Self-Contained

Self-Contained

1 Thessalonians 2: ⁸ Because of our love for you we were ready to share with you not only the Good News from God but even our own lives. You were so dear to us! ⁹ Surely you remember, our friends, how we worked and toiled! We worked day and night so that we would not be any trouble to you as we preached to you the Good News from God.

 

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“What about me?” was the thought I was starting to form. “I” was doing the work and not getting recognized. In fact, other people were taking credit for what “I” was doing.  And some of the people were not lifting a finger to help.

 

• I wanted recognition.
• I desired to get some help.
• I was motivated by pay or a bonus or some other form of money.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy explained how hard they worked for the people. They may have arrived as strangers, but over time and after a lot of hard work, they were able to preach the Good News. Their motives came from a different place.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s love for me is not because of what I do for HIM, rather it is self-contained in HIS love for me.
• JESUS showed HIS love for me to the point where HE died for me and was raised from the dead.
• My love for others should be self-contained, not needing something from him or her.

 

Money, recognition and returned favors seem to motivate me temporarily, but lose their power over time. I mean, I still end up complaining about the work or the relationship or the lack of favors. After a while, I ask “What about me?” in a deserving way that seems harmless, but could be destructive.

 

GOD wants my love for people to be self-contained. HE wants me to give to people who cannot give back in return. My motivation for serving people should be based on HIS love for me and because HE lives inside me. I am glad that when I am tempted to pout that “I” am the only one working, GOD opens up my eyes to the lie and shows me others who are serving HIM and HE also shows me HE loves me.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers motives were?
• Have you ever felt self-pity and asked “What about me?”
• Will you reconnect your motive to GOD’s love so you can gain the energy to serve those who may not be able to return favors, but GOD is reaching him or her through you?

Good Thoughts

Good Thoughts

Philippians 4: ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

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“Would you go with me?” was my fear filled question. I was scared to go in the basement of our house because I thought there was a scary man living down there. Back then we called this “the Boogey Man.” Eventually I could go downstairs by myself, but I needed the lights to be on. Some people tried to “fix” my fear by having me go downstairs. They turned off the lights. I screamed!

 

• My fear was real to me.
• My fear caused me to be unable to go places or do things.
• My fear guided my decision making.

 

Paul attempts to address, fear, anxiety, doubt and worry. He provides a way out of the deep holes negative thinking can cause. Instead of worrying about what will happen in the future, “think on these things.”

 

My Observations

• When I think on true, noble and just things, GOD brings clarity to my thinking.
• When I think on pure, lovely and good report things, GOD pulls me out of temptation that takes me off HIS plan.
• When I think on virtuous and praiseworthy things, GOD fills my heart with thankfulness and gives me HIS peace which will not make senses to anyone around me.

 

Let’s face it, life can be scary. I mean, someone will always have scary news which can fill the mind with fear. This fear , when handled alone, can open the mind to the enemy’s discouraging tactics. Suddenly the words, “You’ll never…” or “You will always…” grow stronger while faith grows weaker. BUT GOD has this covered.

 

HE places great examples of those who have overcome scary situations in the Bible and in my life. HE then reminds me, through the HOLY SPIRIT, of the many times HE has brought me through things. A battle surges and I want to give into negative memories. “Yeah, but remember this negative thing?” GOD says. “I got that.” I am glad HE gives me a way to control my thoughts and place them on HIM.

 

Challenge

• What are the opposite of the things listed by the writer?
• Have you ever had negative thoughts because of a negative report or are afraid to go down a very scary path?
• Will you remember that GOD is with you and has brought you through many circumstances?
• Will you fight your mind and allow GOD to put “good report” thoughts in your mind so you can stay on HIS path today?

Attitude Power

Attitude Power

Philippians 4: ⁵ Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 

 

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After receiving instructions from the LORD to serve my neighbors, I was a bit confused, but did it anyway. Soon it became routine and something I looked forward to. But there was one neighbor who would let their dog out without supervision. The dog would inevitably “go” on my lawn. “Do I have to serve them too?” I wondered.

 

• There have been many people I wanted to “tell off.”
• There have been many circumstances where I was annoyed.
• There have been many situations that I could have been justified in reminding “that” person about the rules.

 

What a strange statement Paul says. It is just shoved in there but says a lot. “Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon.” Implies being caught in the act of gentleness when the LORD returns.

 

My Observations

• GOD handles me gently when HE could handle my sin with harsh discipline.
• JESUS was gentle with those who sought HIM for their needs.
• GOD wants me to be gentle because HE was gentle with me.

 

Gentleness is extremely powerful. I mean, it takes incredible restraint not to complain about “that” person or even judge him or her. GOD is all powerful and is justified with all HIS actions. HE has and could almost wipe out all of humanity, BUT HE shows us incredible restraint.

 

Instead HE gently nudges me back to HIM. HE is gracious enough to open my eyes to say “Is whatever I gain worth ‘that’ person losing their soul?” The answer is always “No.” I am glad GOD gives me the opportunity to show gentleness each day.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the LORD’s return?
• When hearing the term ‘show gentleness”, do specific people come to mind that you feel do not deserve gentleness?
• How can you align to GOD’s will which includes salvation for all, even those you may not like?
• Will you gain the power the HOLY SPIRIT wants you to have by being gentle to “that” person or “those” people today?

Moods

Moods

John 15: ⁹ “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

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Walking into the stall, I saw the worse use of a toilet that I had to clean up. “I hate this job” I said to myself. When I was stuck in traffic, I sat behind the “slow” driver who left gaps. “I hate drivers like that” I groused. When I confirmed my suspicions of my sneaky boss looking at “my” ideas and stealing them, I set the person up for failure. “I hate bosses like that” I said to myself. I was in a bad mood in every instance.

• Looking back, I used the words “I hate” a lot.
• Looking back, I thought negatively a lot.
• Looking back, I had a lot to complain about.

JESUS implores HIS disciples to keep HIS commandments. A new commandment HE gave was for humans to “love one another”, not just tolerate them. HE said “If you keep MY commandments, you will abide in MY love.” All commandments were made off of one commandment, namely “Love one another.”

• JESUS wants me to decrease my negativity and increase my trust in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look for opportunities to love those HE sends to me.
• JESUS wants me to see HIS examples of love and follow them.

Showing love actually guides my mood. I mean when I do what GOD says and show love to “those” people, the HOLY SPIRIT gets excited. No “thank you” is needed or expected because GOD has a special reward for me each time I serve someone silently.

GOD wants me to “go” and “serve” and “teach” and “baptize” and “pray” and “praise” and “show kindness” and “have patience” and “make peace” amongst a long list of things I could do right now. I am glad HE showed me examples of HIS love.

• Are you complaining a lot?
• What are you thankful for?
• Will you lift your spiritual eyes up and give thanks today?
• Will you show love to all those HE brings to your mind?

Clean Lenses

Luke 11: ³³ “No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.³⁴ The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. ³⁵ Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. ³⁶ If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.”

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Traffic was more heave this particular day. “Why does that person keep darting in and out?” I said to myself. “And why is the radio playing the same song over and over?” “Why is it so dark and cold?” I made it to my destination and someone asked “What’s wrong?” They could see something on my face that I couldn’t.

• Sometimes I am full of complaints.
• Sometimes I see the world negatively.
• Sometimes I see more problems than opportunities.

JESUS seems to be speaking on the outlook on life. Whatever enters the spiritual eyes affects the entire mindset and actions of the looker. If I use sin as my filter, then my mindset will be bent towards sin, same with negativity, doubt and fear. BUT GOD has an answer.

• GOD wants me to see more situations through HIS eyes.
• GOD wants me to look at the day with the same loving view HE looks through.
• GOD wants me to reduce my negative, complaining, fearful view and replace it with faith, truth and love.

Perspective is extremely important to GOD. If I see people with a negative view then they I will be quick to point out how wrong they are. GOD wants me to lift people up so they can grow in CHRIST. HIS blessings are poured out on me on the darkest days. GOD is my shield. HE clears my eyes.

• How do you see things?
• Does everything seem like a disaster to you?
• Can you stop thinking negatively and look at the day, and people, the way GOD sees them?

Booger Check

Luke 6: ⁴¹ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴² How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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“Keep your nose clean and check for boogers along the way” was the sage advice I was not expecting. I was headed into meet with the steering committee to discuss an important project and needed some pointers. “What was that supposed to mean?”

I blew off the advice and went to seek those who were more critical. I got plenty of advice. One day, an executive pulled me to the side and asked me “Why are you hanging around the group who drags people down?”

• There were times when I wanted to be part of the critical group.
• There were times when I wanted to criticize versus being criticized.
• There were times when I kept company with nay-sayers and I soon turned into one of them.

JESUS points out how deep a critical heart can run. I believe HE was saying “How can you be critical with others when you have not declared yourself a disaster?”

• GOD wants me to check my attitude when I approach HIM or HIS children.
• GOD wants me to look at myself before I step in with HIM.
• GOD wants me to examine my pitiful attempt at righteousness and count my actions as dung instead of patting myself on the back.

I finally learned I needed to do a “Booger check” with others. We would sit together and help each other with our blind spots. This close group would eventually watch each other’s back and would accept advice as well as dish it out. GOD wants me to admit I need help first before jumping in and providing my “wisdom.”

• Are you critical of others?
• Do you find wrong in what other people easily?
• Can you examine yourself before you are critical of others so you will change your approach with them?

Rejoicing

Luke 1: ³⁹ Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, ⁴⁰ and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! ⁴³ But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

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With car now dented, I had to drive around town with less pride than before. It was raining this particular day and when I tried to roll up the window it tilted and I could only roll it up part of the way. “And now my stinky life is complete” I thought to myself as I headed off to clean toilets at work.

• Sometimes I was not filled with joy.
• Sometimes I thought life really stinks.
• Sometimes I could only see the negative in life.

Two women held the most joyous conversation in history. Miracle babies would be born around the same time and one would redeem the world. I can only imaging the conversation as they spoke quickly and with deep excitement! The HOLY SPIRIT was in the middle of their conversation as they spoke of “belief.”

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS promises when I am feeling glum.
• GOD wants me to practice my belief when I am feeling down.
• GOD wants me to look at HIS deliverance when I am feeling low.

Life has a daily choice. I can spend each day down or I can choose to rejoice in spite of situations. GOD has already blessed me and all I need to do is sit back and watch HIM fulfill HIS promises with the might HE has.

• Are you down right now?
• Do you think everything around you is falling apart?
• Can you focus on GOD instead of looking at the waves splashing around you?
• Will you believe today?

Check Marked

Mark 12: ⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

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When I stopped by the meeting, I saw faces I did not recognize. I said what I was supposed to say and left. I could not find my schedule so I called my administrative assistant. She told me what my next meeting was. “Who are these people?” I asked.

• There have been times when I went through the motions.
• There have been times when I did what I was supposed to do then left.
• There have been times when I got something over with, then check marked it done.

JESUS took an opportunity to watch “how” people were giving which many mistake for “what” was given. When HE called HIS disciples over, HE wanted to explain the difference between going through the motions versus true passion. HE says the same to me.

• GOD wants me to be passionate about what I am doing.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to live my life with abundance instead of complaining that I don’t have enough.

For some reason I used to picture this poor widow as being hunched over and old, wearing the darkest clothing and some sort of hood covering her worn face. I pictured her slipping the money shamefully into the till.

BUT GOD says something different. She may have had a smile on her face that brightened up the room because of her excitement that she could give again! When I am stuck on money I see this story being about money. GOD wants me to have passion for prayer, serving others and being able to sing again. HE wants my all!

• Are you going through the motions with GOD?
• Do you look at “going to church” as just something you do weekly?
• Can you stop checking off GOD and live a life with passion and abundance with HIM?

Life is Too Short

Ecclesiastes 11: ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
    and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
    and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
    God will bring you into judgment.

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Miserable was probably the best word for how I felt. I sat there and thought to myself “Woe is me” for at that time it seemed like everything was going wrong. I was not doing well in school, I had no guidance and bills were not getting paid. Things looked pretty bleak.

• There were times when I felt things looked pretty bad.
• There were times when I felt miserable while it seemed like “everyone” else was happy.
• There were times when I felt the situations were too difficult for me to handle.

Gloom and doom led me to think, “Maybe I should quit, do whatever sin feels right at the time and let things happen as they may.” I wonder where that thought came from. It seemed like a good excuse at the time to do what I wanted to do anyway. I mean I deserve it since things were going so bad, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in good times and in bad to keep myself even keel.
• GOD wants me to see life in a positive light rather than being miserable.
• GOD wants me to see blessings instead of curses and then I can feel HIS awesome power.

It is quite amazing that GOD allows me to have a choice. I can choose to be miserable, in which HE cannot do marvelous works through me, or I can choose to be excited! I finally chose the latter and within a short time, everything I fretted over cleared up nicely.

I not only graduated but I had a new outlook on life that made me appreciate difficult times instead of dreading them. GOD blessed me with a new outlook that includes amazement of HIM.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you feel miserable and blaming someone else over your misery?
• Do you realize that some of your misery may be coming from your heart?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to add gratitude to it?
• Will you stop focusing on “what isn’t” and get excited about life and focus on “what is?

The Preference is People

Psalm 30: ⁸ To you, Lord, I called;
    to the Lord I cried for mercy:
⁹ “What is gained if I am silenced,
    if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
¹⁰ Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me;
    Lord, be my help.”

¹¹ You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
¹² that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

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“Let’s get this over with” was the thought that flashed in my mind as the church announcements droned on and on. “Blah, blah I need this and blah, blah, I need that!” Let’s just get on with the church part so I can get home.

• Sometimes my attitude makes me blind.
• Sometimes my thinking gets in the way.
• Sometimes my demeanor is heartless.

When I went to “church” only thinking of “me” sermons became irritating. In fact, anyone who asked for gifts became irritating. Quite honestly, if anyone corrected me about my approach to church, I found them irritating as well. Soon I wasn’t praising much at all, rather complaining about what was wrong with the church, work and community.

My giving was not sacrificial and my help to others was limited. BUT GOD said do something about this NOW!

• GOD says to me “I can make the rocks cry out to praise ME, but I prefer you to do it.”
• GOD says to me “I made all creation, but I have given you free will to praise ME or not.”
• GOD says to me “Chose this day who you will serve, ME or those who do not serve ME.”

GOD has opened my eyes to the judgment I placed on my giving. I now see that I did this as “protection” for myself rather than being generous to please GOD. I critiqued churches because I wanted to hear what I wanted to hear. I complained about people at work because I didn’t want to point at my own mess. BUT GOD showed HIS mercy and has blessed me instead of punishing me. I can praise HIM forever!

• Are you shrinking away from helping people?
• Are you super suspicious of those who are sent to you and are in need?
• Can you believe you may be serving an angel and are not aware of it?
• Can you stop complaining at work, church or at home and begin praising GOD?

GOD delivers the right person at the right time

2 Kings 25: ²⁷ In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Awel-Marduk became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah from prison. He did this on the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month. ²⁸ He spoke kindly to him and gave him a seat of honor higher than those of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. ²⁹ So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king’s table. ³⁰ Day by day the king gave Jehoiachin a regular allowance as long as he lived.

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My first job had one amazing person who took me under his wing and decided to train me instead of firing me. But after him I had a string of bosses who were reckless with their people. One would yell at people in public! “Is this what work is about?” I thought to myself.  

When the position was moved over to another division I sat at my desk thinking, “here we go again. I wonder how horrible this boss will be?” One year after that thought I received the highest award in the company because he went out on a limb for me. He restored my faith that there are some good people out there.

• Just when I think all is lost GOD delivers the right person.
• Just when I think I have to remain in a pitiful situation GOD delivers the right person.
• Just when I think my situation couldn’t better GOD delivers the right person.

Walking into an elevator, a person smiled at me when I was having a bad day. When I was a kid, GOD delivered people into my life who’s words ring in my mind saying “I can do it.” These strangers seem to come from nowhere but they always had a word of encouragement.

• Can you be the right person for someone?
• Can you encourage someone today?
• Won’t you take time to praise GOD and build someone up today?

Being Excited About GOD

2 Kings 10: ³⁰ The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.”

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I can’t point to any “cause and affect” to my success. In fact I really don’t see how I made it to where I made it. All I know is I remember a simple prayer… “LORD please make me successful.”  I didn’t know what “levels” meant to a company or what “corporate politics” meant to a career. I had no specific target or path to get there.

All I knew was... I had to change the mode in which I was operating and mature.

• When I was immature, I would instantly lie to cover myself.
• When I was immature, I would not take responsibility for my actions.
• When I was immature, I would not stand firm for what is right rather I would bend towards the crowd.

GOD wants me to “grow up.” Instead of blaming HIM for the ills of society or for the current situation, GOD wants me to admit I need HIM, ask for forgiveness and join HIM in HIS quest to bring people back to HIM. This WILL be against what the population believes.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM as much as I can.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM as much as I can.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM as much as I can.

Note I said “as much as I can” because HE truly wants me to love HIM with ALL my heart, but my heart and every humans’ heart is poisoned with sin at birth, so this takes effort. GOD knows that my righteousness is sometimes pure and sometimes tainted with trying to get my sinful way. BUT GOD’s grace is sufficient and HIS SON’s death and resurrection is complete. This makes me excited!

• Are you filled with fear?
• Do you blame others for your woes?
• Can you begin by taking responsibility for your actions?
• Will you ask GOD to fill you up with HIS might today?

GOD looks at attitude

1 Kings 11: ⁴ As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. ⁵ He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molek the detestable god of the Ammonites. ⁶ So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.

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⁹ The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. ¹⁰ Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. ¹¹ So the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.

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“Say you’re sorry” were the scolding words of a neighbor’s mother.  I laughed at her kid for multiple reasons. I mean the other kids were laughing, but I was a close neighbor. “Giggle, giggle, I’m sorry” came out of my mouth. The neighbor quickly recognized my attitude of non-remorse and said “I’m going to tell your parents.” “Wait… I’m sorry!” Wow, I didn’t even do anything! This ruined my day, I thought to myself!

Okay, that was a very mild example of doing something with the wrong attitude, but how does this translate into larger things?

·         When I work with a bad attitude, my product comes out poorly.

·         When I serve with a bad attitude, the recipient doesn’t feel served.

·         When I reject what GOD said to do because I simply don’t like the rule, I face GOD’s consequence.

We are all under grace and I am saved from eternal consequence, but that does not give me a license to do what I want. I am GOD’s creation and HE wants me to act like I am. I shouldn’t pout at HIS decree nor should I fret over where HE has me. My attitude should be that of “gratitude.”

·         Are you excited about where GOD has you?

·         Do you think HE is wrong for placing you where you are?

·         Can you accept where you are and grow your gratitude?

A place of rest

Joshua 19: ⁴⁹ When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, ⁵⁰ as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there.

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Job number three got off to a rocky start. My boss was a jerk and I wasn’t enjoying the work. Will I ever find the perfect job?  I took a leadership class and the one statement that still sticks out in my mind is “Make the place where you are at the best place and it will become the best place.”

When I finally stopped complaining, the job became the best job of my career. I found my place.

• When I think I’m in the wrong place I can’t get past the problems that arise.
• When I fester over how terrible I’m being treated I can’t see what’s right.
• When I critique every action in a place, I can’t contribute to making things right.

It seems like I get extremely restless when I think I’m in the wrong place. I dream up what it would be like if I were somewhere else and that gives me no rest. In fact my mind goes to war with my surroundings and I quickly fill my mouth with complaints. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD keeps HIS promises and takes me into the Promised Land in spite of me.
• GOD allows me to see HE is the one I should be looking at rather than the place I’m in.
• GOD leads me to a place of rest once I put my mind on HIM rather than looking at the place.

When I am nervous, scared, anxious, worried, doubtful, depressed, or lonely GOD says, “Come unto ME with your tired, heavy laden heart and I will give you rest. Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME for I am meek and lowly at heart and you will find rest unto your soul. For MY yoke is easy burden is light.

• Are you in a place of turmoil?
• Do you think it is your attitude rather than the place?
• Can you seek GOD for rest instead of trying to rest in the place you are in?
• Won’t you give GOD your burden and let HIM carry your problems?

A “leftover” attitude

Numbers 18: ³² Bring the best part of what you receive. Then you will not be guilty of holding anything back. You will not make the holy offerings of the people of Israel “unclean.” You will not die.’”

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Wednesday had finally arrived! I got paid twice a month and it seemed like I would run out of money quicker than I wanted to. I could finally pick up the new suit I had put in layaway and I could buy some groceries. I could also pay rent but the car payment would have to wait until the following check.

On Sunday I had a couple of dollars to put in church. “There… I gave” I thought to myself. This was a sacrifice because I could have kept it to myself!

• When I give GOD the leftovers I sometimes run out.
• When I give GOD the leftovers I put HIM last.
• When I give GOD the leftovers I treat HIM with an “HE won’t mind” or “HE should be thankful” attitude.

My giving in church crept into other areas of my life. When it was time to clear the closet I would look at the worn items. When it was time to move I would give away the things I didn’t want or use. I would keep the best and give away the worst. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to give my best to HIM and others.
• GOD wants me to plan my giving just like planning my new clothes, vacations and gadgets.
• GOD wants me to not cringe when I get a large payment and have to give HIM my best.

I need to give without expectation that GOD will double or triple my gift here on Earth. GOD can do with my money and possessions as HE sees fit. HE wants me to not let things have a hold on me so giving helps this process. When I give my best GOD does the rest!

• Are you clinging onto your little change?
• Are you afraid to give your best?
• Can you recognize a part of you that is not giving GOD your best?
• Won’t you start out small and grow into excited giving?

I know that I know that I know

1 John 5: ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

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“GOD please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.” I was told to say as an exercise in faith. I woke at 7:00 A.M. “Heal my eyes” I said with hopes of a self-claimed miracle. I still wear glasses to this day. “Please let my fantasy football team win” I lost. I could have used the cash to buy new golf clubs. I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         There are times when I doubt HE even cares because it seems like HIS answer is always “no.”

·         Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even pray because it seems like I’m wrong anyway.

My doubt in prayer leads to doubt in GOD.  It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom when I say to GOD “YOU wouldn’t want to give me what I want, would YOU?” After doubting my prayer then I walk away doubting my relationship with GOD. Then the thought popped in my head, “I wonder if there is a GOD?”

·         GOD says to me “Believe and I will forgive” and HE has never let me down.

·         GOD says to me “I love you and have a great plan for you” and HE has never steered me wrong.

·         GOD says to me “Have a little faith and I will show you MY unfailing, unchanging faith” and I have seen HIS greatness in action.

GOD isn’t a made up being for my amusement and sanity, rather HE is the creator who loves me and guides me daily. I can ask HIM whatever I want that is in alignment with HIS will and HE will provide it abundantly. I have learned to ask HIM “What do YOU want me to have” before asking for my item.

I now know that GOD loves me dearly and HIS answer is usually “yes” but it may be in a form I wasn’t anticipating.

·         Do you believe you will have eternal life through belief in JESUS being GOD and dying for your sins?

·         Do you believe GOD will answer your prayers?

·         Can you start seeking HIS will by asking HIM “is this what YOU want for me?”

You are wonderful!

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

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Blissful was my existence as I did not recognize insults at one time. Passive aggressive barbs would fly over my head until I realized the laughter was not “with” me rather “at” me. “Okay, if that’s how you’re going to play then I’ll sharpen my tongue and see how you like it” I thought to myself.

When I laid into the first few people I tore them to shreds and I realized I had to back it off just a tad. After a while I could stick you instead of stabbing you. I had perfected the insult. I mean they know I’m just joking right?

• My cynicism does not help anyone grow.
• My sarcasm does not show anyone the right path.
• My pessimism does not foster innovation.
• My nihilism does not encourage a positive atmosphere.

People are hurting and I can’t say I’m immune. Call me sensitive or too serious but I can only stomach negative talk for a very short period of time. In fact my patience for slander is zero and my tolerance for negative is nil. What can I do about a society who makes heroes out of slanderous bullies?

• GOD wants me to encourage people one at a time.
• GOD wants me to show others “they can” do accomplish their goals it they are aligned with HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a positive light in this dark world.
• GOD wants me to build people up even when they are shooting barbs at me.

My job is to build people up whether they think lowly or highly of themselves. I should not evaluate whether you need to be built up, it should just be part of me. Encouragement is a weapon that fights off worry, doubt, fear, loneliness and a host of ills that press against us.

When I encourage others I encourage myself. Building people up takes practice and helps me grow in the process.

• Are you in need of encouragement?
• Do you know GOD made you special and wonderful?
• Can you accept the fact that HIS plan for you is to make you great?
• Won’t you encourage others for the purpose of building them up to see and hear CHRIST?

My complaints are a pain in the…

2 Thessalonians 3: ⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

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As I handed over the keys to the executive Volvo, I sought out on a new chapter in my life. Yes downsizing hit me too and I was without a car. After renting and sharing a car, my wife told her parents we were in need of transportation. Of course that didn’t go very well as pride hit me.

My father in law generously gave me his ten year old van and I couldn’t see his generosity, rather my “seem to be” failure. “Why is the van so big?” I thought to myself as I filled up the thirty gallon tank.

• Complaints cause me to overlook what GOD is doing.
• Complaints are habit forming and I get better and better at it each time I do it.
• Complaints about how someone else “is” or “isn’t” acting like a Christian is probably the worst attitude I can have.

“Why is the sky so grey, why is it so cold, when will my ship come in?” are all complaints I thought about.  I became great at complaining and that life spilled into the church.  A self appointed sermon critic is what I had become. One wrong move and I would be ready to discredit the pastor and all that he said. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

• GOD wants me to keep moving forward instead of “sitting idle.”
• HE desires that I be part of the solution rather than folding my arms pointing out issues.
• GOD wants me to encourage others rather than chasing down flaws.

Complainers can easily see the flaws in others and blindly cannot see their own issues. I should know because I could not see how my complaints were affecting my family. GOD wants me to remain positive in this sin sick, dismal world.

HE wants HIS light to shine through me and for me to show love to every human HE delivers to me. No wonder HE doesn’t want me to be idle and disruptive. By the way, years later, I am still driving that van as a reminder of GOD’s blessings and I am truly grateful for the generosity!

• Are you sitting around “idle” complaining about life?
• Can you stop complaining for at least one day?
• Can you see the blessings GOD has given you?

Who do I work for?

Colossians 3: ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

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“Seven o’clock in the morning was just too early for a start time” I thought to myself as I trudged in tired from the prior nights antics. In a zombie like state I stood before the coffee pot trying to wake up. Finally, I gave up the fight and curled up somewhere hidden and went to sleep for thirty minutes!

• My bad attitude at work is appalling to GOD.
• My combative attitude towards belligerent customers does not show GOD’s love.
• My lazy approach on difficult assignments spills into my lazy approach to GOD.

Bad bosses come with the territory of work. They are difficult to serve because of their selfishness, shrewdness, insolence or other flaws. They bark out commands and change directions to cover their mistakes. How should I deal with them?

• When I work at anything I need to do it for GOD not humans.
• When I volunteer I need to give it my best because I’m serving GOD not skimping on time or materials.
• When I provide a service in business I need to be fair because GOD will repay my cheating.
• When I perform the smallest task I must treat it as precious so GOD will reward me later.

When GOD fills my heart, no task is too menial or insignificant. I can come to work with a smile and a good attitude even though the atmosphere is dismal and bleak. GOD wants me to serve others even though I am the boss or the employee, working with all my heart and getting my joy from HIM.

• Is your work atmosphere bleak?
• Does your boss or employee have a bad attitude?
• Can you bring a smile and a good attitude to work today?
• Can you brighten up someone else’s day by a task or a good attitude?