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.

 

============

 

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?

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.

 

============

 

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?

Carried by Enemies

 

Carried by Enemies

Acts 21: ³³ The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. ³⁴ Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. ³⁵ When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. ³⁶ The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”

 

============

 

Working for a person who did not like me was challenging. I mean he did not like my suggestions, solutions or unfortunately, my skin. I smiled at work daily, but hurt inside. “I’m going to wipe that smile off your face” he said to me one day. It seemed like I had no one in my corner.

 

There were times when it felt like everyone was against me.

There were times when it felt like the crowd was making things up about me.

There were times when it felt like I was being carried by those who hated me.

 

Paul was in a very difficult situation. The Jews, who did not believe JESUS was and is GOD, stirred up the crowd so much that guards had to come. They arrested Paul, but the crowd became even more violent. Paul had to be carried by soldiers to keep him safe.

 

GOD wants me to know HE is the one who is carrying me.

GOD wants me to believe HE is the one who protects me.

GOD wants me to trust in HIM and HIM alone.

 

Being carried by a job or a relative or a business becomes problematic at some point. I mean each of them will fail or have someone in them who will disappoint me. BUT GOD never disappoints me. HE raises my joy in spite of trouble.

 

HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul. HE leads me in the paths of righteousness for HIS namesake. Even when my enemies, think they are carrying me, HE prepares a table for me that is plentiful. I am glad GOD shows me love. I am now willing to do the same for those who hate me.

 

Do you have people around you who hate you?

Do you feel like you are by yourself even in the crowd?

Will you turn your life over to JESUS so HE will always be with you, so you can begin to pray for those who persecute you today?

After the Violence

After the Violence

Acts 11: ¹⁹ Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. ²⁰ But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

============

When a fight broke out after the game, it seemed like mild chaos enflamed. We looked around for busses that had people who wore our school colors. We ran towards those busses, feeling safe when they left the stadium. We could continue our victory chants as the bus pulled away.

• There were times when I felt safer around my own.
• There were times when I got scared and looked for my kind of people in order to be safe.
• There were times when I simply wanted to enjoy life but something happened to spoil the fun.

Stephen spoke about the love of JESUS directly to HIS murderers. They murdered him too, causing people to spread everywhere. Some were so scared, they only preached the love of CHRIST to each other. But there were a few who spoke to a group of people who were different than them. A great number believed and turned to the LORD.

• GOD wants me to share HIS SON to everyone HE sends me to.
• GOD wants me to give HIS love to everyone who will listen.
• GOD wants me to teach about the love of JESUS to any human who seeks HIM.

GOD’s rewards are given to those who preach about HIS SON. But that is not enough for HIM. HE wants the easy conversations to happen and the hard. HE sends me to my household, my neighbors, my town, city, state, country and other countries to spread the great news of JESUS.

This is not easy, especially in a world of hatred. GOD still wants HIS SON spoken about to everyone who will listen. HE puts people in front of me who do not look or act like me and wants me to pray for them and tell them about JESUS. I am grateful GOD sends me.

• Are you fatigued after the violence?
• Do you think more rage is the answer?
• Will you listen to GOD and speak to anyone HE sends you to so they will believe in JESUS?

Cannot Be Stolen

Cannot Be Stolen

John 16: ¹⁹ Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’? ²⁰ Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. ²¹ A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. ²² Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

============

Seeing the broken glass made my heart race. I looked into my car and to my dismay, all of my music had been stolen. All of that hard work, meticulously collecting the right songs that pleased my moods, was gone. I was not very happy.

• I have been robbed.
• I have had thieves threaten to shoot me.
• I have lost several items to burglars, liars and people who I was supposed to trust, stealing ideas, to claim it as their own.

JESUS explains the temporary nature of sorrow. It will only be here for a little while. BUT GOD has a remedy for sorrow that surpasses all understanding.

• GOD wants me to focus on joy rather than happiness.
• GOD wants me to be filled with joy rather than fleeting pleasure.
• GOD wants me to take joy into difficult days with difficult people.

Happiness, I find, is fleeting. I mean when things are new and shiny, I may be “happy”, but when the thing gets old, rusty or torn, I may not be as pleased with it. BUT GOD wants me to have something that lasts forever, namely joy.

When I am filled with joy, pain becomes temporary. I mean, when that stuff is stolen, or that person is causing strife, joy kicks in and enables me to calm down from being riled up. Joy doesn’t always stop me from getting angry, hurt or upset, but it is there to soothe me back to a place where I can see and hear GOD. No one can steal my joy because it comes from GOD.

• Are you hurting and trying to be happy by the world’s standards?
• Do you think happiness is the goal?
• Will you ask GOD for joy that is overflowing and can cover all of your situations you may ever face?

Patch it Up

Luke 12: ⁵⁷ “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?⁵⁸ When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

============

“Ooo, you gonna get it!” I said to my sibling in anger. During my rage I wanted someone else to be mad at this person so I figured I would take matters to a higher authority. When I exclaimed my discontent the “judge” punished both of us. “Wait a minute. I didn’t do anything wrong” or so I thought.

• There were times when I wanted to be right and wound up being wrong.
• There were times when I wanted my adversary to be punished and I got punished instead.
• There were times when I poked out my lip and said “but they did it” and was told, “Yes but you know better.”

JESUS cuts through a litigious group who wanted “their” way at every turn. They went off to prove they were right instead of coming to an agreement. The person who dragged another to the judge could possibly wind up in trouble.

• GOD wants me to come to an agreement with those I oppose.
• GOD wants me to not be “right” all the time but be with people in an effort to have peace.
• GOD wants me to have peace with my neighbor without compromising my beliefs and values.

Sometimes by saying “You are right”, gives my adversary room to discover if they are truly right. Joining the person for the purpose of peace brings fruit that I could not imagine. GOD does not want me to violate HIS word so I can still work within my values.

HE simply wants me to review the argument and if it is not violating HIS word, then maybe I should drop the issue and not hold onto being right. Maybe the other person needs to be “right” in order to feel good that day. GOD wants me to drag people off in front of HIM for prayer, but the prayer should be for them to prosper.

• Are you seeking to be right or to be with “that” person?
• Do you want others on your side but maybe you are wrong?
• Will you stop trying to be “right” and seek peace that only comes from GOD today?

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.”

============

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?

Heart Widener

Luke 10: ²⁹ But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. ³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. ³⁴ So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ ³⁶ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

³⁷ And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

============

“Say you are sorry!” was the exclamation of an adult to me. After a few stubborn moments, I grunted “Sorry!” and stormed away knowing I was not apologetic at all.

• There have been many times when my heart is closed.
• There have been many times when my heart guides my actions and my mouth to no good.
• Three have been many times when my heart shows just how bad I really am.

JESUS spoke to the lawyer in a parable about an attacked person laying in the street. The victim received no help from those who were supposed to be helpful. They were not only the victim’s race, they were so called, “followers of GOD” yet did not help. JESUS used this story to show the poor condition of the heart.

• GOD wants me to show mercy on those who do not deserve mercy.
• GOD wants me to examine my heart and ask for HIS mercy to heal it.
• GOD wants me to be healed by HIM so I can show mercy to others.

Hard hearts have complaints rather than solutions. The people of the church seem to do the most damage to other people because they are supposed to be “followers of GOD.” When I am not following GOD, my example hurts worse than someone who hasn’t followed GOD at all.

GOD sees my actions and hears every word I say. HE wants “love” to widen my heart rather than the “poison” that can shrink people out. The wider my heart the more love comes out of my mouth and my actions will guide people towards HIM.

• What is your heart full of?
• Can people see GOD in you or do they walk away from you more empty than they came?
• Will you stop to help hurting people become healed so GOD can draw them to HIM?

A Little Too Easy

Luke 6: ³² “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶ Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

============

Irritated and disgusted were the words that described this particular week. Even on Saturday, I brooded over the divisiveness the group I worked with fostered. When I stepped in church, I felt relief. I mean everyone looked and acted like me so I felt comfortable. It was easy.

• Sometimes I want to separate GOD from certain parts of my life.
• Sometimes I desire to have an easy time serving GOD.
• Sometimes I wish that doing things for GOD would be trouble free and easy.

JESUS challenges HIS followers thinking by asking the right questions. HE asks them about their choices to love and serve people who look and act like them. HE says it is easy to serve people who already love you and have plenty of money to repay you. Unfortunately that would constrain who I serve. GOD has an answer.

• GOD wants me to have a larger reward by loving my enemies.
• GOD wants me to be extremely blessed by loaning to those who cannot pay me back.
• GOD wants me to serve those who are ungrateful and wicked because I am the same.

The HEAVENLY FATHER is merciful to me and HE expects me to be the same towards others, especially those who are difficult to serve. Patience, love and kindness gets added each time I show mercy to those who are constantly angry at me, or show their hatred towards me.

GOD blesses me to see people in a different light. Instead of adversarial stances, HE grants me the ability to pray for those who may never pray for me. I look forward to the rewards HE promises me.

• Are you upset with someone or some group of people?
• Do you place blame on them for what they have done?
• Can you stop seeking blame and seek restoration just as GOD has restored you with HIS mercy?

Powerful Mercy

Mark 5: Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. ² And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³ who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, ⁴ because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. ⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

⁶ When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. ⁷ And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”

⁸ For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” ⁹ Then He asked him, “What is your name?”

And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰ Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

============

Driving on a sunny day made me feel great. I was on my way to a friend’s house to enjoy some company. As I drove through the intersection near his house, a car ran a stop sign and hit my old junker. With little apology they threatened me instead of providing their insurance. I wanted them arrested for the rest of their lives!

• Sometimes I want revenge!
• Sometimes I want “justice!”
• Sometimes I want “that” person to get what’s coming to them!

JESUS does something absolutely amazing in this slice of history. A legion of demons, whose job was to torment people, asked for mercy.  JESUS had the power to immediately speak them into being eternally tormented but restrained for it was not the right time.

• JESUS says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM full of mercy and grace.”
• JESUS says to me “Judge not lest you be judged.”

This conversation between the demons and JESUS shows me that HE can give mercy to anyone who asks. I need to follow HIS example of giving mercy to those who may be against me.

• Did someone do something to you?
• Did they deliberately hurt you?
• Can you accept the power GOD is giving you by showing undeserved mercy on them?

Insult to Injury

Matthew 27: ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

============

As I presented the budget I noticed snickering from the audience. Knowing this was my last week at the company, the attendees knew the information was a waste of their time. The questions asked were more insults than enquiries. I felt humiliated.

• There have been times I have felt humiliated.
• There have been times when I was insulted when I was at my lowest.
• There have been times when those around me hurled insults at me and all I could do was stand there.

Someone said “Words will never hurt me” but they did. Those who had once cheered me on were now insulting me as if I were the cause of the world’s problems. I walked out in shame. BUT GOD wanted me to understand something from this.

• GOD wanted me to “Pray for my enemies.”
• GOD wanted me to “Turn the other cheek” while being slapped in the face with insults.
• GOD wanted me to “Love those who are not easy to love.”

It is easy to love people who love me back but to love those who hate me is another thing! I mean they insulted me and mocked me. JESUS too was insulted and mocked. The heads of the church criticized the living GOD thinking they had killed a blasphemer. They insulted HIS love, HIS statements and HIS authority. BUT GOD died for mankind anyway.

JESUS did say HE is the SON of GOD and never shied away from that statement. HE used tremendous restraint to accept insults and injury unto HIS death. HE knows I can be hurt by insults but HE says to me “I love you and that is what matters.” I can let go of insults and focus on GOD’s love.

• Have you been insulted?
• Is someone mocking you and your abilities?
• Can you let it go and allow GOD to heal your wounds today?

Perfection at its Best

Matthew 5: ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

============

“Strong dislike” was the feeling I had towards this guy. I mean he had come along an upended my world simply by being inserted as my boss. He went out of his way to harm me and seemed even more maleficent when I showed any type of resilience.

• There have been times that I didn’t like a person.
• There have been people in my life that I could do without.
• There have been times when I brooded so much over a person that I lost sleep.

Replaying the “criminal” act over and over made me furious. I could not help but conclude that the only answer was to have this person dropped off a mountain while locked in an exploding train met with jagged rocks and a shark pit. Since I couldn’t afford to buy a train, I just sat and fumed.

• GOD said to me “Love your enemies.”
• GOD said to me “Pray for those who persecute you.”
• GOD said to me “Be perfect just as I, your HEAVENLY FATHER, AM perfect.”

Perfection in this example was “Love.” He wanted me to take bitterness and poison out of my heart and replace it with love for those who went out of their way to harm me. It took time to drive out the bitter thinking. I actually found myself praying for this person more and more. Soon I was able to sleep well.

Their onerous acts became child’s play to me. GOD removed the bitterness by showing me how HE handles HIS enemies, namely me. HE forgave me for my sins and allowed me to flourish instead. HE is a great example!

• Are you bitter about someone?
• Do you have a long standing grudge with someone?
• Do you have hatred in your heart over “that” person or “those” people?
• Will you drop your hatred and replace your poison with GOD’s love?

Enemies Will Be Friends

Isaiah 19: ¹⁹ In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a monument to the Lord at its border. ²⁰ It will be a sign and witness to the Lord Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

²¹ So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. ²² The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

============

After seeing belligerence I had to throw the person out of my meeting. After seeing no work produced in the time I wanted, I had to fire this other person. After seeing a report about this person’s performance, I had to put them on notice. Years of management had taken its toll. This great land called corporate paid me well to make enemies.

• There were times when I was the oppressor.
• There were times when I was the heavy.
• There were times when I was the bearer of bad news.

Tough or thick skinned is what people in corporate called it. Some may even say moxie.  Looking back on things, I can see that corporate land is similar to that of Egypt land. It provided great wealth, but took my eyes off the prize.

• GOD wants me to turn my heart back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see HIS kingdom first and HE will add what HE wishes to me.
• GOD wants me to send my pleas to HIM so HE can heal me.

Every minute spent chasing Egypt is a minute spent away from GOD. HE wants me to bring HIS kingdom to Egypt on a daily basis. HE wants me to infiltrate my job and pray for those around me whom HE delivers to me. GOD wants me to be in the world while not being part of it.

• Are you chasing “success?”
• Do you spend an exorbitant amount of time trying to “get paid?”
• Can you stop for a moment and dedicate some time to GOD?
• Will you seek HIS kingdom first without seeking something in return from GOD?

Learning to Follow

Psalm 15: ¹ Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
    Who may live on your holy mountain?

² The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;
³ whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
⁴ who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
⁵ who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.

============

Grousing at the horrid conditions of not having a full breakfast at meetings was something I couldn’t get into. “We should be thankful for what we had” was my thought. Then the company cut back on randomly giving away tee shirts. “Come on! This place can afford a lousy tee shirt, I groused!”

• Complaining blinds me more than I know.
• Complaining hardens my heart to hearing.
• Complaining leads to slander that is very hard to reverse.

I never knew that the seed of complaining grows an ugly vine within me. I mean even the smallest complaint can grow a tree of superiority, arrogance and a deserving attitude that does not draw people to GOD. How can I counter my complaining attitude?

• GOD says to me “Utter no slander” even when the crowd is doing it, especially about leaders.
• GOD says to me “Do no wrong to your neighbor” even when the neighbor is crazy.
• GOD says to me “Cast no slur on others” especially racial, sexual, age or class.
• GOD says to me “Despise a vile person” which is difficult when I too am vile so I must give the person to GOD.
• GOD says to me “Honor those who fear ME, who trust ME, who keeps oaths when it hurts, who does not change their mind, who lends money to the poor without interest, who does not accept bribes” which means I must recognize these traits in others. 

Getting rid of my complaining seeds is not easy, but the more I can spit the poison out of my mouth the more GOD replaces my seeds with fruit.

• Are you a complainer?
• Have you spread slander about a person who is not in the room with you?
• Can you reduce your poisonous words and replace them with praise?
• Will you learn to follow JESUS’ ways and be gentle, even to your enemies?

Focus on GOD

Job 24: ²³ He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
    but his eyes are on their ways.

============

Jealous is never a good thing. I mean when I look at what someone else is doing or not doing I compare myself to them. Since I’m the judge I always win my personality contest. I say “Look at what they are doing” to GOD and it seems like they are getting away with murder, literally.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies.”
• GOD says to me “Have mercy on the merciless.”

I pondered these qualities and realized that’s the way GOD treats me. HE is merciful on me in spite of me. HE holds back HIS wrath and showers me with love. HE turns my jealous into prayer.

• Are you jealous of the reckless?
• Do you think “that” person is getting away with everything and you are getting beat up?
• Can you turn you jealousy into a prayer?
• Will you show mercy on those who don’t deserve it?

Listening

Job 15: ¹¹ Are God’s consolations not enough for you,
    words spoken gently to you?
¹² Why has your heart carried you away,
    and why do your eyes flash,
¹³ so that you vent your rage against God
    and pour out such words from your mouth?

============

Listening to GOD can be difficult sometimes. I mean HE is invisible and inaudible right? Wrong! GOD is extremely visible and is in front of me right now. HE made everything with HIS power and speaks to me daily. I may not want to hear what HE has to say and that’s why I need grace.

• GOD says “Give to that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE wants me to.
• GOD says “Forgive that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE has forgiven me.
• GOD says “Pray for that person” and it’s up to me to respond the way HE showed me by the example of praying for those who killed HIM.

When I vent my anger at GOD, I’m telling HIM HE isn’t doing a good job and I know better. My frustration leads to a complaint rather than praise. GOD wants me to see HIM the way HE shows me. HE says just look around and you will see ME. Seek and I will find.

Wish Prosperity on Your Enemies

Esther 6: ⁶ When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?”

Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” ⁷ So he answered the king, “For the man the king delights to honor,⁸ have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. ⁹ Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king’s most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”

¹⁰ “Go at once,” the king commanded Haman. “Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended.”

============

They brought me in a small room and asked me if the other guy would be a good fit for the top position of the company I interviewed for. This was strange to me. “Why ask me?” I thought to myself. If I answer “He’s horrible, pick me” it could show I’m not a team player, on the other hand if I say “He’s great” then I may be giving the position up. What should I do?

• Many times I have had to face my ego.
• Many times I have had to face the choice of slandering versus speaking highly of a person.
• Many times I have had to face getting passed over.

Wishing the demise of someone feels so good at the time, especially if that person has been very irritating to me. When I see them go down in flames I feel great because maybe I can get their spot. BUT GOD desires something different of me.

• GOD wants me to delight when HE places people above me so I can serve as JESUS served me.
• GOD wants me to enjoy when HE blesses people I don’t like, because it shows HE is truly unbiased in HIS view and has even forgiven me.
• GOD wants me to sing praises when HE does great things in other folk’s lives because it shows HIS power and majesty over everything.

Pouting when someone else “wins” is a sure sign of immaturity on my part. In fact, just the thought of someone “winning” is immature. If I am part of GOD’s kingdom then I should delight in what HE is doing all around me. HE loves when I change my pouting into praise. The more I can truly praise HIM for blessing others the more HE blesses me either in this life or the next.

• Are you pouting over someone’s prosperity?
• Are you on the side of slander or speaking well about “that” person?
• Can you realize that maybe your attitude towards other people may be why GOD holds blessings back from you?
• When will you mature and wish others the best like GOD wants the best for you?

Should I celebrate when my enemies fall?

2 Samuel 1: ²³ Saul and Jonathan—
    in life they were loved and admired,
    and in death they were not parted.
They were swifter than eagles,
    they were stronger than lions.

²⁴ “Daughters of Israel,
    weep for Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet and finery,
    who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

============

It was a very snide conversation that I remember vividly. A woman tried to take over our system by selling hers to individual franchisees. She had convinced a group that they would lose money if they went with the corporate system instead of hers. I rallied the senior executives and we put a plan together to squelch the fire of miscommunication.

The plan worked and we were able to deploy the corporate system without flaw. I rejoiced because she was pretty smug in her approach. A thought popped in my head to call her and ask her how she felt now that she lost!

• In the past I felt great when others fell.
• In the past I rejoiced when the rich and powerful got what was coming to them.
• In the past I made enemies and rejoiced taking them down.

Saul wanted to kill David with all of his heart. The LORD departed Saul and he had a rage of jealousy that left him focused on a futile vendetta. When the word came to David that Saul and Jonathan died, he wept bitterly. He wept for his enemy.

• GOD truly wants me to desire that everyone gets to know HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to desire the best for everyone in my prayers, actions and discussions.
• GOD wants me to desire grace, mercy and love for everyone including those who intentionally have harmed me in the past.

Quite honestly, it is difficult to climb up to the place where I can really desire something better for my enemies. BUT GOD says HE will reward me when I pray for them to succeed in getting to know HIS SON. Each time I do this, I actually have won the battle and the war.

• Do you have someone who is acting like your enemy right now?
• Do you sneer and scoff at a leader or someone in power?
• Can you stop feeling sorry for yourself and ask GOD to forgive you and that person?
• Won’t you pray about “that” person hoping they will know CHRIST who is responsible for all forgiveness? 

The High Road to True Leadership

1 Samuel 24: ³ He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. ⁴ The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” ⁷ With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

============

“Get out of my meeting!” were the disturbing, yet satisfying words I have only spoken once in my career. As I disposed of the blustery person I felt relieved that my meeting would continue, but even more, the blatant disrespect was squelched and no one dared to challenge me like that.

Years later as I tried to change jobs, I went to interview at a company. I prepared by doing research. The next day the interview was cancelled. I was extremely confused and dug a little deeper. The guy I threw out of my meeting was in charge of the department at that company.

• Getting even is extremely satisfying, short term.
• Getting the upper hand is filled with elation, short term.
• Getting rid of blustery, mean, overbearing people is so rewarding, short term.

One might say I did the right thing at the time, but I never went back to the guy to understand what he was going through and why he was so passionate. I was so focused on the matter at hand that I could not see a larger picture of working together.

• GOD wants me to bring people together rather than always seeking ‘my way.”
• GOD wants me to forgive my enemies rather than seeking immediate vengeance on them.
• GOD wants me to see the situation from HIS perspective rather than looking at it from my short term lens.

David took the high road which actually gave him more power than he could realize. The times when I took the high road seemed foolish and downright crazy to most, BUT GOD knows and loves me for it. The high road brings people to GOD!

• Are you in a position where you can harm someone?
• Is your tongue spitting slander or poison about people?
• Can you take the high road and speak praises about “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on “that” person while you pray for them?