Deal With It

Deal With It

Exodus 21: ¹⁸ “If men contend with each other, and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but is confined to his bed, ¹⁹ if he rises again and walks about outside with his staff, then he who struck him shall be acquitted. He shall only pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for him to be thoroughly healed.

 

²⁰ “And if a man beats his male or female servant with a rod, so that he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. ²¹ Notwithstanding, if he remains alive a day or two, he shall not be punished; for he is his property.

 

²² “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. ²³ But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, ²⁴ eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵ burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

 

²⁶ “If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. ²⁷ And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth.

 

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GOD continued to speak to Moses about violence.

 

My Observations:

• GOD once saw that the heart of humans was corrupt and filled with violence, so HE flooded the earth.
• GOD promised not to ever intervene with a global flood, thus turning governance of humans over to humans.
• GOD does not want any human to act violently, but with peace.

 

It does not seem that GOD is urging humans to hit each other, beat each other, fight wildly causing accidental harm to unborn children or permanent bodily harm. Unfortunately, HE knew that humans had a sin nature that needed to be dealt with.

 

This set of laws were not supposed to be used. The extreme consequence was probably meant to deter the behavior that would trigger the consequence. Now that the rule was put in place, it would be a sin if the rule was broken. A single sin makes a human ineligible to open the scroll that sentenced Satan.

 

JESUS was the only human that obeyed every rule. HE never sinned. To me, GOD is not saying, go out and beat those who work for you. I believe HE is saying, deal with injustice as a temporary solution and let ME deal with the ultimate solution.  JESUS does not teach us to contradict the law, but HE shows us how HE overcame it.

 

Instead of seeking punishment, HE prayed for people. Instead of seeking revenge, HE asked that HIS attackers be forgiven. HE demonstrated how HE fulfilled the law by using love versus hatred.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the rules that should be followed regarding fighting, accidental death and dismemberment?
• Do you think GOD condones your violent, angry or passive meanness towards people?
• Have you looked at JESUS for your example of how to fulfill GOD’s ways?

Problem Presented

Problem Presented

Genesis 13: ⁵ Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. ⁶ Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. ⁷ And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.

 

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After leaving Egypt with more stuff, Abram and Lot returned to the land that GOD showed. But there was a problem. Abram had herds and flocks and so did Lot. After experiencing a famine, the land was probably healing slowly. Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen may have tried to get up earlier and earlier to guide animals to places to graze. They had another problem. The Canaanites and the Perizzites also “dwelt in the land.”

 

My Observations:

• Abram had a habit of assuming GOD’s plan was completed by what “he” could see.
• Abram and Lot had so much stuff that the original location GOD showed could not hold them.
• Having too much stuff became a problem with everyone, so fights broke out.

 

Wars over territory seem common for humans. People seek the best living spaces they can find. The best views, cleanest water and the most comfort are sought by the masses. This “little” stretch of land was not large enough to hold Abram’s stuff, let alone Lot’s, who had vast amounts of stuff too.

 

While it sounded like a good problem to have, attitudes broke out that could cause wars. GOD had blessed Abram and Lot with stuff, but the stuff was getting in the way of peace. To top it off, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who may have fought against GOD’s ways, also had stuff. Abram assumed the land was the end of GOD’s plan. Something had to be done. GOD would need to intervene.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the problem of the tiny living space between Abram and Lot?
• Does it seem to you that GOD works in stages that we mistake for the final part of HIS plan?
• Can you drop your assumption that GOD is finished with HIS plan for you because it may be just beginning?

Leave with Peace

Leave with Peace

2 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ And now, my friends, good-bye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

¹² Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

 

All of God's people send you their greetings.

 

¹³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

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As the argument escalated, I stormed out the room and slammed the door. This emotional theatrical outburst did not settle the argument at all. If anything, it ensued more rage on all parts.

 

• I was seeking to “win” the argument.
• I was seeking to “win” and someone else to “lose.”
• I was seeking to be “heard” while missing the opportunity of hearing.

 

Paul sends his farewell. In it, he emphasizes peace. He gives everyone the assurance that GOD is with them so peace can be obtained.

 

My Observations

• Peace can be a way of life that GOD wants me to strive for.
• Peace from GOD is something I can bring into opposing views.
• Peace of assurance is a gift I can give to anyone who needs CHRIST.

 

Leaving people with peace is a goal I did not know existed. I mean, it does not require that I acquiesce or be walked on, rather I look for opportunities to live peacefully together. Avoiding arguments is probably unhealthy and causes bitterness to fester.

 

GOD wants me to see that peace is a way of life and wants any bitter root to be given to HIM. HE also wants me to talk things out with one another so an “agreement” can happen. I can also provide assurance to those who are nervous, letting him or her know that JESUS provided grace, the HEAVENLY FATHER love and the HOLY SPIRIT fellowship. I am glad GOD gives me peace that many cannot understand.

 

Challenge

• Does peace jump out at you when reading this passage?
• Why do you think the writer emphasizes peace so much?
• What situations can you think of where you can diffuse the argument with peace?
• Will you accept the goal of living in assurance of the grace of JESUS, the love of GOD and the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT so you can give peace to many as a gift today?

Praying for Everyone

Praying for Everyone

2 Corinthians 7: ² Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one; we have ruined no one, nor tried to take advantage of anyone. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; for, as I have said before, you are so dear to us that we are always together, whether we live or die. ⁴ I am so sure of you; I take such pride in you! In all our troubles I am still full of courage; I am running over with joy.

 

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Today is a different day. It is about you. Some of you have told me of the troubles you are facing and some have remained silent and in pain. I just want you to know GOD hears you.

 

• GOD sees your heart and loves you dearly.
• GOD has seen the decades of prayers you have given to HIM and is pleased with you.
• GOD knows you have spent hours not sleeping and is concerned about you.

 

Paul spoke about running over with joy because of those who made room in their hearts for others who speak about JESUS as the Savior. He went through a lot of trouble living for CHRIST. He was blamed for living for CHRIST but had a supportive cast who prayed for him.

 

My Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader to a place of peace. No matter what poisonous words enter their ears, let the power of the HOLY SPIRIT guard the heart. Search us O LORD. Examine each of us individually and forgive us of our sins.

 

Please guide this child of YOURS today. Help this child let go of anything that builds a wall between YOU and him or her. Help bitterness, hatred, confusion, power seeking, lust, fear, addictions, greed, and disbelief in YOUR SON be taken away from your child.

 

Please give us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Help us think on the good YOU give and the truth YOU provide. Amen

 

Challenge

• Do you see the heart of concern the writer has for the readers?
• How many people can fit in a prayerful heart?
• When you feel like complaining about a person, are they in your heart for “love?”
• Will you pray for many people today and focus on listening to GOD’s soft, gentle voice today?

Help Continue in Peace

Help Continue in Peace

1 Corinthians 16: ¹⁰ If Timothy comes your way, be sure to make him feel welcome among you, because he is working for the Lord, just as I am. ¹¹ No one should look down on him, but you must help him continue his trip in peace, so that he will come back to me; for I am expecting him back with the believers.

 

¹² Now, about brother Apollos. I have often encouraged him to visit you with the other believers, but he is not completely convinced that he should go at this time. When he gets the chance, however, he will go.

 

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Instead of being happy that a new person was starting, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Since I had been around longer than most people, it was implied that I would train the new person on how to do things while keeping up with my work.

 

• I was not excited about the new person.
• I almost treated the new person as the problem versus the solution.
• I needed more help with change.

 

Paul provided help with change. People requested Apollos who had a large following. But Apollos was led by the SPIRIT to remain away for a little while longer. Instead Timothy was being sent. Paul urged everyone to receive him with open arms and to help him continue his trip in peace.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to understand that change is inevitable so I need HIS guidance when it happens.
• GOD wants me to embrace change even when it is not going as I expected.
• GOD wants me to desire things to go one way but accept HIS solution which may differ than “my” plans.

 

Continuing in peace is the goal versus getting my way. I do ask GOD “What is going on?” many times when I expect things to go one way and they go another way. When I ask for one resource, I tend to get a different one. “What am I supposed to do with this?” I ask GOD in frustration.

 

“Continue in peace” is the answer. GOD knows what I need way before I need it. HE also knows what I can handle and gives me exactly what I need at the right time. Change is difficult. I am glad GOD does care and wants me to continue with the peace that HE provides which surpasses all understanding.

 

Challenge

• How do you handle change?
• Do you automatically get upset first then calm down?
• How can you help other people embrace change like the writer did?
• Will you look beyond your current situation and see how to add GOD’s peace to it today?

Peace Broken

 

Peace Broken

Acts 24: ¹⁷ “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. ¹⁸ I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance. ¹⁹ But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. ²⁰ Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— ²¹ unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

 

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After completing the project with success, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Everything I did in my power worked well. But there were some who did not like the accomplishment. For whatever reason, they wanted to tarnish the accomplishment with innuendoes and conjectures. I felt blamed versus being able to celebrate.

 

• There have been many times when people tried to rob me of peace.
• There have been many times when people stirred up the crowd, trying to deflect showing their faults.
• There have been many times when people were against me for doing something good.

 

Paul continues to explain why he was being blamed. He told the governor how he came into Jerusalem with peaceful actions to provide for the poor. He then explained how he knew the Law and observed them by being ceremonially clean. He asked that his accusers present evidence of wrong doing.

 

• GOD want me to seek HIS peace daily.
• GOD knows there will be people who will try to steal my peace.
• GOD gives me peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

Peace is a weapon that cannot be stolen. I mean, when someone brings me disturbing news or acts devious towards me, peace is there as a weapon against my foe. When JESUS tells me to “have peace” HE enables me to use peace in the middle of the storm.

 

Peace is a choice. When I realize GOD is in control or the difficult situation, I can then give it over to HIM, knowing HE has the best outcome. HE is always looking for me to be doing something better for HIM. The situation is only the catalyst for the next great adventure HE has for me. I am grateful GOD protects me and gives me peace.

 

• Is your peace broken by someone?
• Has someone cause you to worry or doubt?
• Will you use GOD’s peace as a weapon so you can be filled with HIS strength today?

Patch it Up

Luke 12: ⁵⁷ “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?⁵⁸ When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

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“Ooo, you gonna get it!” I said to my sibling in anger. During my rage I wanted someone else to be mad at this person so I figured I would take matters to a higher authority. When I exclaimed my discontent the “judge” punished both of us. “Wait a minute. I didn’t do anything wrong” or so I thought.

• There were times when I wanted to be right and wound up being wrong.
• There were times when I wanted my adversary to be punished and I got punished instead.
• There were times when I poked out my lip and said “but they did it” and was told, “Yes but you know better.”

JESUS cuts through a litigious group who wanted “their” way at every turn. They went off to prove they were right instead of coming to an agreement. The person who dragged another to the judge could possibly wind up in trouble.

• GOD wants me to come to an agreement with those I oppose.
• GOD wants me to not be “right” all the time but be with people in an effort to have peace.
• GOD wants me to have peace with my neighbor without compromising my beliefs and values.

Sometimes by saying “You are right”, gives my adversary room to discover if they are truly right. Joining the person for the purpose of peace brings fruit that I could not imagine. GOD does not want me to violate HIS word so I can still work within my values.

HE simply wants me to review the argument and if it is not violating HIS word, then maybe I should drop the issue and not hold onto being right. Maybe the other person needs to be “right” in order to feel good that day. GOD wants me to drag people off in front of HIM for prayer, but the prayer should be for them to prosper.

• Are you seeking to be right or to be with “that” person?
• Do you want others on your side but maybe you are wrong?
• Will you stop trying to be “right” and seek peace that only comes from GOD today?

A Little Too Easy

Luke 6: ³² “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶ Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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Irritated and disgusted were the words that described this particular week. Even on Saturday, I brooded over the divisiveness the group I worked with fostered. When I stepped in church, I felt relief. I mean everyone looked and acted like me so I felt comfortable. It was easy.

• Sometimes I want to separate GOD from certain parts of my life.
• Sometimes I desire to have an easy time serving GOD.
• Sometimes I wish that doing things for GOD would be trouble free and easy.

JESUS challenges HIS followers thinking by asking the right questions. HE asks them about their choices to love and serve people who look and act like them. HE says it is easy to serve people who already love you and have plenty of money to repay you. Unfortunately that would constrain who I serve. GOD has an answer.

• GOD wants me to have a larger reward by loving my enemies.
• GOD wants me to be extremely blessed by loaning to those who cannot pay me back.
• GOD wants me to serve those who are ungrateful and wicked because I am the same.

The HEAVENLY FATHER is merciful to me and HE expects me to be the same towards others, especially those who are difficult to serve. Patience, love and kindness gets added each time I show mercy to those who are constantly angry at me, or show their hatred towards me.

GOD blesses me to see people in a different light. Instead of adversarial stances, HE grants me the ability to pray for those who may never pray for me. I look forward to the rewards HE promises me.

• Are you upset with someone or some group of people?
• Do you place blame on them for what they have done?
• Can you stop seeking blame and seek restoration just as GOD has restored you with HIS mercy?

What to Look For

Zephaniah 2: ³ Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,
    you who do what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
    perhaps you will be sheltered
    on the day of the Lord’s anger.

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What does it mean to “Seek first the Kingdom of GOD?” I mean don’t I have to eat and pay bills first? I remember sitting on an airplane and hearing them say “Put your oxygen mask on first before helping someone else with theirs.” Shouldn’t I get what’s mine first?

• Sometimes I think of finances before I think of GOD.
• Sometimes I think of people with titles before I think of GOD.
• Sometimes I think of my wellbeing before I think of GOD.

With all of the busy-ness the world has to offer, I can get distracted. I can get into a seemingly innocent path of becoming so busy that I never once look up to see something special. When the winds of life blow against me I get frightened and then I look for GOD to mop up all the mess I’m in. How can I get out of this rut?

• GOD says to me “Seek righteousness” and since no human is righteous I need to seek GOD.
• GOD says to me “Seek humility” and since my heart is desperately wicked I need to seek GOD’s heart.
• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first” and since HE owns everything I need to bow to HIM daily before my day starts.

There is nothing GOD places on me that is too hard for me. HE doesn’t command that I become a title or live in fame rather HE simply wants me to follow HIM in HIS righteousness and humility. Seeking GOD means I am looking for HIM on a daily basis. In my hunt for fame and fortune I must ask GOD “Is this what YOU want for me?”

Serving money and GOD cannot ever mix. I cannot mask my intentions by pretending to serve church folks when I really want their monetary gain. I must truly desire that people get to know GOD, end of story. Seeking GOD as my teacher enables me to learn forever!

• What are you seeking?
• Are you mad that you are not getting your way?
• Can you stop pouting and start learning from GOD today?
• Will you seek GOD’s heart before yours?

Seek Peace

Amos 6: Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!

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Ah the “good life.” We discussed food, travel, hotels, cars, wine and cigars. Smiles went on all of our faces as we enjoyed the finest of all that was mentioned.

• There have been times when I have had the finest the world has offered.
• There have been times when I sought the best the world could give.
• There have been times when I sought complacency in “my” accomplishments.

Looking back I noticed something missing from our conversation, namely GOD. We never once thanked GOD for all of the fine things we had in our lives, instead we were too busy planning our next move to acquire more or keep what we had. We had become complacent and GOD abhorred it.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which means I need to look around for those HE wants to bring into HIS kingdom. This also means I need to seek “peace” with those around me and especially with HIM.

Seeking peace with GOD is a daily quest. HE sees and knows my sins yet forgives them anyway! Instead of conversations about the indoor bowling alley I should be asking GOD “What would YOU like me to do with all the stuff YOU gave me?” GOD wants me to use each item HE has given to me to further HIS kingdom.

What good is it to be out of debt only to use HIS money for yet another expensive vacation? HE does not mind time off at a fancy place as long as my thoughts and actions are centered around HIS kingdom.  Complacency is NOT peace. Following GOD is peace!

• What are you seeking?
• Are you trying to pay bills so you can become complacent?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom so HE will guide you with your wealth?
• Will you ask GOD for purpose so HE will give you peace?

Steps to “All is Well”

Jeremiah 22: ³ This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.

⁴ For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. ⁵ But if you do not obey these commands, declares the Lord, I swear by myself that this palace will become a ruin.’”

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I sometimes wonder why problems occur. I mean can’t I simply have a peaceful existence? Can’t I hide in my house, not engaging anyone with problems and just live?

• GOD wants me to actively meet people so I can “Do what is just and right.”
• GOD wants me to meet other people so I can “Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.”
• GOD wants me to seek other people so I can “Do what is right in the LORD’s eyes” by not being violent to the foreigners, fatherless or widows.

Hiding in my house and waiting to die is a travesty. GOD has bestowed on me gifts and talents that are HIS. HE wants me to use them on other people so that HE can draw people, who have rejected HIM, back to HIS saving graces.

Each and every day, GOD places another opportunity in my face to share HIS love. HE gives me twenty four more hours to seek others around me and to actively engage in what matters to HIM. It is up to me to make the most out of each day.

• Are you actively seeking to grow GOD’s kingdom?
• Do you want all to be well in your life?
• Can you use the next twenty four hours a little more wisely?

Mellow Out

Proverbs 3: There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

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Anxious over getting a job I applied for anything. I had been the leader of a large organization but money was getting low and expenses remained high. I heard many saying about “Making things happen” or “Taking control” of my situation. But it seemed pretty difficult and I needed something right then!

• Sometimes I think I can make things happen.
• Sometimes I think I am the one who can change the situation.
• Sometimes I think I am in control of what happens to me.

Somehow my thoughts had me anxious to return to a certain point in my life that had long passed. I did not realize that my time for ruling a kingdom was only for a short period. GOD wanted me to think differently about life.

• GOD wants me to remain focused on HIM and not my short stops here and there in life.
• GOD wants me to be excited about “this” day not those in the past.
• GOD wants me to understand there is a time for me to go through things and a time to have peace.

There is a time for everything and I need to spend my time wisely. Will I grouse about the world or will I jump in and join GOD in HIS plan to save it? Instead of really, really wanting “it” GOD wants me to mellow out and take each day as they come, knowing HE loves me dearly.

• Are you anxious?
• Do you feel nervous about where you are?
• Can you get excited about today and look for opportunities to serve GOD?
• Will you begin your journey with GOD today?

Can’t We All Just Get Along!

Psalm 133: ¹ How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!

² It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
³ It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore.

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Dream Team was our nickname. I have only experienced it once. We had a very large assignment and each person had a role. One person brought in their talents and I brought mine. We worked hard together and we created one of the best things anyone had seen. It was innovative, fresh and exciting!

• When I promote unity, a lot can get done.
• When I promote unity, my defense becomes offense.
• When I promote unity, I ask more questions rather than block negative comments.

In a world of dwindling unity I can get discouraged. I mean at one time communities of people would pull together in adversarial times, now it seems that if I am not the right “label” then I will not fit in. GOD says to act different.

• GOD wants me to act with unity no matter if those around me are not.
• GOD wants me to act with unity encouraging people and building them up.
• GOD wants me to act with unity showing people what “can” happen if we work together.

Blessings flow to those who can cross many boundaries with unity. GOD wants me to see more than my block or my city or even my country. HE wants me to see that every human should have a single goal, namely to praise JESUS who died for all of us. As I have said many times, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other saying you have mud on your face.”

GOD wants me to put down my mud, wash my hands with the cleansing sacrificed blood of JESUS the living CHRIST, and reach out to help people out of the mud. We should all act as if JESUS’ return is imminent. Unity is the key to blessings so HE wants me to be the first to reach out my hand.

• Are you at odds with “those” people?
• Do you feel “they” caused you problems?
• Will you stop pursuing to be in power and start seeking how to put GOD in power?
• Will you drop your slanderous words and speak only about yourself?
• Can you start acting with unity today and not hold back great plans, even from the thief

Comfort versus the Wild

Psalm 5 ¹¹ But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

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Working for a company thirty or forty years was my goal when I graduated. That’s what the generation before me did. They worked hard and retired with a mountain of cash, house paid off and the dream realized. As I sat at my desk I felt that I couldn’t work for this particular company another day let alone thirty nine more years! But the job was so comfortable. I felt guilty for looking.

• Sometimes I seek to find a comfortable place.
• Sometimes I seek places here on earth where I can exhale.
• Sometimes I seek situations where the stress is low and utopia abounds.

Disappointed by not getting the first job I applied for, I almost gave up the search. Maybe the town and dead end job I had was where I was supposed to be. BUT GOD intervened. A recruiter called me and whisked me away to another city. I would go on a ride I never would have believed. I forgot to mention, this happened when I started seeking GOD.

• When I seek GOD as my refuge, the location doesn’t matter.
• When I seek GOD as my refuge, the job doesn’t matter.
• When I seek GOD as my refuge, the situation doesn’t matter.

GOD is where I am supposed to seek my comfort. HE provide a place of solace on a daily basis. HE enables me to sing songs to HIM even through rocky times. Looking back the only stability in situations has been GOD. I mean I have had some good times and bad BUT GOD has always been there. HE provides my joy!

• Are you seeking comfort?
• Do you want to just have a breather?
• Can you focus on GOD for you refuge?
• Will you allow HIM to give you peace?

A Little Relief

Ezra 9: ⁸ “But now, for a brief moment, the Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.

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Happy with the house, we closed with a smile. All the paperwork was done and boxes put away. It was a moment of relief. At the other house a young man was dealing drugs and stealing my newspaper daily. I wasn’t mature enough to stay and fight so I moved. Now that trial was done!

I worked hard in the yard one day to get things right and I looked up and saw a strange looking cloud. It was very dark then turned green, like split pea soup. The sirens went off and suddenly my relief was over. There was a tornado headed towards the new house.

·         GOD does not want me to squander my relief periods with evil.

·         GOD does not want me to think that just because I have a moment of relief, there isn’t another storm brewing.

·         GOD does not want me to think that HE is beating me up, rather preparing me for storms to come.

The Israelites were sent into captivity for turning away from GOD. I believe HE still acts the same way. I mean I believe GOD will let me feel the consequences of my sin. BUT HE provides moments of relief when I turn my face back to HIM.  It is during those times I should not take HIM for granted.

·         GOD wants me to focus on HIM continually.

·         GOD wants me to believe in HIS ways and not take HIM for granted.

·         GOD wants me to bask in HIS relief and understand that life will have difficult times and great times.

When I have my “moments” of relief I should be very thankful and praise GOD for HIS blessings.

·         Are you in a peaceful time?

·         Do you think everything will remain peaceful?

·         Do you believe you can sin without consequence?

·         Can you stop what you are doing in your peaceful time to focus on GOD’s grace?

Rage Controlled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A promise is a promise

Deuteronomy 23: ²¹ If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. ²² But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. ²³ Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

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“LORD if you get me out of ‘fill in the blank’ then I will ‘never’ do ‘fill in the blank’ again!” I have said on many occasions when my back was against the wall as if I could bargain with GOD. Looking back on those ludicrous statements makes me cringe with fear as to how many promises of “never doing that again” I have not kept.

• When I’m scared I make frivolous promises with GOD simply to get out of the trial.
• When I’m lost I begin to bargain with GOD simply to find my way then I return back to the old me.
• When I’m feeling low I beg GOD to get me out by making promises I may not be able to keep.

GOD made promises that HE holds HIMSELF to.  HE cannot and will not go back on HIS word. When HE declares something, it will happen the way HE said it and how HE said it even if HE has to die in the process. I’m speaking about JESUS just then. In other words HE takes promises seriously.

• GOD wants me to think before I make a promise otherwise I’m in deeper trouble.
• GOD wants me to make promises as an act of worship and plan to keep them.
• GOD wants me to stop bargaining with HIM in order to get my way and make vows to HIM as an act of worship.

Getting out of a trial should not be the goal when I make a promise to GOD.  I may say something I didn’t mean or could not keep when I am in the heat of the moment. GOD wants me to quiet my mind down and think about my promise so I can keep it and not grow weary.

• Have you made a frivolous promise to GOD?
• Are you trying to get out of a trial and have no intention of keeping that promise?
• Won’t you review your promises before you make them to see if you can keep them?
• Can you make a promise to GOD as an act of worship today?

Being friendly

Leviticus 3:  “If your offering is a Peace-Offering and you present an animal from the herd, either male or female, it must be an animal without any defect.

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Caller ID is the greatest invention for business. I could see my coworkers’ number appear numerous times but I was too busy to answer the call. When I would see him in the hallway, my empty promise to call him would be repeated again and again.  I was actually brushing this person off and the priority was lowered because others were important.

• I’m not being friendly when it’s all about me.
• I’m not being friendly when the other person is the only one reaching out.
• I’m not being friendly when I make excuses for not being friendly.

Friends can hear the words “I apologize” and keep moving forward with the relationship, so I must take the first mending step. Friendships should not be built on what the other person does for me, rather who they are to me.

• GOD wants me to present a Peace Offering to mend relationships for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to seek forgiveness when I have done wrong.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to work on my heart rather than wanting HIM to work on “that” person’s heart. 

I have heard it before, in order to be friendly, I must learn how to be friends with people. I should learn what they need and meet them where they are. I should bring peace so they can see the great plan GOD has for us.

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Do you treat others different because of something they said or did?
• Can you ask GOD to work on your heart?
• Can you seek peach for the purpose of GOD growing “that’ person?