One Place

One Place

1 Corinthians 8: ⁴ So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. ⁵ Even if there are so-called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these “gods” and “lords,” ⁶ yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

 

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Saying “Everything has its place” to me was the wrong statement at this time. I had lost my keys for the hundredth time and was exhausted looking for them. “Look in between the wall and the bed” was a soft quiet voice that came to me. There they were. “I need to put everything in its place” I finally decided.

 

• There have been times when I put my “hope” in finances.
• There have been times when I put my “faith” in “my” abilities.
• There have been times when I put my “trust” in following a celebrity.

 

Paul addresses food offered to idols. He describes an idol as “standing for something that does not exist.” Many people were holding onto “things” as reminders of their desires. These people were willing to put the entirety of their hope in something that would never come.

 

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM.

 

Everything does have a place, one place, namely GOD. I mean, when I give GOD everything, I no longer have to worry about it. When I give GOD my family, friends, neighbors, worries, doubts, fears, excitement and praise; HE never disappoints.

 

Many humans try to be idols. The rich and the famous are followed by name. BUT GOD knows my name and that is all I need. Being known by GOD is far more important than being known by humans. I am glad I can place my everything in GOD as the one place I can trust.

 

• Are you looking for peace in your idols?
• Do you seek health from a famous idol?
• Will you turn your heart from following idols that stand for something and that do not really exist by putting your total trust in GOD who is the only one with true answers today?

Dependence

Dependence

Acts 7: ³⁸ “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, ³⁹ whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
⁴³ You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’

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Peering into the grass I saw a dollar, so I gleefully picked it up. “This is my lucky day!” I said. The next day nothing, but days later I found five dollars. Weeks later I found a necklace, combs, and a stick pin. “This is a lucky lawn” I said to myself. Though out of the way, I made a point to pass by daily.

• I used to believe in luck.
• I used to believe in coincidences.
• I used to believe in random circumstances supplied by the “universe.”

Stephen continues to explain what happened to Israel. Though protected, when Moses went to speak with GOD, they forced Aaron to make an idol to worship, like the good old slavery days back in Egypt. They were free yet dependent on a powerless hunk of metal. They were punished for doing so.

• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power alone.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS word to guide me.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS love, faithfulness and plan for me.

Dependence on GOD does not mean I hold onto a portion of something while HE holds the rest. It means I cannot do something and HE takes care of one hundred percent. Very similar to being in a car with GOD, HE drives without me holding the steering wheel.

GOD wants credit for everything, especially salvation. HIS love is to be recognized and power awed. It is GOD who is my deliverer. I put my trust in HIM alone.

• What are you depending on?
• Do you think you can extend your life one second without GOD?
• Will you give your trust to GOD little by little so one day you will have full confidence in HIS power to bring you out of any circumstance?

Confidence Builder

Confidence Builder

Acts 5: ²² But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, ²³ saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” ²⁴ Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. ²⁵ So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

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“Here is your gold star” the teacher said. “You have reached the next reading level, so you can now go to the highest level” she added. I wasn’t nervous about it at all. Well, not anymore. When I first started the reading program, it seemed like the highest level was a mountain away. But after practicing a lot, it did not seem as hard.

• At one point I did not have confidence in many things.
• At one point I saw obstacles as impossible things to get over.
• At one point I thought it would take forever to get to a higher level.

When the officers came to retrieve the disciples from prison, they found a locked cell with guards, but no one inside. The apostles were freed by an angel and were speaking boldly about GOD. More than likely they mentioned the angel freeing them from prison in detail. They had confidence in what they were saying and were at a whole new level.

• GOD wants me to notice HIS power every day.
• GOD wants me to increase my trust in HIM when I see what HE is doing.
• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS promises so my faith will grow into perseverance.

Confidence in GOD builds each time HE delivers me from trials and tribulation. HE is never alarmed by anything I go through and tells me “Do not be afraid”, not as a scold, but in a calming way. HE tells me over and over, “I got this.”

When I release the situation over to HIM and see how HE resolves things, I get more and more confident in HIM. I want to tell everyone about HIS saving grace and incredible power. GOD is amazing and I am excited about what HE has done in my life.

• Are you praying for something and it does not seem like GOD is listening?
• Are you losing your confidence in GOD and are looking for other ways to solve the problem?
• Will you place your trust in GOD by looking back at all the times HE has brought you through situations?

Security

Security

John 12: ¹⁷ Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. ¹⁸ For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. ¹⁹ The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

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Looking around at the other seniors, I could see they had nice clothes. I started rationalizing why I would not get the job. I mean I was wearing the same suit I wore at my high school graduation. “And they probably cheated to get through college” I said to myself. “And they probably lied in their interviews.” I don’t like those people.

• There were times when I was very insecure.
• There were times when my insecurities led me to protect myself by not trying.
• There were times when I thought negatively of others not knowing I thought negatively of myself.

Jealousy ignited amongst the church leaders as they were losing their crowd. “The whole world goes after HIM” were their words. But they were said in anger, not in praise. They were not feeling secure, and desired to get that security back. They made a plan made from hatred.

• JESUS wants me to place my security in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM for my validation.
• JESUS wants me to trust in HIS decisions and not worry how I look.

GOD wants me to give my desires to HIM. HE can take my dreams and do what HE wants in the time HE wants. HE says to me “If you feel lonely, insecure or protective of yourself, then come to me and I will help you.”

JESUS can take my negative view of others and make me see people as HE sees them. HE values when I feel secure in HIS promises towards me. I am grateful HE holds onto me and will never let me go.

• Are you insecure?
• Do you speak negatively of others, not knowing how you feel about yourself?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS grace for you and “those” people today?

Fear Decision Remedy

Fear Decision Remedy

John 6: ¹⁶ Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. ¹⁸ Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. ¹⁹ So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

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After breaking the back door window, I was sentenced to my room. A neighbor questioned why I was stuck inside on this sunny day, as we held a conversation from house to house. Beckoning me to break out for a while, I slipped out to play.

When I heard my name being called, I knew I was in deeper trouble because I wasn’t supposed to be outside. I went and hid for hours. The police were called to search for me.

• When I have fear I make poor decisions.
• When I have fear I rationalize based on fearful thoughts.
• When I have fear I decide on things rapidly in hopes of getting the thing that made me fear over and done.

Dark… hurricane like winds and without JESUS, the disciples set out in a small boat towards Capernaum. This tense situation was heightened when they saw someone or something approaching them. Since it was dark, I assume what they saw was bright. It was JESUS. When HE spoke the words “It is I; do not be afraid”, they calmed down.

• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “Slow down, come to ME and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says to me “Give ME all of your troubles, worries, fears and doubts.”

Fear decisions are the worst decisions. I mean when I am worried, I may not think as rational as I should. GOD wants me to calm down with HIM daily so I can hear HIS guidance.

HE whispers “Do not fear” to me and I can only hear it when I slow down each day. I thank GOD for being there for me when I am scared.

• Are you worried about something?
• Do you make fear decisions that puts you in deeper trouble?
• Will you slow down and let GOD fill your heart with HIS peace today?

Set Up For Success

Set Up For Success

John 6: ⁴ Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. ⁵ Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” ⁶ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

⁷ Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

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Sitting in a high powered meeting, I felt prepared for a change. I had all of my facts and figures memorized and no question could get past me. One of the top executives spoke on my behalf. “We plan to do something different” were the words that shook me. I was not prepared for the change. All I could do was nod my head. To my surprise, it all worked out.

• There have been times when I was set up for success by someone in charge.
• There have been times when I was given credit for someone else’s idea.
• There have been times when I was put into a situation that I was not in control of and it worked out just fine.

JESUS saw thousands of hungry people coming towards HIM and HIS disciples. HE asked Phillip “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” knowing HE was about to perform a miracle. Philip replied “The money we have would only buy crumbs for everyone.” Philip did not know what GOD was going to do.

• GOD shows me big situations so I can see HIM clear them up.
• GOD opens my eyes to some difficult problems so I can see that only HE can fix them.
• GOD allows me to see very large and trying circumstances so I can place my trust in HIM.

From large to small JESUS can handle it all. There is no situation that is too large or too small for GOD. HE is concerned about all of my thoughts and is not bothered when I ask HIM for anything. HE wants me to trust HIM more and more each day. I trust GOD to handle everything.

• What are you going through?
• Do you think you have enough resources to solve all of your problems?
• Will you stop relying on what you can see and allow GOD to open your spiritual eyes to see HIS power today?

Full Trust

Luke 21: As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’

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Watching the other bikers soar high and then land made me want to try. I got in line behind the others and watched them pedal hard then roll over the board that was leaning on a cinder block in the middle of our street.

It was my turn. I pedaled but at the last moment I thought about the flimsiness of the setup. I went too slow and I crashed!

• There were times when I got filled with fear.
• There were times when I doubted and could not perform.
• There were times when I did not fully trust the situation and bumped my head.

JESUS marveled over a poor widow who gave all she had. Most would think HE was speaking about offering. JESUS knew she had no means to gain income and no one to take care of her. HE was excited that she put her full trust in GOD to provide.

• GOD wants me to fully trust HIM.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM.
• GOD wants me to embrace HIM at every turn.

How much do I trust GOD to love me and take care of me? I believe this is the illustration JESUS was trying to make. Whether it means giving to a church or a homeless person or my time with someone in need, it should be done with “hope” in mind.

I should not fear to do what GOD wants me to do . I should pedal life’s bicycle harder and throw away the fear of failing HIM. GOD loves me and I trust HIM to decide where I should go and what I should do.

• Is your trust in GOD low?
• Do you feel like giving up on the pursuit HE has you doing?
• Will you continue to put your all in HIM and trust that HE will have the best outcome for you?

Admiration

Luke 18: ¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’

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When I finally found a good leader, I believed almost every word they said. I would schedule as much time as I could just to sit and listen to their words. Whatever they told me, I would do. I trusted that person implicitly.

• Many people have earned my trust.
• Many people have lowered my skepticism.
• Many people have said things that I instantly believe in.

JESUS stopped HIS disciples from forbidding children to approach HIM. I wonder if they thought JESUS was to politically important to deal with childish matters. HE summoned the children over and told the disciples to believe as a child believes.

• GOD wants me to mature to the point where I implicitly believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow to the point where I have instant faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to increase my value of HIS words in my heart versus constantly proving HIM to be wrong by thinking HE is not meeting “my” expectations.

Admiring GOD in all that HE does is a lifelong journey. It means I have to drop my skepticism, doubt and know it all thinking. I should believe in the promises HE says instead of wavering. But sometimes I stammer. I am glad GOD said “MY grace is sufficient” for I truly need HIS grace. I do believe in HIM today, implicitly.

• Are you skeptical of GOD because HE has not answered your prayer at the exact moment and the exact way?
• Are you losing your trust in GOD?
• Can you return to your childlike belief and admire GOD again?

Already Here

Luke 11: ²⁹ And while the crowds were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. ³⁰ For as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so also the Son of Man will be to this generation. ³¹ The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

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“I won’t do that” I said to myself as I observed the consequences played out on another person. At one point I was the one who would rush in and made errors, now I had the luxury of learning from the mistakes of others so I could go on a smoother journey.

• There was a time when “my” way included mistakes.
• There was a time when I did not consider the consequences of my actions.
• There was a time when I joined in with the crowd instead of learning from past mistakes.

JESUS saw through the crowds desire for parlor tricks. HE has healed a man of a demonic spirit that kept him mute. The crowd demanded a “sign” that JESUS was in fact, GOD. JESUS said the generation was evil and their disbelief would be judged by others who died not believing. HE also gave an example of how people in the past believed and repented.

• GOD wants me to learn from the specific people HE gave me as examples.
• GOD wants me to observe the past so I can get the present right.
• GOD wants me to absorb HIS word and fully trust that HE is the one and only savior.

Trusting in GOD means I drop the childish tests that I used to put HIM through. The words “If YOU exist then…” need to disappear from my vocabulary. GOD is GOD. HE gives me invisible trust so I can have invincible faith. JESUS is the root of that faith. HIS word is planted in my heart and grows daily. I learn from HIS examples.

• Are you making the same mistakes as those who did not trust in JESUS?
• Do you test GOD’s grace to the point of disbelief?
• Will you stop trying to see with your natural eyes and open your spiritual eyes by listening to GOD today?

Hope Power

Luke 8: Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ² and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³ and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.

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Running as fast as I could I began to grow weary. I could see the bus, crammed with people,  that I missed and it seemed to get further and further away as I chased it. Finally I gave up as I saw the bus pick up momentum in a stretch where there were no awaiting passengers. I lost hope.

• Some days I felt like giving up.
• Some days it seemed like I was chasing something that I could never catch.
• Some days I felt like my legs were moving as fast as I could make them go, but I was standing still.

Jesus went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of GOD. HE brought hope to the hopeless. Many women who HE healed and saved were so grateful that they gave up everything just to serve HIM.

• JESUS wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to hear glad reports about the kingdom of GOD.
• JESUS wants me to not give up but stand still and wait on HIS power.

Hope brings me power. When I place my hope in what I can do, I run out of energy quickly. BUT GOD says “Wait on ME.” Back to the bus situation. I stopped at an obscure bus stop and minutes later an empty bus pulled up and I sat in comfort as this bus eventually passed the full one I was chasing. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

• Where are you placing your hope?
• Are you feeling down because things are not going your way?
• Can you stop trying to do things under your own power and get GOD’s power by placing your hope in HIM today?

Delivering Celebration

Luke 1: ⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

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“Look… I can walk!” were my words of joy. I was excited because I could not say the same weeks prior due to being laid up on the couch with an injury. The LORD healed me and I was elated to be able to do something so basic.

• When I get through the storm I feel excited.
• When I get healed I feel relieved.
• When I get delivered I feel free.

Elizabeth had given up on the dream of having children years before the announcement, yet somehow she wasn’t bitter at GOD. HE found favor in her unlike the bitter desert people Moses delivered, who complained about their situation daily. GOD delivered her mercy and she delivered a prophet.

• GOD wants me to have patience when I am going through the storm.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM during the storm.
• GOD wants me to increase my excitement for HIM during the storm.

The longer the trial, the bigger the delivery. No other woman in Elizabeth’s neighborhood was praised like her, because their deliveries were common. GOD takes me through some uncommon trials too. HE uses difficult situations to bring delivery for HIS people.

HIS SON suffered a great deal and was blamed for every one of my sins. GOD delivered me from eternal separation from HIM and for that I am truly grateful.

• Are you going through an extended trial?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you replace any bitterness you have and replace it with praise for GOD today?

Rewarded Belief

Mark 16: ¹⁴ Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. ¹⁵ And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

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After the thing broke I looked at the instructions again. “Do not do xyz” were words I had glanced over in the complicated directions and I had to go back to the store and buy another gizmo. My instinct was wrong.

• Sometimes I act on instinct.
• Sometimes my instinct is based on my experiences.
• Sometimes my experiences may have been limited so I act on what I have seen.

After being chased by the military, the disciples somehow met up together, cowering in a room. They were probably telling their individual war stories of how they narrowly escaped the clutches of death. JESUS appears to them and was stern with HIS words.

HE was addressing a belief problem because the disciples doubted HIS instructions that HE would rise from the dead. Even though witnesses saw HIM, they still would not believe.

• JESUS wants me to believe in HIM on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to believe that situations are temporary but a relationship with HIM is eternal.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE has every situation in HIS hands in spite of how it seems.

“I have a plan to prosper you, not harm you” is what JESUS says. HE also says “No one can pluck you out of MY hand.” He further says “I will be with you always, even until the end of the age.” When HE says these promises, HE is not speaking at an unknown future, HE is speaking from the past because it has already happened and HE is just assuring me that my journey will be fine.

• Do you doubt GOD because of your circumstances?
• Do you feel like hiding in a room and not facing the world’s challenges?
• Can you stop depending on the news and start depending on the GOOD NEWS about CHRIST today?
• Will you take on HIS directions and tell as many people about HIS goodness in spite of your circumstances?

Service Choice

Mark 10: ²³ Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” ²⁴ And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

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“If I get the next promotion, then I will serve GOD a little more” were the rational words I thought. I mean look at all the poor people. If I just became rich, then I could give to the poor. When I got the promotion I was paid well but more responsibilities were heaped onto the pile. I had less time to serve because I had so much work. “Maybe when I retire, I will serve GOD more.”

• With riches come demands.
• With riches my life is not as easy as it seems.
• With riches I am shackled to the time it takes to make the riches.

“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” was JESUS’s statement. The trust part was the problem. HE was illustrating that wealth is a mindset, not a bank account. Those who had a mindset of trusting in wealth may never trust in GOD’s deliverance in HIS way and HIS time.

• JESUS wants me to trust HIM regardless of how little or how much I have.
• JESUS wants me to obey HIM, so some of my time needs to be spent with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to love HIM for the simple reason that HE wants a relationship with me.

Having riches is not the problem. Trusting in riches makes me doubt GOD’s ability to deliver me I mean sometimes when I don’t have the riches I think I need at “that” very moment, I blame GOD for not giving me what “I” want.

HE forgives me and gently guides me back to a place where I can see HIS grace and love for me in spite of my wealth. “Open your eyes” JESUS says to me. “Look beyond false riches and look at ME, your true wealth.”

• Are you giving up on GOD because you are in a bad financial situation?
• Do you think having more wealth would ease your burdens?
• Are you waiting on wealth to serve GOD?
• Can you stop believing the “wealth” lie and start believing that GOD is your deliverance?

First Reaction Training

Mark 5: ²¹ Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him; and He was by the sea. ²² And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet ²³ and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.

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³⁵ While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?”

³⁶ As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” ³⁷ And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. ³⁸ Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. ³⁹ When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.”

⁴⁰ And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. ⁴¹ Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. ⁴³ But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.

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As a friend told his story to me, I immediately applied skepticism to his words. I mean how can he say “GOD” spoke to him? What made HIM special? I didn’t believe his story and chalked it up to him wanting to be special.

• Sometimes I do not believe.
• Sometimes I do not think other people can have incredible supernatural stories.
• Sometimes I do not trust in other folks words, instead I am skeptical.

“Prove it to me” was my thought. Years later I had an amazing experience that GOD had taken me through. As I tried to explain to people, the situation I was met with skepticism. “Wait, it really did happen” I explained. I remembered my skepticism of my friend and I believed his story.

• GOD wants me to believe.
• GOD wants me to believe early.
• GOD wants me to believe early enough not only to be rescued, but others to be rescued as well.

JESUS was summoned by one of the church leaders who truly believed in HIM. “Please heal my daughter” was the request, having nowhere to turn. JESUS raised his daughter from the dead though people ridiculed HIS diagnosis. HE healed her so they would “only believe.” HE wants my “first” reaction to be that of belief.

• Are you Skeptical?
• Do you doubt GOD’s Power?
• Will you put your trust in GOD today and Believe?

Prove Yourself

Matthew 16: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

² He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ ³ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. ⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

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“If YOU are GOD then…” were the immature words out of my mouth as if to say, “Prove YOURSELF to me.” Looking back on these words, I can see why they were a problem with GOD.

• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I don’t believe who YOU are.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “YOU should bow YOURSELF at my demands.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I am a better judge than YOU so prove YOURSELF to my standards.”

“Prove it” was the approach the Pharisees and Sadducees took towards JESUS. Their expectation of a military genius and a mighty, muscular, king was thwarted by this insignificant looking being who spread love and peace versus conquering enemies.

Since JESUS did not meet “their” expectation, they put up barriers to make HIM prove HIMSELF as being GOD to them. I have done the same. BUT GOD guides me back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIM with childlike belief.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIM with my whole being.
• GOD wants me to obey HIM rather than tempting HIM to prove HIS abilities.

Parlor tricks are not GOD’s style. HE does not bow down to any human no matter their demands. HE deserves praise, honor and reverence from me because HE is GOD. All I need to do is believe.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you try to force HIM to perform a miracle in front of you so you can believe?
• Will you stop trying to get GOD to prove HIMSELF to you and start trusting in HIM today?

Standing Strong

Matthew 7: ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

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Watching my car get towed away was the “last straw.” I no longer had transportation, I no longer had money and I had plenty of bills. I simply wanted to just sit in a corner away from everyone!

• There have been some rough times when I just wanted to give up.
• There have been some difficult times when I felt like nothing was going right.
• There have been some extreme times when it seemed like I had no help and “everything” was crashing to the ground.

Years later I took a leadership course giving me several habits to believe in “me.” Up to this point I had already relied on my intuition so this course was a natural fit. When I completed the course I still felt empty. What happens when a problem occurs that is much larger than the power of “me?” GOD had an answer.

• GOD says to me “Listen to MY words and put them into action.”
• GOD says to me “Build your fortitude on MY promises to protect you.”
• GOD says to me “When you place your trust in ME you will not fall.”

Slowly I stopped depending on my wit and started placing more trust in GOD. I began walking down the scary road of not always needing to know what the future had to hold. When the difficult times came I began to ask GOD how HE wanted to handle the situation rather than springing into action.

Prayer began to pop into my head as the answer rather than the question. GOD is a firm foundation for which I place my trust!

• Are you being blown around by life?
• Do you feel like you have reached your wits end?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you stop relying on your own power and start looking at GOD for your answers?

Where to Place Trust

Nahum 3: ¹⁶ You have increased the number of your merchants
    till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky,
but like locusts they strip the land
    and then fly away.
¹⁷ Your guards are like locusts,
    your officials like swarms of locusts
    that settle in the walls on a cold day—
but when the sun appears they fly away,
    and no one knows where.

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“Go to school” was the overarching advice given to me by the masses. I went, got kicked out, went back and finally finished. “Get a job” was the next message that was a norm to society. I went, got kicked out, went back and same story.

• Sometimes I place my trust in governmental themes.
• Sometimes I place my trust in societal norms.
• Sometimes I place my trust in global commerce.

Looking back, I can see the bright shiny statements of groups promising safety and security. In glowing gullibility I soaked it up and followed the masses like a lemming. One day I cheered for “my” choice of a leader, the next I pouted in disappointment. Where should I place my trust?

• GOD says to me “I AM the one who controls nations, not humans.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who controls economies, not groups.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who gives and I AM the one who takes, not bosses, leaders or chiefs.”

Completing school is great, getting a job is wonderful, having a business is amazing, but all is for naught without GOD. Placing too much trust in any human construct is a huge mistake. GOD sees the storehouses being built and in an instance, wipes it away like dust. HE makes me nervous, quite honestly.

I mean should I keep going in any effort? Yes! I need to traverse the unknown holding GOD’s hand every step of the way. GOD desires that I dwell in HIM and HE in me. My jealousy of the rich and powerful diminishes when I know GOD is pleased with me following HIS plan.

• Are you secretly following government and preaching GOD?
• Do you get mad at not being wealthy enough as society dictates?
• Can you stop following the crowd and start following GOD who controls it all?
• Will you place your total trust in GOD today?

Help in Troubled Times

Habakkuk 1: ⁷ The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him

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 Sitting on the edge of my bed, I worried about my “future.” What would it be like? How will I make it with the debt I was carrying? I ignored those who spoke about all that “GOD” stuff and went on my way.  I mean they don’t seem any better off. In fact, I have seen some people who spoke about “GOD” who were even more in debt than I was!

• There were times that I worried about “my future.”
• There were times when I did the math and my future looked bleak!
• There were times when life did not seem to provide enough money so I thought everything was bad.

“Trust in the dollar with all your thoughts and all your future plans and all your ways” was my way of thinking. I would talk about where I was with others and they would put on a pity face with me. There seemed to be no way out! BUT GOD said something different!

• GOD said to me “Put your total trust in ME and all will be well with you.”
• GOD said to me “Seek ME in times of trouble and you will find refuge.”
• GOD said to me “Give me your worries, fears and doubts and I will make your paths straight.”

I had reached the end of my rope, or so I thought. I went to a small church and the preacher asked “Is there anyone here who wants to give their life back to GOD?” Something inside me said, “Get up!” so I did. As I walked down the aisle, I could hear clapping and cheering. Tear flowed down my face as I reached a group who prayed for me and with me. I finally felt at peace!

• Are you troubled?
• Do you think there is no way out?
• Can you place your trust in GOD today?
• Will you give HIM your fears, worries and doubts?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD and stop looking at the past and the future?

The ONE WHO Breaks Through Walls

Micah 2: ¹¹ If a liar and deceiver comes and says,
    ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’
    that would be just the prophet for this people!

Deliverance Promised

¹² “I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
    I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
    like a flock in its pasture;
    the place will throng with people.
¹³ The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
    they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
    the Lord at their head.”

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“Drinks are on me” was a statement I thought was cool! One of the partner’s at the firm I worked at would say this on occasion and everyone would get a treat. He made plans that seemed like they would work but they were based on “half-truths”. In six months he died and we could not land the account he was working on. “Aw man!” I was hoping he would help me with my career!

• There were times I placed my trust in those who told little white lies.
• There were times I placed my trust in those who would twist words into a plausibly deniable truth.
• There were times I placed my trust in those who did not mind covering up huge blunders in order to make themselves shine.

Polished and gruff was the demeanor of this person. I thought I needed to become like him but something was wrong with the approach in my spirit. I would need to learn how to believe in a twisted direction and say what people wanted to hear. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Speak the truth in love.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the deliverer.”
• GOD says to me “Put your trust only in GOD, your LORD and SAVIOR.”

When I placed my trust in HIM, mighty things happened. I was thrust into new heights I could not imagine. GOD was the ONE who broke through barriers and enabled me to be lifted up. HE did not do this without purpose. HE wants me to speak about HIS SON so that many will turn to HIM.  Instead of selfishly thinking about a career, HE wants me to have compassion for those around me. GOD is the head of my life.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think there is no way out of your situation?
• Can you stop placing your trust in “that” human and put your trust in GOD today?

Hasty Decisions

¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

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Hasty decisions are made when I am full of fear. I mean when I am scared out of my wits, I make hurried decisions without thinking through the long term consequences of my actions. I squirm and only want out of the problem!

• Many times I lost my patience when faced with certain problems.
• Many times I wanted out of the problem so bad that I could not wait on a good solution.
• Many times I could only see demise so I panicked and ran towards any comfort I could get.

Trust in GOD sometimes went out the window when I faced a pressure filled problem that did not seem to go away. I started searching for the quickest way out of the problem rather than facing the situation. BUT GOD wanted me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to slow down and see HIM rather than speeding up.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than on human obstacles.
• GOD wants me to join HIS winning fight rather than making the fight mine.

Looking back I can see when I trusted GOD and when I made a hasty decision on my own. The times when I did not trust made me make decisions I regretted for a long time. On the other hand, the times where I placed my trust totally in GOD bared the most fruit, usually in ways I never would have imagined. GOD wants total loyalty and total trust in HIM. HE knows I sin, yet HE wants my trust to grow rather than shrink. I trust GOD alone.

• Where have you placed your trust?
• Are you squirming to get out of the problem?
• Can you allow GOD to handle the problem rather than thinking you know the solution?
• Will you add a measure of trust in GOD today?