Go Out

Go Out

Genesis 8: ¹⁵ Then God spoke to Noah, saying, ¹⁶ “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. ¹⁷ Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” ¹⁸ So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. ¹⁹ Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark.

 

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

 

“It worked! The ark GOD had me build actually worked!” should have been the thought that crossed Noah’s mind. But it didn’t seem like this was the case. Noah had never seen rain before. He and his family were closed up in an ark for a large portion of a year. He had never seen GOD’s wrath, only heard about it.  He saw the Garden of Eden and knew he could not enter it. He had many conversations with the LORD and understood HIM well.

 

My Observations:

• Every human Noah tried to convince was now gone.
• Noah followed instructions well and was probably nervous to make a mistake.
• GOD had to tell Noah to leave the ark even though he knew the ground was dry.

 

Waiting on the LORD for the next step was a quality that Noah demonstrated well. “I’m not going out there” was shown in his hesitancy and cautious approach. BUT GOD had another stage of life for Noah and his family. “Be fruitful and multiply” were the same instructions given to his ancestors Adam and Eve.

 

These words were a blessing instead of a curse. GOD bestowed confidence in humans to create life, just as HE intended. The ordeal was over. But Noah had become comfortable in the ark and was used to the security of the small space. BUT GOD had a different agenda. HE wanted the earth populated with humans, animals and bugs. Noah had to leave his adopted comfort zone to do what GOD saved him for.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this conversation with Noah?
• Has GOD ever rescued you and you have become comfortable with something that HE meant to be temporary?
• Have you asked GOD for the faith to “go out” of your comfort zone to do the next step of HIS plan for you?

Letter of Recommendation

 

Letter of Recommendation

Philippians 2: ²⁵ I have thought it necessary to send to you our brother Epaphroditus, who has worked and fought by my side and who has served as your messenger in helping me. ²⁶ He is anxious to see you all and is very upset because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷ Indeed he was sick and almost died. But God had pity on him, and not only on him but on me, too, and spared me an even greater sorrow. ²⁸ I am all the more eager, then, to send him to you, so that you will be glad again when you see him, and my own sorrow will disappear. ²⁹ Receive him, then, with joy, as a believer in the Lord. Show respect to all such people as he, ³⁰ because he risked his life and nearly died for the sake of the work of Christ, in order to give me the help that you yourselves could not give.

 

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

 

Working hard made me gain a reputation amongst the owners of the bowling alley. It was easy to get them to write a letter of recommendation for me. But on the job that I missed opening the office because I was hanging out partying, I could not get a letter. In fact, I was fired.

 

• Both experiences shaped me.
• I was reliable on one job and unreliable on another.
• I did not know people were paying attention to me nor did I think it had any bearing on my future.

 

Paul spoke highly in his letter about Epaphroditus. He gave his best recommendation because both had gone through a lot together as they dedicated their life speaking about CHRIST. Like Paul, Epaphroditus “risked his life” for the sake of the work of CHRIST. Paul knew his belief was real.

 

My Observations

• All of my actions are seen by GOD.
• What is in my heart for others writes my letter of recommendation for myself.
• GOD knows when I am insincere and when I am sincere, therefore HE places me in charge of things HE cares about based on what I can handle.

 

Faithfulness to me means continuing in the hope when things seem extremely difficult. I mean, when it looks like all hope is lost, my faith has to remain in CHRIST. This may be contrary to what humans recommend. BUT GOD sees my actions and rewards me when I sincerely follow HIM.

 

HE knows the impossible labels people may place on me that may stain my character and HE says “He is tail useful to ME.” Only GOD’s character is perfect, yet he takes imperfect beings like myself, and sends him or her to speak on JESUS’s behalf. I gladly accept the plan GOD has for me and am grateful HE recommends me.

 

Challenge

• What stands out to you in this letter of recommendation?
• Do you think living for GOD has to be hard and uncomfortable for everyone?
• Will you simply “be” so you can live for CHRIST the way HE made you?
• Will you also show respect for more believers and let GOD judge his or her actions so you can be filled with praise to GOD more often?

Choices

Choices

Ephesians 5: ¹⁵ So be careful how you live. Don't live like ignorant people, but like wise people. ¹⁶ Make good use of every opportunity you have, because these are evil days. ¹⁷ Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

 

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

 

“Come hang out with us” were the tempting words I would easily flock to . We stayed up late having “fun.” To my dismay, I woke up late for my shift. I was supposed to open the dorm office and I slept way past the time. I was fired.

 

• I did not do what I was supposed to be doing.
• I made a short term choice that was costly long term.
• I could not see any problem with my choice until I ran into the problem.

 

Short term thinking was an issue Paul was trying to address. People had, too often, given into what the world would say is “fun” or “okay.” After a while, their eyes were no longer fixed on GOD, but their own pleasure.

 

My Observations

• GOD made humor, laughter and pleasure for me to enjoy.
• GOD made my life for HIM so I must seek what HE wants me to do and allow HIM to provide me with pleasure.
• GOD wants me to seek wisdom and make good use of every opportunity given to me to serve HIM.

 

Every moment does not have to be a Bible teaching moment. I mean, I must have faith that I know what GOD says through HIS Word and place it in my heart. But there are moments GOD wants me to be ready to speak about HIM and HIS SON as the Savior of all mankind.

 

I can enjoy life while seeking what GOD wants me to do. Unfortunately, there are times when I want to seek what “I” want to do. This is classified as “foolish” or “ignorant” by the writer. Harsh? Not really. GOD has a plan for me each day that is not overwhelming. I am grateful HIS burdens on me are light.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Are there any changes you would like to make in your life but need some help?
• Will you seek what GOD wants you to do and release your fear of what you hold onto so you can be filled by HIS SPIRIT today?

True Identity

True Identity

Ephesians 3: ¹⁴ For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. 

 

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

 

As I was walking down the hall someone shouted a negative label at me. My youthful response was to get a large friend and threaten a fight. The label was not who I was so it enraged me.

 

• I reacted to a false label.
• I wasted time and energy over something that was not true.
• I was not ready to take the high road so I stooped down to fight.

 

Paul uncovers something interesting. He says each person has a “true name” which implies the family name I have is false. HE was revealed that GOD provides purpose through a name.

 

My Observations

• My true identity will be revealed to me when I am with the FATHER.
• I will one day understand my true purpose in union with CHRIST.
• Knowing I have a true name gives me hope.

 

People want to be GOD so we label each other in ways to make others feel inferior. BUT GOD is supreme and is the only one who holds the true label of HIS creation. HE made each person carefully and with a special purpose. Unfortunately, there is an adversary who lies and confuses people to seek a worldly identity.

 

People are separated and lied to so JESUS becomes a problem rather than the only solution. Political thieves try to hijack the name of JESUS but fail miserably because GOD knows HIS true flock. I am glad GOD holds my identity and has adopted me into HIS glorious family.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to identity when entering into prayer?
• Have you ever been called a false label or possibly mislabeled yourself?
• Will you stop seeking validation from the world and know you are loved fully by GOD who holds your true purpose and identity in CHRIST who is our Savior today?

Bad Fruit

Bad Fruit

Galatians 5: ¹⁹ What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; ²⁰ in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; ²¹ they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.

 

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

 

Continuing on yesterday’s thought, I remember being excited about going to college where I found “freedom” to do what “everybody” else was doing. When I joined in with the group I liked, I was able to get drunk, have as much sex as I wanted and join in on a few battles with malicious words. I found myself not attending classes, then I was kicked out. The “fun” group was not there to help.

 

• I was on a path to destroying myself and others.
• I cared so much about experiencing pleasure that I was blind to my own actions.
• I wanted to fit in with a group that was trying to use “fun” as a medication to life’s difficulties.

 

Paul provides a list that could be confusing. He lists actions that some would ask “what’s wrong with that?” He is warning people about their “purpose” in life. The list is not about a specific sin, it is about life’s pursuits. His warning is, if people pursue yielding to human nature too long, eventually he or she will not be able to hear GOD.

 

My Observations

• Recognizing that I am blinded by my own desires helps me see GOD.
• Asking GOD to give me strength to ignore the things that are barriers to hearing HIM puts me back on HIS path.
• Knowing that JESUS died for all my sins helps me when I fall.

 

Believing in JESUS enables me to possess the Kingdom of GOD. But what happens if I sin? If I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Getting back to the passage, it is about life’s pursuits that GOD is looking at.

 

HE knows when I am pursuing “my” own kingdom versus HIS. HE let’s be bear bad fruit, thinking my crowd can “support” me through life’s difficulties. HE allows my bad fruit to grow into horrible situations that may have affected many. Fortunately, HE always makes a way back to HIM. I am grateful I can run back to GOD and HE welcomes me with open forgiving arms.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of the list the writer brings that would concern you?
• Do you find yourself justifying your own actions with a group?
• Will you stop listening to your human nature and confess to GOD that your life may be on a dangerous path and you need HIS help to guide you back to HIM 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!

 

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

 

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?

Strange Reliability

Strange Reliability

2 Corinthians 8: ²² So we are sending our brother with them; we have tested him many times and found him always very eager to help. And now that he has so much confidence in you, he is all the more eager to help. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and works with me to help you; as for the other brothers who are going with him, they represent the churches and bring glory to Christ. ²⁴ Show your love to them, so that all the churches will be sure of it and know that we are right in boasting about you.

 

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

 

“Sorry I am late, I had car troubles” were the words of a volunteer I overheard. She was determined to help and would not let any obstacle ruin her service to those in need. On the other hand, when things were not going my way, I wanted to quit.

 

• I wondered what made her keep going.
• I pondered what it was about her situation that made her persevere.
• I looked at my situation and thought, “maybe I can keep going too.”

 

Paul writes about several people who were called to serve over and over. These people were “tested” to be reliable when it came to serving GOD’s people. They were so eager in their service, they noticed the excitement of others. Their reliability was strange.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be eager to help HIS people.
• GOD wants me to place my confidence in other people who serve GOD with fervor.
• GOD wants me to give my interests, skills and talent to HIM so HE can use them to bring other people back to HIM.

 

Bringing glory to CHRIST seems difficult at times. I mean, when I accepted JESUS as my Savior, I expected things to go smoothly all of my life. BUT GOD saw different. HE knew I would face difficult days where I felt like giving up.

 

GOD’s grace is truly sufficient. Without it, I would not be here. HE is the one who deserves attention and calls people to be reliable to HIS purpose. Each day HE wants people to get back up when they are knocked down by the world. I am glad GOD has called many to be reliable in HIS sight.

 

Challenge

• What examples of reliability have you seen in your life?
• Do you feel the excitement the writer states about people?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can entrust HIS purpose to you today?

Leaving Home

Luke 18: ²¹ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy,’ he said.

²² When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

²³ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. ²⁴ Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’

²⁶ Those who heard this asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’

²⁷ Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

²⁸ Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’

²⁹ ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God ³⁰ will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’

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

Arriving on campus gave me no clues that I would not be returning home. I could now stay out as long as I wanted and do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was free! The first night I began my party life and became “known” on campus.

• I remember living life with no purpose.
• I recall fulfilling the few lusts that I had.
• I reminisce on my life when I was simply wandering and living only for me.

JESUS saw the rich man’s heart and says to him “sell everything” for HE knew the rich man had a lust for money. Those around HIM heard this and may have known they too had this same lust, only they were poor. “Who then can be saved?” they asked.

• GOD says to me “It is impossible to save yourself, BUT what is impossible with man is possible with GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Leave your life and accept MY life that has purpose.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will eat or the clothes you will wear, for I will take care of you.”

After yet another party I still felt empty. I wondered if there was more to life. GOD guided me to be by myself with HIM and I slowly let go of my friends and family to begin following HIM. Later in life GOD gave them back to me with abundance. HE is my purpose.

• What are you holding onto?
• Is money, job, or a relationship holding you back from truly following GOD?
• Will you stop chasing what you think is your purpose and allow GOD to give you purpose in your life today?

Speaking With Purpose

Luke 12: ⁸ “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. ⁹ But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

¹⁰ “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

¹¹ “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. ¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

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

Feeling lonely, I listened to how others spoke. I wanted to “fit in” so I began to mimic how others spoke to one another, no matter how different the words were from my values. Soon I was in the in-crowd enjoying life to its fullest. My calendar filled up with events. Funny, the in-crowd did not have much time for GOD.

• Life only has so many seconds for me to spend my time.
• Life only has a finite period for me to speak.
• Life only has so many moments for me to choose between what I want or what GOD wants.

JESUS says something truly exciting. “Whoever confesses ME before men, HIM the SON of Man also will confess before the angels of GOD.” I can only imagine the excitement on HIS face when HE says, “That’s one of MINE!”

• GOD wants me to spend some of my time speaking about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to confess to people that JESUS saves me.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS SON, in word and in examples.

There is only a short period of time that I have on this earth and it is up to me to decide what to do with it. I can fill up my time with events, politics, hatred or just being foolish BUT GOD wants me to think about how I use my time. HE wants me to take only a short period out of my day to confess that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my savior.

This is not hard, nor does it prevent me from doing other things. HE simply wants me to enjoy my relationship with HIM by sharing it with others. JESUS is my LORD.

• Are you too busy to speak about JESUS?
• How much time do you spend speaking about things that repel people from GOD?
• Can you take only a short period of time this week to speak about GOD’s love? 

Time to Go

Mark 1: ³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

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

Bright stars clearly shone as I woke very early in the morning that day. Another opportunity had dried up and I was facing my last two weeks at this particular place.  GOD had provided my next location and I was on a new journey.

• GOD doesn’t want me to sit in one place too long.
• GOD wants me to go and preach the gospel wherever I am.
• GOD desires that I go to nearby villages to preach HIS word.

Many times I have asked GOD. “Why are YOU moving me from this place?” especially when I liked the city or the people. GOD says to me “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into HIS harvest.”

I now understand that GOD sometimes wants me to venture to a new place for HIS purposes. HE has a plan for me to speak to “that” person and I should be willing to go. HE enables circumstances to arise so I can move to where HE leads me. GOD sends me to HIS harvest at the right time.

• Are you being sent?
• Is GOD calling you to a new harvest of HIS?
• Will you accept HIS calling and go to where HE is sending you?

More to Life

Mark ¹⁶ As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.¹⁷ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ¹⁸ At once they left their nets and followed him.

¹⁹ When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. ²⁰ Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

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

“Finally a real job” I thought to myself. I had enough of dumping cigarettes in the garbage and cleaning toilets! It wasn’t long into the job that I became restless. The job was repetitious and boring. “There has got to be more to life than this!”

• There were times when I wondered what my purpose was.
• There were times when I wondered what the existence of life meant.
• There were times when I wanted to do more and be more than what I was.

Purpose and meaning were two words that truly resonated with me. I mean if I was doing something were fruitless, I saw through it and desired to run in the opposite direction. What is meaningful?

• GOD said to me “I want you to come, follow ME.”
• GOD said to me “I WILL send you out to fish for people.”
• GOD said to me “There is no failure when I give you purpose.”

When GOD gives me something to do, it is part of HIS intricate plan. Nothing I do goes to waste. I may not see all the steps or components, but HIS plan is perfect. HE calls me into this perfect plan and gives me a higher calling. HE wants me to bring people back to HIM.

• Are you searching for meaning?
• Do you think your job or school is your sole purpose in life?
• Can you stop thinking you are at the end of your rope and allow GOD to use you for a greater purpose?

Two People

Matthew 13: ²⁴ Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷ “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

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

Every day I have a choice of which person I will be. Person one in this passage sowed “good” seed and person two sowed “bad” seed or weeds. Each seed grew in the story.

• Some days I sow bad seed of fear, worry and doubt.
• Some days I sow bad seed of lust, slander and rage.
• Some days I sow bad seed of self-centeredness, self-promotion and self-righteousness.

There are many reasons I sow these seeds, none of which are good. BUT GOD wants me to prepare myself for something different.

• GOD wants me to prepare myself daily to sow “good” seeds.
• GOD wants me to seize every opportunity to plant something “good.”
• GOD wants me to seek out situations where I can say something “good.”

Complaints, slander and arguments weaken my “good” seed. In fact, every negative word I speak grows in weird ways I cannot imagine. GOD wants me to speak the “Good” seed about HIS SON especially when I feel like spreading bad seed.

• Which person will you be today?
• Will you choose to sow GOD’s “good” seeds or your own seeds which could contain weeds?
• Can you identify negative words and positive words that come from your mouth?

You are Special

Psalm 72: ¹² For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
    the afflicted who have no one to help.
¹³ He will take pity on the weak and the needy
    and save the needy from death.
¹⁴ He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
    for precious is their blood in his sight.

^-------

¹⁸ Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
    who alone does marvelous deeds.
¹⁹ Praise be to his glorious name forever;
    may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.

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

Exhilaration was the feeling as I pedaled faster and faster. I would zoom out of the alley faster than I have ever had before then turn into the street. My bike riding skills were not as good at the time and as I turned into the street at full speed I hit the curb on the opposite side, flipped over the handle bars and landed on hard dirt. Scraped up and bruised I cried out but no one was around. Why did this “happen” to me?

• There are times when stuff happens.
• There are times when I make decisions and they don’t work out as planned.
• There are times when I get bumped and bruised.

Why does the question “Why” come to mind when something goes wrong? I mean when I look back on all the times I asked “Why” there has been a good reason. But sometimes I get stuck in asking “Why” then that leads me to other questions which make me question “Does GOD even care” or “Am I special to HIM?” These are childish times where I am looking for answers and quick fixes. BUT GOD wants me to know HE is there.

• GOD says to me “I deeply care for you.”
• GOD says to me “Your blood is precious to ME.”
• GOD says to me “I made you for a special purpose; do not let the world take you away from MY purpose for you.”

What does a childishly bad biking decision have to do with life… everything! In life stuff will happen and as a child I would question or blame or doubt GOD’s love. BUT GOD stays with me through all the pain and helps me back on the bicycle of life. With torn pants and bloody knee, I got back on the bike, dried my eyes and rode around the block again and again, this time with more experience. GOD not only saves me, HE grows me.

• Are you being bumped around by life?
• Have you fallen off your bicycle of life and lost your exhilaration?
• Can you ask GOD to put the wind back in your sails and get back on your bicycle with joy?
• Will you accept the situation and allow GOD to heal your wounds?

Glad to Be Alive!

Job 16: ¹⁴ If someone dies, will they live again?
    All the days of my hard service
    I will wait for my renewal to come.
¹⁵ You will call and I will answer you;
    you will long for the creature your hands have made.
¹⁶ Surely then you will count my steps
    but not keep track of my sin.
¹⁷ My offenses will be sealed up in a bag;
    you will cover over my sin.

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

God has given me a purpose and while I am alive I should fulfill it. HE created me for HIS purpose and though people around me may not understand what that purpose is, HE knows. Humans see the outside. They let the weather determine their mood and the climate determine their level of fear.

BUT GOD wants me to understand HE looks at the inside. HE is so excited about me in spite of me. HE is aware of every sin I have committed and has sealed them up in a bag. He has covered my sin and I am truly grateful!

• Are you glad to be alive?
• Do you have a purpose?
• Are you ready to praise GOD today?
• Can you look to HIM for forgiveness?
• Are you ready to serve HIM by serving someone today?

Thermometer or Thermostat?

2 Kings 18: ⁵ Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. ⁶ He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. ⁷ And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him.

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

Sitting in a crowd of old “friends” I felt a little awkward. I had given up a lot of the things everyone was doing and people urged me to join in. It won’t hurt, I thought to myself. Soon I found I was acting one way around people at church and another around people I would “hang” with.

• When I am double minded I flow with whatever crowd I’m with.
• When I am double minded my opinions change in fear of not being liked by the crowd.
• When I am double minded I may flip flop and not support any direction.

Double minded behavior feels great “in the moment” because I am comforted by the crowd, but I end up lacking because any opposing opinion of mine gets discounted. What should I do about flipping with the crowd?

• GOD wants me to hold fast to HIS ways which in many instances are against the crowd.
• GOD wants me to keep following HIM even when the path seems to disappear.
• GOD wants me to keep HIS commands even when I stumble and fall.

Fear of the crowd makes me change like a thermometer. When the crowd is one way, so am I. BUT GOD wants me to be like a thermostat. HE wants me to walk into a crowd and set the temperature rather than being affected by what’s going on around me. Thermostats can be changed by the owner to be set at the temperature HE needs it to be. Thermostats live a life of purpose.

• Do you change your words with the crowd?
• Do you feel you have to “fit in” so you are willing to compromise your relationship with GOD?
• Can you give more and more of your life over to GOD daily?
• Won’t you let GOD be the owner of your life which gives you purpose?

“Whose” am I?

2 Kings 11: ¹⁷ Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. 

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

As the conversation was headed in the direction of discussing body parts again something was different this time. I don’t know if it was the mix of people or if it was the fact that I was growing up but I felt like I should not be in that place.  I excused myself and didn’t join in this time.

• When I am with the crowd I forget who created me.
• When I want my way I forget I was created with a purpose.
• When I see everyone else doing stuff I want to join in, even if the “stuff” is wrong.

There comes a time where the “stuff” gets old. I mean the party does end and a new day has to be faced. GOD opened my eyes and showed me the mundane nature of my pitiful existence. HE wanted something different.

• GOD wants me to recognize the HE created me and I should not complain about who I am, where I came from or where I am now.
• GOD wants me to know that I am HIS and so is “this” day that HE created.
• GOD wants me to know that the more I can focus my attention on HIS kingdom the less the world has a grip on me.

Living a life of purpose means knowing “who” I belong to, namely GOD. The more I understand GOD’s ownership, the less I fear and the less I get upset about something not going my way. GOD owns everything, even the machine that breaks down or the body that just won’t seem to heal fast enough.

I am GODs’ creation. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. My purpose is to serve HIM.

• Do you think you are alone?
• Do you believe you are self-made?
• Can you realize you and your circumstance are in GOD’s hand?
• Will you give GOD your life so HE can take it to new heights? 

Hiding my faith

1 Kings 18: ²¹ Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

But the people said nothing.

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

Nervous and quite embarrassed, I asked for a coke in a drink glass. Everyone was drinking and laughing and drinking some more. Someone approached me and asked “What will you have?” I didn’t have an answer for him. About a week prior, I had taken a vow that I would never drink again. I did this as part of my journey back to the LORD and I wanted to take HIM seriously by taking a vow. That was the only reason and I didn’t want to say this to the guy.

“I don’t drink” I said to him. “Why?” he replied. “Should I tell him about my vow?” I frantically thought. I panicked and said nothing about GOD. “I just don’t drink.” I wonder if I missed an opportunity.

• There are times that I felt I could have shared my faith and didn’t.
• There are times that I felt like hiding my faith in order to “get ahead” in business.
• There are times that I felt like going with the crowd instead of showing my faith because I didn’t want to be looked at as being weird.

When I looked out the window of life and saw a bunch of people playing in the street of sin, I felt left out.  I mean they seemed to e having so much fun, meanwhile I’m over hear struggling not to do those things AND I’m struggling to make it. It didn’t seem “fair.”

• GOD said “Don’t hide your light under a bushel” meaning let people know “whose” I am.
• GOD said “If you are ashamed of me I will ashamed of you.”
• GOD said “Be ready to speak about ME and I will give you the words.”

I sometimes forget that I am GOD’s creation. HE created me with a purpose to spread the great news about HIS SON. It seems like such a simple task but the world doesn’t want to hear my message and wants me to “say nothing” or join in on the “do anything that feels good” message.

I do know it’s confusing to talk about grace verses working my way into heaven, BUT GOD want me to be prepared to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice. HE will give me the right words to douse the confusion and make HIM known. HE doesn’t want me to “hide” my faith in order to get ahead.

• Are you hiding your faith?
• Do you feel ashamed to say “JESUS” out loud?
• Do you act different around one crowd?
• Can you drop your shame of GOD?
• Can you start by showing your faith in a small way and build on it daily for GOD’s purpose?

I have talent

1 Kings 7: ¹³ King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, ¹⁴ whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

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

“You are good with math” is the one tiny statement that spring-boarded my career.  If it wasn’t for that statement, I never would have gone into the career I went into.  Looking back, I wasn’t really “good” with math, but somehow I was able to enter the world of technology. “Somehow.”

• It is GOD who gives me talent.
• It is GOD who gives me skills.
• It is GOD who gives me purpose.

GOD gives each person a unique talent that only they can do. Sometimes it is wasted in the pursuit of money so the talents and skills blend in and look similar, thus competition begins.  GOD sees me as an individual and has granted me an exquisite assignment that only I can accomplish.

I am sent to be at the right place, at the right time to say the right words to the right person. Only I can do this, no one else. All of the situations and circumstances of my life are unique to me and only my words can penetrate the heart of the one person I was put here to communicate with.

God has given me a mission and I shouldn’t waste it.  I have a finite time to be on this earth. I should use some of it to further GOD’s kingdom with the talent HE has bestowed on me.

• Where do you think your talents come from?
• Do you feel you are “self-made?”
• Can you give GOD credit for your skills?
• If you feel you have no skills then can you ask GOD to show you what your special purpose is?
• Won’t you stop trying to be special and realize your are special to GOD?

Does GOD stop giving skills?

Exodus 35: ³⁴ “And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab the ability to teach others. Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, is from the tribe of Dan.

³⁵ “The Lord has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work. They carve things and make patterns. They sew skillfully with blue, purple and bright red yarn and on fine linen. They use thread to make beautiful cloth. They have the skill to work in all kinds of crafts.

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

The ability to carve, sew or smelt seemed like great things way back in history because they had a purpose. Are my skills from GOD? Yes they are! They are to be used for HIS purpose because HE wants me to continue to grow HIS kingdom.

• What skills and talents has GOD given you?
• Are you using your skills for HIS purpose?
• Can you praise HIM for the skills HE has given you?

You will never know how high GOD will take you

Genesis 11: ³ (The Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)

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

Daydreaming for only a second, I recalled the struggle of getting out of college. One person told me to change majors. Then as my mind shifted back to the meeting, I realized I was at the table making decisions for a large corporation.  I can’t take credit, although I would like to. GOD had made conditions favorable for me to get to that position. I never would have guessed I would be there.

• GOD can tear me down or raise me up depending on HIS plan.
• When GOD raises me up I have a responsibility to be a good steward of the position.
• GOD has a plan that is far greater than anything I can think of.

Moses said he couldn’t speak well then he made other excuses and finally he asked GOD to “send someone else.” He knew the message would be difficult and there was a possibility of rejection from his own people. BUT GOD saw something different. GOD opened the ears of the Egyptians and the Israelites to hear Moses message.

• GOD can make people hear me as long as I have HIS message.
• GOD can clear the way as long as I am on HIS path.
• GOD can move people to my favor as long as I am being used to draw people to HIM.

GOD can take me to heights I never would have imagined. HE can use a sinner like me to speak to kings of countries if that is HIS will. But for now HE wants me to speak to those around me who can hear.

• Do you know GOD made you special?
• Have you asked GOD what is your purpose?
• Can you stop trying to be somebody and let GOD elevate you?
• Won’t you stop doubting yourself and let GOD elevate you?