Priorities

Priorities

Revelation 22: ¹² “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. ¹³ I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were asked “What are the problems you are facing?” We gave a list of thing, large and small. Each of us were assigned to deal with various problems. When the year was up, we were rewarded for our accomplishments.

 

• We had no time for frivolous activities.
• We had to focus on the main problems and develop action plans to address them.
• After we fixed many problems, we received rewards based on what we did.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard HIM reiterate something important. JESUS said again “Listen!” HE then said “I AM coming soon!” John had just finished a conversation with an angel about what he was writing and after the conversation, JESUS emphasizes HIS return.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• JESUS holds all time in HIS hands, so when HE puts emphasis on coming soon, I should listen.
• JESUS will reward me for the service I do in belief in HIS words.

 

When something is said twice, emphatically, it must be important. Once I was working for a company that provided food for first responders of forest fires. As I was taking the food out, I was warned that fire was not in control. They emphasized the danger and would only allow me to go through because food was needed on the front lines. Same with GOD.

 

JESUS emphasizes the need for us to prioritize our lives for HIM. HE has been risen and provided a prophecy of HIS return. Whatever problem we think is a priority, JESUS says, “Listen, I AM coming soon!” I gladly live my life as if today were my last.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS emphasize what HE already said to the writer?
• Have you ever been told to do something and did not prioritize it high enough?
• Have you assessed your priorities and aligned them with CHRIST’s so you can do what HE wants versus trying to get HIM to do what you want today?

Immeasurable Love

 

Immeasurable Love

1 John 3: See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. ² My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

 

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Teased about my hair, clothes, body size and lack of money, I felt unlovable. There were enough people telling me about what was wrong with me, that soon I wondered if I could ever be “fixed.” “GOD loves you, just as you are” were the words that resonated with me.

 

• I was relieved that I could be loved.
• I did not feel I could be loved until I understood what real love looked like.
• After being rejected by the world, it felt great to be part of a family.

 

John gets excited about telling about GOD’s love. He implies that GOD’s love is so great, that HE can forgive sins and repair broken people by placing them in HIS family. We are then called HIS children.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love is greater than any human love.
• GOD’s love is so great that HE wiped away my sins even though I did nothing to deserve HIS grace.
• GOD’s love is the foundation for human love, because the world’s idea of love is tainted.

 

Measurable love falls short of GOD’s love. I mean, when I say “Remember the time I did…” I am measuring and this falls short of the type of love I really need. GOD’s love is much different. HE saw that I was in trouble and the only way out of my trouble was to die to let me live.

 

JESUS thought nothing of making HIMSELF a human to feel every pain I feel. HE felt the pain of rejection and was murdered, just for me. When HE rose from the dead HE forgave me and adopted me in HIS family., I am glad GOD is not finished with me, but is making me into something great like JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer so excited about?
• Have you ever felt like you do not quite fit in this place or that place?
• Will you accept JESUS as your personal Savior, so you can be adopted into HIS family and experience immeasurable love today?

Fulfilled

 

Fulfilled

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹¹ That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfill by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith. ¹² In this way the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory from you, and you from him, by the grace of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

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Life had gotten hard during this stretch of time. My car was barely working, I had debt up to my ears and barely enough income to pay monthly bills. I watched a commercial of people winning large sums of money by simply having a magazine subscription. I tried it, no payoff. I played the lottery in months to follow. I bought one ticket. Each number miraculously was off by one digit.

 

• I was jealous of someone “winning” money.
• I was frustrated that I had no money and no way to get out of debt, or so I thought.
• I wondered why “everyone else” seemed to be doing better than me.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide a prayer for everyone who believes in JESUS as the Savior. They knew it is not possible for a human to be worthy of GOD’s calling, so they prayed for GOD to make them worthy. They also prayed for desires for goodness to be fulfilled by GOD and for everyone to complete their work of faith.

 

My Observations

• Life is more than money and GOD wants me to be fulfilled by desiring what HE thinks is good.
• Only GOD can declare me “worthy” of the life HE called me to.
• Tasks given to me by GOD require my work of faith.

 

Life is not easy. I mean, it seems when one challenge is over, another pops up. Why can’t things just be peaceful? But they are sometimes turbulent. GOD sees when I look at life on the surface and get worried. HE provides an answer.

 

GOD calls me to serve HIS people. Wait… Don’t I have problems? Yes, BUT GOD sees beyond my problems and knows the true reward HE is storing up for me in heaven. HE places the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to prompt me to desire goodness and to complete my work of faith. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to call me to do HIS work.

 

Challenge

• What are the writers praying about?
• Have you ever felt your life is unfulfilled?
• Will you ask GOD to guide your desires to HIS goodness so HE will give you a work of faith to do, so your life will be abundant and fulfilled today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with a calling that is worthy to YOU. Bless him or her to be fulfilled by desiring YOUR goodness. Clear the path to help us complete our work of faith. amen

Nothing Held Back

Nothing Held Back

Ephesians 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. ⁴ Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him.

 

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Searching for some relaxation, I pursued life’s pleasures. I was now out of “the house” and on my own. Parties were fun, sex was fun and waking up in the middle of the afternoon was fun. But life had a way of returning. Sometimes life came back faster and harder than I wanted.

 

• I had a misconception of heaven.
• I thought I could find a bit of perfection here on Earth.
• I wanted relief from life so I indulged in the world’s ideas of what a “blessed” life is.

 

Paul clears up a misconception of being able to find heaven on earth. He also gives everyone who believes in JESUS some relief that their sins are forgiven and we are declared “holy” and “without fault.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS tremendous blessings HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to know JESUS and for JESUS to know me so I can receive spiritual blessings.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE chose me to be with JESUS before HE made me.

 

Spiritual blessings are hard to imagine. I mean, I am so immersed in what the world dictates as “blessed.” Whether it is the lust for money, power or pleasure, life has a way of clouding my vision of what true blessings really are.

 

When I turn to the world, I tend to get mad at GOD for not “blessing” me enough. I look at bills, or people’s actions, or where I am in life and question GOD. BUT GOD took care of my doubts, fears and lusts. HE gave me a wonderful gift, namely JESUS and now I have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world I can get. I thank GOD for the many blessings HE poured out on me.

 

Challenge

• Where is the writer’s focus?
• Is it possible we may have a misconception of what heaven is?
• Will you give GOD the FATHER your thankfulness today for having chosen you and for giving you HIS all?

You Are Proof

 

You Are Proof

! Corinthians 9: Am I not a free man? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord? And aren't you the result of my work for the Lord? ² Even if others do not accept me as an apostle, surely you do! Because of your life in union with the Lord you yourselves are proof of the fact that I am an apostle.

 

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“I accept JESUS as my Savior” the man said to me. I was delighted as not many people had said those words directly in front of me, to me. When I went to check on him a few weeks later, a neighbor told me he had been killed. He was under house arrest.

 

• Life is very short.
• Life, for many, includes death.
• Life needs a solution.

 

Paul explains his relationship with CHRIST to everyone. He saw the resurrected JESUS and studied under HIM. He spoke to many and because he spoke with power and conviction. Many people came to know JESUS in a saving way. This group became proof of Paul’s calling as an apostle of JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to bear HIS fruit.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first.
• GOD wants me to know there is nothing more important than seeking the lost.

 

Living a life with purpose is highly important to GOD. I mean, JESUS said “bear fruit.” This fruit is loving one another for one single purpose, to believe that JESUS is the resurrected Savior. Worldly love will not cut it. GOD wants us to surrender our lives to seek HIM.

 

“You will know them by their fruits” JESUS says. A good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. I hope and pray GOD allows me to bear HIS good fruit.

 

• What kind of fruit are you bearing?
• Do you feel you need help or are you led to help others?
• Will you let go of the deep hidden things in your heart and allow GOD to own your life so you can bear HIS fruit of the SPIRIT today?

True Finances

True Finances

John 16: 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

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Over time, the coins I took to the bank added up. I got excited over seeing the balance grow. I could now afford to buy anything I wanted. “Maybe I will buy some pants” I said to myself. I mean the ones I had were ragged and outgrown. “I deserve something better.”

• Money made me excited.
• Money made me think there was a problem when I did not have it.
• Money made me want more of it so I could depend on its power.

JESUS had a lot more to say to HIS followers but ran out of time. HE spoke about the HOLY SPIRIT in a generous way. Somehow, the HOLY SPIRIT will give away everything that was entrusted to JESUS.

• Truth is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Glorifying JESUS is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Salvation of those around me is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.

Truth, praise and salvation are extremely important to the FATHER. But sometimes I fall into the trap, thinking human made finances are more important. I mean, GOD wants me to be more upset that one of my neighbor’s may be rejecting HIM, than worrying if their grass is not cut to the right length.

JESUS treasures humans and wants me to do the same. HE wants me to be as greedy as I want to be, as long as my greed is for human salvation. GOD’s currency is opposite that of human currency, which raises false hopes, false expectations and false security. GOD’s currency is truth and I believe in HIS true hope and security.

• Are you as concerned about your neighbor’s salvation than if you can pay a bill this month?
• Do you care about others more than the latest thing you want to spend money on?
• Will you accept caring for what GOD gives you more than what you can get out of life?

Participation Award

John 2: ⁶ Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from eighty to a hundred and twenty litres.

⁷ Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water’; so they filled them to the brim.

⁸ Then he told them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.’

They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realise where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, ‘Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.’

¹¹ What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

¹² After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

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Twirling around to make myself dizzy felt great. As I experienced this wonderful feeling, I heard my father ask me for a tool. “Hand me the screw driver” he said. I stopped my twirling, handed him the screwdriver and went back to the fun. When he finished what he was doing, my mother beckoned us to come to dinner. “What were you doing?’ she asked. “We built stuff” I answered.

• Many times I have been part of a team even though my role may have been small.
• Many times I have gotten credit for something the team did.
• Many times I have been blessed with rewards of being on a team.

The servants were told, by JESUS, to fill the huge empty jars with water. HE also instructed them to serve the master of the banquet a sample. Knowing it was just water they had poured into the jars, they complied anyway. The master of the banquet was delighted when he tasted choice wine. This was JESUS’ first miracle and the servants participated in making it happen.

• GOD wants me to go along with HIS plan even though it may seem strange.
• GOD wants me to participate in HIS plan even though it may not make sense to me.
• GOD wants me to receive rewards for things HE did because HE loves me.

JESUS performed HIS first miracle through servants of a wedding. HE never touched the water nor their containers, yet the best wine was produced. GOD seems to do all the work and allows those who serve HIM to participate in HIS wonderful power. HE deserves far more credit than I give HIM daily. HE forgives me, seeks me and loves me daily. I am forever grateful for GOD.

• Do you feel exhausted trying to please GOD?
• Can you step back and watch HIM do HIS mighty work?
• Will you allow GOD to include you in HIS unstoppable plans today?

Insignificantly Known

Luke 16: ¹⁹ “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. ²⁰ But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, ²¹ desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

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Holding a conversation with one of the higher ups felt great. I was getting my points in and was balanced in listening. Suddenly the CEO walked in the room and my conversation ended with “Excuse me” from my guest. I watched the distracted person veer away from me to get in position to do what I was doing.

• There have been many times when I felt insignificant.
• There have been many times when I was the invisible person in the room.
• There have been many times when I walked past and looked over.

JESUS tells a recount of a situation between two people. One was not given a name and the other, Lazarus, was a sickly beggar. JESUS used few words to describe how the person, who had plenty, never stopped to give a beggar even a crumb. When they both died, the rich person became the beggar and Lazarus was taken care of.

• GOD wants me to see those around me who are in need.
• GOD wants me to understand that when I am in need, HE is there to provide.
• GOD wants me to know that if I am suffering, I am not so insignificant to HIM that HE won’t stop and listen to me.

Each day I have a choice. I can be blind to my calling and remain nameless to GOD or I can accept HIS purpose and reach those who I am sent to or who HE sends to me. GOD wants me to be the “Crumb giver” and sometimes the “Crumb receiver”, depending on the way HIS blessings flow. All in all, GOD has a plan for me.

• Which person are you?
• Do you need help physically, financially, mentally or spiritually?
• Are you tired of begging?
• Will you allow GOD to complete HIS purpose in you, knowing your suffering will be rewarded some day?

Signs of Passion

Mark 16: ¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

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“Why am I doing this?” was my question as I continued doing the thankless job. It seemed like no one cared about what I was doing at the time so each time I did what I was doing, it became more of a chore. One day someone said, “I have been watching you for years. What makes you do what you do?” “Wow!” I thought to myself. “What should I say?”

• There were times when I wanted a sign that I was doing the right thing.
• There were times when I wanted to give up because I did not have a sign.
• There were times when I wanted someone to at least thank me for what I was doing.

After seeing JESUS absorbed into heaven and witnessed HIM sitting at the right hand of GOD, the disciples had passion like you would never believe. They went everywhere and told everyone they could meet that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  JESUS did not just let them go alone. HE went with them confirming everything they said about HIM. HE gave signs so that others may believe.

• JESUS wants me to go out and speak about HIM with passion.
• JESUS wants me to have passion without the need for signs.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM and HE will provide the right words at the right time.

GOD wants passion from me. HE doesn’t require much from me at all, but when I show passion for HIM, HE gives me evidence that HE is working through me by drawing many people to HIM. JESUS rewards my passion for HIM and that is all I need.

• Are you looking for signs?
• Do you feel discouraged because you haven’t seen what you are looking for from HIM?
• Can you renew your passion about JESUS by simply telling people about HIM today?

Immediate Fame

Mark 15: ²¹ Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.

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Sitting alphabetically was not in my favor this time. I wound up sitting around a couple of people who actually were doing the stuff to get my teacher’s attention, not in a good way. My teacher must have noticed something going on this particular day as she summoned me to her desk. Not knowing if I were in trouble or not, I walked timidly to her realm. “Go to the office…” I got nervous. “And get the movie projector.” I was relieved!

• Once I was chosen because of what bullies were doing.
• This one time I was chosen because the bullies were rowdy and I just happened to be there.
• One time I was chosen to do work but it did not seem like work because I was chosen.

Compelled is such a nice word that was used to describe the bullying from the soldiers. A Cyrenian named Simon just happened to be at the wrong place at the right time. He was forced to serve the Living GOD by carrying HIS cross. The guards were totally unaware that their actions would make this family famous.

• GOD tells me to “Take up my cross daily.”
• GOD says to me “Bear one another’s cross.”
• GOD implores me to “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”

The cross represents a painful execution method in this passage, however it means something else daily. GOD wants me to not only have sympathy, but empathy as I go through the pain of life “with” people.

Simon’s immediate fame was ordained by GOD. While the long walk was painful, embarrassing and degrading to Simon’s character, he would now be mentioned as being part of the Great News about CHRIST! GOD wants me to have a part in this as well. Through my circumstances HE adds my reward that HE will give me in heaven.

• Are you going through something difficult?
• Does it look like the bullies have forced you to do something degrading?
• Does it seem hopeless at times?
• Can you allow GOD to use this situation for HIS purpose?

Same Wage

Matthew 20: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ² He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

³ “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ⁴ He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ ⁵ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. ⁶ About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

⁷ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

⁸ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

⁹ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰ So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹² ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

¹³ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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“How are we getting the same pay?” I exclaimed in my mind. This guy does nothing but play golf and guess at things, then he comes to me for answers!

• I have been jealous over some else’s position.
• I have been upset over someone else’s rewards.
• I have been envious when someone gets treated the same as me for doing less.

JESUS says “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” This story sounded unfair at first but HE was speaking of the kingdom of heaven in which no one deserved it at all. In heaven people will look over at me and say “How in the world did this person get in?”

JESUS wants me to accept my wages gratefully, so much so that I go out and recruit more workers for the vineyard.

• Are you jealous over what others are receiving?
• Do you feel that you should have more and are mad at GOD?
• Can you drop your anger and allow GOD to bless you and receive thanks from you?

Fast Recognition

Matthew 6: ¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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As we were talking about going over someone’s house I think I said, “What time are we leaving? I have to know because I’m fasting.” When we left I think I said “Which way is it to their house? I have to know because I’m fasting. Did I tell you I’m fasting?”

• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “righteous” acts.
• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “goody-goody” appearance.
• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “spiritual” efforts.

“You’re fasting?” was the response I was looking for and I received over and over that day. When I read this verse I realized I could have eaten that day because I was not fasting for GOD.

• When I fast GOD wants me to keep my normal face on in order to not draw attention to myself.
• When I fast GOD wants me to not let others know so the fast can be between me and HIM.
• When I fast GOD wants me to understand that I do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from HIM.

I noticed some important words that GOD says in this passage, “When you fast.” This means GOD expects a fast. These words come right after HE said “When you pray” because HE expects that too.

I have heard others try to explain to me that fasting was only for a group of people at a special time, blah, blah. BUT GOD says to me “I will reward your fasting efforts done in secret.” GOD opens my eyes when I fast and lets me know that survival is not only dependent on physical food but spiritual as well.

• Are you afraid to fast?
• Have you been told to fast by a doctor?
• Why can’t you fast for the LORD?
• Will you take time out this month and fast for GOD without telling others?

Knowing What is Needed

Matthew 6: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

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“Please let the stock rise higher” was my “prayer-ish” thought. I was trying something new and I wanted to see if it would work. I invested in a “penny” stock to see if I could make some extra cash. I watched the value increase to a point just under my threshold. I figured the value would keep increasing. Suddenly it fell and fell and fell. Weeks later I got a letter stating the stock had no value.

• Sometimes the motive behind my prayer isn’t the best.
• Sometimes the method behind my prayer is loud and boisterous.
• Sometimes the length of my prayer, compared to “that” person, is too long.

Communicating to the GOD of the universe requires thinking sometimes. I mean other times when there is an emergency there may be no time to think. There are other times however that maybe I should stop for a moment and process what I’m about to ask GOD.

• GOD wants me to take prayer seriously.
• GOD wants me to have a habit of praying in secret so HE will reward me, not people.
• GOD wants me to want what HE wants so my prayers can align with HIS will.

Praying to be seen or heard is what GOD seems to be against in this passage. HE sees when I am trying to be the center of attention and rejects the prayer. Since HE wants me to succeed, HE teaches me to pray. HE guides me to acknowledge HIM as supreme, debts, temptation and HIS power to overcome anything.

GOD takes prayer very seriously. Whether eyes open or closed, head up or bowed, GOD takes time to listen to me. HE wants me to pray while walking, driving or in a closet on my knees. GOD listens when I earnestly pray.

• Are you trying to be seen by others when you pray?
• Do you feel you pray “better” than “that” person?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to others or trying to be seen and sincerely pray to the unseen GOD?

No Announcement Needed

Matthew 6: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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Flipping pages in the program became more and more rapid as I searched for my name. I had given but did not see my name or the amount. “Excuse me!” I stopped someone. “Where is my name?”

• There were times I wanted to be recognized.
• There were times I wanted to be the center of attention.
• There were times I wanted to be noticed because of my giving.

Receiving pats on the back feels really good. I mean having a bunch of people saying “You did well” feels tremendous. BUT GOD wants me to behave a bit different.

• GOD wants me to give to the needy in secret.
• GOD wants me to give with the right motive of giving.
• GOD wants me to give in a way that I will be rewarded by HIM and not by those who will puff me up.

Giving in public sometimes takes the eyes off of the recipient and sadly off of GOD. All of the accolades come towards me, meanwhile no one asks me, “who did you serve and how can I help?” The recipient then thanks “me” and not GOD.

Secret giving enables the recipient to receive something they need, assisting them to focus on GOD as the provider, not me. GOD may have prompted me to take a portion of my wealth and hand it over to those in need and if I am obedient, everyone is rewarded. No accolades needed because GOD is my reward.

• Are you bragging about what you are giving?
• Do you feel you need to tell someone about who or how you are serving in order to get a pat on the back?
• Can you stop seeking accolades and start seeking secret rewards from GOD today?

Getting out of the Hole

Jeremiah 38: ²⁰ “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.

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“Five dollars!” I said to myself as I pulled my jeans from the dryer. I felt I found a nice windfall. I had no money and now I could get almost half a tank of gas. Okay that was a while ago. I went to a friend’s house a couple of blocks over and he said to me “I just lost my job.” He was not asking to borrow any money, just had to talk about it. Suddenly a voice from within said “Give him the five dollars.” “Aww man, do I have to?” was my thought.

• GOD speaks to me and sometimes I do not want to listen.
• GOD shows me exactly what I am supposed to do and sometimes I want to ignore it.
• GOD give me opportunities to gain HIS wonderful heavenly rewards and sometimes I want to pass.

Reluctantly I conceded to the battle from within. “Here man, I found this, you take it.” He pushed it back and I thought “Maybe I should keep the money!” The voice said “Give it to him.” “Okay” I said this time. I insisted that he take the windfall and walked back home. I’d like to say I found some cash on the way home or a miracle happened, but it didn’t. I got in my car and noticed I had a little more gas than I thought. Maybe a miracle did happen. I went on my merry way.

• GOD tells me to serve HIM daily and it is up to me to listen.
• GOD says “Feed MY sheep” daily and it is up to me to accept HIS path.
• GOD talks to me on a regular basis and it is up to me to listen to HIM so “All will go well.”

I have said this before, I hear GOD loud and clear when HE tells me something to do that goes against my selfishness AND furthers HIS kingdom. HE gives me opportunities to serve others when I don’t think I have anything to offer. HE blesses me over and over for being obedient.

Jeremiah was rescued from a muddy cistern. He was obedient, yet faced cruelty. GOD sent servants and he was rescued from the hole. GOD blesses me in ways I don’t understand. I only have to remain obedient to HIM and watch HIM bless me.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Is HE telling you to do something that would further HIS kingdom and you are ignoring HIM?
• Will you give up the fight and allow HIM to bless you?
• Can you seek HIS purpose for you today?

Putting 5 Senses to Work

Jeremiah 17: ⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?

¹⁰ “I the Lord search the heart
    and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

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Chocolate cake piled as high as the centerpiece was the decadent dessert placed before us. It was very tasty. As the conversation flowed, we discussed a person. The “stuff” about that person was juicy. My eyes spied the car I really liked and I said to myself “One day.” The car looked shiny. A person walked past me who could have used two showers and I was repulsed. They were smelly. When I got outside I grimaced because I got wet and felt cold. It was rainy.

• My senses can trigger my thoughts.
• My senses can start me on a path of thinking that many not be the best.
• My senses can kick off a sequence of opinions that could lead me to a not so good place.

Each day I am faced with the use of the five senses I am given. When I use my senses selfishly, pride, greed, lust, malicious envy, gluttony, wrath and slothfulness creep in. If I look at the wrong thing or touch the right thing I am sent on a path that is not pleasing to GOD. Is there any help?

• GOD says to me “I the LORD search the heart and I can cleanse it of all unrighteousness.”
• GOD says to me “I examine the mind and I can hold all thoughts captive.”
• GOD says to me “I will reward you for your conduct, not your thoughts.”

Just because a bad thought pops in my head does not mean I have to act on it. Now I can see why Paul says “pray without ceasing.” In the moment I listen to the gossip, I should be praying for the transmitter, myself and the person being spoken about who is not there. After the prayer, I can then excuse myself from the conversation.

Each time I use my senses for GOD I am rewarded. HE understands that I may sin, but HE is excited when I choose not to. As I mature in CHRIST I can make a choice to use my senses in ways that please HIM.

• Are you seeking pleasure?
• Do you think you “deserve” a break from being “good?”
• Can you hold a few more of your thoughts captive and ask GOD to have at least one more today?

Human Help

Psalm 108: ¹² Give us aid against the enemy,
    for human help is worthless.
¹³ With God we will gain the victory,
    and he will trample down our enemies.

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Baffled and perplexed, I asked “what would you like me to do?” My willingness was there but this was my first time working with this group. The owner was a friend of the family so his tolerance level of me was extremely high and gracious. As his son toiled, carrying up huge troughs, I struggled to carry my own weight. I made mistake after mistake. Quite honestly I didn’t provide much help that entire day.

• Sometimes my help is worthless.
• Sometimes my addition may be a subtraction.
• Sometimes my input is a detriment.

Fortunately for me, the owner had a vested interest in growing me. While I was not very helpful to his business that day, he received rewards for his actions because he invested his time, talents and treasure in me. He was led by GOD.

• GOD has a way of guiding me through HIS servants.
• GOD has a way of growing me through HIS people.
• GOD has a way of gaining my trust though those HE chose to put around me.

Sometimes my help isn’t help at all, BUT GOD has a way of using my mistakes for good. GOD has blessed the business owner with extreme faith and he imparted some of that faith to me. Now I must do the same, sowing seeds of faith rather than crops of death. GOD has the victory!

• Are you feeling worthless?
• Do you feel like you are making mistake after mistake?
• Can you see that GOD is the victor and HE loves you?
• Will you allow HIM to leverage your situation as a blessing, not a curse?
• Do you realize, it’s not the situation that you are in, but how you allow GOD to drive the path?

Planning for the Future

Psalm 61: ¹ Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

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What will they say about me at my funeral? I mean will they say that I worked hard and accumulated a great amount of wealth for myself? Will they say I had a wonderful title at whatever company? I wonder.

• Sometimes I chase pleasing the crowd.
• Sometimes I try to be what everyone else wants me to be.
• Sometimes I live to meet someone else’s expectations.

Getting accolades for being a corporate warrior sounds great on paper. I mean I received status, wealth and a little fame. But GOD called me out of this path and onto a new one. HE woke me up to see people who are in need and desires that I serve them with all my heart, no matter who they are or what they believe.

This is a different calling that leaves no legacy. I mean who will remember getting served or prayed for? With busy lives, people soon forget they received prayer and GOD granted them solitude. At the end of my life I desire more than a legacy.

• At the end of my life I want GOD so say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
• At the end of my life I want GOD to wipe away my tears and point me to eternity.
• At the end of my life I want GOD to give me rewards that I never would have expected.

David recognized his need for GOD early. In order to be ready for a full life serving GOD, I have to start early. I have to begin dropping off the need to be dependent on the world and relying on GOD for direction and delivery. HE provides and HE has plans for me that are far greater than any I could have for myself. HE is my refuge and leads me to the rock upon which I can build my foundation.

• Are you tired?
• Do you feel you are working yourself to death?
• Have you given GOD a little time this week to serve who HE wants you to serve?
• Are you seeking a legacy to yourself or rewards in heaven?
• Will you serve someone today without the need to get an accolade here on earth?