Obedience During Abundance

Obedience During Abundance

Genesis 41: ⁴⁶ Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁷ Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. ⁴⁸ So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. ⁴⁹ Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.

 

============

 

Joseph was seventeen when GOD gave him the dreams of his family bowing down to him. But now he was thirty. Thirteen years had passed since he had the dreams. Joseph went out into various parts of Egypt and made guarded storehouses for grain to make bread and feed animals.

 

My Observations:

• It was GOD that made the crops of Egypt produce in a supernatural abundance.
• Joseph did not really know if GOD would do what HE said, but he was obedient because he believed what GOD told him in the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream.
• GOD’s abundance was so great, they could not count how much food they had.

 

GOD was preparing everyone for what HE was about to do. HE was going to cut the abundance off for seven years. Joseph was only told that there would be a famine. He used his administrative gift, coupled with the skill he had with flocks to save up what would be needed to sustain people through the famine.

 

“GOD told me to save up because of the impending famine” would sound like strange words to someone when abundance was flowing. But these words would save people all over the world. Egypt would become famous, not because of Pharaoh, but because of HIS promise to Joseph. Obedience during abundance would save the people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s actions with the abundance HE supplied?
• What do you do when GOD gives you plenty?
• How is GOD preparing you during this season of your life?

Love Cover

Love Cover

1 Peter 4: ⁷ The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray. ⁸ Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. ⁹ Open your homes to each other without complaining. ¹⁰ Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. ¹¹ Those who preach must preach God's messages; those who serve must serve with the strength that God gives them, so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

 

============

 

Tired of living a lie, I decided to tell the truth. I did not have much work experience and I lied to a person about my age so perhaps, I could gain more respect. But that would lead to other lies that I could not back up. I told the truth and the person said. “I knew how old you are and I want you on my team. I appreciate you telling me the truth”

 

• My lie was excused.
• My lie was noticed and addressed.
• My lie was forgiven, but I could not move forward on the path of lying.

 

Peter continues with some deep doctrine, but makes it practical. He starts off with a very shocking statement, “The end of all things is near.” JESUS had fulfilled all of the prophecies and there was none left, other than the statement that JESUS would return. Until then, Peter provides a practical approach to living.

 

My Observations

• Approaching family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances with love covers my sins and theirs.
• Opening up my home to help people should be done without me complaining.
• Leveraging the “special gift” GOD has given me should be used for the good of others.

 

Sin causes problems in my life. I mean, when I lied, cheated and stole, I did not get far. In fact I found myself with more problems that required more lying, cheating and stealing. I needed help. Fortunately for me, JESUS covered my sins. Like a heavy cover over a flame, the sting of sin is doused out by the shed blood of JESUS.

 

Since I believe in HIM being raised from the dead, I am saved from eternal separation from GOD’s love. This is Good News! I can now use my GOD given gifts to speak about GOD and live for HIM with excitement and power. I praise GOD in all thing.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention being “self-controlled and alert?”
• Have you ever gotten so worried that you were unable to pray?
• Will you relook at your current situation with love to see where you can cover for someone or where you need to be covered?
• Will you praise GOD after showing love today?

Hold That Thought

Hold That Thought

James 1: ²⁶ Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself. ²⁷ What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world.

 

============

 

Staying awake one night, I thought of ways to argue over scripture. I had taken classes at a locally famous bible institute and wanted to show what “I” knew. We went back and forth over who was “right.” Looking back on the argument, I cannot even remember the conclusion.

 

• Our argument had no “winner.”
• No one was helped, yet I spent a lot of time getting my argument ready.
• Being legally right was my goal.

 

James attempted to address a huge issue, namely religious arrogance. Religious arguments were probably the cause of people trying to out-say one another or to look good in front of each other. He then gives alternatives that were hard to address, but much needed.

 

My Observations:

• Looking good in front of people can lead to my downfall with GOD.
• Spending time sounding religious without actions is worthless to GOD.
• Taking care of orphans and widows in their suffering is pleasing to GOD.

 

Thinking of ways to look good by spouting out scripture or quoting some famous person can sometimes show my insecurity. I mean, I am basically saying, “Don’t look at me, but listen to me as I say someone else’s words.” This habit can eventually become worthless. BUT GOD has another way.

 

Serve suffering people. James gives some examples, but they are not the only list. Serving family, friends and neighbors who are suffering would also please GOD. But it does not mean I should not seek orphans and widows who need help. GOD sees the heart and looking good in front of HIM is what is important. I am glad HE gives me plenty to “do.”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the question “Do any of you think you are religious?”
• Be honest, have you ever felt you were superior to someone by what you say?
• Will you seek looking good in front of GOD, even when humans may not give you credit, by doing what HE wants you to do and serve who HE wants you to serve today?

Patience

Patience

2 Corinthians 12: ¹¹ I am acting like a fool—but you have made me do it. You are the ones who ought to show your approval of me. For even if I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to those very special “apostles” of yours. ¹² The many miracles and wonders that prove that I am an apostle were performed among you with much patience. ¹³ How were you treated any worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for financial help? Please forgive me for being so unfair!

 

============

 

Listening to his plea did not feel comfortable. He listed all the things he had done for the company but I was told to get rid of several people. “You have to make the hard calls if you want to be in this position” were the sentiments of my peers and other leaders.

 

• I sometimes took lessons from the impatient and applied them to other parts of my life.
• I sometimes looked at everything from the bottom line.
• I sometimes valued money over what was truly valuable.

 

Paul expressed his concern that the people had turned away from the following of JESUS to listen to others who may have been smooth talkers. Paul had performed many miracles that people were witnessed to. Only GOD could have allowed the miracles he performed, yet the people turned away. Paul started to get impatient.

 

My Observations

• When I get impatient, I have to turn back to GOD to ask “How come YOU are patient with me?”
• GOD wants me to serve others so I need to continue to ask HIM for patience.
• Looking at the progress of others can take my eyes off of the patience GOD wants me to have for them and myself.

 

“Have patience” is easy to say but hard to follow. I mean, when times are fast paced or anxious or stressful, using patience is the best thing to do, yet I found myself caught up in quick solutions that may not work. GOD’s solutions sometimes don’t come quick enough for me so I jump in with “my” plan, then I “tell” HIM to help “me” with “my” plan.

 

GOD patiently says “No” and guides me to a better plan. HE then shows me how impatient I have been with others and wants me to take a deep breath and slow down. HE then says, “Be patient with yourself so you can be patient with others.” This gives me the permission to mess up big and know HE patiently loves me anyway. I am glad GOD has patience with me and loves me dearly.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer is so upset?
• Have you ever worked very hard on something and were met with criticism or been overlooked for a promotion or devalued in some way?
• Will you turn your thoughts to GOD who has shown you infinite patience and ask for a small dose of HIS patience so you can continue with your purpose today?

Ready, Willing and Able

Ready, Willing and Able

1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. ⁵ There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. ⁶ There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. ⁷ The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.

 

============

 

Learning how to drive seemed like something that took a long time, even though the class was only a semester. I was willing to drive people anywhere they wanted to go, but I did not know the rules of the road, nor did I own a car. I also was not old enough. “When will I ever be able to drive?!” I wondered impatiently.

 

• I really wanted something I was not ready for.
• I was willing but not able.
• I felt I had the potential, but I needed to wait to use it.

 

Paul begins to explain spiritual gifts. The beginning of the lesson shows where the gifts come from, namely the HOLY SPIRIT. Each person is given their own gift which makes him or her ready to serve the LORD. But he says something strange. He says “GOD gives ability to all for their particular service.” Timing is everything.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave me a special gift, by the HOLY SPIRIT, that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to be willing to use my special gift to serve the LORD by serving HIS people.
• GOD wants me to be patient when HE says wait, for it is HE who provides the opportunities.

 

Being willing to serve the LORD is a wonderful, yet confusing thing. I mean, sometimes our desire to serve the LORD may be sincere, but how we think we should serve HIM may not align with HIS timing or audience. I may be willing right now, but HE has a particular person in mind who is not ready to hear a message from me.

 

HE also has my needs in HIS plan. I may not be ready to serve but HE will provide me with the right gift and audience at HIS time. This requires patience. I gladly wait on HIS audience, in HIS timing to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.

 

Challenge

• Are you willing to serve the LORD?
• What do you notice about where the spiritual gifts come from?
• What do you notice about the word ‘different’ spoken here?
• Will you seek to use your gifts and talents “for the good of all” today?

Consider the Menial

Consider the Menial

Romans 16: ²¹ Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

²² I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

²³ Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. ²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

 

============

 

“You are invited to the meeting” were words that delighted me. I did not know why I was invited because it included high ranking officers in the company. “Maybe they recognize ‘my’ potential” I arrogantly thought to myself.

 

“You are here to take notes.” I was dejected, but did so anyway. After a while, I was known amongst the officers. They promoted me and I did not have to ask for it.

 

• There have been tasks that I felt were beneath me.
• There have been things that needed to be done that I felt someone else should do.
• There have been menial jobs, assignments and projects I have been given that I labeled as low visibility, meanwhile I looked with envy at thing I labeled as “high” visibility, meaning the high people would see it.

 

If I were to ask “Who wrote the letter to the Romans?” everyone would say Paul and they would be partially correct. These are Pauls’ words as given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT, but the real “writer” of the letter is Tertius. He mentions that he “wrote” the letter.

 

• GOD wants me to not think more highly of myself.
• GOD wants me to be faithful with small things so HE can trust me with the large.
• GOD wants me to see every person as “high” and keep away from labeling people with levels.

 

Tertius was obedient to GOD and did not think it to be too low to receive dictation from Paul. He probably felt quite the opposite. I wonder if he felt he had a sense of duty to get this important message out from Paul who was oppressed everywhere he went. This menial  task led to a great letter. I am grateful for all those who are like Tertius, serving the LORD and knowing what they do is important.

 

• Do you feel lower than other people?
• Do you think that what GOD has you doing is menial?
• Will you stop comparing yourself to other people and know that what you are doing for the LORD is considered great to HIM?

Looked Over

 

Looked Over

Romans 13: ⁸ Be under obligation to no one—the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. ⁹ The commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not commit murder; do not steal; do not desire what belongs to someone else”—all these, and any others besides, are summed up in the one command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ¹⁰ If you love others, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.

 

============

 

Getting off the train for the first time on the new job, I ran into a homeless person. I had an extra dollar, so I gave it to him. As I rounded the corner, there was another and another. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anymore” was the lie I told as I had much more in my pocket. The next day it was the same. So the following day I decided to go a different route to avoid seeing the homeless.

 

• Many times I have overlooked the homeless.
• Many times I avoided giving to the homeless because the problem seemed too large for me.
• Many times I said to myself, “I barely have enough for me, let alone this person.”

 

Paul writes about the greatest commandment JESUS spoke about, namely Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Love is required to obey the Law. But “Who is my neighbor?”

 

• GOD wants me to love the people in my household and the houses surrounding me.
• GOD wants me to love the people who are not in my neighborhood, but are out on the street.
• GOD wants me to love the overlooked such as the poor, widowed and physically sick.

 

When GOD said “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few” HE knew many people would be so focused on their own struggles that we could not open our eyes to another person’s struggles. GOD wants me to take a moment to “see” others and be involved by loving them. Even if it is a cup of water given in love, I have obeyed GOD.

 

• What will you do to show your love to a stranger or a homeless person today?
• Will you go out and give to a person in need and do it in secret?
• Can you add love to your heart so you will see more people who GOD wants you to serve today?

Serve the Overlooked Well

 

Serve the Overlooked Well

Romans 11: ¹³ I am speaking now to you Gentiles: As long as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I will take pride in my work. ¹⁴ Perhaps I can make the people of my own race jealous, and so be able to save some of them. ¹⁵ For when they were rejected, all other people were changed from God's enemies into his friends. What will it be, then, when they are accepted? It will be life for the dead!

 

============

 

When I got the promotion, I thought I would be given a team. “Make your own team” was the strange directive given to me and no one else. I met with people who were overlooked in the company and formed a team of volunteers. They worked out so well that the team got noticed and those in “power” asked how we did it.

 

• There were times when rejection seemed like a problem to me.
• There were times when being overlooked felt degrading to me.
• There were times when unfairness was the norm towards me.

 

Paul spoke about the Jewish leaders who rejected JESUS as the Messiah. He became a preacher to the Gentiles because of their rejection. He wanted to serve the Gentiles, who had been overlooked by his race, well. He still hoped his race would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to take pride in my work as I serve the group HE sends me to.
• GOD wants me to pay attention to the overlooked.
• GOD wants me to see those who have been rejected as HIS friends.

 

Speaking about JESUS has to be done. It cannot be bottled up inside once a person sees what JESUS did. Unfortunately, there will be those who too stuck on the pleasures of life to hear about the abundance GOD speaks about.

 

So GOD sends me to those who can hear about JESUS. HE does not have time to waste, so HE takes me and those ready to speak about JESUS, to HIS harvest. I am grateful GOD is no longer my enemy but calls me a friend.

 

• Are you overlooking people?
• Are you seeking the pleasures of the world without speaking about the greatness of JESUS?
• Will you take the responsibility of speaking about JESUS seriously and take the message to those GOD sends you to today?

Kindness

 

Kindness

Acts 27: When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. ² We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

 

³ The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.

 

============

 

Planning my day, I thought of all that I had to do. As I crept towards the toll booth, I could see the building where I worked. This let me know I had to be ready. When I got to the window to pay, the attendant said, “You can go. The driver ahead of you paid your toll.” I stopped thinking about work for a moment and was thankful.

 

• I have experienced many kind acts.
• I have experienced times when people have done kind things, just for me.
• I have experienced kindness and it made me thankful.

 

Paul and the other prisoners were being transported to Rome. Paul had appealed to Caesar for his defense, but had done no wrong. Many people knew Paul was innocent. Julius, a centurion, decided to do something. He decided to be kind to Paul.

 

• GOD wants me to be kind to people.
• GOD wants me to use kindness to bear fruit.
• GOD wants me to remember to be kind to people so my heart will be filled.

 

Empty distracted hearts easily forget to be kind. I mean, the distractions of the world can lead to hurt and pain. BUT GOD steps in and sends HIS servants to be kind in the middle of a doom-filled situation. From giving me a ride to simply smiling at me, many people have been kind.

 

Acts of kindness from others prompts me to be kind to someone that day. But when I am flustered and it seems like a lot of problems are rushing at me, I can use kindness as a weapon. I may only have the strength to smile at people, but it makes the problem smaller and smaller. I am glad people have used the fruit of the Spirit by being kind to me.

 

• Have people been kind to you?
• Are you easily provoked to anger, jealousy and rage?
• Will you trade in your hurt for kindness, so you act can be remembered by GOD today?

Serve and Protect

Serve and Protect

Acts 20: ²⁵ “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. ²⁶ Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. ²⁷ For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. ²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. ²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

============

After attending the leadership class, I thought I was ready to lead the department. I mean, I learned skills on how to work with other’s nicely and how to value the opinions of one another.

When the budget meeting came up, the other department leaders acted like voracious wolves, stopping at nothing to get more money and people. “Wait, I thought we were supposed to be nice. Maybe I should be tough like them”

• There were times when I misinterpreted what a leader should be.
• There were times when I thought a leader was supposed to build “a” truth for themselves.
• There were times when I considered lying to others, sabotaging others or protecting “my” ideas so “I” could get credit or noticed.

Paul was making a final plea to the leaders he summoned to meet with. He knew he was called to a place where he might be jailed or killed for speaking about JESUS as LORD and Savior. He gave explicit directions and warnings to the leaders on how to truly lead.

• GOD wants me to serve others by guarding my own heart with HIS word.
• GOD wants me to protect HIS flock by explaining JESUS died for all, and those who believe in the need for salvation will be saved through HIM.
• GOD wants me to watch out for those who will claim to be leaders of the flock, but are really out to protect their status or wallet.

Leading GOD’s people can only be done in Spirit and truth. Unfortunately, there will be many who distort the truth for their convenience. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE revealed just enough of HIS Word for anyone who desires to get to know HIM, to follow.

HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to open my heart and the hearts of those who truly want to follow HIM, to follow the examples of JESUS, knowing HE is the only one who gave HIS “hands” and “feet” on the cross. I am grateful JESUS was and is willing to be the leader of my life.

• Are you a leader?
• Do you blame leaders?
• Will you listen to GOD and become a leader who serves others and protects them with HIS word and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Seeker Help

Seeker Help

Acts 17: ²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

============

“Ready or not here I come” I exclaimed. We were playing Hide and Go Seek, and I was the person seeking. I saw a pair of legs behind some bushes. I quietly caught the hider. Now I had some help. This was a fun day!

• I enjoyed looking for the hidden.
• I enjoyed seeking those who needed to be found.
• I enjoyed finding those who were hidden and getting some help to find others.

Paul explained that GOD does not live in manmade buildings, nor does HE need humans to ‘do’ anything for HIM. HE gives everyone life, breath and everything. HE did all of this so humans would seek HIM and perhaps reach out to HIM and find HIM. GOD is always easy to find.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for everything HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the life HE breaths through me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS who died for me and is alive providing salvation to those who believe in HIM.

When I complain that someone is not doing their part or are not serving enough, I may not be showing GOD enough appreciation. I mean, when I am thankful, praise comes from my lips. I realize how futile my service really is when I try to serve GOD who needs nothing from me or any human.

GOD is complete. I am thankful that HE takes care of everything. My belief in JESUS makes me complete. Since I am thankful for being complete I seek others who have a sense of emptiness only JESUS can fill. I am grateful GOD allows me to seek HIS sheep.

• What are you thankful for?
• Are you seeking inner peace through certain foods, rituals or buildings?
• Will you seek the Living GOD who provides everything you need to seek others who need HIM?

Your Part

Your Part

Acts 6: Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

⁷ Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

============

“Go clean the ashtrays” was the disgusting task given to me. But I was so happy to have a job, that I did it with fervor. I wiped tables and put bowling balls away. Years later, I got a high paying position, well it was high paying to me.

“Take notes in the meeting” someone said to me. “How dare they!” I grunted under my breath. I mean, I have a title and they want me to do this menial task?

• There were times when I wanted a title someone else had.
• There were times when I felt I was above certain tasks.
• There were times when I thought someone else’s part was more important than the part I had.

The apostles were preaching the word of GOD and many came to believe. Even some of the church leaders became believers in JESUS and were obedient. Everyone did their part in harmony.

• GOD wants me to do my part, knowing it is extremely important.
• GOD wants me to look at my part as being great no matter what other people think.
• GOD wants me to use my part as a service to HIM using wisdom and the HOLY SPIRIT as my guide.

Excitement to serve is what GOD is looking for. HE knows the titles are all the same. But when I look at how many followers a person has and get jealous, I may desire to stop doing my part and want to do theirs.

Back to the ashtrays. I was young and had freshly believed in the LORD. Someone asked me why I smiled as I picked up trash. I replied, “Because JESUS saved me and gave me this job” without worry of retribution. GOD wants me to be that person again. I am grateful HE gives me second, third and fiftieth chances.

• Are you jealous or complaining about what you are doing?
• Do you think your part is beneath you?
• Will you use the wisdom of GOD and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT to do your part to being people to the kingdom today?

Why Do You Do What You Do?

John 1: ²⁴ Now the Pharisees who had been sent ²⁵ questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptise if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’

²⁶ ‘I baptise with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know. ²⁷ He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

²⁸ This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

============

“Here, take these” were the words as he handed me a pair of shoes. A friend saw my holey shoes and gave me a pair of his. I couldn’t afford new shoes and I couldn’t pay him back. “Here, take my car” said an uncle, giving me his car for a few dollars.

• Sometimes I wonder what makes people do what they do.
• Sometimes I wonder what the motive is behind their actions.
• Sometimes I wonder why people have helped me.

“Why do you baptize?” the church leaders asked John, questioning his authority. John gave his reason, namely JESUS.

• Because JESUS saved me, I am forever grateful.
• Because JESUS saved me, I feel a desire to server others.
• Because JESUS saved me, I want others to crave HIS grace.

When I get tired, JESUS is there to strengthen me to continue on. When things are falling apart all around me, JESUS is there to pick up the pieces and make me whole. JESUS gives me purpose and keeps me going. HE is my desire.

• Why do you do what you do?
• Are you trying to satisfy your inner desires?
• Can you turn your desires over to GOD so HE can do a marvelous work through you 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.”

============

“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?

Can’t Pay Back

Luke 14: ¹² Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. ¹³ But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.¹⁴ And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

============

“Here are a pair of shoes” a person said to me. I had worn my shoes down to the point where I had holes in my soles. “Thank you” was all I had to give him in return.

• There were times when I was given a lot and could not repay.
• There were times when people gave me a lot but I had nothing to give them.
• There were times when I stood around with no gift to give yet I was invited to the party.

JESUS tries HIS best to guide the church leaders onto a different path. HE explains that inviting people who can easily repay is not the goal, instead invite those who cannot repay.

• GOD says to me, “Go. Seek those who cannot do for themselves.”
• GOD says to me, “Give. Do not seek repayment for money given to those in need.”
• GOD says to me, “Grow. Be strong enough to leave the rich and support those I want you to serve.”

Help the poor, maimed, lame and blind is what GOD wants me to do. But what about my problems? GOD says “I have sent you help and I desire to make you whole.” My wholeness comes from GOD and HE desires to share HIS healing to those who will accept HIM. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborer’s are few. HE wants me to seek those who cannot repay.

• Are you in a position where you can celebrate with those in need?
• Can you take a little of your blessing and give it to someone in need today?
• Are you the one in need and do not feel like asking for help?
• Will you ask GOD to deliver people who can supply your need today?

Doing Over Being

Luke 10: ³⁸ Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

⁴¹ And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

============

Upon arrival I immediately went to work. I balanced the books, input all receipts by giver and drew up plans for a new parking lot. When I went home I wondered what the sermon was about. I had missed it because I was too busy to listen.

• There have been many times when I was extremely busy “doing” church.
• There have been many times when I thought “the more I serve the closer to GOD I will be.”
• Three have been many times when I believed that other people were lazy, selfish, ungiving people who needed to get off their butts and simply serve.

Martha wanted her house a certain way, and she was probably extra careful when a special guest was around. JESUS was that special guest and she had to have everything right. BUT HE said something strange to her. Mary, who was sitting at HIS feet worshiping, had chosen the right thing to do.

• JESUS wants me to stay away from burn out types of service.
• JESUS wants me to simply worship HIM so I can serve cheerfully.
• JESUS wants me to slow down so I can hear HIM and when HE fills me up, then I can go back to serving.

There is nothing worse than grumpy service. When I serve people, it is not just the act that counts, it is the heart. GOD wants me to serve with my heart rather than just with action. But sometimes my heart is filled with the wrong things which can taint my service and I get no reward from HIM for my grumpy service.

GOD wants me to ask for a clean heart first so I can serve others the way HE wants mt to. HE wants me to put HIM first, then HE will guide me to serve those who I feel do not deserve being served.

• Are you serving people in a burned out state?
• Do you judge others in what they are “not” doing?
• Can you ask GOD for a heart filled with grace so you can truly desire the best for even your enemies?
• Will you put “grace” over service today?

Direct Response

Luke 3: ¹⁰ So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”

¹¹ He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.”

============

“Who will help us visit the sick?” was the question. No one raised their hand, especially me. I mean the timing was all wrong. I had car trouble I had to handle and a huge project due and my family had some other needs. Maybe someone else can do it.

• There were times when I wanted organizations to handle support of people.
• There were times when I gave money to organizations so they could support other people.
• There were times when I felt organizations would take care of people when I became too busy.

Some earnest people asked John, “What shall we do then?” in response to his wake up message that attacked their reason for being in the wilderness to get baptized. John wanted them to be genuine in their service and he gave them only a couple of examples that would require a change of heart.

• GOD wants me to sometimes give directly to people instead of always giving to organizations.
• GOD wants me to sometimes serve people directly instead of serving a crowd.
• GOD wants me to sometimes meet an individual’s needs instead of depending on an organization to do it.

Directly responding to a specific person’s needs feels different. The timing is never right nor can I ever do enough. BUT GOD is pleased when I meet the needs of “that” person this day. HE gets excited when I look out for one of HIS children. GOD wants me to have responsibility.

• What specific person are you serving?
• Can you take some of you busy time to serve a person?
• Will you take some of your excess and give it to a specific person GOD leads you to give to?

Great Desires

Mark 10: ⁴¹ And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. ⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

============

This time I had a plan. I would arrive a little early so I could position myself near the door. When the gym teacher would say “Go” I would burst out of the door and run to the fence. The first one to the fence would be the captain of the team and I wanted to be captain for a change. As I raced out the door the faster kids beat me profusely!

• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to be the one in charge.
• There were times when I wanted to be the person in the spotlight.

Competition and conflict spread through the disciples. Each one wanted to be great amongst men. JESUS saw what was going on so HE called them to teach them an important lesson about true greatness.

• JESUS says to me “If you want to be great you must desire to be a servant.”
• JESUS says to me “I did not come to be served, but to serve” so use this as you example.
• JESUS says to me “I came to ransom MY life for you and for many.”

Desire had to be put in check. JESUS wants me to desire to be great, but do it HIS way. HE came as a servant and wants me to be one too. HE knows the world would laugh at the things HE calls “great” like simply smiling at people or praying for those ahead of me in traffic.

“You call that great?” the world would say. GOD says “If you have served even a cup of water to these little ones you have served ME.” Yes, that is great! Now, back to the playground. I served as a person on the team as best I could and the team captain said, I want you on my team again. “Hmm, maybe there is something to serving after all.” I thought to myself.

• Do you desire to be great?
• Are you busy telling everyone how great you are?
• Can you redefine your definition of greatness as one who serve JESUS by serving others?