Addressing Replenishment

Addressing Replenishment

Exodus 23: ¹⁰ “Six years you shall sow your land and gather in its produce, ¹¹ but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave, the beasts of the field may eat. In like manner you shall do with your vineyard and your olive grove. ¹² Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female servant and the stranger may be refreshed.

 

¹³ “And in all that I have said to you, be circumspect and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard from your mouth.

 

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GOD continued to speak to Moses. This time HE spoke about rest.

 

My Observations:

• When Adam and Eve caused humans to fall, the conditions of the earth changed and now humans would have to work the soil to help food grow.
• When GOD made the garden of Eden, it did not need rest, but when HE cursed the earth, everything outside of the garden needed rest.
• Every seventh year, provide for the poor and let the soil rest and replenish.

 

Replenishment seemed to be the answer to the curse of GOD. Our temporary bodies and the land needs rest to keep producing. In order to have plenty, rest is needed. GOD was gracious when HE cursed the land. HE could have made it not produce anything and ended humanity right after Adam and Eve. BUT GOD desired humanity to flourish. We need the earth to flourish and it needs rest to do so.

 

But then GOD said something strange. “Make no mention of the name of other gods.” I believe that when humans get into a rhythm or work and rest, we can lose sight of GOD. Even worse, we can assign to a god what should be assigned to the one and only true GOD.

 

By stating that a god provided the food, we are not thanking the true GOD for what HE has done. Some humans want their names mentioned daily or even place their pictures or names everywhere to appear godlike.

 

Our temporary bodies need rest and so do the fields. GOD made a way for us to worship HIM while resting. This is grace.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about replenishment?
• Have you ever thought it was good to work yourself into exhaustion?
• How are you intentionally resting so you can be replenished for GOD’s purpose?

Made to Rest

Made to Rest

Exodus 16: ²² And so it was, on the sixth day, that they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. And all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. ²³ Then he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.’ ” ²⁴ So they laid it up till morning, as Moses commanded; and it did not stink, nor were there any worms in it. ²⁵ Then Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. ²⁶ Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none.”

 

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After experiencing the supernatural rotting of their food and seeing the worms, the children of Israel were nervous about following GOD’s commands. On the sixth day of each week they were supposed to gather enough to sit and rest on the seventh day. They obeyed and the food did not rot and worms did not appear.

 

My Observations:

• GOD provided enough food for two days on the sixth day.
• GOD was serious about keeping the Sabbath holy and as a day of rest.
• GOD would withhold food on the seventh day so they should not even try.

 

Rest is important to GOD. HE made humans with limits. The limits require replenishment. I believe GOD wants us to spend time with each other, to talk about GOD and spend time with HIM. This does not mean needing to spend all day in a building, but to be reminded that we need HIM.

 

GOD seems to love spending time with us, but we look for reasons to not spend time with HIM. We go after fame and fortune while depleting our faith. GOD did not provide on the day of rest. HE knew that humans would leave HIM out of their plans. GOD rested on the seventh day as an example to humans to do the same. HE did not need the rest, but humans do. GOD wants us to mimic HIM

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE treated provisions on the sixth day of each week?
• Have you gotten in the habit of not resting?
• Do you intentionally rest to replenish your energy, heal wounds and restore your faith in GOD?

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Exodus 13: ¹¹ “And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, ¹² that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. ¹³ But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. ¹⁴ So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ ¹⁶ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

 

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Moses continues speaking to the people in preparation to leave Egypt. He reiterates what GOD told him about the firstborn male. But this time he mentions redemption.

 

My Observations:

• Moses tells a group of slave-minded people that they are to remember how GOD was restoring them.
• Moses attempted to tell slave-minded people about Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
• Moses spoke figuratively about the sacrifice of the firstborn being a sign to be worn on their hands and on their foreheads.

 

GOD’s firstborn is JESUS. HIS sacrifice redeemed all of mankind who believe in HIM. This was the announcement of restoration for mankind. Unfortunately, the Pharisees would take the act of wearing scriptures on their arms and foreheads as a sign of how holy they were. They may have screamed, “Hey, look at how holy I am” by wearing the law as they judged the people harshly.

 

Satan and the beast also will twist what Moses said. In Revelation, they force people to wear the mark of the beast on their hand and forehead, marking humans as theirs. GOD sees through the false acts of holiness and the attempts to steal humans away from HIM. Redemption means everything to GOD. HE wants to restore HIS humans to live in harmony with them. GOD’s redemption must be remembered not only in ceremony, but in truth and spirit.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that he emphasized redemption annually?
• Are you looking to feel restored when GOD told you that you are restored?
• Who have you told about your being restored by GOD?

Restored After the Stew

Restored After the Stew

Ephesians 3: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, pray to God. ² Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. ³ God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, ⁴ and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.) ⁵ In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

 

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Standing on the sideline, I waited to be picked to be on one of the teams. I was not athletically inclined, so my draft pick was extremely low. I was finally chosen, but did not get a chance to play that time, but when I did, I actually got on base!

 

• At one time I felt left out.
• When I was chosen I still felt like I did not belong.
• When I participated, I did not know I could actually contribute.

 

Paul goes to enormous lengths to explain the Gentiles have a part in GOD’s promise. For centuries, the Gentiles heard of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and “Jacob”, (the swindler who tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright for some stew). While Esau was careless, he did not know he would be the father of a group of people who were left out of the Promise.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my mistakes and forgive me anyway.
• GOD wants me to be part of HIS family, even though I do not deserve it.
• GOD wants me to actively participate as much as those who are gifted.

 

Some people who follow JESUS can be intense or even a bit intimidating. I mean, he may give more or she may serve more or someone else may not sin as much. BUT GOD doesn’t look at the score when it comes to HIS Promise. HE wants all of HIS children back, period.

 

HE chose a group to spread HIS Gospel, and they held it to themselves. HE then allowed HIS SON to fulfil the Gospel and they killed HIM. HE raised JESUS from the dead and gave HIS promise to the descendants of Jacob and Esau. He restored the Gentiles without having them need to follow all the rules. I am glad JESUS was raised from the dead for me.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the passion of the writer over those who were at once left out?
• Have you ever felt left out or less than another person?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior and be a part of a family who HE care for and guides daily, in spite of flaws?

 

Gently Restore

 

Gently Restore

Galatians 6:1 My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too.

 

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Mistakes could be seen a mile away. But my approach to correcting the mistake was harsh and direct. I would tell what he or she did wrong without thought of how embarrassing or  debilitating it could be.

 

• I was not gentle.
• I only wanted correction.
• I did not factor in how to restore.

 

Paul mentions the approach of putting people back on the right track after a wrongdoing. He first calls on those who believes in JESUS as the Savior to approach the person about the wrongdoing. He then suggests a gentle approach and finally he warns everyone that they are not infallible of falling.

 

My Observations

• JESUS restored me by dying for my sins.
• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me discernment to see how to follow JESUS in love.
• The FATHER expects me to seek restoration of others so they too can follow JESUS in love.

 

Everyone makes mistakes, says something wrong or disappoints one another. BUT GOD is not looking for us to be the mistake Mounties, rather the restoration rangers. Correction without restoration comes across as being high and mighty. I know this from experience.

 

I may mean well, but may be missing another side, namely GOD’s restoration. GOD wants me to gently restore people because HE wants to be gentle with me. Any mistake a human can do is also within me. I am grateful GOD is merciful to me and wants HIS mercy for everyone.

 

Challenge

• What are the suggestions from the writer?
• Is it easy to see what others are doing wrong?
• What does restoring a person to follow JESUS look like to you?
• Do you have any blind spots that you should be careful of when guiding a person back to GOD’s restoration, that you should be aware of and may fall into?

Ooo I’m Telling!

Matthew 18: ¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

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“This guy has to go” I thought to myself. In the meeting I allowed him to make mistakes on his facts. I knew he would snoop around my desk, so I laid a trap with false information. It took time to develop the fake report but it was worth it!

• I have been a coward when it came to confrontation.
• I have been selfish when it came to dealing with someone I did not like.
• I have been foolish when it came to helping instead of hurting.

Telling my peers how wrong this guy was became a pastime. I wonder how many hours I spent trying to get rid of this person or wasting my breath talking about him. Not once did I approach him.

• GOD wants me to be brave enough to confront “that” person in love.
• GOD wants me to bring witnesses; otherwise my wicked heart may bring up slander.
• GOD wants me to seek restoration versus demise and destruction.

I do not have to be a pushover if someone has wronged me. I should confront them, seeking restoration. If they refuse to listen then I should escalate the issue to those who also seek restoration.

Seeking demise and destruction hurts “that” person, myself and more. Nothing good comes from slander. GOD wants me to seek restoration so HIS work can be done.

• Are you speaking negatively about someone behind their back?
• Are you waiting for their next mistake so you can talk bad about them?
• Will you stop desiring their demise before GOD brings that same demise on you?
• Will you have the faith that GOD will deal with that person in HIS way and HIS time?

Being Restored

Ezekiel 43: ²⁵ “For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without defect. ²⁶ For seven days they are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; thus they will dedicate it. ²⁷ At the end of these days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

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As I pondered this chapter and a few others, I see the exactness of GOD and HIS desire for strict obedience towards HIS laws. But sometimes it seems quite opposite in my life. I mean when GOD says don’t do something, I think “Wow, it sure would be great to do the thing HE just said not to do!”

• GOD gave me HIS SON for atonement for my sins.
• GOD sent me HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live in me and guide me.
• GOD rescued me from sin offerings and became one HIMSELF.

When I imagined the enormity of killing a significant portion of the countries food and sacrificing it to GOD, I gasped. HE made those who had already been in exile do more, as if exile wasn’t enough. HE illustrated how angry HE had become with the sins of the nation and decided to not wipe them off the face of the planet rather to restore them with a little sacrifice to keep them thinking about HIM.

I believe GOD has not changed, though humans have. We do not sacrifice bulls or goats because the SON was the ultimate sacrifice. BUT I still need to admit sin as much as often as I can in order to remain in a place where I recognize the need for GOD.

• Are you in a place where you cannot see or hear GOD?
• Do you feel like you are on the outside of GOD rather than being in HIS love and care?
• Can you confess your deepest sins to HIM and allow HIM to guide you to where HE wants you to be?

Plea for Restoration

Lamentations 5: ¹⁹ You, Lord, reign forever;
    your throne endures from generation to generation.
²⁰ Why do you always forget us?
    Why do you forsake us so long?
²¹ Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return;
    renew our days as of old
²² unless you have utterly rejected us
    and are angry with us beyond measure.

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“Blunder” was the only word to describe my first experience training people. I did not have charisma, anecdotes or clever jabs to spice up my dry material. As I stood in front of the dead crowd I could feel their pens mark poor on the evaluation. This came true and I was pulled off the assignment. “Please let me try again” was my reply.

• There were times I needed to be restored.
• There were times I fell flat on my face and needed help getting up.
• There were times I had to admit failure and needed to prove I would do better on the alternate path.

Outcast, outlier, and outside the group feels rotten when I am the one who made the mistake. Not only do I have to admit I made a mistake, I have to try doubly hard to prove I am on a different trail. BUT GOD is different.

• GOD gives me second, third and fiftieth chances to get it right.
• GOD says to me “Ask and it will be given to you.”
• GOD allows me to make mistakes and is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanses me of all unrighteousness.

Restoration is not only about confession, it’s about a different attitude. I must resolve that I may not be restored to the height I once was when I make a serious blunder. It is thoroughly up to GOD to raise me to where HE wants me to be and lower me if need be. When I ask GOD for restoration I must ask it in a way that is not demanding but humbly. It is up to HIM to restore me and HE always has been faithful to do so!

• Have you made a serious blunder and are afraid to admit it?
• Will you face your sins and confess them to GOD today?
• Can you ask GOD for restoration without expectation and allow HIM to elevate you to where HE wants you?

Restoration after Destruction

Jeremiah 49: ³⁸ I will set my throne in Elam
    and destroy her king and officials,”
declares the Lord.

³⁹ “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam
    in days to come,”
declares the Lord.

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“How can I fire this person?” I thought to myself. It was a difficult decision because I would have to fire a few other people as well. Who can I replace them with? How soon can I make this happen? A mentor approached me and said, do not become “the problem” while fixing things.

• I once thought about destruction.
• I once dreamed about total devastation.
• I once imagined eradication of the “weak” to build up the strong.

My zeal was only pointed towards one department and I did not like any of the people. I mean they were good at being “employees” and not good at doing work! I wanted to get rid of all of them and find people who would work day and night. BUT GOD opened my eyes to another side.

• GOD showed me I had plenty “judgment” and little grace.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “self-righteousness” and little humility.
• GOD showed me I had plenty “conquer” and little restoration.

After I stepped back from my rage I realized I needed people. Instead of firing people I had to grow them and mature them. It was my responsibility to restore people after I disciplined a few. GOD enabled me to add grace to my thinking which means I need to seek restoration wherever I can because GOD restores me quite often.

• Are you “right” in your anger?
• Are you seeking justice?
• Can you seek restoration of that person?
• Will you pray for that person to get to know CHRIST?
• Will you pray for restoration instead of destruction of that person?

Restoration in Spite of

Jeremiah 30: ¹⁸ “This is what the Lord says:

“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents
    and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city will be rebuilt on her ruins,
    and the palace will stand in its proper place.
¹⁹ From them will come songs of thanksgiving
    and the sound of rejoicing.
I will add to their numbers,
    and they will not be decreased;
I will bring them honor,
    and they will not be disdained.
²⁰ Their children will be as in days of old,
    and their community will be established before me;
    I will punish all who oppress them.
²¹ Their leader will be one of their own;
    their ruler will arise from among them.
I will bring him near and he will come close to me—
    for who is he who will devote himself
    to be close to me?’
declares the Lord.
²² “‘So you will be my people,
    and I will be your God.’”

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Looking back I remember many times wanting to “fit in” to a crowd that wasn’t doing some of the best things. I mean they seemed to be rich and powerful, but greedy and lust filled. As I looked with adoration, I tried to justify my sinful actions as temporary. I mean “I” am not like those people. I’m just doing this sin temporarily until I “get ahead.”

• Sin is sin.
• Sin is what GOD has against me.
• Sin is a burden that destroys my relationship with GOD.

There is no such thing as a balancing scale, nor are there “big” or “little” sins. It is plain and simply sin and GOD hates it even more when I categorize my sin as if to justify to HIM that I am “mostly” good. GOD declared me as thoroughly sinful and deserving of Hell. BUT HE had compassion.

• GOD took it upon HIMSELF to do what I could not do.
• GOD decided to take the punishment for my sin, so instead of categorizing them small or large I need to simply ask HIM for forgiveness.
• GOD said “I will restore, I will add, I will honor” even though I do not deserve any of it.

In spite of my sins, GOD restores me. HE does not let any of my sins go unpunished, however HE applies grace or I would be destroyed. Large or small, great or few, sin is still sin in GOD’s eyes. HE wants me to see I need a savior not a lawyer. It is only when I recognize the need that I can ask.

• Do you need restoration?
• Are you feeling lost?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD so HE will show HIS faithfulness and cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Not Missed Until it is Gone

^Psalm126:4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
⁵ Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
⁶ Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

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Embarrassed but content was how I felt about my mustard yellow rust bucket of a car. The front end was torn to pieces and the headlights didn’t want to work at the same time. I would shrink away from those who would laugh at it, sometimes wanting a car that looked better. When the accident happened, I was back on foot. “Man I wish I had my rust bucket back.”

• When I complain about something, I am not appreciating it.
• When I complain about something, I think I deserve something better.
• When I complain about something, I look at the complaint as justified.

Instead of being grateful, my embarrassment turned into frustration, which lead to complaining. When my car was gone, I could no longer complain about it. I was back on foot, without the means to get around. GOD doesn’t like complaining. I have never seen an instance where GOD looked at complaining as an endearing quality. In fact, HE took things away from complainers leaving them begging for the little they had.

When GOD wipes out fortunes HE isn’t being mean or hateful. HE wants and deserves thankfulness for what HE has given me. HE deserves all the credit for anything HE provides.

• GOD provides for me and I should praise HIM for the little before I can praise HIM for plenty.
• GOD can give or take away the fortune HE has for me because it is HIS in the first place.
• GOD restores to who HE pleases, when HE pleases and it is up to me to be content wherever HE has me.

Worries seem to hover around money. I mean when I don’t have enough, I worry about bills. When I have too much I worry about losing it and spend an exorbitant amount of time protecting it. GOD says to me, “I AM your fortune. Seek ME first and I will provide your needs.” GOD restores and I am grateful!

• Has GOD wiped away your fortune?
• Do you feel like you are in a hole financially?
• Can you place your total trust in GOD instead of looking at riches?
• Will you follow HIS plan for you so HE can restore you fully at HIS time?

Ask for Restoration

Psalm 80: ³ Restore us, O God;
    make your face shine on us,
    that we may be saved.

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“My ideas are better than his” I thought to myself smugly. I locked my desk and firmly grasped my planner (yes people used pen and paper once upon a time). As I polled the department, I could see that I was a shoe in for the next spot. My rival didn’t have a chance so I threw my feet on the boss’s desk, figuratively of course, and acted like I had the job. He gave the job to my rival and I had to “eat crow” for a long, long time.

• It’s not easy to ask for forgiveness especially when I think “I am right.”
• It’s not easy to ask for restoration especially when I have acted in an arrogant fashion.
• It’s not easy to ask for mercy when I clearly do not deserve mercy.

Swallowing pride is a very difficult thing to do for me, but I find it necessary in order to move ahead. I think the reason it is so difficult to swallow pride is because it puts me in a very humble position. BUT GOD wants me to be in that position.

• GOD says to me “Do not think more highly of yourself” so I can remain humble and even keel.
• GOD says to me “Ask and you shall receive” so asking for restoration will be given to me in abundance.
• GOD says to me “Acknowledge GOD” and “Believe in THE SON” and “Confess my wrongs” so I can see and respect HIS authority to say “yes” or “no” to my request for mercy.

I have heard people tell me to “Go to GOD and tell HIM what you want.” That sounds fine, but I believe HE wants me to humble myself and ask HIM for mercy that I should not expect. Mercy is not mercy if I can demand it. GOD wants me to ask for restoration without expecting it. HE is not punishing me rather opening my eyes to HIS wonderful plan.

HIS own Son asked “FATHER, if I don’t have to drink this cup (meaning being blamed for every human’s sin) then let it be so, but not MY will but YOURS.” The plan for JESUS was ultra-difficult, one that no father would want to see for their child. BUT GOD went ahead with the plan and what a victorious plan it was! My request for restoration may not happen in my way nor in my time, BUT GOD has a wonderful plan for me!

• Are you demanding restoration?
• Do you think you deserve to be restored?
• Can you humble yourself and ask GOD for restoration and not expect it?
• Will you follow GOD if HE does not restore you to the place you expect?

A Request for Restoration

Psalm 51: ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

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“Mend the relationship” was the advice I was given from an external mentor. He didn’t work at my company but gave some sage advice to keep my career going. He advised me to take the first step and admit where I had been wrong. I took a deep breath and thought about how I stood toe to toe against my adversarial Senior Executive.  

I invited him to lunch and cringed at the words that came out of my mouth as I mustered up an apology for my challenges towards his direction. He said he didn’t like my approach but respected me.

• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t feel good.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t make me leap for joy.
• Admitting when I am wrong doesn’t seem like a position of strength.

It is quite humbling to admit, “I am wrong” especially when something large is at stake. I mean the Senior Executive could have had me fired for insubordination when I admitted my opposing views on all of his plans, but I had to seek restoration.

• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I am in a fallen state with HIM.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I don’t deserve any mercy so I cannot even say “why have YOU forsaken me” to HIM when things go wrong.
• Seeking restoration from GOD means I know I have broken all of HIS laws and need HIS grace in the timing HE will give it and the method HE delivers it.

It is quite arrogant to get angry at GOD, especially when I haven’t admitted that I am the one who needs grace. Fortunately for me HIS grace is quite amazing! HE sees my anguish and gives me exactly what I need instead of what I deserve. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in my sinful body and rooted out all sin. HE forgave me when I asked HIM to.

• Are you down?
• Are you low?
• Can you confess to GOD what you have against HIM?
• Will you seek restoration by asking GOD to renew and restore you?

Being Restored

Job 42: ¹⁰ After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 

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¹² The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 

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Pondering Job’s calamity I learned a lot about GOD and myself. Job was trying to do what was right all his life. His faith was tested in extreme measures all in one day by losing his family, wealth and health. These are things that I and many I know hold dearly to their hearts. Quite honestly it looked like GOD was the bad guy in the story, but it was Satan who asked to do all of this to Job after GOD said “consider my servant Job.”

Here is what I learned:

• GOD sees every faithful action I do and wants me to do it for HIM no matter what condition I’m in.
• GOD knows I’m a sinner and I cannot fool HIM so I should stop trying to be righteous and start trusting in HIM.
• GOD’s ways are not my ways so I should not try to make HIM follow my ways rather learn how to follow HIM.
• GOD allows calamity in my life and others but HE always has a marvelous plan that we are not always privy to in this life.
• GOD is always in my corner even when it looks disastrous.

Job had to hang in through some incredibly rough times. He had no one around him who could help him through a GOD ordained issue. He had no way to stop the calamity and had practically given up. He wished he wasn’t born. BUT GOD restored him.

I did ponder a question. “Why did people have to die?” and all I could get from this slice of history is GOD has that in HIS control. HE holds life and death in HIS hands and “everything under heaven is HIS.” HE owns humans, wealth and health. Satan wants me to look at GOD as the problem when he is the one who seeks to devour me.

My focus should always remain on faith in GOD, trust in HIS love and hope in HIS deliverance.

• Do you think your righteousness is saving you from calamity?
• Do you trust in yourself more than you trust in GOD’s love for you?
• Will you stop trying to maneuver GOD and flow down HIS rushing river?
• Can you ask GOD to show you HIS plan for you this day and this day alone?

Periods of Rest

1 Chronicles 23: ²⁵ For David had said, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, ²⁶ the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” 

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With the crowd getting larger, it seemed like this place needed more organization. I implemented some software that would keep track of tithes, offerings and money for the building. Each Sunday I would park myself in the office and half way listen to the sermon on a speaker in the office.

Questions about administration soon led me to take work from the church home. I was the head of the deacons, head of the trustees, head of administration and headed towards going nuts. Is this what GOD had in mind?

• Sometimes I get overloaded.
• Sometimes I feel overwhelmed.
• Sometimes I work to the point of exhaustion.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing but sometimes the volunteer activity needs to be scaled back to have moment of rest. GOD wants me to focus on HIM when HE calls me, but HE loves me so much that HE wants me to have rest.

• GOD said to me “Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD said to me “I lead you beside still waters.”
• GOD said to me “Stand still and watch the power of the LORD.”

When I find myself trying too hard to please GOD it usually stems from fear or worry or doubt that HE is with me. It also means I really, really want something that GOD may have said “No” or “Wait” to. Don’t get me wrong… GOD wants me to be persistent an persevere in the battle of life, BUT HE also wants me to have periods of rest.

GOD cares for me so HE wants me to take a moment for myself so I will not get burnt out!

• Are you working hard to please GOD?
• Do you think HE is not pleased with you for some reason?
• Can you stop thinking HE is a hard task master and allow yourself to take a break once in a while?
• Can you look at service to the LORD as smaller periods of work AND rest?

Restoration

2 Samuel 14: ¹³ The woman said, “Why then have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, for the king has not brought back his banished son? ¹⁴ Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But that is not what God desires; rather, he devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him.

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Sitting in my apartment, lonely, I thought to myself… “Is this it?”  “This is what all the hard work in college was for?” My heart ached for “fun” but something inside me felt like the “fun” I had before wasn’t really what I was supposed to be doing.

The tug was towards church, but when I got there, I felt no different. I was lonely in a building full of people. I went from church to church looking for something. Finally I stopped at one and the pastor gave me some great advice… “Seek GOD.”

• No matter how long I have been away from GOD, HE seeks me.
• No matter how long I have turned my back on GOD, HE still cares for me.
• No matter how long I have tried my own way instead of GOD’s way, HE loves me.

David had two sons one of which, Absalom, killed his brother and ran and hid from David. For years he was banished until David’s servant convinced him to bring his son back. GOD worked on David’s heart and treats me the same.

• GOD opens HIS arms wide and is ready to restore me when humans cannot do the same.
• GOD knocks at my heart and when I open the door HE comes in and sups with me.
• GOD pursues me constantly and seeks to restore me, HIS way.

Sometimes GOD has to burn off the rough edges and take me through trials to restore me. HE wants my walk to be focused on faith, love and trust. HE restore me to serve a purpose.

• Have you turned your back on GOD?
• Do you think HE no longer loves you?
• Can you seek HIS face today and turn to HIM with total trust?
• Won’t you turn to HIM for full restoration?

HE never fails

Joshua 21: ⁴³ So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. ⁴⁴ The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord gave all their enemies into their hands. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

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Looking back on several times in which I have cried out to GOD, I realize HE has always been there for me. Through robberies, violence, abandonment, slander and prejudice, GOD was right there protecting me. Personally I don’t see why HE does what HE does.

• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I sin.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I don’t trust HIM.
• GOD keeps HIS promises to me even when I blame HIM for the mess I got myself in.

I can’t pinpoint an individual situation that would illustrate a lesson I’ve learned about trusting GOD. All I know is GOD brought me through some very difficult times which leads me to trust HIM more. I mean, at some point I have to grow up and truly trust HIM.

• GOD said to me “I will bless you.”
• GOD said to me “I have a plan for you to prosper, not to harm you.”
• GOD says to me “I will give you hope.”

GOD knows the turmoil I will face on this earth. HE is the one who cursed it so HE knows I will have battles. BUT GOD wants me to rest. HE desires that I have peace. HE cherishes my relationship with HIM so HE keeps HIS promises with me.

• Do you know GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you believe HE wants you to prosper in HIS way and in HIS time?
• Won’t you look back on your life and remember the many times HE brought you through trouble?
• Can’t you trust HIM a little more today?

GOD seeks restoration

Deuteronomy 30: ⁴ Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. ⁵ He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it.

He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. ⁶ The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 

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Sitting at my desk I studied feverishly to learn the programming required on my job. It seemed like I was all thumbs and I couldn’t do anything right. My boss’s boss called me into his office. I just knew he was going to give me some terrible news so I braced myself. He told me I was doing a great job and to relax.  In fact he gave me additional responsibilities and sent me to be trained. He restored my confidence.

• Sometimes I feel lost and frustrated.
• Sometimes I feel banished.
• Sometimes I feel I am in a distant land.

It seems like trouble comes in numbers. At the same time when I was trying to get my groove my old jalopy of a car broke down and I was in a town unfamiliar to me. I hadn’t been to church in years and I felt alone. A woman in my building asked me “what church do you go to?” I didn’t have an answer.

She told me about a few churches and went on her way. “That was strange” I thought to myself. I think I will go. I went and a sense of peace and belonging came to me. This carried over into my work and social life. I felt restored.

• GOD wants me to turn to HIM so HE can restore me.
• GOD wants me to give HIM my heart so HE can modify it to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand no matter how gloomy things may seem HE is there ready to restore me.

GOD really does love me. I mean HE goes to great lengths to show me HIS love and all I need to do is open my eyes to HIS marvelous blessings HE pours out on me daily. HE is willing to restore me no matter how far I have strayed.

• Are you away from GOD?
• Do you feel you HE can’t possibly forgive you?
• Can you stop making GOD small and understand HIS words “MY grace is sufficient?”
• Won’t you let HIM restore you HIS way and drop your expectation of HIM?