Israel’s Prophecy for Simeon and Levi

Israel’s Prophecy for Simeon and Levi

Genesis 49: ⁵ “Simeon and Levi are brothers;
Instruments of ^[cruelty are in their dwelling place.
⁶ Let not my soul enter their council;
Let not my honor be united to their assembly;
For in their anger they slew a man,
And in their self-will they hamstrung an ox.
⁷ Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce;
And their wrath, for it is cruel!
I will divide them in Jacob
And scatter them in Israel.

 

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Furious at their sister’s assault, Simeon and Levi decided to take matters in their own hands. They killed the man who violated their sister. They tricked the men of the town to get circumcised and in their pain, they murdered them. Jacob did not forget that Simeon and Levi could have put the family in extreme danger.

 

My Observations:

• Rage was addressed by Jacob because all their lives, Simeon and Levi would immediately go to emotions that would cause people harm.
• Cruelty was addressed by Jacob because they used excessive force to deal with their issues.
• Anger was addressed by Jacob, otherwise known as Israel, as he spoke to them as his father and as the tribal nation GOD promised.

 

Simeon’s tribe would eventually shrink in power. The Levites would not inherit land, but be “scattered” in Israel as prophesied. These men were now older and had acted on their internal rage for decades.

 

It was no surprise to anyone that Jacob gave this prophecy about these two sons. Simeon was thrown in jail by Joseph, skipping Reuben who was the oldest. Joseph may have seen Simeone’s rage when he made his choice. Our emotions can make us do and say things that are not well thought out, just like Simeon and Levi. BUT GOD blessed them anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s dislike of his son’s rage?
• Is rage an emotion that causes you to act without thinking?
• Can you look at rage as your enemy and tame it with GOD’s love, peace and joy?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader away from extreme emotional decisions and place YOUR love, joy and peace inside. It does not matter how old he or she is, or what emotional decisions they have made. What matters is that we bow to YOUR grace and mercy. amen

Unrecognized Rescue

Unrecognized Rescue

Genesis 37: ²³ So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. ²⁴ Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it.

 

²⁵ And they sat down to eat a meal. Then they lifted their eyes and looked, and there was a company of Ishmaelites, coming from Gilead with their camels, bearing spices, balm, and myrrh, on their way to carry them down to Egypt. ²⁶ So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? ²⁷ Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened. ²⁸ Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

 

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Joseph’s brothers were filled with jealousy and rage. When Joseph came up to them, they ripped off his coat that Israel had carefully created. They threw Joseph in a pit, and then sat down to eat a meal.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made the pit dry way before Joseph’s brothers came up with their plan.
• Reuben and Judah were Leah’s children and seemed to be different than the other enraged brothers.
• GOD orchestrated the situation where the Ishmaelites just happened to be passing by, almost at the exact moment Joseph was pushed into the pit.

 

Joseph did not have to spend a long time in the pit. I believe his brothers threw him in and the next thing they did was to sit down and eat a meal. This detail tells me that not much time had passed. While they were eating, the Ishmaelites came by.

 

GOD’s protection over Joseph seemed to be implied because the same brothers who wanted to kill him, were now rescuing him out of the pit for their own personal gain. They did not want Joseph’s blood to be on their hands and they could make a quick buck. GOD used their evil for HIS good.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the timing of these events?
• Have you ever been thrown into the pit of life?
• Do you believe that GOD can use your enemies to raise you out of the same pit they threw you in?

Heated Plans

Heated Plans

Genesis 37: ¹⁸ Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him. ¹⁹ Then they said to one another, “Look, this dreamer is coming! ²⁰ Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!”

 

²¹ But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, “Let us not kill him.” ²² And Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him”—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.

 

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Enraged at hearing about Joseph’s dreams, the sons of Israel left Shechem and went to Dothan. There, they could see Joseph approaching without him seeing them. The heat of their conversation led to them wanting to kill Joseph. They developed a plan to kill him and were willing to execute the plan. But Reuben suggested another way.

 

My Observations:

• Joseph’s brothers were so angry, that they thought out how to harm him and began executing the plan by going to Dothan.
• Joseph’s brothers waited for him, possibly knowing Israel would send him out to spy on them.
• Joseph’s brothers were so jealous that they would do and say anything to get rid of him.

 

Talking to one another made things worse. Complaint after complaint about them more and more angry until it reached the point where they were willing to commit murder. GOD spared us the details of who the main conspirators were.

 

Fortunately for Joseph, Reuben stepped in with another plan. He probably knew he could not calm his brothers down, so he gave them an alternative. Dothan was the wilderness and no one would find Joseph if he was thrown in a pit. Reuben would then circle back around ahd get Joseph out of the pit and bring him back to Israel.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the plans of the sons of Israel?
• Have you ever been so angry that you planned out harm to someone, even if only using harmful words?
• Can you think of an alternative to rage by putting your mind on good, pure, and lovely things the LORD has done for you?

Further From the Garden

Further From the Garden

 

Genesis 4: ¹⁹ Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. ²⁰ And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. ²² And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

²³ Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
Even a young man for hurting me.
²⁴ If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,
Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

 

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GOD created the heaven and the earth for humans. But when Satan rose up with pride to try to become GOD, he was thrown out of heaven. He had a quest to take over humans, so he tempted the first to sin, Now all humans born would have a sin nature. Their son Cain ended up killing his own brother over jealousy and insecurity.

 

Cain was extremely intelligent and built a city. He had a son named Lamech. This was a very resourceful family who never once consulted GOD, but was given a vast amount of intelligence.

 

My Observations:

• Industries were born to support being away from GOD.
• Human needs, mixed with rage and lawlessness caused people to want to take from each other.
• Rage, greed, and lust caused a set of humans to move further away from GOD’s original intent of a peaceful existence in the garden.

 

Various industries were born out of necessity from being banned from the Garden of Eden and from being cursed even further from growing vegetables. Housing, livestock, music, education, and metalworking were just a few industries now needed to sustain life without GOD. Even though they were using GOD’s created materials, they never consulted GOD or asked for forgiveness.

 

Soon other people intermarried and more and more selfish people existed. They learned to survive by harming each other. Killing was now a thing. Doing things without GOD was also now a thing. Human measures of success would now rule. JESUS knew this would happen and was prepared to die for the sins of those who “would” ask for forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about a conversation between Lamech, Adah and Zillah?
• Have you ever got tired of waiting on GOD and done some things on your own?
• What plans have you put in place to keep yourself from leaving GOD this time?

Glue of Peace

Glue of Peace

Ephesians 4: ³ Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. ⁵ There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ there is one God and Father of all people, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all.

 

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Seeking to “win”, we met as a team. One group was doing things different than the way we expected. We met to counter what they were doing and came up with a plan. None of us slept well when that plan failed. We were tired of the battle.

 

• I thought “I” could be right as long as I was on the winning side.
• I figured something was “wrong” with them because a group of us saw things a certain way.
• I was ready to “fight” and lost sleep because I was trying to do my part to control other people.

 

Paul urges everyone to “preserve the unity” which is given by the HOLY SPIRIT. He then explains what that looks like, just in case people were seeking a relative truth. He points to the only winning side, namely to follow CHRIST.

 

• There is one body and one SPIRIT and one hope that GOD has called me to.
• There is one LORD, one faith and one baptism to which I base my life.
• There is one GOD and FATHER of all people who is LORD of all, works through all and is in all, even a sinner like me.

 

Peace is what the HOLY SPIRIT uses to bind all of us together. I mean, when I am at peace, problems seem smaller, aches seem to go away faster and the future seems brighter. But when I feel discontent, people are a problem, circumstances seem to linger forever, I lose sleep and aches and pains nag at me.

 

Discontent seems to be the enemy of peace. This can breed in me the feeling that I need to fight or control or “lose.” BUT GOD wants me bound together with HIS family. HE knows how messy my life can be and wants me to have peace anyway so I can be unified with other messy people. I am glad GOD gives me “one” path

 

Challenge

• What “unity” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever looked at other people as being the cause of your problems?
• What accountability is GOD calling you to?
• Will you take “blame” or “discontent” or “rage” from your first actions and replace it with “unity” by means of “peace” from the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Offense Defense

Offense Defense

2 Corinthians 2: ⁵ Now, if anyone has made somebody sad, he has not done it to me but to all of you—in part, at least. (I say this because I do not want to be too hard on him.) ⁶ It is enough that this person has been punished in this way by most of you. ⁷ Now, however, you should forgive him and encourage him, in order to keep him from becoming so sad as to give up completely. ⁸ And so I beg you to let him know that you really do love him. ⁹ I wrote you that letter because I wanted to find out how well you had stood the test and whether you are always ready to obey my instructions. ¹⁰ When you forgive people for what they have done, I forgive them too. For when I forgive—if, indeed, I need to forgive anything—I do it in Christ's presence because of you, ¹¹ in order to keep Satan from getting the upper hand over us; for we know what his plans are.

 

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Seeing the car dart in front of me gave me offense. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I carried that offense down the road. I missed the light I usually made and when I got to the parking lot I could see a car slip into my usual spot. I was offended. In many meetings, people kept saying offensive things like asking for the day off when we had a lot of work to do. Everyone was pretty offensive that day.

 

• I had a day that I wanted to be angry.
• I had a day that I carried one offense to the next.
• I had a day that I was looking for fights and I easily found them.

 

Paul writes about a specific person who offended many. He did not justify the offenders actions, nor did he say the punishment given was too harsh. He did however limit the offense time for a greater purpose. He wants people to forgive to keep the offender from giving up completely after receiving reasonable punishment. Causing people to give up is a plan of Satan.

 

My Observations

• When I get offended, GOD wants me to take a moment to give it to HIM.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to see if it is a tactic of Satan to throw me off my praise.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to understand that forgiveness is the only way from the bondage of hate to the freedom of love.

 

Love sets me free. I mean, when I set my prayers on the offender, I must realize that I am going to the thrown of GOD. I have two choices; “Hurt my offender” OR “Forgive my offender.” The latter of the two is the choice GOD wants me to make all the time, because HE did the same for me.

 

But this is not easy. It sometimes takes a little time and maturity to forgive. Quite honestly, sometimes it doesn’t happen. BUT GOD understands that too. The more I can forgive, the freer I can be. I am glad GOD can make my days stress free when I let go of offenses. HE also enables me to sleep by not being offended.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the offender in this passage?
• Have you ever messed up so bad that you needed to be forgiven?
• Does your offended state offend others?
• What offenses can you let go of so you can be free as CHRIST has set you free?

Grown Up

 Grown Up

Romans 12: ¹⁴ Ask God to bless those who persecute you—yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

 

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Being handed an award for outstanding work felt rather insulting when I was notified the position I held was cut. During the downsizing process, insults were hurled at me and laughter ensued as I had to present my final “next year’s plan.” You won’t be around to see it, they giggled. “YOU mean I am supposed to pray for them!?’ I questioned.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to ask GOD to drop boulders on those who hurt me.
• There were many times when I wanted to see those who hurt me to get hurt so they could feel my pain.
• There were many times when I wanted to gloat at the pain of someone who hurt me, thinking I would feel better.

 

Paul writes something extremely strange. HE tells everyone to “Bless those who persecute you.” What!? He then reemphasizes his bold statement to make sure everyone heard what he said. “Yes, ask HIM to bless, not to curse.” Paul had been beaten, stoned, chased, and slandered. GOD showed him another way to handle bitterness and a poisoned heart.

 

• GOD wants me to guard my heart from the poison of hatred.
• GOD wants me to protect my heart from rage and anger.
• GOD wants me to insulate my heart from bitterness and animosity.

 

Hate breeds more hate. I mean, when I see “that” person get what he or she “deserves” it does nothing. I still have the loss and I still need to heal. It hurts even worse when “that” person seems to walk away unscathed. “YOU mean I have been wronged and “that” person seems to be doing well?” Yes, GOD says, because HE knows how to repair my heart.

 

I sighed and prayed for those who persecuted me to do well. It did not work the first time, but over time it did. I was able to release the poison I had in my heart. I even felt better about my relationship with GOD because HE was pleased with me for growing up.

 

• Did someone hurt you?
• Are you still carrying around bitterness for that person after all these years?
• Will you regain the power of GOD in your life by praying for “that” person to be blessed by HIM and let GOD handle him or her the way HE wants to so HE can repair your heart with grace today?

Overlooked but not held back

Overlooked but not held back

Acts 10: ⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

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Angry, I made it home seething with rage. “How dare they!” I thought to myself over and over. The confrontation had escalated and all I could think about was the altercation. As I sat I heard a clap of thunder. It was pouring rain.

One thing I forgot was I prayed for rain because of the severe drought. It rained on my house and on the houses of those I was angry with. I was too angry to notice the rain.

• Sometimes I am too angry to see what GOD is doing.
• Sometimes I am too worried to hear what GOD is saying.
• Sometimes I am too self-absorbed to do what GOD wants me to do.

Peter spoke about JESUS being the Savior of all mankind. As he spoke about belief in JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT was poured out on everyone who believed. It did not matter about the race or gender or age, anyone who believed received the gift of salvation.

• GOD wants me to see HIM in action.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS grace covers more than what I can imagine.
• GOD wants me to want HIS grace to fall on those I am angry with so HE can grow my heart.

Overlooked is often the action I assign to the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean HE lives inside me and has to put up with my sins. BUT GOD placed HIM there for a reason. The HOLY SPIRIT begs for my forgiveness regularly and comforts me when I feel hurt. GOD wants more than those I would invite. HIS SPIRIT is not held back from anyone who calls on the name of JESUS.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you feel so much rage that you cannot see what GOD is doing?
• Will you see GOD is slow to anger because HIS grace is sufficient for you and for them?

Urges

Urges

Acts:5 ¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

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“Don’t go in that room while we are gone” was the statement given to me. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that I had a restriction, I only wanted to go in “that” room. I thought of excuses for being in the room, but the door was closed most of the time.

One day, the door was left open. I put one foot in the room to test it out. Nothing happened. I went in boldly and became comfortable, too comfortable. They caught me in the room and I could not remember the “excuses” I made up.

• Sometimes I get urges that were prompted by someone telling me what I should not do.
• Sometimes I get urges to do something I am not supposed to do.
• Sometimes I get urges from something I was exposed to.

Fed up, the high priest and other church leaders had the apostles arrested. BUT GOD sent angels to release them, telling them to speak the “words of this life.” Early in the morning, they could not do anything else but teach.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so my urges point to serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so I desire to do what HE says.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling so I want what HE wants.

Urges can be great when pointed to GOD. I mean if I got the urge to speak to someone in an encouraging way, expressing GOD’s love, then HE would be extremely pleased. Unfortunately some of my urges come from places of temptation. Any follow through on those urges are against GOD.

Obedience to GOD makes me place my urges under HIM so I can exercise self-control and bear the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful GOD leads me not into temptation but delivers me from evil.

• What urges are you following?
• Are you asking GOD “Should I be doing this” or acting on your own urges?
• Will you stop fighting GOD by not exercising self-control and present HIS gift of love through kindness and peace today?

Glorious Restraint

Glorious Restraint

John 19: So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. ² And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. ³ Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

⁴ Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

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When a child called me a name that was racially motivated, I was astounded. Dressed in a suit and going home from a hard day’s work, I was accosted by a child who was no more than five. I replied, “I do not blame you for your ignorance, I blame your ignorant parents.” I felt better for calling the parent who was standing there, ignorant, in front of many waiting train passengers.

• It feels good to retaliate.
• It feels good to get revenge.
• It feels good to return hatred with more hatred.

Pilate said JESUS was innocent, yet he whipped HIM with barb wire. He then allowed the soldiers to bloody HIS head with a thorny, mock crown. Afterwards, they punched and punched JESUS repeatedly. Then Pilate came forth and again said “I find no fault in HIM.”

• JESUS wants me to see HE showed tremendous restraint.
• JESUS wants me to know vengeance is HIS.
• JESUS wants me to understand, while it is hard to turn the other cheek when slapped, I should try it more and more.

Restraint when filled with rage has always paid off. In fact, releasing what fills me with rage enables me to sleep easier, knowing GOD has this situation handled. HE had all power and used it to show mercy instead of rage. This is a sign of strength. I admire JESUS for HIS glorious restraint.

• Do you have a temper?
• Do you get enraged easily?
• Will you give your rage to JESUS and allow HIM to grow you by giving you restraint today?

Assumptive Knowledge

Assumptive Knowledge

John 9: ²⁴ So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”

²⁵ He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

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It was time to visit a college so I asked everyone to get in the car. I used someone else’s GPS to put in the directions and began driving. After a long while, something seemed wrong. “Let me see that GPS” I said. The volume was down and it was not connected to the car. For over an hour, I did not hear the messages to turn around. I just knew I had done everything right!

• Sometimes my assumptions are wrong.
• Sometimes my assumptions may lead me in the wrong direction.
• Sometimes my assumptions can cost something precious.

“We know that this Man is a sinner” the church leaders assumed about JESUS. They assumed HE was some random guy trying to get their power. They loved their power over the people and would never let anyone threaten their position. They used the name “GOD” but assumed it was not JESUS.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to know HE loves me.
• JESUS wants me to know HE is the only one who can save me eternally.

My assumptions about GOD can be wrong at times. I mean when things are not going so well, I may assume HE does not love me. I may also assume I can manipulate GOD by trying to be good after I sinned. GOD is bigger than my sinful actions HIS grace is sufficient to save me and forgive me. I no longer have to assume. I know GOD is for me.

• Do you feel GOD is against you?
• Do you think HE finds pleasure in your pain?
• Will you stop your assumptive thinking and know GOD is the only solution to your problem?

Controlling

Controlling

John 7: ³² The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. ³³ Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me. ³⁴ You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.”

³⁵ Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? ³⁶ What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”

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Planning my route was difficult this day. For some reason, several tempers had flared and multiple fights were planned in different parts of the playground leaving the school. In fear, I went an extreme route, that was several blocks out of the way, just to get home. “Why can’t this just be easy?” I exclaimed.

• Sometimes life seems out of control.
• Sometimes life seems like a huge problem.
• Sometimes life seems to bring raging out of control situations that affect me.

The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring about JESUS. They felt their controlling power slipping away. They wanted to get control of this situation so they sent officers to take HIM. JESUS knew what they were doing and addressed them directly. “You will seek ME and not find ME and where I AM you cannot come” was HIS disturbing news.

• JESUS wants me to let go of my control of HIM.
• JESUS wants me to allow HIM to do things HIS way and in HIS time.
• JESUS wants me to put HIM in control of my decisions, expectations and outcomes.

Trying to control GOD is like trying to control a raging storm. It cannot be done. GOD’s power is uncontrollable, by me. BUT GOD controls HIMSELF to love me instead of hating me for my sins. HE says to me “You are mine” so I can never put GOD under my feet and control what HE does.

I can control one thing, namely believing that HE knows what is best for me. GOD keeps HIS promises, always! HE wants me to be with HIM eternally and sends me out to seek those who seek HIM. I am grateful HE wants me.

• Are you trying to force GOD to act the way “you” want HIM to?
• Do you think that because you stopped doing a few sins, you are better than “that” person?
• Will you stop trying to control GOD with your smelly righteousness and allow HIM to control your path to guide people back to HIM today?

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?

Mistreated Strength

Luke 6: ²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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Feeling helpless, I went to the nearest person and began grousing about the mistreatment I just experienced. My emotions went from being mild irritated to rage as I recalled the story. “How dare they!” were my words as I replayed the scenario over and over.

• There have been times when people have gotten on my nerves.
• There have been times when I have been enraged by people who have mistreated me.
• There have been times when I have felt helpless because of someone else’s “meanness.”

JESUS said some strange words to those who learned “revenge” as a biblical practice from their childhood. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” seemed quite fair to everyone in the Law of Moses. BUT JESUS said to act differently.

• JESUS wants me to seek restoration versus revenge.
• JESUS wants me to seek being a witness as opposed to being right.
• JESUS wants me to seek peace instead of pain.

There is nothing fair about giving a thief extra stuff for them to steal. When someone mistreats me, I get furious at being powerless. BUT GOD has a remedy for that feeling. HE wants me to have HIS strength in the middle of being mistreated. By giving myself permission to love my enemies, they have no power over me.

In fact the more I love those who mistreat me, the more compassion fills my heart versus poison. I no longer replay the moments that bring on disgust, rather I can actually pray for them to have a wonderful relationship with JESUS, who brings peace to those who love HIM. JESUS puts me above the situation by adding HIS love.

• Are you furious at someone?
• Did someone treat you wrong?
• Can you diffuse the situation by loving the person as GOD loves you?

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.’”

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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?

Exhaustion Solution

Zechariah 7: ⁹ “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. ¹⁰ Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

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“I’m going to get that person back!” were my words. I used a lot of energy developing my plan. I lost several nights’ sleep while I brooded over situations that I would replay in my mind. “How dare they!” would come to mind as I think of more retaliation.

• There were times in my life when my immaturity led me to anger.
• There were times in my life when my immaturity led me to rage.
• There were times in my life when I wanted to harm those who harmed me, or at least in my mind they did!

After a while I believed the lies my mind told me about “that” person. I would replay old videos and negate positive imagery. I was not at peace. Soon I found myself mad at the world because I wanted people to justify my rage. I became exhausted. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Show mercy and compassion to one another.”
• GOD said to me “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.”
• GOD said to me “Do not plot evil against each other.”

When I reviewed my rage I realized I had no compassion, extended oppressive thoughts and an evil plot. I had not let go of the situation or the person, for that matter. GOD sees every heart and knows the wickedness of all souls. HE allows us to be prodigals and has compassion to enable our return. HE wants me to see HIS example and to give my stony heart to HIM.

Only GOD can change a person, it is not my job. HE is busy trying to change me! HE wants me to have perfect peace within HIM so I can drop my rage in exchange for mercy and compassion. I can release my anger and exchange it for peace. I can get rid of my evil plot and exchange it for encouragement. GOD gives me peace.

• Are you exhausted because of your evil thoughts?
• Are you tired trying to justify your oppressive thinking?
• Will you stop trying replaying old issues and live for GOD today?

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?

Forgiven and Protected

Joel 3: ²⁰ Judah will be inhabited forever
    and Jerusalem through all generations.
²¹ Shall I leave their innocent blood unavenged?
    No, I will not.”

The Lord dwells in Zion!

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Bullies have always made me angry in a strange way. I mean when I feel bullied, I feel a mixture of rage and helplessness. At one point in my life, I could not take bullying any longer. I went to the gym and put on muscles. I later found the bullies getting bigger and stronger. What was I supposed to do?

• There have been times in my life when bullies have had their way with me.
• There have been times in my life in which I have been intimidated.
• There have been times in my life that seemed unfair because bullies walked right up to me, hit me and dared that I get back up.

Intimidation is a method of wielding power and GOD cannot stand when anyone flexes their muscles at someone else. What I am saying is GOD does not like intimidation, nor does HE like when someone bullies me or if I think I can bully anyone else.

• GOD says to me “Stand still and know the power of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”

JESUS gave me a difficult example to follow. HE said “When someone slaps you on the cheek, turn your face so they can slap the other.” This is not an exercise in face slapping and weakness rather it is an exercise in strength. HE wants me to allow HIS wrath to build up against the intimidator while HE gives me strength to stand firm on my beliefs.

Backing down from a fight takes more strength than I realized. It takes strength to hold my tongue from the bully who blasts me with words of intimidation. It takes strength for me to slow down from the road raged driver. It takes strength to allow GOD to show HIS strength while I watch. GOD forgives me and protects me daily!

• Are you being bullied?
• Do you have someone who is trying to intimidate you into doing something you do not want to do?
• Can you stop trying to fight and allow GOD to fight your battle?
• Will you stand still and know GOD’s power?

Words are Mighty

Psalm 122: ⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
⁷ May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
⁸ For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

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Filled with rage, my poisonous words spewed out of my mouth. The problem was that the words kept coming out and soon I had filled the room with spiteful malicious paragraphs that I could never take back. Later, a thought popped in my mind. I wonder if this person is a follower of GOD.

• When my words are filled with hurt, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are full of fear, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are packed with pain, they are not pointed at the kingdom.

Words can go two ways, to build someone up or tear someone down. The latter of the two is very easy, especially when I am trying to get a point across. What I have found is these words do not bring peace. Yeah, “I” may feel better, but am I bringing peace to “that” person?

• GOD wants me to pray for security for people no matter how insecure they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for peace for people no matter how contemptuous they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for GOD’s prosperity which may mean a kingdom full of people rather than a bank full of money.

David was already very wealthy but he said “For the sake of the house of the LORD our GOD, I will seek your prosperity.” David knew that sacrifice was needed in order to lead a group of people who put their trust in the LORD. These people were excited about GOD and loved to worship HIM at all turns. GOD wants me to celebrate those who put their full trust in HIM. HE wants me to add peace to those who seek HIS face.

• Are your words pointing people to the problem or to the kingdom?
• Do you find poison in your words or can you point people to peace?
• Will you try adding GOD to every conversation you have today? 

Rage Controlled

2 Chronicles 11: ² But this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God: ³ “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, ⁴ ‘This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your fellow Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’” So they obeyed the words of the Lord and turned back from marching against Jeroboam.

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Tired of this guys’ annoying ways, I stormed into my boss’s office and demanded justice! I mean this guy was loud and obnoxious and something had to be done. He handled the situation smoothly but I noticed I was getting passed over for promotions. I asked what was going on and he suggested I attend a leadership class.

“What would another class do?” I thought to myself. I mean I already know more than all of my peers in the department! I went and one of the first questions they asked was “Do you have rage?” As if I were in a twelve step program, I had to admit “yes.”

• Rage is a buildup of tiny bits of anger inside of me.
• Rage is a stack of bad memories that causes me to react negatively.
• Rage is a backlog of unmet desires coupled with disappointing results that causes me to be furious.

Rage is a wild animal inside of me that wants to tear the place down and stand on the burning rubble. The problem with rage is that it is very short sighted and blinding.

• GOD wants me to seek HIS face first each day in order to turn my rage into positive momentum.
• GOD desires that I give my rage to HIM and let HIM deal with the entire situation.
• GOD wants me to recognize what is causing me to have rage in the first place and allow HIM to replace it with grace and peace.

GOD doesn’t desire that I have rage pointed in the wrong direction. Rage at my own sin versus rage at a misinterpretation of someone’s intentions is the path that enables me to mature. The more I can seek GOD’s face without fear, the more GOD grows me to control rage, take a deep breath and ask GOD for grace.

• Do you have rage?
• Are you furious?
• Can you take a step back and ask GOD to help you identify why you are full of rage?
• Can you let go of your rage for a moment and give GOD your disappointment?