Hope Face

Hope Face

Acts 14: ⁸ In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed ¹⁰ and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

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When the teacher wrote the problem on the board, I felt excited. For once, I knew the answer. I smiled. The teacher looked at my face and said, would you like to answer the problem. I jumped out of my seat and solved the problem. In another class, I forgot to do my homework. When the same scenario happened, I looked away in shame, hoping I wouldn’t be called on.

• When I am upset, it shows on my face.
• When I am excited, it shows on my face.
• When I am scared, happy, angry, inquisitive or calm, it shows on my face.

A lame man, who had never walked, heard Paul speak. How he got to where Paul was is not written, but somehow he was there. Paul saw the man’s face and determined he had faith to be healed. Paul commanded him to stand. The man was healed.

• GOD wants me to have faith that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have peace that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have hope that shows up on my face.

In spite of what is going on, GOD wants what is in my heart to show up on my face. Yes, I may be scared for a moment, BUT GOD fills my heart with peace which in turn, shows up on my face.

HE then helps me remember the many times HE has brought me through circumstances, filling me with hope. I am grateful GOD looks at what HE has already done for me so I can show hope on my face.

• Are you disillusioned?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Will you remember the many times HE has brought you out of circumstances so that you can continue to share your hope with many?

Entertained

Luke 23: ⁸ When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. ⁹ He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. ¹¹ Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. ¹² That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.

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After the event I discussed the person on stage. “They were not very good” I commented. I was seeking amusement and had criteria that needed to be met.  Later, I went to a church. “The pastor speaking was not very good”, I said to myself.

• Sometimes I want to be entertained by people.
• Sometimes I view people as something that satisfies me.
• Sometimes I desire people to say the right words at my command.

Herod saw JESUS as entertainment. He heard how JESUS healed people and raised someone from the dead. Herod could not wait for JESUS to do a parlor trick. He even became friends with his enemy, Pilate, for sending him this wonderful stage act.

• JESUS says to me “These are MY lambs, feed them.”
• JESUS says to me “Look at MY people with compassion.”
• JESUS says to me “I can see your heart, fill it with MY love and you will be successful.”

When I look at people as a problem, inconvenience or entertainment, I miss out on what GOD wants me to see. HE desires only one thing that all of HIS sheep come back to HIM. All of us have gone astray BUT GOD desires that all return to HIM. I am grateful for HIS love.

• Do you seek people to entertain you?
• Do you blame people for their behavior?
• Will you show “that” person grace today?

Searching for Treasure

Luke 15: ⁸ “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ ¹⁰ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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“What is that?” I said to myself as I peered at the cluttered lawn on my way to school. It looked like money so I broke the rule of not stepping on anyone’s grass. To my excitement, I found a dollar! I quickly stuffed it in my pocket and smiled all the way to class. The next day I stared intently in the lawn and the day after and the weeks after that.

• Three were times when money caught my attention.
• There were times when I got a little bit of money and it made me search for more.
• There were times when money made me look for it, seek it and desire to have more of it.

JESUS deepens HIS explanation of lost people by giving another parable. HE illustrates how a woman spent a great amount of time looking for lost money in her house. This analogy was probably used to make the people hear because most could relate to losing money. But money was not the true treasure.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM as the true treasure.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom as the true treasure.
• GOD wants me to bring HIS lost sheep and lost coins back to HIM as the true treasure.

People are clearly the true treasure GOD wants everyone to focus on. Those I hate, HE loves so somehow I need to quickly change my mind about what is important. HE values all lives and the more I can do the same the more treasure HE gives me. Prayers and preaching for more cash is sometimes okay, BUT GOD is elated when I ask for healing of my and other’s souls.

• Are you down because you don’t have money?
• Do you seek more things to make you happy?
• Will you take the time to seek GOD’s true treasure which are HIS lost children today?

Partnership

Luke 5: ⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

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“Ask them questions to get to know them” someone suggested to me. I did not like this group of people, but I tolerated their arrogance because they were in charge. The more questions I asked, the more I did not like them. “Why am I here?’ I thought to myself.

• There were many times when I made up my mind to not like groups of people.
• There were many times when I sought to point out problems in people.
• There were many times when I brought negative words into a conversation even before meeting the person.

After JESUS performed the miracle of filling their nets with fish, HE said “Do not be afraid.” I believe HE was speaking on many levels. Do not be afraid of ME or what you will eat or what you will wear or who you talk to, just follow ME and you will catch those I give you. They decided to follow HIM.

• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can seek HIS merciful ways.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can point my ambitions toward HIM.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can drop the negative opinions of people and give them labels that only come from HIM.

Partnering with GOD means loving people I would not ordinarily love. It means getting rid of my prejudices and filling my mind with grace and fortitude to pursue humans who run away from GOD at every turn.

James, John and Peter also had a human partnership as friends and coworkers. One thing they had in common was they all sought JESUS as their savior and they gave up their lifestyle to follow HIM. They partnered with JESUS on a level that enabled them to do great things.

• Are you serving GOD on the surface?
• Are you afraid to give HIM your sins and are trying hard to be good and make everyone around you good?
• Will you stop trying to manipulate people and allow GOD to use your dirty parts to bring people to HIM?
• Can you drop your prejudices and allow GOD to send you to people who do not look or act like you today?

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?

Help the Oppressed or Else

Jeremiah 21: ¹² This is what the Lord says to you, house of David:

“‘Administer justice every morning;
    rescue from the hand of the oppressor
    the one who has been robbed,
or my wrath will break out and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.

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One person in need called me and I had to “evaluate” the validity of their need. I mean, did they think of “this” or “that?” I kept my money. I went to a convenience store and on my way in a person asked me for money because their car “broke down a couple of blocks away.” I said, let’s go see the car, they walked away. I kept my money. I went downtown and a myriad of people were asking for money on one street. I changed my route and kept “my” money.

• When the oppressed approached me, somehow I found a way to keep “my” money.
• When those in need were sent to me, somehow I found a way not to help them.
• When poor people were placed in my path, somehow I found a way to change my path.

Being rich meant I had to make the hard calls. I mean I had to pay for some expensive stuff right? Well sort of. Blindness to the poor is what got entire nations in trouble. It is easy to place blinders on, missing out on many opportunities to serve those around me. My justification for not going to serve was true in my mind. I was too busy at work, making money, so I could not give. I was too deep in debt, spending money, so I could not give. “That” person isn’t doing XYZ, so I cannot give, keeping money.

• GOD says to me “Administer justice every morning” meaning HE will give me an opportunity to serve someone each and every day.
• GOD says to me “Rescue from the hand of the oppressor” showing people the way back to HIM.
• GOD says to me “Rescue the one who has been robbed” blessing them with safe haven.

Now when GOD places a person in front of me I try my best. I see their oppression and I feel for them, because I too have been oppressed. I may not always have the money, but I always have GOD to give a person in abundance. The Good Samaritan helped when no one else would, but sometimes I don’t even have the money to carry out this wonderful example. GOD wants me to plea on other’s behalf in that instance.

GOD wants me to “seek the lost” because they run and hide when trouble hits. I know, I felt like hiding many times. Blessings only come from GOD. I should never squander what has been bestowed on me.

• Are you avoiding serving people?
• Are you too busy to help someone?
• Can you take a moment to ask GOD who he want you to serve today?
• Will you stop avoiding people and seek them out in order to bring them closer to GOD?

Speak Up!

Proverbs 31: ⁸ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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Nervous was only the beginning of what I felt when the company announced they would be making some cuts. I received a phone call from a friend stating “You’d better start calling people because the cuts are going to be deep.” I did not know that many people since I spent all of my days working. “What should I do” I thought to myself.

• There were times where I wanted someone to watch over me.
• There were times where I needed someone to intervene.
• There were times where I desired to speak up for myself but could not.

I made one phone call and someone did speak on my behalf. This rising star spoke up for me and I am deeply indebted to him. It taught me a lesson.

• GOD wants me to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
• GOD wants me to see dishonor and “speak up for the rights of those who are destitute.”
• GOD wants me to “speak up and judge fairly; defending the rights of the poor and needy.”

It does not feel good to be in need. I actually did not know what questions to ask or what to say to pull myself up. I was lost and I could not speak for myself. BUT GOD placed the right people in my life to protect me during times of trouble. HE saw fit to provide many servants who would watch over me.

• Are you speaking up for people?
• Are you being a blessing or a curse to people?
• Do you think GOD enjoys your actions towards people?
• Will you seek out a person to speak up for today?

Success in the Making

Proverbs 28: ²⁵ The greedy stir up conflict,
    but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

²⁶ Those who trust in themselves are fools,
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

²⁷ Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

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“What does it take to be successful” I asked my assigned mentor. “You have to be tough, learn how to promote yourself and manage upward” were his words of advice. Since “tough” did not mean going out and starting a fist fight I took it to mean that I had to become brazen with my words and desirous to have more wealth.

Promoting myself meant I had to believe I was the smartest thing in the world. Managing upward meant I had to cater to the whims of the wealthy while ignoring those below. Is this success?

• There were times where I was willing to chase success at the cost of others.
• There were times where I was willing to sacrifice relationships in order to “be tough.”
• There were times where I was willing to be “successful” from a human perspective without weighing the GODLY consequences.

One might say I was justified in fighting with the bullies in leadership. Going toe to toe, meeting blow for blow was heralded as the thing to do. “They” even gave me more money for it! Soon I did not feel compassion for the fallen. BUT GOD wanted me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to see every human as HIS and tells me to put down my knife.
• GOD desires that I seek HIS wisdom and not trust in my own.
• GOD tells me to give to the poor and let the rich worry about themselves.

Human success is quite the opposite of success in GOD’s eyes. HE felt “success” was to become the poorest human on the planet, only to get blamed for my sins. HE never sought riches or power or fame. HE only cared for me and did not care about anything else. GOD loves me to the point of giving everything up for me.

• Are you trying to become successful?
• Do you feel conflicted when you have to dish out words of hidden poison?
• Can you focus on what GOD will have you do?
• Will you ask HIM for HIS wisdom and seek those in need?

Special People have a Place

Psalm 140: ¹² I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor
    and upholds the cause of the needy.
¹³ Surely the righteous will praise your name,
    and the upright will live in your presence.

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“I’m going to teach these people” was my attitude in preparing for my trip from the city I stayed in. When I arrived in the rural area, I noticed the people had the clothes on their back and not much else. They started singing to an out of tune guitar and homemade drums. Their dancing was infectious and praise was deeply felt. My attitude changed from being the teacher to needing to be taught.

• Sometimes my position blinds me to my own needs.
• Sometimes my wealth blinds me to my own growth.
• Sometimes my title blinds me to my own areas where I need help.

“The Poor” and “The Needy” are usually people I go to, but what happens when I am “The Poor” and “The Needy”? Does my arrogant statement still apply? The people sung and danced without thought of getting something tomorrow. They had nothing and praised more than I ever did. At the time I had a video camera around my neck and other gadgets to provide “comfort” for myself. I then realized my praise towards GOD was only based on what HE had done for me lately.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in bad times and good times.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face no matter what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to never give up on HIM because HE never gives up on me.

The LORD secures justice for me. When GOD says to me “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” HE is telling me to throw away pride, arrogance and self-promotion. GOD wants me to worship HIM in spirit and truth. HE upholds my causes and I will praise HIS name!

• Are you actively seeking those who are in need?
• Are you in need and feel left out?
• Will you put your trust in GOD knowing HE is actively pursuing you?
• Will you praise GOD today without expectations?  

Stop Dodging

Psalm 109: ³⁰ With my mouth I will greatly extol the Lord;
    in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him.
³¹ For he stands at the right hand of the needy,
    to save their lives from those who would condemn them.

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After a while my eyes would glance away unconsciously. I knew the route that would have the least amount of contact and still get me to my destination on time. Still, on this route there seemed to be more this day. It was inevitable. One got in front of me and there was no way around!

“Could you spare some change?” the seemingly homeless person asked me. “They probably will spend it on booze or drugs” I justified in my mind. And besides I read an article where some guy made more money begging than I did working hard every day! “No” I answered with coins jingling in my pocket.

• Sometimes I label the needy so I can avoid the needy.
• Sometimes I justify the act of not helping the needy.
• Sometimes I look at the needy as “them” and not us.

Terms like “you can’t save everyone” and “God helps those who help themselves” are not written anywhere in the Bible, yet they were guiding principles to my actions towards the homeless and destitute. BUT GOD wanted me to think about people differently.

• GOD wants me to empathize with the poor not just have pity on them.
• GOD wants me to have the mentality that all can be reached and it is up to me to be available.
• GOD wants me to seek those who are in need for HE said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Instead of dodging the homeless, GOD wanted me to be prepared to give to those HE put in my path, “for HE stands at the right hand of the needy to save their lives from those who would condemn them.”

• Are you in need and think GOD has forgotten you?
• Are you trying to avoid going out and helping the needy?
• If you are in need can you open your hand and let GOD stand with you?
• If you haven’t helped the needy in a while can you go out and have direct contact with them instead of anonymously giving?