Guarding “Ships”

Guarding “Ships”

2 Timothy 3: Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. 

 

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Feeling lonely, I decided that being involved with any group was better than none. I decided to go out with coworkers. Maybe I can get used to doing some other things. “Let’s go out to the strip club!” was a suggestion “everyone” agreed to. “I guess so” I said reluctantly.

 

• I felt something was wrong with just going with the crowd, but I went.
• I knew I should not do what “everyone” else was doing, but I did.
• I joined in on stuff I later regretted joining in on.

 

Paul warns more than Timothy about the “last days.” He generally provides a stern warning about connecting to people who do not have JESUS in their hearts, but mimic the words. He prepared Timothy to not be naïve rather to know there will be some who will not follow GOD no matter how much he or she pretends.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my sin and forgave me through my belief in JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD is the only forgiver of sins.
• GOD wants the heart not the outward pretenses.

 

There are a few ships GOD wants me to guard. Friendships, relationships and partnerships. These are sacred to HIM because they affect how HIS Kingdom grows. GOD knows I cannot avoid the world or live in a bubble. In fact, HE wants me and you to infect the world.

 

BUT GOD also wants me to guard my heart and not allow the world to enter it with things that will take people away from HIS Kingdom. He wants my friendships, relationships and partnerships to be focused on HIS “real power” which is through JESUS. I am glad GOD protects me in this difficult world.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the list of the writer is so extensive?
• Have you ever been tempted to hang out with a crowd you knew was wrong for you, but you did it anyway?
• Will you seek the “real power” of GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to infect the world versus connecting with people you know will drag you down by the world today?

How do I know when the LORD is speaking?

Deuteronomy 18: ²¹ You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” ²² If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

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Pricey but sleek was my dream car at the time. It was next on my list of toys I was going to purchase. GOD must want me to have it, because I want it and I have the means to purchase it. I think I even had a date in mind. When the company cut positions, I no longer had the means to buy this pricey hunk of metal. Was my desire from GOD or me?

• Just because a thought pops in my head doesn’t mean it’s from GOD.
• Just because I really want something doesn’t mean GOD has blessed my desire.
• Just because a circumstance is placed in front of me doesn’t mean that circumstance is flowing towards GOD’s plan.

I have heard preachers tell me the end of the world was supposed to happen on a specific date but the Bible says “No man knows the date or time” for this event. I have thought a person was or wasn’t going to do something BUT GOD did opposite of my thought. Is GOD opposing me on purpose? How do I know when HE is speaking?

• GOD speaks through HIS HOLY SPIRIT HE placed inside of me and has written HIS laws on my heart and the HOLY SPIRIT reminds me to follow them.
• GOD speaks through ordained humans, not always pastors or teachers, but those HE consecrates to say some tough messages that I sometimes do not like.
• GOD speaks through HIS Bible which documents past, present and future events.

Why the mystery?  I mean if HE would just open up HIS mouth and audibly say something then everyone on earth would believe, right? Wrong! HE walked on the planet for years and years and many did not believe. Instead of begging for my love HE showed HIS by dying on the cross in my place.

• Have you asked GOD to show you the way?
• Have you given GOD the chance to say “no” to your idea or desire?
• Have you sought GOD by reading HIS Bible?
• Are you listening to what GOD is saying through other humans or are you critiquing them?
• Do you check what humans are saying with what the Bible says?

Keeping GOD’s message special

Numbers 1: ⁴⁷ But the families of the tribe of Levi were not counted along with the others. ⁴⁸ The Lord had spoken to Moses. He had said, ⁴⁹ “You must not count the men from the tribe of Levi. Do not include them when you list the other men of Israel.

⁵⁰ “Instead, put the Levites in charge of the holy tent. That is where the tablets of the covenant are kept. The Levites will be in charge of everything that belongs to the holy tent. They must carry the tent and everything that belongs to it. They must take care of it. They must set up camp around it.

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Dress in a suit and don’t walk behind the pulpit were the rules that seemed to be upheld the most in the church of my childhood. Meanwhile I missed many sermons because I would fall asleep. “When I get older, I may not attend church” I said to myself.

I tried reading the Bible but it got boring real quick. I mean why should I know a genealogy? And besides, many of the old folks who were teaching me this stuff didn’t seem to be living any better than other folks.

• When GOD’s message is not special to me I develop reasons to move away from HIM.
• When GOD’s message is not special to me I treat everything about HIM as common.
• When GOD’s message is not special to me I compare what others are doing and never look at myself.

GOD went through great lengths to make HIS message to me special.  HE wrote HIS laws on my heart and taught many great people to hold HIS word in great esteem. HE knew I would reject HIS ways so when HIS SON volunteered to die for me HE agreed. HE loves when I pursue HIM.

• GOD understands when I don’t follow HIS ways but rewards me when I do.
• GOD understands when I don’t read about HIM but loves when I get to know HIM.
• GOD understands when I don’t treat HIS message special but grows me when I seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding from HIM.

HE put a group of people in charge of carrying HIS message when the Israelites were in the desert and told them to keep this message special. GOD wants me to do the same.

• Are you keeping GOD’s message special?
• Do you yield to HIS ways whenever you can?
• Won’t you start seeking HIM by letting go of your expectations of HIM and allowing HIM to work?

Am I building a relationship with GOD?

Exodus 33: ³ “Go up to the land that has plenty of milk and honey. But I will not go with you. You are stubborn. I might destroy you on the way.”

⁴ When the people heard those painful words, they became sad and began to sob. No one put on any jewelry.

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¹⁵ Then Moses said to him, “If you don’t go with us, don’t send us up from here. ¹⁶ How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and your people? You must go with us. How else will we be different from all of the other people on the face of the earth?”

¹⁷ The Lord said to Moses, “I will do exactly what you have asked. I am pleased with you. And I know your name. I know all about you.”

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Work was the excuse for not going to church when I was in high school. I got off my job at 3:00AM so who would go sit and listen to a boring guy speak? In college I carried my lack of church attendance forward. I was studying… okay I wasn’t studying, but I had things to do.

I wasn’t giving, helping anyone or praying but I did have a problem with how GOD was doing things. I didn’t like how HE made money and relationships disappear. What’s the purpose with church and being a goody, goody?

• When I complain I am trying to get my way.
• When I ignore GOD’s ways I say to HIM I want to be on my own.
• When I pretend to be good in order to manipulate GOD I’m fooling only myself.

GOD wants a real, honest relationship with HIM.  HE doesn’t just want sin admission, HE wants me to want to be with HIM. My heart skipped a beat when I read “GOD would not go with me because I am stubborn.” It really made me examine my motives for serving if I was serving at all.

• GOD wants me to want to serve versus serving out of obligation.
• GOD wants me to want to love others versus being miserable in my actions.
• GOD wants me to want to give versus complaining I don’t have enough.

Free will means I have a choice. GOD wants me to choose HIM but will allow me to choose a different direction. HE will actually let me go on the wrong path which is scary! I thank GOD HE has decided to stay with me and not forsake me!

• Are you being stubborn?
• Are you building a pleasing relationship with GOD or have you decided to do it your way?
• Can you talk to GOD about your sin and be candid and honest with HIM so HE can work it all out?

Am I paranoid of people who don’t look and act like me?

Exodus 1: ⁶ Now Joseph and all his brothers and all that generation died, ⁷ but the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.

⁸ Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. ⁹ “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. ¹⁰ Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”

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A person of another race reached out to me to befriend me. Memories of acts of hatred from others of his race rushed to mind. “What does he want from me?” my suspicious mind conjured. I bet he is trying to steal my ideas.  I better put my guards up around this guy.

• When I become paranoid, I dream up the worst about people.
• When I become paranoid, I put up my guards.
• When I become paranoid, I go into self-preservation.

Call it a defense mechanism but I don’t like my hopes raised only to have them dashed to the ground, so I get ahead of the game by putting up my guards. If someone doesn’t look or act like me, I become suspicious.

• GOD says to me “open your heart to many and I will draw them to ME.”
• GOD says to me “stop looking on the outside so I can look on the inside.”
• GOD says to me “drop your defenses so my grace can consume all ills.”

GOD wants me to get out of the way of HIS grace.  When I place my judgmental attitude on someone, there is no room for grace.  Is there a chance I could get hurt? Yes, but GOD’s grace covers that too. HIS grace is sufficient.

• Are you paranoid over reaching out to someone who does not look like you?
• Do you dream up why you are different rather than think of what you have in common?
• Can you see others as GOD sees them?
• Won’t you reach out to those you feel paranoid about and help them seek GOD?

In memory of James Washington

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?

Living a life of purpose

2 Peter 1: ¹³ I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, ¹⁴ because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

¹⁵ And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

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With new tie in hand I proceeded to the door. The exits all looked the same because in my haste to purchase a replacement for my forgotten tie I failed to note which way I had entered. That was only the beginning of the problem. I walked out and could not find my rental car because I didn’t remember what kind of car it was nor the color. Yes the information was on the key.

After finally finding my car I returned to the hotel. When I woke the next day I could not remember what city I was in. I had travelled too much. I sat on the side of my bed and asked myself, “is this my purpose in life?”

·         When I am overwhelmed I may not be living my life purpose.

·         When I am feeling absolutely miserable I may not be living my life purpose.

·         When I am restless and want something new I may not be living my life purpose.

I made work my purpose for living and quite honestly it only got me more work. Okay, I did get more money and accolades but they soon faded and I wondered “is this it?” BUT GOD has another purpose for me.

·         GOD says remind people about what I have already written on their heart.

·         GOD says make disciples to follow ME instead of following buildings or people.

·         GOD says love those who are difficult to love while loving your family and friends.

Leaving a legacy is nice but leaving people with ways to stop rejecting GOD is better. I used to think there were humans who just had not heard of CHRIST and needed me to tell them, now I believe GOD has written HIS word on every heart and it’s up to each not to reject HIM. I serve as a reminder to follow what they already know.

·         Do you have purpose?

·         Are you living your life’s purpose out?

·         Do you realize GOD has given you talents that only you possess?

·         Can you understand “your presence” can affect the situation?

Where am I a citizen?

Philippians 3: ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

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When I arrived in town I didn’t know anyone. I went to the grocery store, bought food and settled into my apartment with nothing to do.  “Maybe the people at work would bring me some companionship” I thought, but at the end of the day everyone cleared out like some sort of whistle had blown.

Cliques were difficult to crack and soon I became homesick. I had so many “friends” at home. “Will I be stuck here?” I shuttered.

• No matter how fun I make life, this not my home.
• No matter how much I try to fit in, this is not my home.
• No matter how much money I make or what title I achieve, this is not my home.

I worked extremely hard on jobs to get promoted chasing a dream only to find when I arrived there was another destination. I worked hard to get accepted into groups only to find the group wanted to be in other groups. I worked hard to look like the world wanted me to look only to find GOD didn’t want me to look like the world.

• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to wipe away my tears.
• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to fix all my broken ways.
• I eagerly await my SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST to transform me into an eternal being who never has to experience pain, misery or death.

GOD made me to be with HIM forever. The things of this world that worry me should actually have no effect on me because this is not my home.  I should act like I belong to a greater place one with no worries, no pain, and no sorrows.

• What are you chasing?
• Are you spending all your time trying to chase the world’s standards?
• When will you spend a little time with GOD?
• Can you slow down chasing your Earthly dream and focus a little of your attention to heaven?

How to settle an argument

Romans 12: ⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

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Disagreements can happen with love but where do arguments fall? I mean when I argue with my family I feel no one wins.  After a while I can become so good at arguing that the point of companionship is missed. Am I missing something?

• It’s alright to disagree but I lose when “I win.”
• It’s alright to have a different opinion but when my opinion overshadows my relationship I lose.
• It’s alright to get upset at times but when my anger is directed at the people I’m supposed to love nobody wins.

“Love must be sincere” is a statement that just eats at my stony heart. I mean what about “me?” Don’t I have a say in the argument? Well GOD says a lot about how to handle disagreements.

• GOD tells me to “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” so I have to examine myself.
• GOD says to me “Be devoted to one another in love” which causes me to pick and choose my battles.
• GOD tells me to “Honor one another above yourselves” so I have to learn another person’s way.
• GOD says to me “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD.”
• GOD tell me to be patient, faithful, prayerful, generous and hospitable so I will be too busy acting like HIM to even notice the dispute.

This is a difficult list for me to follow. I get cranky, selfish and argumentative. GOD says “Take it a day at a time and watch MY results.”

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Does it seem like your relationship is disintegrating?
• Can you follow what GOD is telling you to do?
• Won’t you try at least one thing HE is telling you?

Am I drifting away from GOD?

Acts 26: ¹³ About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. ¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

 ¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

   “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.

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Drifting seemed like a harmless thing to do when it came to this “GOD” stuff.  I mean everyone else seemed to be living full lives with their drinking and sexual exploits and I wasn’t a heavy drinker and my sex was held to a minimum. Comparatively I rated myself as “pretty good.”

My drifting turned into occasional visits to church, then no visits. I drifted into “deserving” to unwind after a hard week’s work so a few of us would go to the clubs which drifted into flirting and “going out” with a woman here and there. I still rated myself as “pretty good.” I mean I wasn’t trying to harm anyone and “everybody” was doing it.

• Drifting away from listening to GOD leads me into places “I” think are harmless but they are truly harmful to me.
• Drifting away from listening to GOD makes me assess myself as “pretty good” comparatively but I fail to take the time to admit I need HIM.
• Drifting away from listening to GOD puts me in a place where it requires HIS correction.

GOD wants a “hot” or “cold” person to work with and my drifting had put me in a “lukewarm” state which is impossible to change. What I mean is I thought I was “pretty good” and therefore needed no improvement yet I was “harmlessly” drifting little by little away from HIM.

After a while I was producing no fruit for HIS kingdom and found myself “needy” on occasion. I would scurry to pray to GOD when I needed HIM and would go back to living without HIM expecting everything to go well for me. GOD said HE wanted something different.

• GOD wants a full relationship with me, not one where I try holding onto my life.
• GOD wants my full attention, not distracted or chasing things that are against HIS will.
• GOD wants me to stand with HIM, not fold into the world and fight against HIM.

“Wait a minute… how am I fighting GOD?” you ask. The war inside of me starts where I am told by GOD to live for HIM in order to spread HIS message yet I choose to live the way I want to live. The only “drifting” I need to do is drift towards HIM not away.

• Do you find yourself drifting away from GOD?
• Has your time with HIM minimized because of school, work or a relationship?
• When is the last time you have produced “fruit” in “your” life?
• Are you purposefully living your life for GOD?

I’m right here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go back and help.

Acts 15: ³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

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“This party was going to be great” I thought to myself. I had just purchased a new shirt and that coupled with my new cologne was a winning combination to get the ladies to notice me. One of my fathers asked me “what are you doing with your money?”  What a strange question, but I was quick on my feet. “I don’t know” was my retort.

He showed me how to invest and kept following up with me. Wow, what drove this man? I wish I could do something like that!

• People need me to mentor them even though I may not have much to offer.
• People need me to reach back and show them the path especially when I fall off it.
• People need me to develop them and I need people to develop me.

The HOLY SPIRIT told Paul and Barnabas to preach the great news about CHRIST. They were obedient, preached and went on their way.  GOD said, “that’s not enough.”  Go back and check on them and see how they are doing.

• Mentoring takes time but it’s worth it.
• Developing others to achieve great things is wonderful especially when coupled to CHRIST.
• Growing someone to follow the ways of JESUS is the ultimate action I can take.

GOD wants me to seek mentors and be a mentor to someone. With the love I show for others someone will believe in HIS SON.

• Are you actively seeking a mentor?
• Do you think you are too old for a mentor?
• Do you think you do not have anything to offer someone by being a mentor?
• Are you purposefully seeking ways to grow people in CHRIST?

Someone needs your words

Acts 8: ²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

 ³⁰ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

 ³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

 ³² This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:

   “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

   and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,

   so he did not open his mouth.

³³ In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

   Who can speak of his descendants?

   For his life was taken from the earth.”

 ³⁴ The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

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Disastrous is the best word I could use the first time I went out to “street witness.”  I talked “at” people flinging scriptures over their heads and all but stared them down demanding them to accept CHRIST right then and there. Thoroughly ineffective!

• GOD wants me to relate to people in order to draw them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to share my sins with people to let them know HIS power to save anyone.
• GOD wants me to stop trying to be a know it all and get out there and really help people.

People accept the words I tell them at their own pace. GOD delivers people who are seeking HIM directly to me or HE sends me to places where they are seeking HIM.  HE actually makes it easy for me all I have to do is be ready and obedient.

• Are you ready to tell people about the GREAT News about JESUS?
• When is the last time you opened your mouth and told someone about CHRIST?
• Do you realize you don’t have to know the Bible backwards and forwards to tell someone about CHRIST?
• Have you said the words “I don’t know, but all I can tell you is JESUS saved me?”
• Won’t you tell someone about GOD’s greatness today?

What goes around comes around

Luke 16: ¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

   ²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

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“What goes around comes around” is what the old folks used to say. In other words “how I treat people is how I am going to get treated.” If that’s the case then either I have to start treating people nice real soon or my past will catch up to me.

• Laughing at the demise of the “idiot” boss was my forte’ until my position was eliminated.
• Ignorance of the poor and downtrodden was my mode of operation until I had to worry about my finances.
• Thinking my parents and other adults were stupid was my mantra until I grew up and had kids of my own.

Now that I am older I understand the old folk’s statement. Truly “what goes around comes around.” It may not happen in this lifetime, but whatever seeds I sow on this earth will come to fruition. GOD wants me to plant heavenly seeds on earth to reap the harvest of eternal treasure.

• Even though “that” person is not treating me right I have to treat them with grace.
• Even though I may think I need “that” luxury item maybe there is a person whose “needs” aren’t being met.
• Even though I have my own family I’m still not too old to glean wisdom from those who are older and wiser.

I need to treat people the way I want GOD to treat me. I want to be the center of HIS attention so my focus needs to be on HIS humans.

• How are you treating people?
• Are your relationships strong?
• Do you seek out the poor for the purpose of serving them for GOD?
• Are you feeling the effects of treating people poorly?
• Can you begin treating “that” person with grace?

Can I have a good relationship with you?

Luke 11: ⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

   ¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

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My parents didn’t know what they were doing at all or so I thought. They didn’t dance my dance, drink my drink, know about my technology or get my friends. How clueless could they be? I wanted out and I figured at seventeen I knew everything I needed to know about life so I didn’t ask many questions.

• I will never have a good relationship with GOD unless I seek HIS heart.
• I will never have a good relationship with my wife and kids unless I seek their needs and desires.
• I will never have a good relationship with my parents, siblings, friends and neighbors unless I seek their problems and try to be there for them.

I never thought about asking for more of the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean didn’t GOD give HIM to me when I believed JESUS is GOD who died for my sins? Isn’t my relationship solid with that action? Yes, but I still have the rest of my life to live and I want to live it fully.

“Asking” according to GOD doesn’t seem to come from a selfish angle. “Asking” seems to be something HE wants me to do to be more like HIM.  Yes I could ask for money and more junk, BUT GOD is pleased when I simply ask HIM for more of HIM to serve others and let HIM do the rest.

HE wants me to ask for better relationships so that HE can be fully glorified and draw many people to HIM.

• Do you have good relationships?
• Have you asked for a better relationship with “that” person?
• Will you seek GOD more in order to have better relationships?
• Is the relationship the other person’s responsibility or is it yours?

My exposed secrets

Luke 8: ¹⁷ For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.

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“Tipping” was slang for “Tip-Toeing” or quietly exiting a place that you didn’t want the population to know “where” you were and more importantly “who” you were with. Fortunately for me I wasn’t very good at it.

My car was extremely noticeable with its missing grill, torn up hood and mustard yellow color it was a distinct give away to my local. The next day people would come up to me and ask “who were you “tipping” with? I saw your car.”

• I can fool some of the people all of the time but I can never fool GOD.
• I can try to hide what I am doing but GOD will broadcast it to everyone one day.
• I can attempt to take secrets to the grave but GOD will awkwardly bring them out “now” before I had a chance to explain them to my loved ones.

Secrets tend to hold me back from fully proclaiming GOD’s great news. I think to myself, “my reputation is at stake, what will they think of me if they?” BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD wants me to tell the liar I have lied and I am forgiven by JESUS.
• GOD wants me to tell the lust filled husband I have been filled with lust too and I am forgiven by JESUS.
• GOD wants me to tell the blamer I have blamed others trying to make myself look good and I am forgiven by JESUS.

By confession my sins no longer have power over me. Yes some sins make my words ineffective, BUT GOD can use them to bring sinners like me back to HIM. HE wants me to proclaim forgiveness is just a confession away and my eternal life is solidified because of CHRIST.

• Do you have a secret?
• Are you attempting to take that secret to the grave?
• Do you realize your secret is making your relationship weaker not stronger?
• Won’t you come clean and confess so GOD can use your life?

She must be a special lady!

Luke 1: ⁴⁵ Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

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Mary and the Immaculate Conception is the biggest mystery to me. I mean she wasn’t very old and as far as I know she hadn’t done anything “special” to be chosen.

• I wonder if Mary wanted to feel special and GOD blessed her.
• I wonder if Mary desired to serve more people and GOD blessed her.
• I wonder if Mary saw more than the words in the Bible and wanted a “special” relationship and GOD blessed her.

It says Mary and her much older cousin Elizabeth followed GOD’s commands and decrees blamelessly which meant they were truly excited about GOD and HIS ways.  She wanted to do more, not because of her circumstance, just because HE was GOD.

• Mary didn’t care that she was poor, she praised the LORD.
• Mary didn’t worry about becoming some great title for GOD had spoken to her.
• Mary didn’t mind becoming the mother of our Savior rather she was excited to be chosen by GOD.

She worked hard following GOD’s commands to the letter but she did it with excitement. She probably saw the greedy seem to get away with their thievery and felt disappointed because when she got the news from GOD she sang this song:

⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
   he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
   but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
   but has sent the rich away empty

Mary was excited about GOD and that was enough for her so it is enough for me!

• Are you working hard to be “special?”
• Do you realize you “are” already special to GOD?
• Can you believe it’s not how hard you try, rather it’s the focus of your heart?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD for choosing you?

I need a bad "memory."

Matthew 6: ¹⁴ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

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Which box are you in, box number one or two? You are probably in a box because I put you there. Either you did something bad or good to me. Funny, if you are in the “did something bad to me” box then it’s very hard to get you out of that box. My memory is clear and the malefaction is brought top of mind.

The other box is a nice box that I put you in which is the “you did some nice things for me” box. It’s filled with good memories and sometimes raises the person up on a pedestal that maybe they don’t deserve.

• When I remember the sin the other person did, I cannot fully forgive.
• When I replay the details of the sin over and over, then my mind adds details from other sins.
• When I retrace the steps of the person’s sin I find myself in the trap of their sin.

Humans will do wrong things. I am human and I will do something wrong. My reaction to sin, blatant or not, is what GOD looks at to determine my consequence. “Consequence?” you ask. Yes consequence. I am saved from eternal separation through belief in JESUS which is an “ultimate” path, but what about the “relative” path?

• If my “relationships” are not healed then I will have turmoil on earth.
• When my “relationships” suffer my words are weakened and I spiral downward into more sin.
• If I allow their sin to get in the way of my “relationship” with the person then GOD will allow the full consequence of “my” sin to hit me hard.

GOD put me here to “relate well” with others in order to draw them back to HIM. I must model the mercy, grace and love HE models toward me. I must admit this is quite difficult, especially with close loved ones BUT GOD gives me help.

In my prayers I can ask for GOD to forgive them as HE has forgiven me for (insert sin here). I can also purge my memory of the event and practice remembering good things.

• Are you good at holding grudges?
• Someone has to show grace and mercy first, can it be you?
• What sin have you done recently that GOD may show full consequence?
• Can you remember what good things the other person has done?

A change is required of “me.”

1 John 3: ⁹ No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. ¹⁰ This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

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“Bend that branch” one of my friends said. I did it and this enabled me to jump from the tree and land on top of the factory. “Wow, this is cool” I thought to myself. After being up there a while, I quickly realized we had no way to get down. We thought about it a while and there was only one way.

We had to jump back into the tree face first and catch the limbs. Fortunately for us we walked away with a bunch of scratches a couple of bruises and torn clothes. I’m glad GOD allowed me to “grow up” now I should be able to make better decisions. Sin is immature.

• I am immature in CHRIST if I think I can sin as much as I want without consequence.
• I am immature in CHRIST if I keep expecting things from GOD without making any changes in my life.
• I am immature in CHRIST if I see the world as something to be gained.
• I am immature in CHRIST if I keep on sinning.

Belief is a very heavy subject that I cannot quite explain.  I believe JESUS died specifically for my sins and I deserved to be punished, not HIM. I also “believe” this is a saving “belief.” Unfortunately throughout the years I have been told otherwise.

• There are some who believe they can be good enough to get into heaven but they never compare their goodness to JESUS.
• There are some who believe in GOD but do not believe JESUS is GOD who died for their sins.
• There are some who believe GOD will not send a human to Hell and say “how could a loving GOD do that?”

Wow! This can be quite confusing. How could there be only one way to heaven? How can I know if this is the right way? What do I need to be “saved” from and who can be saved?

• GOD knew I would not choose HIM so HE died in my place.
• GOD only wants to share HIS unending love with those who do not reject HIS ultimate act of love.
• GOD knows I can never do enough good to cover any of my sins.
• GOD gets excited when I willfully get rid of my sins in order to relate to HIM better.

My relationship is broken with GOD and the best way to repair it is to remove as much sin out of my life while being excited about what JESUS has already done for me.

• Are you trying to make a change in your life?
• Do you feel your prayers are not being heard?
• Should you be maturing in CHRIST and making better decisions?