Protecting Lineages

Protecting Lineages

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

 

Protecting the People

Protecting the People

Exodus 19: ²¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. ²² Also let the priests who come near the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them.”

 

²³ But Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for You warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain and consecrate it.’ ”

 

²⁴ Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” ²⁵ So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.

 

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GOD led Moses and the children of Israel, a few months into the journey towards the promised land, to Mount Sinai. HE covered the mountain in a cloud and set it on fire. After calling Moses to the top of the mountain, HE told Moses to go back down the mountain and warn the people not to try to peek at HIM, otherwise they would die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to only want to speak to Moses to give the people instructions.
• GOD knew the people would try to see HIM, so HE added a sense of urgency to HIS warning.
• GOD called some of the people priests before HE gave the instructions of priesthood.

 

Protection comes to mind when reading this passage. GOD wanted to protect the people from their own curiosity. HE was about to establish the Levitical Priests who would be responsible for carrying the Law. HE did not want them to die before HE gave instructions of how to reverently handle HIS presence.

 

GOD would only speak to Moses and Aaron at this point. Moses had to climb a mountain at age eighty, then climb down a few times. This direct contact with GOD seemed to need the barrier of height so no one would accidentally stumble into HIS presence. GOD burned the mountain. There were no animals, insects or people left. GOD protected the people from inadvertently seeing HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to the people to not try to look at HIM?
• Are you struggling with how you perceive who GOD is by forcing HIM to act a certain way before you do what HE told you to do through other servants, similar to Moses’s people?
• Have you pondered what level of reverence you treat GOD or other people?

Protected All Along

Protected All Along

Revelation 21: ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 

 

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When the tornado sirens went off, I was still outside trying to finish a home improvement project. I had worked all week on this project, and I was at the last part when the darkness came rolling in. This memorable sight of the dark olive green clouds was followed by strong wind sounds, like a fast train passing by.

 

• A tornado touched down two blocks from our house.
• I was no match for the storm, nor was the house.
• Our house was not touched by the devastating winds.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued describing what he was shown from a high mountain. He saw a wall around a marvelous, new, clean city. The wall had, what was probably, monumental gates on all sides. Imperfect human names were written on the gates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have put the gates on the new city to show how HE was protecting us in this life.
• GOD is very methodical in providing you and me with assurance.
• One angel chained up Satan and GOD put twelve in charge of gates to protect you and me.

 

GOD’s protection is there when we cannot see it. I mean, HE protects us from dangers we cannot see each and every day! We take life for granted and pout when we are not getting our way. BUT GOD is fighting battles we are not aware of.

 

HE sees what we are going through and wants to not only provide, but protect. HIS wall of protection is impenetrable. The gates only let in those who belong and keeps out any harm. I am glad GOD protects you and me, even from ourselves!

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so descriptive of the gates and their placement directions?
• Have you ever thought about how many times GOD has brought you through trials of life?
• Will you take a moment to remember the difficult times GOD has brought you through instead of looking at your current circumstance today?

Protected

Protected

Ephesians 6: ¹⁶ At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. ¹⁷ And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 

 

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“Why is this happening?” has been the question I raised up to GOD many times. During several points in my life, it seemed like wave after wave after wave of calamity was happening. Peace could not be found.

 

• I was down.
• I felt like things were hopeless.
• I did not see any relief any time soon.

 

“Carry faith” was Paul’s analogy in the armor of GOD. He warns that the Evil One will try to attack everyone and a way to thwart the attack is through faith. He also gives us protection of the mind by belief in JESUS for salvation. He lastly provides the only weapon used in the armor of GOD, namely GOD’s word.

 

My Observations

• Despair, doubt and disappointments can be fought against with faith in the LORD.
• Fear, insecurity and uncertainty can be erased from my mind with salvation in JESUS.
• Lies, twisted words and manipulation can be destroyed with the Word of GOD.

 

Protection against the Evil One is highly important to GOD. HE knows we are simply sheep amongst wolves, so HE gives us a way to protect ourselves against a foe that seems relentless. Our fight is not against humans, rather against “wicked spiritual forces” according to the scripture.

 

Salvation keeps our minds clear and focused on the LORD. The world will keep coming up with things that can pollute our mind to turn away from GOD. Since our sin nature wants what it wants, GOD provided HIS word to guide our desires back in alignment with HIM. I am glad GOD gave me the whole armor to protect me daily.

 

Challenge

• When does the writer feel you should use faith as protection?
• Have you ever felt helpless, worried or overwhelmed?
• Will you seek GOD’s protection through faith in HIS power, belief in HIS SON and understanding of HIS word today?

Self-Protection

Self-Protection

2 Corinthians 8: Our friends, we want you to know what God's grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia. ² They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor. ³ I can assure you that they gave as much as they could, and even more than they could. Of their own free will ⁴ they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea.

 

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Getting off the train, I proceeded on the shortest route to work. I was met with a number of people asking for money. I reached in my pocket and gave what I could, but I needed to eat lunch so I held some back. This went on for a few days. I figured out a solution. I would take a longer route to avoid the usual people asking for money.

 

• I was concerned about “my” money.
• I was concerned about “my” body being fed.
• I was concerned about “my” time, resources and safety.

 

Paul is amazed at the generosity of a group of people in a certain area. Though they were poor, they were generous. Their generosity could not be stopped by their troubles. In fact, they gave more during their troubles, showing their joy.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see beyond my troubles and be joyous.
• GOD wants me to participate in helping HIS people.
• GOD wants me to see that helping those who speak about CHRIST is a privilege.

 

Looking at situations from a financial perspective seems hopeless at times. I mean, it sometimes feels like the amounts I have or are getting are never quite enough. This makes me want to protect a little by stashing some away for “myself.”  Or “my” family. BUT GOD sees something different.

 

HE sees when I use self-protection as an excuse to not serve those who HE desperately wants me to serve. HE understands when I am blinded, but would prefer that I seek the privilege of serving to being people to CHRIST. I am grateful for those who have been generous to me to help me serve GOD’s people.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer feel about the givers in this passage?
• What do you notice about those who gave during their troubles?
• Have you ever just wanted a moment of peace so you protected yourself from giving your time, talent or treasures?
• Will you seek the privilege of serving GOD’s people in spite of your circumstances today?

Interpreter

 Interpreter

Romans 8: ²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. ²⁷ And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will.

 

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“Let me handle it” said my boss. I was furious and wanted to give the leader of another department a piece of my mind. My words would not have been quite as nice. I explained the situation to my boss who in turn went to the department head on my behalf.

 

• There have been times when I needed someone to say the right words for me.
• There have been times when I felt one way but needed to feel another way to remain at peace.
• There have been times when I had to remain silent while someone else spoke for me.

 

Paul continues expressing the enlightenment he received from the HOLY SPIRIT. He tells everyone that the SPIRIT has a difficult job, pleading with GOD on our behalf. Since humans are sinful, the thoughts and prayers would be sinful. The HOLY SPIRIT interprets what is needed and expresses it to the FATHER and aligns to HIS will.

 

• The HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf to the FATHER each day.
• The HOLY SPIRIT knows I am weak and sinful and goes to the FATHER to plead for me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT explains the wickedness in my heart and expresses the need for my forgiveness each day.

 

Coming to GOD correctly is hard for a blind person. I mean, when I am complaining about “that” person, I may not be seeing the complaint “that” person has against me. My blindness may make my ears stop working and soon my tongue says more and more evil.

 

BUT GOD knew I would be weak and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me. HE sees every thought and asks the FATHER to forgive me in words I cannot understand. HE groans on my behalf and lines me up with GOD’s will. I am grateful I have an interpreter who loves me.

 

• Do you have a complaint about someone?
• Does someone have a complaint about you?
• Have you thanked the HOLY SPIRIT for interceding for you?
• Will you ask GOD to have your hear cleaned so you can align to GOD’s will today?

Blocked

Blocked

Acts 19: ²⁸ When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ²⁹ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. ³⁰ Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. ³¹ Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

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When I answered the door, my friends were outside asking if I could go to the party. “What party?” I asked nervously. It didn’t matter what their answer was, I knew I wouldn’t get permission to go. I thought of ways to escape the house, but there was no way out. I resorted to a tactic that never worked before. “Everyone else is going.”

• There have been times when I have been blocked from doing something.
• There have been times when I wanted to join the crowd but could not.
• There have been times when I simply wanted to be part of the group without knowing what was going on.

The crowd in Ephesus was not having a party. They wanted to worship the goddess Artemis so they could make money on idols. They became furious over Paul’s words of love stating JESUS was and is the only GOD. A mob formed and protests took to the street. Many people didn’t know who they were angry at, but some did and seized Paul’s companions. Paul was blocked.

• GOD wants me to have the heart to serve.
• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS protection.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom rather than emotion.

Rushing in when the situation is heated leads to hurt people and no resolution. Unfortunately, this fight had to happen. I mean, when everything was calm, the greedy people lulled others into following a false god. But the true GOD was being overlooked. GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS, not just say the word “GOD.” I am glad HE enables me to freely speak about HIM.

• Are you being blocked when it comes to speaking about JESUS?
• Is the situation too volatile to say the name of JESUS?
• Will you have patience because GOD hears you and will make a way for you to continue to speak on HIS behalf?

GOD Protects Me

Psalm 3: ³ But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
⁴ I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

⁵ I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
⁶ I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

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Laughing and joking was our way to unwind from the precarious day at school. The two of us were in the home stretch and knew the schedule well. We figured that if we got off the bus one stop earlier, then we could start our mile walk home, that is unless another bus were to come.

A thug called for us to stop. We kept going. Then another appeared from nowhere. We looked at each other and took off in separate directions. I conveniently ran to where I worked, which is amazing that I was that close in the first place and my friend ran into the supermarket who’s parking lot we were crossing. I asked my boss to call the cops and when it was clear, my friend and I connected and walked home.

• Many times I have faced some very dangerous situations.
• Many times I have been surrounded with problems on every side.
• Many times I have seen assailants come up against me.

I have no idea why there are those who think they can rob, assault or kill, but they exist. Sometimes the question is, “Why does GOD allow me to be robbed, assaulted or on the brink of being killed?” Here is what I have noticed in my life.

• GOD has put a shield around me in some very dangerous situations and I am still here.
• GOD is the ONE who lifts my head high when I call on HIM.
• GOD is the one who sustains me when I falter.
• GOD protects me on all sides even though many foes may surround me.

I have been robbed, punched, bullied and bruised; BUT GOD protected me the entire way! HE surrounded me so many times that I cannot begin to count. GOD is my salvation!

• Are you surrounded by something that is causing you to worry?
• Do you have something or someone who has caused you fear?
• Can you thank GOD for protecting you?
• Will you rely on GOD’s protection rather than living in fear?

Being Protected

2 Kings 6: ¹³ “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

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I actually should be DEAD. After hitting a puddle on the interstate the car spun around and hit absolutely nothing. After stepping on some ice I slid under a bus that was about to move, but didn’t.

Many other scary events of guns pointed at me, walking through unsavory neighborhoods, and visiting other countries with very poor conditions come to mind when recalling brushes with death.

• GOD protects me in times I am not aware of.
• GOD protects me from dangers I could not even fathom.
• GOD protects me during troubled and worrisome times.

May times I have wondered, “GOD where are you?” not considering how many times HE has rescued me in the past. GOD is around me always, it’s just sometimes my eyes are blinded by what the world would want me to see. Pots of gold, fame and Utopian societies blind me to the point where I look at my life and feel inadequate. BUT GOD says different.

• GOD opens my eyes to HIS power each day.
• GOD says “I AM” meaning there is no need to seek anything else.
• GOD says “Come to me and I will give you rest”

Seeking GOD first opens my eyes to the dangers and snares of the world. I can then realize the power of GOD surrounds me.

• Are you feeling powerless?
• Do you feel weak compared to your circumstance?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to see the spiritual army HE has sent to protect you?
• Can you thank GOD for HIS protection today?

The battle is not yours

Numbers 10: ³⁵ When the ark started out, Moses said,

“Lord, rise up!
    Let your enemies be scattered.
    Let them run away from you.”

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Gold chains and stick pins were the fashion of the day. Well this day my gold was snatched and another guy grabbed my bank book. (I have no idea why I was carrying that). I grabbed the bank book back somehow and I ran.  “He’s going into a door” they yelled. This caused my enemies to flee.

• GOD causes HIS enemies to flee.
• GOD makes HIS foes fail.
• GOD laughs at anyone who is against HIM.

Protection is what GOD offers me.  HE sees those who are trying to harm me a mile away.  HE puts HIS fence of protection around me and no one can remove the SPIRIT from within me.  They may be able to punch me or much worse BUT GOD’s eternal plan is marvelous!

• Do you seek revenge?
• Are you thoroughly angry at someone?
• Can you find some grace from within?

If I see it I’m guilty too?

Leviticus 5:1“‘Suppose a person has been called as a witness to something he has seen or learned about. Then if he does not tell what he knows, he has sinned. And he will be held accountable for it.

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“Stand right here” the guy said. As I stood there he proceeded to remove his old raggedy clothes and grab new ones from the rack of the store we were in. He then walked right out the front door. I had watched shoplifting and now I was an accomplice to his misdemeanor.  I didn’t tell anyone!

• GOD says to tell someone about a crime I witness.
• GOD says HE will protect me even though it may seem dangerous to tell.
• GOD says HE is for me, who can be against me.

It truly takes courage to “tell” but it’s worth following what GOD says.

• Did you witness something someone should know about?
• Are you afraid to say something?
• Can you mention the wrong to someone without being a gossip or mean spirited?
• Won’t you mention what you saw today?

Should I get involved?

Genesis 34: ⁵ When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he did nothing about it until they came home.

⁶ Then Shechem’s father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob. ⁷ Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.

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Flight delay number two got me home extremely late.  I just wanted to go to bed but, alas, I had to drive home. As I reached my neighborhood, I noticed a car with four people sitting in it parked near my block. It was a strange place to be parked but I could definitely see a vantage point on houses nearby.

“Should I call the police?” I thought to myself. Then another thought popped in my head “If I call the police then they will come to my house which is in sight of these guys. Maybe I shouldn’t. And besides, I’m tired!”

• Fear of retribution makes me not get involved.
• Selfishness makes me steer clear of someone else’s situation.
• Calculating how much time will be spent helping someone else makes me say no way, my time is too precious.

It is so easy for me to overlook what is wrong when I’m selfish. I mean I can bury my head in my work and overlook what is harmful to someone else. I can say “not my problem” but I will scream for help if it were. What should I do?

• GOD wants me involved with other people to help them in difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to stand up to something that is wrong or harmful.
• GOD wants me engaged with my neighbors to cry with them, protect them and serve them.

Yes it takes more energy, but GOD wants me to help others especially when I don’t feel like it. By the way, I did call the police and they did catch the guys.

• Are you afraid of getting involved?
• Have you practiced overlooking wrongs for so long that you won’t confront them?
• Are you the one in the wrong?
• Can you get involved in a loving way, removing your opinion and giving the gift of GOD?

GOD’s protection

Acts 22: ²⁵ As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

 ²⁶ When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

 ²⁷ The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

   “Yes, I am,” he answered.

 ²⁸ Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

   “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

 ²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

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Project after project I was determined to do my best but it was difficult. It seemed like I kept running into one of those bosses, who wanted to be an obstacle, but somehow they would disappear and I would still be placed on the best projects.

This angered my belligerent boss. I sensed he was out to get me so I worked harder to win him over. The harder I worked the madder he got. He insulted, yelled and screamed at everyone and I was no exception. I was in a bad position but somehow I got promoted. It was because the head of the department knew I was part of a Bible study of a good friend of his.

I had no idea I was being watched by the family.

• GOD protects me especially when I am being mistreated.
• GOD watches over me when things go wrong.
• GOD uses a chain of events that I cannot perceive to guide me, watch me and guard me.

Paul never knew he would be protected just by being born as a Roman citizen. GOD used this link in the chain of events know as Paul’s life to protect him to do GOD’s will. HE has done the same for me many times when I look back but I couldn’t understand HIS protection while I was going through the trial.

• Are you going through a trial that seems hopeless?
• Have you noticed GOD protecting you during your trial?
• Won’t you stop feeling like “woe is me” for a moment to notice GOD’s love for you?

I’m right here!

Acts 17: ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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Sliding on ice took on a new meaning when I couldn’t get control of the car. It seemed like everything happened in slow motion as my sister and I approached the light post. Even though we were buckled in her head hit the windshield and my hand was bruised from hitting the steering wheel.

“GOD where were you? Why did this have to happen to us?” I exclaimed.

• When I seek my way I can’t see GOD.
• When I seek my definition of perfection I can’t see GOD.
• When I seek my view on protection I can’t see GOD.

In college I did everything but seek GOD.  I blamed my parents and I blamed my professors and I blamed the cops and landlords and bill collectors for how life was mistreating me. I wondered where GOD was when I had troubles and I never stopped to thank HIM when times were good.

Women and parties and being the big man on campus seemed fun and a lot of people knew me BUT GOD wanted something different.

• GOD created me with free will to choose HIM and HE knew I would turn my back on HIM.
• GOD created me knowing I would choose sin yet HE forgave me anyway.
• GOD created me at to serve in this point in time with this family in this city because HIS purpose is pure and sincere.

Seeking GOD is difficult when my motives for seeking HIM are selfish. HE wants me to admit my sin to HIM and turn away from them as best I can and acknowledge I need HIM.  I got so busy looking for GOD that I couldn’t see HIM protecting me and guiding me every step of the way.

Now after admitting my flaws to HIM, HE continues to take the sin that I clutch onto so tightly away from me. HE does it so gently because HE desires a perfect relationship with me.

• Do you feel distant from GOD?
• Do you think you are not being shown grace?
• Have you considered that maybe GOD is showing you extreme grace?
• Will you consider changing your ways and specifically seek GOD today?

Bad times are being used for good.

Acts 7: ⁹ “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

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Survival was my goal growing up in the city.  I weighed as much as a wet gnat, had un-comb-able hair, tattered clothes and my fighting skills included hiding inside of my nylon jacket. After coming though bullies, robberies, threats and other evil sorts, I wonder how I ever survived.

• When I’m going through difficult times it’s hard to see the good that can come out of it.
• When I’m faced with forces of evil people it’s hard to see GOD at my side.
• When I’m placed in unfamiliar territory with mean people I feel trapped and helpless.

Guns, gangs and graft have never been a match for my GOD.  I have faced muscle bullies and corporate bullies alike, each meaning harm and sometimes it was personal. While I couldn’t see it then I can definitely look back and see GOD was there protecting me all the time.

• In spite of the bullies, GOD protected my passage safely to and from school.
• In spite of evil people, GOD raised me higher than most people during my corporate tenure.
• In spite of thieves, GOD has provided abundantly for me and my family.

GOD has used evil situations to enable me to turn my face back to HIM. Many times I have lost focus on HIM and HE showed HIS unfailing love for me blessing me in spite of me. Now I know “what was meant for evil is now being used for good.”

• Have you been bullied or abused?
• Are you being falsely accused about something?
• Do you realize your story can help someone who is going through the same situation?
• Won’t you tell others about GOD’s blessings in spite of your situation?

Deliver us from evil

Deliver us from evil

 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

 

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The coast seemed to be clear for me to head home, or at least that's what I thought. I went the wrong. Way that day and "the bully" was waiting on his next victim which happened to be me.

 

He sat on me. Now I didn't think I should be sat on so I hit him. Not the smartest thing to do to someone twice my size so the three second fight was on. After his retaliation punch, the fight was over. He never bothered me again.

 

• There are people in the world who don't have my best interest in mind.
• There are people in the world who are just plain old nasty.
• There are people in the world who do not know or understand my savior who is the CHRIST.

 

Throughout my life I have been chased, robbed, lied on and cheated. Prejudiced people have called me names and purposefully excluded me. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

 

• GOD wants me to understand my heart is wicked so I need a savior.
• GOD wants me to have compassion on those who treat me wrong.
• GOD wants me to remain strong, yet merciful to those who persecute me.

 

It's very difficult to "turn the other cheek" or look past someone's evil they commit against me. I guess that's why Paul requested prayer. He knew GOD wanted him to remain controlled and it was hard to do so.

 

With GOD's help not only can I serve evil people, I can be protected from them in ways I can't imagine. GOD says serve and let me do the fighting!

 

• Is someone bothering you?
• Do you expect opposition from evil people?
• Are you trying to fight evil on your own power?
• Can you show that person grace?

Nothing can stop me!

Romans 8: 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:

 

"For your sake we face death all day long;

 

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

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I got so excited when I read this message this morning. I remember a bully who used to pick on me when I was a scrawny little kid. He was huge, probably five feet two inches! He would pick on me because I was not a fighter rather I liked to consider myself more sophisticated. Okay I was a nerd.

 

One day the inevitable happened, we were supposed to fight. The crowd gathered and I remember trying to back away but it was too late! Suddenly someone shoved me from behind into the bully knocking him down. I then remember several people taking potshots at him. A teacher quickly broke up the skirmish and we went our separate way. He never bothered me again.

 

I had actually forgotten about this incident, but I do remember the bullies that have appeared in my life as an adult. I’ve had people shout hateful things from moving cars. People have thrown things at me and said very stupid things about me, not even knowing me. At work I have run into “that” person who, if challenged goes into rage and fights.

 

There is no one who can bully me or bring up a charge against me because I have GOD on my side! There is no situation that can get me down!

• GOD says “You are MY child, no one can harm you.” 
• GOD says “You are the heir to MY kingdom, poverty cannot keep you down.”
• GOD says “You are special to ME, I will protect you.”

When I try to fight my own battles I soon realize I don’t have the strength to win. I quickly get nervous and worry about the outcome. I then cower in the corner, fretting about the future. GOD says all battles, “large” and “small”, are HIS.

• GOD is invincible
• GOD is immovable 
• GOD is all seeing
• GOD is all knowing
• GOD is all powerful
• GOD is everywhere
• GOD is in everything
• GOD is unshakeable
• GOD is!

 

GOD says there is no reason to fear the future or the present. There is no danger to big for my GOD! No one or no “thing” can separate me from my GOD who gives me all strength!

• Are you scared about something?
• Are you trying to do things on your own power?
• GOD can do anything with your situation, why has HE decided not to take the situation away?
• Do you believe GOD has a “powerful”, “loving” plan specific to you?