Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Racism. Show all posts

Monday, April 20, 2026

Third Plague: Lice / Third Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Third Plague: Lice / Third Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 8: 16 So the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’ ” 17 And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD does a switch up and does not give a warning to Pharaoh. HE goes from making frogs overrun the land to having Moses tell Aaron to use his rod to create lice. Aaron obeyed Moses and struck the dust and lice were everywhere.

 

My Observations:

  • The Egyptians looked down on the Hebrews and could not even eat with them because they felt the Hebrews were unclean.
  • Lice was a form of uncleanliness to the Egyptians.
  • Aaron’s rod was used for the third time to do something supernatural.

 

Shortly after digging wells to get fresh water, frogs came in epic proportions. GOD listened to Moses and allowed the frogs to die. The land stank, but eventually the Egyptians cleaned up the rotting frogs. Just when they thought their homes were restored, GOD told Moses to tell Aaron to strike the dust. Lice were everywhere.

 

This action by GOD came without warning. The first two plagues were used to tell Pharaoh to let GOD’s people go. But this plague was probably performed in front of Pharaoh and his magicians, so that they would know GOD did it. GOD was dismantling the attitude of superiority.

 

Challenge

  • Why do you think GOD went directly into the next plague without warning Pharaoh?
  • Have you learned a skillset and felt superior to other’s who do not possess the skill?
  • Does GOD see you as inferior to other people and if not, then do you feel you are superior?

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Song of Unity

Song of Unity

Revelation 5: 9 They sang a new song:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to break open its seals.
For you were killed, and by your sacrificial death you bought for God
    people from every tribe, language, nation, and race.
10 You have made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God,

    and they shall rule on earth.”

 

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Being called by a racial slur, made me want to fight. I figured, that intimidation would be the best weapon to make sure this offense would never happen again. I got a huge friend to go into the room with me as we faced the name caller and his 8 friends.

 

  • I wanted to fight because of disrespect.
  • I wanted to combat any racial inequality that existed.
  • I wanted to make an example of the people who secretly harbored racism in their hearts.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a song from the four creatures, who’s image he could not describe well and from the twenty-four elders. They sang a song that shows how much JESUS loves “every tribe, language, nation, and race.”

 

My Observations:

  • JESUS did not die for one flag, rather all nations.
  • JESUS loves people who do not look like me or talk like me.
  • JESUS showed me the example I am supposed to follow, namely loving all for HIS kingdom purpose.

 

Unity seems important to GOD. I mean, HE gave a new command to follow which is “Love one another.” HE does not take this lightly. HE sees every tribe, HE speaks every language loves every nation and adores every race. Unfortunately, humans want power and seek superiority.

 

GOD has a new song that was sang about JESUS. HE overcame racism, sexism, ageism and any other “ism” to provide unity to the world. HIS love covers all our sins! We can rejoice with everyone who believes!

 

Challenge

  • Does the song recorded by the writer sound joyous?
  • Is there a race you would prefer to see placed over other races?
  • Will you focus on loving one another just as JESUS commanded you so unity can be spread throughout the world through you today?

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

In the Light

In the Light

1 John 2: 9 If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. 10 If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. 11 But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind.

 

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Walking down the dorm hallway, a guy stuck his head out and yelled out a racial slur directed solely at me. This caused me to react, however I was scrawny. I needed help. I found a my 300 pound friend to “help” me with this situation. We pounded on the room door until they opened it.

 

  • I had rage in my heart.
  • I had retaliation in my heart.
  • I wanted to fight to show people, you can’t do this to me or anyone else!

 

John does a masterful job at addressing hatred. He has been with JESUS and watched HIM love every race, age and gender. He saw love at its purest. He gives a reminder to self-examine in order to determine if there is hatred in wounded hearts.

 

My Observations:

  • GOD loves people that I don’t like.
  • GOD wants me to desire that all humans, even people I don’t like, go to heaven.
  • GOD sees any hatred I may harbor in my heart, even if someone has cause me pain through his or her hatred.

 

Hatred brings on more hatred. I mean, when someone has performed an act of overt or passive hatred, I store it in my mind and plan my retaliation. This has never, ever worked! GOD wants me to “chose” a different way.

 

JESUS created humans. They wanted an earthly king who sounded and acted like them. When they found someone who was generous, kind and broke, they could not believe HE was the Messiah that would save the entire world, so they killed HIM out of hatred. HE was raised from the dead out of love. I am glad JESUS is my example and reminder that hatred is a choice. I choose love.

 

Challenge

  • What mindset is the writer trying to address?
  • Have you ever been hurt by a person and wanted to get back at their entire race, age or gender?
  • Will you examine your motives and see if there is even the smallest kernel of masked hatred so you can ask GOD to remove it and fill your heart with HIS love today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, our world is filled with hatred for one another today. Please help this reader self-examine any hatred he or she may harbor towards even one person so love can enter the heart and YOUR forgiveness can enter. amen

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Levels of Respect

Levels of Respect

James 2: My friends, as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, you must never treat people in different ways according to their outward appearance. 2 Suppose a rich man wearing a gold ring and fine clothes comes to your meeting, and a poor man in ragged clothes also comes. 3 If you show more respect to the well-dressed man and say to him, “Have this best seat here,” but say to the poor man, “Stand over there, or sit here on the floor by my feet,” 4 then you are guilty of creating distinctions among yourselves and of making judgments based on evil motives.

 

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Upset that I ran into so many homeless people, I decided to do something about it. Instead of giving money, I offered to buy a meal. I proceeded to “tell” the person the Gospel, thinking I had done my job for the day.

 

  • I assumed the person was going to use money for drugs and alcohol.
  • I assumed the person needed to hear a message about CHRIST, when in reality this being could have been an angel that I was not aware of.
  • I assumed “I” had a solution when I may have been contributing to the problem, namely lack of respect.

 

James attempts to address favoritism based on the appearance of wealth. He may have experienced the lack of favoritism based on his appearance. He knew that looking at the outward appearance of people could cause people to make assumptions that are untrue.

 

My Observations:

  • GOD looks at the heart of humans and determines who is truly “good.”
  • GOD sees how I treat people and knows if I treat others differently based on outward appearance.
  • GOD loves when I treat everyone with respect and honor.

 

Treating one set of people different than the next leads to battles. I mean, when I treat people differently because of his or her appearance, I make wrong assumptions about who they are and even worse, I ignore what GOD sees.

 

GOD loves people I may not like. HE sees the inside and has a strong desire for all to be saved. HE loves the poor and does not like when rich people are treated better than them. HE provides opportunities for me to treat the poor the same as I treat the rich, with HIS utmost respect. I am glad GOD is not prejudice and loves me without wavering.

 

Challenge

  • Why does the writer use rich and poor as the example?
  • Have you ever treated someone better based than others because of his or her title, appearance or financial status?
  • Will you treat everyone with the same utmost respect that GOD wants you to so many can hear HIS message of love today? 

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Even and Pure

Even and Pure

1 Timothy 5: 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the holy angels I solemnly call upon you to obey these instructions without showing any prejudice or favor to anyone in anything you do. 22 Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

 

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Writing ideas on a pad helped me keep track of the things I wanted to come back to. But one day I caught a boss “snooping” around my desk, reading my idea pad. I didn’t say anything and I noticed he mentioned an idea in a meeting. I figured I would get him back by writing absurd ideas that seemed like good ones.

 

  • I wasted so much time trying to trip him up that I did not do my job.
  • I wanted to keep him and people like him away from me.
  • I thought it would be easier to simply meet with likeminded people and share my ideas there and never have to deal with people like him.

 

Paul gives Timothy some sage advice regarding treating people with respect. He knew Timothy would run into people who did not look or act like him. He suggests that Timothy treat everyone “even.” No prejudice and no favor; this way his actions will be without sin or retaliation or deception.

 

My Observations

  • In my “mind”, people can do some things that make me want to sin.
  • GOD wants me to get control of my “mind” and treat people with HIS love and respect.
  • My “mind” is controlled by what is in my heart, so GOD wants me to keep my heart pure.

 

Seeds get planted and grow into trees. The seed of hatred seems to grow faster than the seed of love. My heart is the soil in which the seed can grow. Each seed affects the way I see things. Instead of me asking my snooping boss how I could help him, I tried to hurt him. GOD is the remedy.

 

HE sees people differently than you and me. HE wants “everyone” to be saved and went through great lengths to do so. HE loves, loves, loves the person you may dislike or even hate. HE wants me to treat everyone the same and keep my motives pure. I am glad HE treats me with love.

 

Challenge

  • Why does the writer mention GOD and JESUS in his urge?
  • Have you ever treated someone one way and treated someone else another way and tried to justify this inconsistent action?
  • Will you add pure love to your heart by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT inside so HE can guide your motives to pure love and to treat everyone with the respect GOD wants you to show today?

Thursday, September 1, 2022

All Peoples

 

All Peoples

Colossians 1: 27 God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. 28 So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. 29 To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me.

 

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Growing up in a neighborhood that was not diverse, I heard about GOD loving the entire world. But I could not imagine HE meant those who did not look like me or those who chased me out of their neighborhood because I did not look like them.

 

  • I started thinking it would be easier to speak about GOD to those who looked like me.
  • I made up excuses in my mind with reasons for not going to other races with GOD’s message of hope and love.
  • I said to myself “one group of people have struggled so doesn’t that count for me to focus on that one group?”

 

Paul explains that GOD’s secret has been revealed through the resurrection of JESUS who now lives in all who believe. The Good news doesn’t stop there. It also means sharing in the glory of GOD!. So, he used all of his time and best thinking to reach any and every one he could reach.

 

My Observations

  • GOD’s message of love is not for exclusion rather to reach all peoples.
  • Since the HOLY SPIRIT lives “inside” me, HE is not looking at the external rather what is in my heart.
  • Whatever is important to GOD should be important to me.

 

Reaching “all peoples” is important to GOD. I mean, even though humans find many ways to show just how different we all are, GOD wants us to unite. But how? It seems like politically, socially and religiously humans are doomed to separation. Fortunately GOD took care of that too.

 

When JESUS died, HE said “It is finished” meaning nothing else is left to be done. All who seek salvation can be saved. The ability is now available for all peoples. It is now up to us to tell “everyone” about JESUS without hinderance. I am glad GOD cares about all races and wants “everyone” to know about HIS SON.

 

Challenge

  • What valuable message is the writer speaking of?
  • How much do you value the message of salvation?
  • Will you examine what you say every day and check to see if you can add the Good News about JESUS to more of your conversations?
  • Will you also drop any barriers to speaking to other races about JESUS today?

Monday, April 25, 2022

United Races

United Races

Ephesians 2: 16 By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God. 17 So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all—to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. 18 It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father.

 

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A slush-ball with a rock in it hit the car window as we passed by. I was in the back seat and could feel the tension as we drove through a neighborhood that was of a different race. Another incident happened as we were biking in a community of another race, I got kicked off my bike. I got back on and we were chased with racial slurs flung heavily at us.

 

  • I did not know who I could trust in other races.
  • I thought other races were against me because of my race.
  • I could only see division as the answer, so I shrunk back into my own community.

 

JESUS did something amazing that Paul wrote about. HE died on the cross and was raised from the dead. This miracle enabled all who believed, to become part of GOD’s family. HE destroyed the wall that was between the two races and unified all to come into one SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

  • GOD’s desire is unity.
  • GOD wants me to align with HIS desire regardless of past hurts.
  • GOD wants me to see that JESUS is the only answer to unity.

 

Bowing to JESUS means I do not want to steal HIM to show I am part of a superior race. I mean, I have been all over the world and saw JESUS represented in the race of that country. We argue over who is superior or who wronged who the longest. Meanwhile, GOD sees all races as HIS children and simply wants someone to step up and do the same.

 

GOD wants more than one race saved and no race is superior than another. The excuse of not believing in JESUS because HE is of a certain race is false. HE died for all races and lives for all. No human is without sin but JESUS. I am glad HE cares for me and all races.

 

Challenge

  • Want enmity is the writer speaking of?
  • Does it seem like the racial divide is getting larger?
  • Will you align to GOD’s desire and seek unity on a small scale by simply praying for one another today?

 

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Proximity

Proximity

Ephesians 2: 11 You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. 12 At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. 13 But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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Feeling “far away” made me not try in many instances. I remember being excited about being in a contest, but when I saw the winner, I gave up. “I will never be able to measure up to that” I said to myself.

 

  • I felt so far away from perfection.
  • I felt so far away from reaching any expectation people had of me.
  • I felt so far away from where “successful” people were.

 

Classism and racism were prevalent amongst the church leaders. Paul explains that the church leaders placed labels on the Gentiles, flaunting their superiority of being “chosen.” They made a point to show just how far away the Gentiles were from GOD. BUT GOD took care of that.

 

My Observations

  • GOD wanted to be close to me so HE allowed JESUS to die for me.
  • JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.
  • The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf, guides me to comfort and brings me hope in hopeless situations.

 

JESUS brought me close to HIM by uniting with me and I with HIM. HE took away my sins so there would be no barrier between us. HE declared me clean and to keep me clean, placed HIS SPIRIT inside me. Whenever I sin, HE looks at my heart and sees the HOLY SPIRIT who has already asked for forgiveness for me.

 

The FATHER removes my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE does the same for those who believe in HIS SON. HE cannot get any closer than living inside me, so HE is never far away. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I am glad HE chose to be close to me.

 

Challenge

  • What does the writer imply about racism or classism?
  • Have you ever been labeled so you can be excluded from a group?
  • Have you ever felt far away from GOD?
  • Will you listen to the truth that GOD loves you so much that HE is willing to live inside you and never leave you and is going through what you are going through with you today?

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Embarrassing Hypocrisy

 Embarrassing Hypocrisy

Galatians 2: 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong. 12 Before some men who had been sent by James arrived there, Peter had been eating with the Gentile believers. But after these men arrived, he drew back and would not eat with the Gentiles, because he was afraid of those who were in favor of circumcising them. 13 The other Jewish believers also started acting like cowards along with Peter; and even Barnabas was swept along by their cowardly action. 14 When I saw that they were not walking a straight path in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you have been living like a Gentile, not like a Jew. How, then, can you try to force Gentiles to live like Jews?”

 

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Complaining about what other people were doing had become a skill of mine. It felt pretty good when people would listen to how I could point out the wrongs of someone else. But one day, I found myself on the other side of the problem equation. I had made a mistake and my “perfect” record was smudged. The very thing I said other people were doing wrong, I was doing.

 

  • I did not know I could be at fault because I was thinking too highly of myself.
  • I did not think I would be wrong because I did not factor in my infallibilities.
  • I did not consider I could be the problem because I was too busy trying to get or please a crowd.

 

Peter was passionate in all he did. Unfortunately, he acted like a hypocrite, causing many to do the same. Paul pointed out Peter’s hypocrisy in front of everyone. He said nothing about Peter that he did not already point out for himself. Course correction was needed.

 

My Observations

  • We are all sinners which makes every human a hypocrite in GOD’s eyes.
  • My hypocrisy needs to be placed in front of JESUS so HE can guide my tongue away from it.
  • GOD enables me to self-examine so the HOLY SPIRIT can open my eyes to my hypocrisy.

 

Embarrassing is the only word I can think of when it comes to hypocrisy after realization. I mean, I may be thinking everything is going smoothly until things tumble down on “my” words or “my” actions. It is easy to sit back and say someone is doing something wrong or saying something not aligned with “the truth” but only GOD knows the deepest truth.

 

HE knows the hidden motives of those who are deeply steeped in hypocrisy. GOD calls us to look at only one human for perfection, namely JESUS who is GOD that dwelt amongst us.

 

When I compare myself to others, using my own measuring tape, I come out looking pretty good. But when I compare myself to JESUS, I am rotten to the core, then I see that even my comparison measurement is hypocritic. I am glad JESUS is willing to forgive my hypocrisy.

 

Challenge

  • How would you have handled the situation between Paul and Peter?
  • What was the writer trying to convey?
  • Have you ever been embarrassed publicly and been wrong?
  • Will you ask GOD to help you search your heart to see if there are any ways that HE needs to remove so you can acknowledge HIS grace that is sufficient for you and others today?

Monday, June 8, 2020

Them


Acts 11: Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

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“What do you do for fun?” people asked me as they visited the town I moved to. “I go out with my coworkers” I replied. “You go out with ‘them’?” they asked shockingly. The questions about what I did with “them” and wasn’t I scared being around “them” ensued.

  • Many times I have been put in the “them” category.
  • Many times I have been labeled as “them.”
  • Many times I have looked at others as “them.”


The apostles did something very wrong to Peter, thinking they were right. Instead of praising GOD for more people believing in JESUS, they accused him for eating with Gentiles. As if to say, “How dare you eat with “them!”

  • GOD wants me to give the great news about HIS SON to anyone who will receive it.
  • GOD wants me to tell everyone about HIS greatness.
  • GOD wants me to be with hurting people HE places around me or sends me to.


JESUS taught the disciples how to pray, but they took it too literal. “Give us this day our daily bread” is inclusive, not exclusive. GOD wants me to see that humans are the “us” HE was speaking about, not a certain group.

Only a small god can serve a few people. BUT JESUS can serve all who believe in HIM. GOD is made up of love and humans find a thousand ways to label and hate each other. I am grateful GOD shows me love and wants me to do the same to “us.”

  • Are you questioning someone because they are showing love to another race?
  • Do you think GOD is only for a single race?
  • Will you grow your faith enough to allow GOD to stretch your heart to fit other people in it so you can be a blessing to many today?

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Truth is, no partiality


Acts 10 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

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Getting to the cafeteria when it opened was important this day. The tradition was to save a seat right at the front door for all who looked and acted like me. Though I was a freshman, I vowed to myself to keep this tradition going. Instead of waiting, I decided to get some food. When I returned to the table, someone who did not look like me sat there. I got ready for the fight.

  • Many times I have acted “partial” to specific people.
  • Many times I have given people I was “partial” to, a pass on their behavior.
  • Many times I have been willing to start fights over people I was “partial” to.


Peter explains to Cornelius, a person of another race, that GOD is not partial to any nation. GOD will accept anyone who fears HIM and works righteousness. Peter then explains why.

  • JESUS preached peace to me.
  • JESUS was sent to me to save me.
  • JESUS who is LORD of all, has received the HOLY SPIRIT, power and compassion to heal me and do good to me.


Part of the people is not enough for GOD. HE wants all of the people. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD. Unfortunately, some who will confess this truth will realize the eternal mistake they made by not believing this when they were alive.

JESUS has allowed me into HIS family. HE appreciates when I see the variety of people HE gets excited over. HE made each person unique and says “All of heaven rejoices over one person who accepts ME as their Savior.” I am learning to appreciate the uniqueness of others.

  • Are you showing partiality to certain people and trying to say you are telling the truth?
  • Do you give, those you are partial to, the best and leave the leftovers, if any, to everyone else?
  • Will you stop your “small” view and look at GOD’s “large” picture by seeking HIS “full” kingdom today?

Monday, June 1, 2020

Common Ground


Common Ground
Acts 10: 24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

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“That group messes everything up” I said out loud. I’m sure the department head of the group I was speaking of felt the same way about my department. The Chief Operating Officer had to step in and tell us to “fix this.” “Come meet in my office” I said. But the offer was rejected. He did the same and I rejected the offer to meet.

  • There were times when I wanted people to meet me on “my” terms.
  • There were times when I was told to reconcile, but had no intentions of doing so.
  • There were times when I remembered all of the mess ups of others to show how great my group was.


Peter was summoned by someone of another race. Until then, Peter had kept to his own kind, BUT GOD had another plan. GOD told Peter not to call another race common or unclean. He was sent, so he went.

  • GOD wants me to look at other humans as people who need JESUS.
  • GOD wants me to see other humans as HIS creation.
  • GOD wants me to view other people as “us” instead of them.


Desiring to harm someone because they do not look or act like me, is detestable in GOD’s eyes. I mean HE loathes when I call someone a fool. In fact HE said, “Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” GOD wants me to meet in common ground. But where is that in these days of deep, century-laced hatred?

JESUS is the common ground that holds mankind together. Because of a “true” relationship with HIM, I can seek love for all HE sends me to or to whom I am sent. HE cares for the heart, not the outer shell. HE wants me to seek those who need HIM and sometimes the common ground may be hard to find. I am grateful GOD took the extra steps to save me. HE values my extra steps to extend common ground.

  • Are you furious at another race right now?
  • Do you feel anger versus love?
  • Will you combat the distraction of hatred with the more powerful weapon of love for one another today?


Sunday, May 31, 2020

Love not Hate

Please join me in prayer for those deeply hurt by the actions of hatred. Ask GOD to help us keep HIS great command... "Love one another."

JESUS gave HIS life for all humanity. Let us show HIS love in these days of hatred.


Monday, December 2, 2019

Friendly


John 15: 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 

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Sitting in the back seat of their car, the driver and passenger asked me questions “Do you know JESUS?” they asked. I said “Yes” and thanked them for the ride. My car had broken down and I had no idea how far the next exit was.

  • Many strangers have been very friendly to me.
  • Many strangers have shown friendliness towards me without being prompted.
  • Many strangers have done friendly things to me, even when I did not ask.


JESUS calls HIS disciples “fiends.” HE goes a step further and says “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends.” This is what JESUS did. But what am I supposed to do?

  • JESUS wants me to seek opportunities to be a friend to somebody.
  • JESUS wants me to stop thinking about myself for a moment and be friendly to someone.
  • JESUS wants me to change my mind about people and be friendly instead of combative.


There is nothing I can give GOD when HE gave it all to me. I mean HE died for me. I cannot die for HIM, or can I. HE wants me to think of others with love rather than being irritated with them. Instead of being “too busy” for them, HE wants me to sacrifice my “precious” time to be there for them.

Laying down my life for a moment takes sacrifice. I may have to lay aside my comfort, pet peeves and made up human beliefs to show GOD’s love. JESUS showed me how to be a friend. HE gave me HIS word and wants me to pass it on. I can do the same, little by little.

  • Do you complain about people?
  • Are you mad at “that’ person?
  • Will you lay down your life for a moment and show the world how to be a friend to someone today?

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Addressing Racism


Luke 9: 51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

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While walking back to my dorm room a guy stuck his head out of his room and cried out “Hey (racial slur)!” This infuriated me! I not only wanted to fight, but from then on I called him “(racial slur)”. The fight for “justice” was on!

  • There were times when I was enraged by others who treated me poorly because of my race.
  • There were times when I was filled with rage when I perceived people not accepting me because of my race.
  • There were times when I refused to serve anyone who was not in my race and I labeled “them” as being racist.


JESUS was rejected and not allowed to stay in an entire village because of HIS race. The Samaritans, who had been looked down upon by the Jews, saw an opportunity to give a little “justice” and sent JESUS and HIS friends away. When James and John saw they could not reason with hatred they asked JESUS “Should we have them killed?” JESUS had another plan.

  • GOD wants me to love those who hate me.
  • GOD wants me to stay focused on HIS kingdom rather than focusing on the many sins of humans.
  • GOD wants me to examine my hatred towards others daily and to give it to HIM so HIS love may win them over to the kingdom.


Forgiveness of other races did not start with a few select humans in history rather it was started by GOD. JESUS was hated by HIS own creation simply because HE loved them. No matter what HE did or how hard HE tried, HIS owns creation blamed HIM for every problem. HE received no rest.

JESUS wants me to recognize the need for GOD rather than seeing yet another sinful act of a human.  Since HIS wish is not to send humans to hell, I should never wish someone there. GOD is the only one who can turn my furious hatred into genuine love for others. HIS love creates fruit for HIS kingdom through me.

  • Do you see actions around you that can be labeled “micro-aggressive?”
  • Do you perceive unfair treatment because of who you are?
  • Will you pray for your rage to subside and for HIS love to enter you and those who are the aggressors?
  • Will you ask for courage to treat the multitudes with love in spite of how they treat you?

Friday, January 19, 2018

You’ve Been Served

Mark 9: 38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.”

39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

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“Would you like some food?” the people asked me as I sat in a hut. This was a gift to me and the team as we finished building shelves for a library. I ate heartily.

  • There have been times I have received gifts.
  • There have been people who have given me things I did not expect out of the goodness of their heart.
  • There have been times I have been served by the people I was supposed to serve.


“They aren’t doing things the way we do things” is the argument placed at JESUS’ feet. JESUS corrects the disciples letting them know other people can serve HIM their way as long as the power comes from GOD.

  • JESUS says to me “Love one another as I have loved you.”
  • JESUS says to me “A kingdom divided will soon fall.”
  • JESUS says to me “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in MY name, because you belong to CHRIST, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”


Being humble also means accepting help and being served. At one point in my life, “I” had to do all the serving. GOD has sent many people to serve me who do not look like me or act like me. I am glad HE accepts more people than I can ever understand.

  • Are you turning down help because of someone’s music, clothes, hair or skin color?
  • Do you think the way someone serves GOD is inferior to the way you serve GOD?
  • Can you stop judging and start accepting help from others GOD sends to you?


Monday, May 1, 2017

Breaking Barriers


Matthew 15: 21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”

23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

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Fear of another race came quite naturally for me. My neighborhood was full of people who looked like me and acted like me. Then high school came. I travelled out of my neighborhood to attend a school where the students were multi ethnic. All of my assumptions about “those” people were challenged.

  • Fear of others who did not look like me was a barrier.
  • Assumptions of others who did not look like me was a barrier.
  • Wanting others to act like me was a barrier.


If I wanted “friends” I needed to change my thinking, quickly! How?

  • GOD said to me “I came to save those who are lost.”
  • GOD said to me “I came for all mankind.”
  • GOD said to me “I came to show you how to love the world.”


JESUS could read the racial and gender barrier easily. HE could see into the hearts of those around the Canaanite woman and leveraged the situation to break down barriers with HIS words and actions. HE wants me to do the same. HE wants me to humbly serve those who do not look or act like me and serve those who do.

GOD wants me to take down barriers to HIM to enable many to follow HIS ways.

  • Are you racially blind?
  • Do you feel inferior or superior to another gender?
  • Can you remove barriers to people coming to CHRIST today?



Thursday, February 23, 2017

Shielded from Hatred


Matthew 10: 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

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“Get that Bible off of your desk!” was the exclamation from the account manager. At that time I was taking a theological class and wanted to get my studies in before work. I would arrive at 6:30 AM, thinking I was a model employee, instead I was met with opposition. I did not hang out with the fella’s drinking or carousing. Should I have tried to fit in?

  • Sometimes I’m face with the dilemma of fitting in.
  • Sometimes I am challenged with choosing between following GOD and looking good before humans.
  • Sometimes I face the world with my beliefs and I’m met with being outcast and labeled.


I felt like I was on an island, but something within me said “Keep going, it will be alright.” After a while I was moved from that account. I saw my career diminish so I changed jobs. At the next place I ran into a group of people who would openly pray at lunch. I didn’t think this could exist at a company.

  • GOD wants me to stand firm so HE can deliver me.
  • GOD wants me to stand firm even though people may hate me.
  • GOD wants me to stand firm when I am not quite fitting in.


Instead of compromising my beliefs, GOD wants me to stand firm. HE has a marvelous plan for me on the other side of someone’s hatred. “Standing Firm” on GOD’s word is the shield HE gives me to battle hatred. I can place my belief, trust and faith on GOD and let HIM handle my haters!

  • Are you hated by someone?
  • Do you feel like you are on an island even when you are in a crowd?
  • Can you “Stand Firm” on GOD’s word so HE will fight your battles for you?
  • Will you put your trust in GOD today?


Thursday, February 16, 2017

Harassed and Helpless

Matthew 9: 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

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Walking down the hallway of my dorm, a guy stuck his head out of a room and screamed “Hey [racial name]!” and slammed the door giggling. Filled with rage, I went to the night clerk who was six feet, five inches and my friend. We banged on the door until they opened it, there were seven or eight guys in the room.

“Who is the guy who made slurs at my friend?” I pointed the guy out by hitting him on the back of his head. Nothing good came out of the situation. For the rest of the year, the floor had tension.

  • There were times when I have been harassed.
  • There were times when I have felt helpless.
  • There have been times I have taken matters into my own hands and did not get very far.


Rage, anger and hatred are values that get me into trouble. When I feel like retaliating, but cannot, I feel helpless. When someone else attacks me I immediately go on the defense, ready to go to war with them. We will go blow for blow until everyone loses. BUT GOD wants me to behave differently.

  • GOD wants me to see the sickness and disease of humanity.
  • GOD wants me to have compassion on the crowd.
  • GOD wants me to ask HIM “Please send out workers into YOUR field.”


Falling down the hole of rage blinds me to the ailment “we” all have, namely sin. I elevate “that” person’s sins over mine and blame them for all of the world’s problems. GOD wants me to calm down for a moment and pray to HIM so HIS Good News can be spread. The Good News is that JESUS has already won and there is no fight!

GOD wants my rage to be replaced with HIS compassion. HE took care of it all.

  • Are you being harassed by life?
  • Do you feel helpless?
  • Can you stop focusing on the harassment and look at GOD’s deliverance?
  • Will you ask GOD for more of HIS workers to help spread the Good News?



Thursday, October 20, 2016

Douse the Anger


Amos 1: 11 This is what the Lord says:
“For three sins of Edom,
    even for four, I will not relent.
Because he pursued his brother with a sword
    and slaughtered the women of the land,
because his anger raged continually
    and his fury flamed unchecked,
12 I will send fire on Teman
    that will consume the fortresses of Bozrah.”

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Salt chunks kept hitting my windshield as I fruitlessly attempted to pass the salt truck on the icy road. I got angry. When I arrived at work my check stub showed the wrong amount. They had given me too much and I had to give money back. This required extra work on my behalf to correct “their” mistake. I got angrier. When I got back to my desk I noticed my “sneaky” boss looking at some of my stuff. “You know, I really do not like that person!” I thought to myself!

  • Anger starts small and builds to something bigger.
  • Anger turns into negative thoughts and negative thoughts into something else bad.
  • Anger is the beginning of hatred.


Internal rage is very problematic and can leak out at the wrong time towards the wrong people. When I am so full of rage and anger, the day doesn’t seem as bright. I miss out on delightful moments only to replay old tapes of the dog that ate my wax figurine when I was eight. That dog did make me mad!

  • GOD knows I will get angry, but HE does not want it to turn to rage.
  • GOD understands I will be disappointed, but HE does not want me to escalate it to revenge.
  • GOD cares about my worries, but HE does not desire that I exchange my worries into blaming HIM for where I am at.


“Unchecked fury” is a serious problem with GOD. HE sees me brooding over a situation and says to me “Give ME the problem and I will exchange it with peace.” Instead of thinking of ways to “get back” at the person, GOD wants me to think of ways to bring peace to the situation.

He wants me to reflect on HIM being my shepherd and leading me besides still waters and restoring my soul. GOD desires that I have peace. I can trade my anger in for peace daily.

  • Are you bitterly angry at someone?
  • Do you realize you can have peace with “that” person or “those” people if you ask GOD?
  • Will you douse your furious thoughts and ask GOD to lead you to a place of peace?
  • Will you drop your “steering” expectations of GOD and let HIM execute HIS plan HIS way today?