” or “Wait” to. Don’t get me wrong… GOD wants me to be persistent an persevere in the battle of life, BUT HE also wants me to have periods of rest.

GOD cares for me so HE wants me to take a moment for myself so I will not get burnt out!

• Are you working hard to please GOD?
• Do you think HE is not pleased with you for some reason?
• Can you stop thinking HE is a hard task master and allow yourself to take a break once in a while?
• Can you look at service to the LORD as smaller periods of work AND rest?

GOD doesn’t play

Judges 9: ²² After Abimelek had governed Israel three years, ²³ God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek. ²⁴ God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal’s seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelek and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers.

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Lying had become a way of life as I tried to get as much as I could at that time. It was so convenient to just make up a lie rather than facing whatever I was facing.  When the dorm director asked “why didn’t you open up the office on time”, I wasn’t quick enough to form my lie and my story fell apart quickly.

I lost the cushy office job and had to look elsewhere. This same thing happened at the next place when I was a janitor. “I wonder if I should take these jobs seriously” I thought to myself.

When I sin I try to hide what I did by lying to myself.

When I sin I think I can get away with whatever I’ve done.

When I sin I hope no consequence will fall on me.

“I can’t be perfect” is my excuse for sinning so I jump in with both feet. I then justify my sin by comparing what others have done and trivializing my “little” sin to their “big” one. BUT GOD sees things different.

GOD doesn’t want me to blow off my sin even though I am fully forgiven for them.

GOD knows sin somehow weakens me to the point where I can’t be used for HIS plan.

GOD sees through my lies even when I lie to myself.

“Vengeance is mine” GOD says and that goes for me as well. HE fights my foes and protects me from their attacks, but HE also corrects me when I am the attacker. GOD cannot stand sin, no matter how I try to justify it. Fortunately for me, HIS SON forgave me of all my sins and cleanses me of all unrighteousness.

I still may have to face consequence while I’m on this planet, but thank GOD my consequences are only for this lifetime. However, the more I can reduce my sinning the more GOD rewards me in the next lifetime.

Are you lying to yourself and others?

Do you constantly have sin in your life that you are not addressing?

Do you feel powerless?

Won’t you mature by not lying to yourself and turning to GOD for the answers?

Leaders keep leading!

Numbers 17: ⁴ “Put the staffs in the Tent of Meeting. Place them in front of the ark where the tablets of the covenant are kept. That is where I meet with you. ⁵ The staff that belongs to the man I choose will begin to grow new shoots. The people of Israel are never happy with what you do. I will put an end to what they are saying.”

⁶ So Moses spoke to the people of Israel. Their leaders gave him 12 wooden staffs. They gave one for the leader of each of Israel’s tribes. Aaron’s staff was among them. ⁷ Moses put the staffs in front of the Lord in the tent where the tablets of the covenant were kept.

⁸ The next day Moses entered the tent. He looked at Aaron’s staff. It stood for the tribe of Levi. Moses saw that it had not only begun to grow new shoots. It had also produced buds and flowers and almonds.

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Upon arrival I was met at the door with urgent news about whatever situation was going on at the time. When I got up to my desk there were a number of voicemails expressing dissatisfaction with the problem of the day. After a number of calls, messages and speeches I put the fires out.

Then someone walked in my office and complained about where their desk was located and how I had not addressed the situation. I stayed at work longer to put a move plan together. After their move the person complained about something else. I almost fired that person but kept my cool.

• There are some who I will never please.
• There are some who will always have a problem with me.
• There are some who will complain at the drop of a hat rather than developing solutions.

All I have to say is “GOD sees my efforts.” At times it is difficult to lead a group of complainers because the freedom to develop solutions isn’t involved. As a leader I cannot fall prey to their complaints nor can I be a victim. GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to follow HIS lead.
• GOD wants me to let HIM clear my path.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to work out the situation.

GOD ALWAYS has the final word. HE said HE would “put an end” to Moses situation and HE always has done the same for me.

• Are you facing a mountain of complaints?
• Are you trying to lead a group of people who are not providing solutions?
• Can you stop trying to please people and start pleasing GOD?
• Won’t you ask the LORD for wisdom on how to lead through difficult times?

Would seeing GOD make a difference?

Exodus 24: ⁹ Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up ¹⁰ and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. ¹¹ But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

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Mustard yellow, rust, distinct figures hanging from the mirror and a vanity license plate individualized my car. People would often say, “I saw your car” but the reference would be at places and times I probably should have been studying or in bed. I wonder if GOD were standing visibly in front of those places would I enter.

• GOD wants me to have character and perform just like HE is standing right in front of me.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS plan when no one is watching me.
• GOD wants me to treat HIM as GOD not as a distant possibility.

The elders of Israel weren’t supposed to go see GOD but they did anyway out of curiosity or disbelief is my guess. They actually saw who Moses spoke to and knew he wasn’t making all of this up to control them. In spite of “seeing” GOD and witnessing HIS miracles they could not stop sinning.

• It’s up to me to choose GOD instead of being on the wrong path.
• It’s up to me to desire GOD’s way instead of thinking my way is a good way.
• It’s up to me to focus my energy towards GOD’s people rather than catering to those who do not love HIM.

GOD wants me to love HIM and that means understanding HIS compassion for “everyone” not just my exclusive mind. HE desires that I act with character to draw people to HIM.

• Are you acting with character?
• Are your thoughts filled with judgment or compassion?
• Can you focus on what GOD wants you to do instead of wanting to see HIM as some sort of parlor trick or magician?

Pleasing to GOD means living with a purpose

Genesis 6: ⁶ The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

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Loud music woke me up. It was about 11:30 PM and I had to be up at 5:00 AM for my long commute to work. I went out to ask the neighbor if he could keep the music down to a roar. He was with one of his “acquaintances” who started reaching in his jacket in a motion that looked like he was reaching for a gun.

He stopped his acquaintance from doing whatever he was going to do. The LORD had intervened. “Maybe I should thank GOD more often”, I thought to myself.

• In the middle of my sins GOD saw something different in me.
• In the middle of my sins GOD rescued me not because of what I did, but because of HIS love.
• In the middle of my sins GOD saw fit to protect me.

There is no righteousness in me, nor can I do anything to persuade GOD to like me more after my sin.  If that were the case then I could sin as much as I wanted to as long as I confessed them or did something nice to counterbalance the sinful action.

GOD sees my sin and loves me anyway.  HE only wants my belief in HIS SON as the savior of all of mankind. HE is not looking for my perfection rather HE wants me to look at HIS. Since I am not perfect, HE wants me to tell people about HIS gift.

GOD regretted he made humans and I only hope HE can accept my sparse attempts of worship as pleasing to HIM.

• Has GOD rescued you from something?
• Have you ever faced danger and GOD brought you through it?
• Do you think GOD has a purpose for you?
• Can you live out GOD’s purpose realizing you will never eradicate sin but your love for HIM can increase?

A song of praise

Revelation 15: They held harps given them by God ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
     Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
     King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
     and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
    and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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Today is a great opportunity for me to praise GOD. He does some great things in my life and I am richly blessed. Everything HE decides for me is alright to me. HE is the ultimate leader whom I fear.

I place HIM in the position of GOD rather than thinking HE is equal to or beneath me so HIS name is above any action I will take. One day I will worship HIM when I can see HIM but for now I worship HIM in faith.

It’s as simple as one two

1 John 3: ²¹ Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

²² and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. ²³ And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴ The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

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“Could you be in this city at this time?” was the question by my company. “Can you serve?” was another question by another group. Another group asked “Can you give a little more?” Then temptations came rushing at me from all sides. I was trying to read the Bible but it seemed like there were too many rules.

This “Christian” life is too difficult! I mean I just want to “be me” but everyone else keeps taking a piece of me!

• Sometimes I mistake serving for following GOD.
• Sometimes I mistakenly think I can actually act righteous so if I avoid temptations I’m following GOD better.
• Sometimes I mistake activity and giving as the only way to serve GOD even if I am thoroughly reluctant to do HIS work.

There are times where I try to manipulate GOD to get my way.  I mean my service is a feeble attempt to erase some sin and maybe, just maybe GOD will see what I’m doing and not whack me over the head. Every time I serve with reluctance I burn out quickly and cause more damage than good. How in the world can I please GOD with all those rules!?

• GOD said “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”
• GOD said “It is finished” meaning “I have taken care of EVERYTHING.”
• GOD said “Believe in the ONE who rescued you by dying in your place, that HE is GOD and loves you.”
• GOD said “Love one another.”

In other words step 1: Believe and love GOD the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT and step 2: Love one another. That’s it. But that sounds too simple, there has to be more. I mean pastors, preachers and priests keep telling me to do more. Well, there is always a need but GOD says “Relax, “be you” for a moment and MY love will pour out of you to many.”

• Are you trying too hard to please GOD?
• Are you trying to manipulate HIM to get your way?
• Won’t you simplify your life by serving others the way HE wants you to?
• Can you stop feeling burnt out and love the people GOD has delivered to you?