Protecting Lineages

Protecting Lineages

Exodus 21: ⁷ “And if a man sells his daughter to be a female slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. ⁸ If she does not please her master, who has betrothed her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. ⁹ And if he has betrothed her to his son, he shall deal with her according to the custom of daughters. ¹⁰ If he takes another wife, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marriage rights. ¹¹ And if he does not do these three for her, then she shall go out free, without paying money.

 

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GOD continued with HIS conversation with Moses by telling him rules of deceitful dowries and divorce.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be protecting the lineage of CHRIST and the lineage of people who would point people to HIM.
• GOD told Noah there was evil on the boat, knowing that a mindset of conquering people was present.
• Women rarely owned land and animals, used for dowries and divorce settlements, due to the lack of protection from the mindset of Canaan.

 

This is a very complicated set of scriptures that needs a broader view than the words. GOD loves people and loves freedom withing CHRIST. HE made Adam and Eve as free people and told them to multiply that freedom. Satan tricked Adam and Eve into becoming something different by obtaining knowledge they could not handle.

 

The knowledge of good versus evil could be manipulated into something used by those who feel “only the strong survive.” Out of the people of Canaan bore raiders, thieves and liars who would steal land and people and enslave them to do harsh work or provide pleasure.

 

GOD seemed to want to protect the lineage of CHRIST that was laced with adultery and brokenness. HE was also protecting the lineage of people who would serve CHRIST and point the way to HIS ultimate reign.

 

But what does this have to do with a dowry or a divorce settlement? GOD did not want women, who could not take care of themselves at the time due to “customs”, to be left destitute. I believe each rule seen needs to have JESUS at the core for understanding.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the rules for protecting wives and ex-wives?
• What promises has GOD given you to protect you?
• Are your customs and traditions pointing people to CHRIST as the Savior and daily leader?

 

Following the Fallen

 

Following the Fallen

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁰ By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. ¹¹ For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

 

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Watching a “successful” person was my way of getting ahead. If I could just mimic a few characteristics of “that” person, then I could be a “successful” too. I read articles, books and listened to words from the person I followed. But then it happened. That person fell from the grace of the public. Oh well, on to the next person.

 

• There have been many people I have admired.
• There have been many people I have followed to get their advice.
• There have been many people I have sought after to try to be “successful.”

 

Paul addresses an issue in Corinth. Some people were following him, others Apollos, and others were following Peter. This caused quarrels that were brought to his attention. Paul could have said, “Just follow what I say”, but he knew that was not the answer.

 

• GOD wants me to build a following for HIM.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM rather than to me.
• GOD wants me to follow CHRIST and not the preacher of the day.

 

Humans rise and fall. I mean, one day I am preaching CHRIST, the next day I have fallen into sin. GOD knows the human heart. HE also knows how desperately wicked each human really is. HE supplied the only cure, namely HIMSELF.

 

JESUS volunteered to die for all humans and was raised from the dead. JESUS deserves the following for HE and HE alone never fell. I gladly follow JESUS over any human.

 

• Are you following a certain person?
• Do you admire their success?
• Will you take a moment to reassess who you are following and see if you are following JESUS with a personal relationship today?

Mentor’s Role

Mentor’s Role

Acts 13: ⁴² As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. ⁴³ When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

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Excited about being asked to be a mentor, I went to a peer and asked, “What should I say?” I mean I had never mentored anyone before. Or at least I did not knowingly mentor anyone. He said “Pull them up, just like you are being pulled up.” I did this for a while but I learned a new twist.

• There were times when I thought I was higher than someone.
• There were times when I believed in levels.
• There were times when I compared my abilities to other people.

Paul and Barnabas finished speaking about JESUS to a group who had been attending church regularly. They were so intrigued, that they invited Paul and Barnabas to speak the next week. From that day, they became mentors.

• GOD wants me to point people upward.
• GOD wants me to grow people to believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to take the focus off of me and place it on HIM.

The new twist I learned in mentoring was not to “pull someone up”, rather point “people upward.” GOD is the only One who is “up.” HE is the Most High. Encouraging people to follow HIM is the best mentoring I can ever do. I am grateful I can point people to the grace of GOD.

• Are you being followed by people?
• Do people take your advice?
• Will you provide people with encouragement to follow GOD and urge them to surrender their lives to JESUS today?

Not Me

Not Me

Acts 8: ⁹ But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, ¹⁰ to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” ¹¹ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. ¹³ Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

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“Who broke this?” was the question angrily asked to me. “Not me” I answered quickly, trying to protect myself. “Who left the window open while it was raining?” “Not me” was my go to answer that I had become good at saying. “Who cleaned up?” was asked in a delighted tone. “Me!” I said proudly as I beckoned for the credit.

• There were times when I wanted to be noticed for good thing “I” did.
• There were times when I did not want to accept responsibility for things others considered bad.
• There were times when I enjoyed the spotlight when things were going well.

Simon was a sorcerer who was able to do things people could not explain away with science. The people of Samaria held him in great esteem, as did he. But when Philip arrived and spoke about JESUS, they turned to belief in the Savior. Even Simon had to believe.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give GOD all the credit.
• GOD wants me to claim that HE is the only one who is great.

“Not me” are great words to use when it comes to GOD. “Who saved me?” “Not me” will be the answer, because JESUS did that. “Who gave me gifts and talents?” “Not me” is the answer again, for all my abilities come from HIM.

GOD gave me everything I have and placed me in places I am amazed at. HE is my provider, protector and pursuer. I am grateful HE goes after me when I run away from HIM.

• Are you trying to get likes and congratulations from people?
• Do you seek public affirmation for what “you” do?
• Will you start giving GOD credit for your gifts and talents so people will believe in JESUS today?

What I do have I give you

What I do have I give you

Acts 3: Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. ² And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; ³ who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. ⁴ And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” ⁵ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” ⁷ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. ⁸ So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. ⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God. ¹⁰ Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

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Desiring superpowers, I grabbed a towel and shoved one end in the back of my shirt as a cape. Holding my arms out in front of me, I circled the yard as if I were flying. I was invincible! Later, when I fell and skinned my knee, I went in the house crying.

• There were times when I wanted to feel special.
• There were times when I desired to be stronger.
• There were times when I wished I could be something more than what I was.

Peter had experienced GOD’s mighty power in his life on several occasions. He just witnessed tongues of fire and preached so boldly that thousands people believed. He was so filled with excitement that he told a lame man to walk and GOD healed him. This was done so others can see and believe in GOD.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM so HE can use me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be used by HIM at a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to want others to see HIM, and not see me.

Wanting to perform miracles is nice, BUT GOD wants me to want the miracle to happen, whether through me or if GOD chooses to do it without a person. The goal of miracles is not to make a human feel special. GOD needs to be praised for that is where the power comes form.

Miracles cannot happen with half-belief. Peter had to be restored by JESUS and even then GOD had to show him that the power comes from HIM. Some people cry out things in the “name of JESUS” and nothing happens. GOD works through those who are fully restored. I am grateful GOD restores me.

• Are you calling on JESUS to heal and nothing is happening?
• Do you believe in GOD fully to restore you and that person to being whole?
• If you know you have a part of you that does not believe, then will you give the small part that does to someone today?

Real Motive

Real Motive

John 11: ⁴⁵ Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. ⁴⁶ But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. ⁴⁷ Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. ⁴⁸ If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

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“Why do you want this leadership position?” they asked me in the interview. I couldn’t say, I thought most of the department was lazy and deserved to be fired. I replied, “To further the interests of the company.”

• There were times when I had “other” motives.
• There were times when I protected my motives so I could protect my position.
• There were times when I wanted something because of the wrong motives.

Many Jews believed, but some slipped off and told the church leaders that JESUS raised a person from the dead. This was an impossible act to follow. The church leaders became extremely worried and finally mentioned their real motive. They preached just enough to keep everyone focused on them rather on the true GOD.

• GOD wants me to point people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to be the center of attention.
• GOD wants my motive for doing things to be because of HIM.

Motive needs to be checked every day. No one knows my motives, but GOD. HE can see right down to the core and know when I am telling the truth and when I am fooling myself to believe a lie that HE wants me to let go of. GOD wants me to place every thought in front of HIM.

Even when my thoughts are not aligned with GOD, HE wants me to give those to HIM too. HE desires that I willingly come to HIM with everything I have. HE wants to be in control and gently guides me to let go of the power I may seek. I place my trust in JESUS.

• What perception are you trying to protect?
• Are you clinging onto hidden things so you will look good to others?
• Will you take the less popular route and admit to others your flaws, so they will know it is alright to accept GOD just as they are?

Entourage

John 1: ³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’

They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’

³⁹ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

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“Your team did a great job” someone said to me. It felt great to hear that a plan “I” put together worked well. When one of my star employee’s requested to move on to bigger and better things, I was faced with the possibility of my team not performing as great as it always had. I said, “yes” because it was the right thing to do.

• There were times when I wanted to keep things the way they were.
• There were times when I wanted to hold onto certain people no matter what it cost them.
• There were times when I wanted to keep a successful team together even when people wanted to do something different.

John showed true leadership by pointing people to “The Lamb of GOD.” He knew his disciples should not be stuck following him rather they should put their eyes on GOD.

• GOD wants me to develop a following for HIM, not me.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM without thinking “I” need to be followed.
• GOD wants me to bring many disciples to HIM to increase HIS kingdom.

It’s all about the Lamb of GOD. Every action should not be done in the name of a brand of church, rather in the name of JESUS. HE wants me to build up HIS entourage so people will truly proclaim HIM as their savior. If people followed me and thanked me for my pitiful righteousness, they would be disappointed. JESUS is the one I want people to follow.

• Are you focused only on your brand of church?
• Do you think your brand of church has all the answers?
• Will you focus your life on building up people to surpass you in following GOD rather than holding them down to look at you?

Control

Luke 9: ⁴⁹ Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.”

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Having numerous things to do, I felt a bit stressed. Expecting perfection, I went over to a person who was doing me a “favor” and asked them to stop. I didn’t want to tell them they were doing it all wrong so I politely suggested they do something else. “I wonder if they are going to do that wrong too” I thought to myself.

• There have been times when I wanted control over people.
• There have been times when I desired others to follow “my” way.
• There have been times when I was proud of the way things turned out for “me” so I wanted others to do it “my” way.

John, brother of James, came to JESUS with some incredible news. “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in YOUR name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” He was one of the disciples who fought over who was the “greatest” disciple. Though miracles were happening, he had a complaint.

• GOD says to me “I made many people for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “I have given each person who belongs to ME a special talent.”
• GOD says to me “I will bless those who serve in MY SON’s name.”

My perfection had extended into being a church critic. “They are doing it all wrong” or “Look at those ignorant people” were my misguided thoughts as I left one church after another. Instead of recognizing the beauty that they were following GOD, I saw flaws in their “performance.”

GOD wants me to applaud when people mention HIS name and let HIM decide whether they are sincere or not. I cannot judge the way someone worships GOD, but I can serve HIM the way HE made me. HE wants me to drop the critique and embrace as many as I can so HE will be praised by the multitudes.

• Are you criticizing people about how they serve GOD?
• Do you think people are insincere in their methods?
• Can you stop looking at other people and praise GOD for HIS amazing diverse creation?

Legacy Moment

Mark 14: ³ And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. ⁴ But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? ⁵ For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.

⁶ But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. ⁷ For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. ⁸ She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. ⁹ Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

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Sitting in a sales pitch was my least favorite thing to do but I was there. As the sales person went on and on about how wonderful this this was, I yawned and glanced at my watch. He then said something memorable. “Don’t you want this as a legacy to your kids?”

• There were times I wanted to leave a legacy.
• There were times when I wanted people to remember “my” name.
• There were times when the thought crossed my mind to be as famous as the latest famous people.

Like the woman who previously gave the equivalent of two pennies, this woman possibly gave all she had. She poured, what some would say, a month or even a year’s worth of income over JESUS’s head. Nothing was expected of her yet she did it.

• GOD expects nothing of me but is delighted when I do even the tiniest thing for HIM.
• GOD has no expectations of me but is filled with gratitude when I mention HIS SON.
• GOD is not looking for gifts but loves when I give to HIM from my heart.

“She has done what she could” is what JESUS said about the woman. JESUS didn’t need any new clothes or a car or a house where HE was going. HE was headed to HIS destiny and she gave what she could. JESUS is returning and wants my all. HE wants my house, cars and clothes. The more I can give them to HIM the less I will stress over them. JESUS is my legacy I give to people.

• What are you striving for?
• Do you want to be known?
• Can you stop trying to be in the spotlight and put JESUS in front always?

Not Holding Back

Matthew 10: ⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

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Safe is how I felt when I attended Bible study. Everyone in the room was eager to learn and we enjoyed each other’s time and company. I did not get a sense of competition, back-stabbing or slander from anyone. I could relax.

 

• Being around those who believe in CHRIST is safe.
• Being around those who believe in CHRIST the way I do is safer.
• Being around those who believe in CHRIST and looks like me and acts like me, is safest.

After a while I noticed I was hanging very safe people. None of these people resembled any danger whatsoever. No one hurt me or called me names… safe. BUT GOD wanted something else.

• GOD wants me to take a risk and proclaim this message “The kingdom of heaven is near.”
• GOD wants me to leave “safety” and go where there is turmoil.
• GOD wants me to give freely the gift of salvation that HE has graciously bestowed on me.

When I was around all of the “good” people I noticed I stopped confessing my ills and only focused on learning. Don’t get me wrong, learning about CHRIST is noble, however, why learn? GOD wants me to be balanced. HE desires that I not only learn of HIM, but put it into action.

GOD sends me to people every single day. If I cannot speak directly to them, I can pray for them from a distance. HE has given me gifts and talents that HE expects me to use so HIS message can be heard. I should not hold anything back when I “go.”

• Are you proclaiming GOD’s message to safe people?
• Have you been hurt by the world and are scared to go proclaim GOD’s message to those who need it?
• Can you stop playing it safe and go spread GOD’s message today?

Choosing a Legacy

Psalm 82: ¹ God presides in the great assembly;
    he renders judgment among the “gods”:

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⁵ “The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing.
    They walk about in darkness;
    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

⁶ “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
    you are all sons of the Most High.’
⁷ But you will die like mere mortals;
    you will fall like every other ruler.”

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Surprised and elated were the feelings that arose as I received my first award in my career. I had been working for years and I was being recognized for the long hours I had put in. The next year I received another and the following years too. I had a little more prance in my strut as one of the most decorated workers in the building. I was “proud” of myself.

• When I receive too many accolades I can get proud.
• When I receive too many pats on the back I can get a big head.
• When I receive too many cheers I can become arrogant.

Prideful leaders build kingdoms and I was no exception. I could not be told that my kingdom was only temporary because I had several backers who were firmly wedged into the company so I felt secure. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says to me “Do not think more highly of yourself” to keep me from getting arrogant.
• GOD says to me “Do not place any god above ME” especially myself.
• GOD says to me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” so I should never elevate myself higher than GOD, even when thinking my sin is greater than HIS grace.

“MY thoughts are not your thoughts, MY ways are not your ways” GOD says. HE has a sinless view of me and I have a sinful view of HIM. I try to build and rebuild kingdoms, meanwhile GOD laughs and says, “Unless you give it all to ME, your efforts are futile.” GOD made me in HIS likeness which gives me tremendous power. HE made Satan with tremendous power too and Satan chose pride over grace.

GOD wants me to be creative, expressive and flourishing just like HE is. HE does not want me to think that any creativity, any blessing or any security comes from me or my efforts. In all ways GOD wants me to acknowledge HIM. My legacy should point to HIM.

• Do you think you are “self-made?”
• Do you believe you are the one who is creative or talented?
• Can you acknowledge that GOD made you the way you are?
• Will you acknowledge GOD and allow HIM to take you where HE is taking you?

All Eyes on Who?

Psalm 71: ⁵ For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord,
    my confidence since my youth.
⁶ From birth I have relied on you;
    you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
    I will ever praise you.
⁷ I have become a sign to many;
    you are my strong refuge.
⁸ My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.

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Gleaming smiles caught my attention from the two girls looking in my direction. My friend and I were riding a crowded bus home after a long tiring day at school. I decided to show my chivalry by giving one of the onlookers my seat and my friend did the same. The one who stared the most opened her mouth and asked me a question. “Hey boy…” I got excited! “What’s your friend’s name?”

• In the past I wanted to be noticed.
• In the past I wanted to get accolades
• In the past I wanted to receive high honor awards.

I didn’t want to be on TV, I just wanted to be noticed. I got tired of being overlooked and wanted some recognition. I combed my hair, changed my clothes and added humor to my language. I was not to be ignored. Then it happened, I was the center of attention. But what was my message, more of me. There has to something more to my life than pointing to my accomplishments.

• When I point my life to GOD there is no failure.
• When I point my life to GOD there is no embarrassment.
• When I point my life to GOD there is no calamity.

When I accept GOD’s plan and HIS sovereign will, I can never say “look at me” or “look at what I did.” I must give credit to GOD and keep my praise of HIM even rather than up and down. I will praise HIM in high times and in low. Instead of pointing to me, I will point to HIM with praise, no matter what’s going on.

• Are you trying to hide?
• Do you feel embarrassed about something?
• Can you stop pointing at yourself for a minute and point people to GOD?
• Will you accept where HE has you and view “praise” as the prize rather than your future rescue story?
• Will you stop trying to feel special and know you ‘are’ special to GOD?

Titles May Mean Trouble

Esther 1: ¹⁰ On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas— ¹¹ to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at. ¹² But when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. Then the king became furious and burned with anger.

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After years of scratching and clawing my way up, I had finally reached the top! I could finally make some decisions and get things done. I called a meeting of my entire staff so I could meet everyone and give them my high level plan.

One of my employees refused to come to the meeting. I brushed this absence off until she refused to come to my next gathering. I then wanted to get rid of her. I approached her and asked, about the absences. Turns out she was the only one who was supporting a large number of systems and my meetings conflicted with her support.

• Sometimes titles give me an ego.
• Sometimes titles blind me to what’s going on.
• Sometimes titles make me believe I am important.

It seems like titles have made me think people should react to me in a special way. Titles like VP, Senior Director, Manager, Husband or even Dad commanded some level of respect and I craved it. BUT GOD wants me to see something different.

• GOD is the most high so I should look to HIM for my power
• GOD is the being I get my power from and titles are meaningless.
• GOD became a human, giving up HIS title of GOD just to die for me and is now raised up above all with the highest title.

Titles seem to ruin my humility. I do not mean I should not have a title or become a pushover when I have one, rather I should accept whatever title I have as a gift from GOD and treat it with the humility HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you demand respect and are not getting it?
• Are you frustrated with the people who are supposed to be following you?
• Can you point your life to GOD instead of yourself?
• Can you humble yourself before the only being who deserves a title, namely JESUS?

The danger of pointing at myself

Deuteronomy 13 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, ² and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” ³ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. 

The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. ⁴ It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 

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“Why am I not getting promoted?” I asked a mentor. He said, “You need to learn the art of self-promotion.” It’s when I tell people how great I am without looking like a braggart. I tried it and it worked! In fact it worked so well that I used it when speaking about “church” not GOD. 

I promoted “churches” and eventually the positions I held within them. Soon people were looking at me. I was now an icon. Now I couldn’t tell people about my sins, people would be so disappointed!

• My desire to be promoted may spill into other areas of my life.
• My desire to be noticed may make me do things contrary to what I’m supposed to be doing.
• My desire to be in the spotlight may take the stage away from the being who is supposed to have it.

Please don’t get me wrong… it is perfectly fine to let people know accomplishments and to be excited about how GOD is blessing me, but my motive has to be carefully examined to see if “I” need to tell people or should this wonderful situation remain between me and GOD.

Angels have incredible power, yet when John tried to bow to one of them the angel immediately stopped him and pointed to GOD. The angel knew something very important.

• All blessings come from GOD.
• All eyes should be on GOD not on me in any way.
• All thanks and praise should go to HIM not me.

It’s nice to hear when I am doing a good job. Who wouldn’t want to hear it? BUT GOD requires that I point the people to HIM so HE can give me my reward instead of stealing HIS light.

• Are you following a human?
• Are you trying to get humans to follow you?
• Can you place GOD above all humans, even yourself?
• Won’t you stop promoting the thing that is less than GOD and point people to HIM again?

Am I setting myself apart for GOD?

Exodus 39: ³⁰ They made the plate out of pure gold. It was a sacred crown. They carved words on it as if it were a seal. They carved the words set apart for the Lord. 

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Scantily clad women walked around trying to get noticed and I wanted to join in. After lifting weights in my local gym, I adorned myself with tiny shorts and a ripped up shirt that I made myself. I mean, store bought shirts couldn’t accentuate my muscles enough.

• Self is difficult to dodge.
• Self usually wants to be noticed or rewarded now.
• Self points everyone to my efforts in a passive or overt way.

Usually when I want to be noticed, it isn’t going to end up in a positive way. Yes I may get a pat on the back, which isn’t bad, but sometimes I may fall into something I shouldn’t. I wonder if all the attention I seek is positive.

• GOD says “Be holy because I am holy” which means I will fail but HIS holiness makes me holy.
• GOD says “Set yourself apart” which means I still have to live with people and not exclude.
• GOD says “I will know MY people” which means HE has placed HIS seal of approval on me.

I have to realize that I am HIS.  This is hard to do when I’m blaming HIM for situations or trouble. I also have to realize “that” person belongs to HIM as well so I have to treat them like it. Being “Set Apart” means living with the purpose of GOD each day. The more I can let go of self the better I am. I will not always get this right but I’m on my way!

• Are you trying to get noticed?
• Do you use overt or passive aggressive ways to get noticed?
• Can you focus some of that attention on GOD?
• Won’t you point someone to CHRIST instead of pointing them to your opinion?