Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing

Hebrews 13: ¹⁸ Keep on praying for us. We are sure we have a clear conscience, because we want to do the right thing at all times. ¹⁹ And I beg you even more earnestly to pray that God will send me back to you soon.

 

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Having said the lie, now I had to live with it. Whenever I saw the person, my conscience felt guilty. “Oh great! Now I’ve lied and I have guilt?” How can this be fixed? A thought popped in my head. “Lie again to fix the last lie.”

 

• I was headed down the wrong path.
• I was trying to fix my lies with more lies.
• I was starting to get good at lying versus simply having a clear conscience.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asked for prayer because he knew they could be tempted to do the wrong thing which would lead to a guilty conscience. He must have been going through something difficult because he asked for prayer twice.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gives me rest when I have a clear conscience.
• GOD lets me sleep when I do not lie to HIM or myself.
• GOD provides peace when I desire to do the right thing.

 

Doing what is right can sometimes be hard. I mean, when I get insecure about what I did or am about to do, I may not want to experience any consequences, so I lie or stretch the truth. The problem with that approach, is I still face consequences and lost sleep in the process.

 

Peace and rest are elusive when I do not do the right thing. I’d rather follow GOD and enjoy peace than to live with hidden secrets and mounting sins. I gladly do the right thing for GOD and could use your prayers to keep going, HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is “the right thing” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever done the wrong thing and tried to cover it up?
• Have you gotten so good at covering things up that you now believe in your own lie?
• Will you get some relief from your guilty conscience and confess to GOD that you do not know how to go forward, so HE can step in and guide you to HIS path today?

Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray!

Ephesians 6: ¹⁸ Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. ¹⁹ And pray also for me, that God will give me a message when I am ready to speak, so that I may speak boldly and make known the gospel's secret. ²⁰ For the sake of this gospel I am an ambassador, though now I am in prison. Pray that I may be bold in speaking about the gospel as I should.

 

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Being on my own, I chose to stop praying. “What good is saying the LORD’s prayer anyway?” I said to myself. I wanted to just have “fun.” As things got worse and worse, I revisited prayer.

 

• I only prayed when I wanted something.
• I had stopped believing in prayer, because things were not going “my” way.
• I did not feel the need for prayer when I was in the middle of doing what “I” wanted to do.

 

Paul gives everyone several reasons to pray. He ties prayer to “building up your strength” and “Standing ready” as he mentioned earlier while urging us to put on the whole armor of GOD. Do all this in prayer.

 

My Observations

• Prayer helps me communicate with GOD to place my desires before HIM.
• Prayer guides me to a better place when led by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• Prayer gets other people involved to ask GOD to reveal HIS mighty power.

 

Usually prayer is the last resort when it should be the first. I mean, asking GOD for permission, direction and success seems like the right thing to do. Unfortunately, I have the tendency to start doing what “I” want to do and when it is a mess, ask GOD to fix it.

 

Prayer is a time to change “my” mind versus trying to get GOD to do something HE does not want to do. HE gracefully reveals the “gospel’s secret” and enables anyone who asks to become an ambassador for HIM. HIS SPIRIT shows me that HE can never be constrained. I am thankful GOD wants to communicate with me all day every day.

 

Challenge

• What different ways to pray do you see in the writers words?
• How is the SPIRIT leading you?
• Have you validated your desires by asking GOD “Is this what YOU want me to do?”
• Will you place every situation, thing and person, including yourself, before GOD in prayer today?

Participate Anyway

Participate Anyway

Galatians 4:¹⁷ Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. ¹⁸ Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. ¹⁹ My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. ²⁰ How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you!

 

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After a long day I sat on the bus headed home. Traffic was thick so we creeped down the street. I looked out the window and saw people from my school taking an alternate route since the main one was filled. I could also see thugs waiting to rob them.

 

• I felt there was nothing I could do.
• I felt bad for the those who were about to be victimized.
• I felt angry at those who were trying to take advantage of others for their own gain.

 

Paul expresses his deep concern for those who have turned away from the saving message of JESUS to follow other messages that provided temporary hope. Thieves desiring attention were busy trying to steal love versus living it. All Paul could do is be concerned from a distance. It seemed hopeless.

 

My Observations

• When I see someone being wronged, I can ask GOD to intercede.
• GOD lets me know that prayer is more powerful than thieves, even though it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
• Vengeance is for the LORD so my participation is for all people involved to receive HIS mercy.

 

It is painful to watch someone try to steal people’s hearts. I mean, those who are hurt try their best to keep other people hurt because misery loves company. BUT GOD holds the key to that situation.

 

It takes faith to let go of the obvious trap you can see someone walking into. GOD sees the heart of those who are being victimized and those who are being predators. HE hears your prayers even though you may have to participate from a distance. I am glad GOD intervenes and intercedes for those HE is bringing back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “other people” is the writer speaking about?
• Can you feel the writers pain and passion for everyone he spoke the gospel to?
• If you see someone intentionally trying to hurt someone and you are not able to directly intervene, will you participate anyway by asking GOD for HIS protection and mercy?

Praying for Everyone

Praying for Everyone

2 Corinthians 7: ² Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one; we have ruined no one, nor tried to take advantage of anyone. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; for, as I have said before, you are so dear to us that we are always together, whether we live or die. ⁴ I am so sure of you; I take such pride in you! In all our troubles I am still full of courage; I am running over with joy.

 

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Today is a different day. It is about you. Some of you have told me of the troubles you are facing and some have remained silent and in pain. I just want you to know GOD hears you.

 

• GOD sees your heart and loves you dearly.
• GOD has seen the decades of prayers you have given to HIM and is pleased with you.
• GOD knows you have spent hours not sleeping and is concerned about you.

 

Paul spoke about running over with joy because of those who made room in their hearts for others who speak about JESUS as the Savior. He went through a lot of trouble living for CHRIST. He was blamed for living for CHRIST but had a supportive cast who prayed for him.

 

My Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader to a place of peace. No matter what poisonous words enter their ears, let the power of the HOLY SPIRIT guard the heart. Search us O LORD. Examine each of us individually and forgive us of our sins.

 

Please guide this child of YOURS today. Help this child let go of anything that builds a wall between YOU and him or her. Help bitterness, hatred, confusion, power seeking, lust, fear, addictions, greed, and disbelief in YOUR SON be taken away from your child.

 

Please give us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Help us think on the good YOU give and the truth YOU provide. Amen

 

Challenge

• Do you see the heart of concern the writer has for the readers?
• How many people can fit in a prayerful heart?
• When you feel like complaining about a person, are they in your heart for “love?”
• Will you pray for many people today and focus on listening to GOD’s soft, gentle voice today?

Could Be Having a Bad Day

 Could Be Having a Bad Day

Romans 14: Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. ² Some people's faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. ³ The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn't; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. ⁴ Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.

 

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Excited to get a good meal, I sat at the table and thought of how tasty it would be. This was a restaurant recommended by the hotel, so it must be good. I sat and sat. No one came to the table. I flagged a waitress over and she said “I will get your waitress.” When she arrived, her face was sad with a slight bit of anger. She gave me “bad” service.

 

• There have been times when I wanted to complain to the manager about someone.
• There have been times when I wanted to tell the boss about what someone was doing wrong.
• There have been times when I wanted to make sure the person who was giving me “bad” service would fail and hopefully be fired.

 

Paul continues with his strange message. At the core, he is speaking about respecting other people. The three people he mentions, remind me of a restaurant. One patron orders the everything platter while another table orders the salad bowl.

 

Both could ask the question “Why did that table order that kind of food?” in a judgmental way. Meanwhile both patrons judge the wait staff, not knowing the full story.

 

• GOD wants me to welcome those who are weak in faith.
• GOD wants me to hold back any arguments I may have, trying to convince someone to grow and simply accept the person, just like HE does.
• GOD wants me to become part of HIS success by removing judgment of the workers of churches, businesses or households I encounter.

 

Finding something wrong with the way someone does things is easier and easier these days. I mean, I can watch a video of how things are supposed to go, but when I try the experience it may not go as I have expected. I then have a choice, complain or give grace. GOD wants me to understand grace more than I want to at times. I mean “that” person is clearly wrong and should be told about it, right? Maybe. BUT GOD wants me to understand grace first.

 

Remember the sad, scowling waitress I encountered. Turns out she had a serious situation at home. I said I would pray for her and she shed a tear and gave me great service from then on. I tipped heavily. I am grateful GOD gives me a second chance, especially from those who judge me. HE makes me succeed.

 

• Are you judging someone?
• Are you saying to yourself “I wouldn’t do it that way?”
• Will you stop judging others and join the LORD who is willing and able to make them succeed?

Grown Up

 Grown Up

Romans 12: ¹⁴ Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

 

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Being handed an award for outstanding work felt rather insulting when I was notified the position I held was cut. During the downsizing process, insults were hurled at me and laughter ensued as I had to present my final “next year’s plan.” You won’t be around to see it, they giggled. “YOU mean I am supposed to pray for them!?’ I questioned.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to ask GOD to drop boulders on those who hurt me.
• There were many times when I wanted to see those who hurt me to get hurt so they could feel my pain.
• There were many times when I wanted to gloat at the pain of someone who hurt me, thinking I would feel better.

 

Paul writes something extremely strange. HE tells everyone to “Bless those who persecute you.” What!? He then reemphasizes his bold statement to make sure everyone heard what he said. “Yes, ask HIM to bless, not to curse.” Paul had been beaten, stoned, chased, and slandered. GOD showed him another way to handle bitterness and a poisoned heart.

 

• GOD wants me to guard my heart from the poison of hatred.
• GOD wants me to protect my heart from rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to insulate my heart from bitterness and animosity.

 

Hate breeds more hate. I mean, when I see “that” person get what he or she “deserves” it does nothing. I still have the loss and I still need to heal. It hurts even worse when “that” person seems to walk away unscathed. “YOU mean I have been wronged and “that” person seems to be doing well?” Yes, GOD says, because HE knows how to repair my heart.

 

I sighed and prayed for those who persecuted me to do well. It did not work the first time, but over time it did. I was able to release the poison I had in my heart. I even felt better about my relationship with GOD because HE was pleased with me for growing up.

 

• Did someone hurt you?
• Are you still carrying around bitterness for that person after all these years?
• Will you regain the power of GOD in your life by praying for “that” person to be blessed by HIM and let GOD handle him or her the way HE wants to so HE can repair your heart with grace today?

Make Time

 

Make Time

Acts 26: ²⁴ At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

 

²⁵ “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. ²⁶ The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

 

²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

 

²⁹ Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

 

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After attending the meeting, I realized I would now have to work seven days a week to keep up. I mean, the pressure of the job required constant thinking to resolve issues right away. Soon, all of my conversations were centered around work. Even at the dinner table, work spewed out of my mouth. I had no time for anything else.

 

• One period of my life was spent worrying about money.
• One period of my life was spent dealing with life’s pressures.
• One period of my life was spent giving my all to those who demanded my time and giving none to those who needed it.

 

Festus interrupts Paul’s defense, saying he was “out of his mind.” Paul replied by appealing to King Agrippa by asking if he “believed.” King Agrippa questioned Paul by asking “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul was willing to make time, short or long, to persuade the king and everyone around to believe in JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to make time for HIM.
• GOD wants me to hope that everyone I come in contact with, believe in JESUS as our Savior.
• GOD wants me to see more opportunities to talk about JESUS than I used to.

 

Time is precious. I mean it can be spent on doing something that makes me great amongst humans or I can point my life to JESUS who deserves to be called Great. I can never get time back once I’ve spent it.

 

GOD loves when I spend time learning about HIM and loves it more when I take what I’ve learned and teach someone else about HIM. Short time or long, I pray that every reader believe in JESUS in a saving way.

 

• Are you too busy for GOD?
• Do you stay busy so you can be noticed by humans?
• Will you stop seeking to be noticed and start making time to speak about JESUS to many people today?

Head Knowledge

Head Knowledge

Acts 8: ¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵ who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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“Why do I have to know this?” I asked myself. I mean, I will never use this information. I sat in class and daydreamed, thinking of things I could be doing. I looked forward to my next class that was in my major and was only minutes away. I stopped listening and opened a book for the next class.

• There were times when I learned the information only to take the test.
• There were times when I understood the concepts but did not care about the information.
• There were times when I heard the information but did not take it to heart.

Philip preached about JESUS and many people understood and took action by being baptized. It was the right thing to do. But Peter and John were sent to pray for those who had this fresh knowledge. Many people accepted the HOLY SPIRIT in their hearts after the prayer and laying of hands.

• GOD wants me to plant seeds in the hearts of many.
• GOD wants me to know that someone else may water the seeds.
• GOD wants me to know that even someone else may see the increase of the seeds I planted in their heart.

Preaching about the great news of how JESUS saves  can sometimes be a group effort. Something I say can help a person stop rejecting JESUS, but this may only be temporary. Someone else may come along and say just the right thing to make it permanent.

When it comes to free will, we all have a choice to accept the HOLY SPIRIT or reject HIM. My life’s purpose is to help people accept HIM by believing they need to be saved by JESUS who died for us all and is alive because HE was raised from the dead. I have this belief in my heart.

• What do you know about JESUS and are rejecting?
• Are you trying to be GOD by thinking of your own concepts of what GOD is?
• Will you obtain “heart knowledge” by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can receive the HOLY SPIRIT today, gaining everlasting life?

Inclusion Prayer

Luke 11: Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

² So He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
³ Give us day by day our daily bread.
⁴ And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.”

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Nervous about, just about everything led me to turn to my last resort, prayer. It had been years that I went without praying so I was a bit rusty. I did not know where to start. I mean, do I ask for GOD to fix the stuff I broke?

• There were times when I was so overwhelmed that I did not know how to pray.
• There were times when I felt so broken that I did not even know how to ask for help.
• There were times when my sins seemed to cancel out any blessing I could ever receive.

JESUS saw through the disciples question about prayer and gave them what they needed. They had performed miracles, like healing people and removing demons from the innocent, and now they sought to be even more amazing like JESUS is. JESUS gave structure to communicating, humbly, with the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to recognize the FATHER’S name and position as being the only holy name.
• GOD wants me to see HIS power is the only power that I need.
• GOD wants me to know that HE cares for me, forgives me and protects me.

“Give me stuff” was my old prayer. BUT GOD wants me to pray a new prayer. “Give US this day our daily bread.” HE wants me to include others in my thoughts and be included in how I see others. My prayer is not longer “Help them” rather “Help us!” LORD “we” need you right now. amen

• What has your heart been asking GOD for?
• Are your words to GOD different than what your heart desires?
• Will you allow GOD to change the words coming from your heart so HIS will can be done in your life?
• Will you include “that” person or “those” people in your prayer for blessing today?

Rich and Saved

Matthew 27: ⁵⁷ As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

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Reading the news, I discovered a movie star who’s cell phone bill was more than my salary and pretty close to half the value of my first house! Enraged, I looked at GOD’s words “It is harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven than a camel to go through an eye of a needle.” I found solace in the fact that “all” rich people were going to hell. I mean what about “my” bills!

• There were times I was jealous of the rich and powerful.
• There were times that I wanted what the rich had in order to show them how “I” would do what they do better.
• There were times that I judged those in fancy cars, big homes and fame.

I figured when JESUS said it is hard for rich people to go to heaven, it meant they were arrogant, boastful and all around thieves of the poor. As I read this passage I pondered the rich. Joseph stood out.

He was rich, powerful and well respected amongst the higher ups. HE was able to approach Pilate himself with a rare request for JESUS’s body that was granted immediately. It struck me that JESUS has rich, not so rich and poor followers.

• JESUS wants me to serve everyone, no matter their status.
• JESUS wants me to look at everyone the same and serve them.
• JESUS wants me to stop judging the rich and perhaps I can reach them.

One reason that dawned on me of why I thought rich people were destined for hell was my judgement towards them. “Why should I help them?” came to mind. In fact, in my judging state, I was quite alright with seeing people go to hell if I felt they squandered their life on being snooty!

GOD wants me to act different. No matter how rich a person is, they still need a savior. HE wants me to pray for the rich, not so rich and the poor to have salvation in CHRIST.  HE wants me to drop my judgement and start serving.

• Do you judge the rich?
• Do you think all rich people are going to hell?
• Can you drop your judgment of the rich and powerful and ask GOD to be sent to anyone HE pleases?