Set Up For Success

 

Set Up For Success

Romans 11: ¹⁶ If the first piece of bread is given to God, then the whole loaf is his also; and if the roots of a tree are offered to God, the branches are his also. ¹⁷ Some of the branches of the cultivated olive tree have been broken off, and a branch of a wild olive tree has been joined to it. You Gentiles are like that wild olive tree, and now you share the strong spiritual life of the Jews. ¹⁸ So then, you must not despise those who were broken off like branches. How can you be proud? You are just a branch; you don't support the roots—the roots support you.

 

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Blame the last person for the mess so the new person could look like the hero, was the normal habit at this particular company. I got into the position and everything seemed to be falling apart. People were blaming “my” department and I considered using the deflection tactic.

 

• There were times when I wanted to blame someone else for the mess I was in.
• There were times when I wanted to set someone up for failure so I could succeed.
• There were times when I wanted to show how wrong someone else was so I could look right.

 

Paul spoke about GOD’s currency, namely people. He uses two analogies; one about bread and the other about olive trees. In both analogies, Paul explains that everything is GOD’s. If a group of people are given to GOD then the entire tribe is also given to HIM. If a group has been adopted into the family, those adopted should not despise the family members who left the family.

 

• GOD wants me to recognize I am accepted by HIM only because of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to understand that all of us have gone astray so I must be humble because HE brought me back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to show love to those who are pursuing religion versus believing in JESUS as the Savior.

 

Setting people up for success means not speaking badly about them. I mean, I must look at my own sins and avoid pointing out someone else’s. I am a sinner and the only reason I can even speak JESUS’ name is because HE pursued me when I was not looking for HIM.

 

I have nothing to be proud of. My righteousness is like a pile of poop. I am grateful I can point to JESUS whose righteousness cleans all who believe.

 

• Are you looking at someone, thinking they are not following GOD correctly?
• Do you have a problem with the way someone sings, speaks or preaches about GOD?
• Will you get rid of your pride and be thankful JESUS is your Savior so HE can clean your heart to share in the “strong spiritual life” today?

Set Up For Success

Set Up For Success

John 6: ⁴ Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. ⁵ Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” ⁶ But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

⁷ Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

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Sitting in a high powered meeting, I felt prepared for a change. I had all of my facts and figures memorized and no question could get past me. One of the top executives spoke on my behalf. “We plan to do something different” were the words that shook me. I was not prepared for the change. All I could do was nod my head. To my surprise, it all worked out.

• There have been times when I was set up for success by someone in charge.
• There have been times when I was given credit for someone else’s idea.
• There have been times when I was put into a situation that I was not in control of and it worked out just fine.

JESUS saw thousands of hungry people coming towards HIM and HIS disciples. HE asked Phillip “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” knowing HE was about to perform a miracle. Philip replied “The money we have would only buy crumbs for everyone.” Philip did not know what GOD was going to do.

• GOD shows me big situations so I can see HIM clear them up.
• GOD opens my eyes to some difficult problems so I can see that only HE can fix them.
• GOD allows me to see very large and trying circumstances so I can place my trust in HIM.

From large to small JESUS can handle it all. There is no situation that is too large or too small for GOD. HE is concerned about all of my thoughts and is not bothered when I ask HIM for anything. HE wants me to trust HIM more and more each day. I trust GOD to handle everything.

• What are you going through?
• Do you think you have enough resources to solve all of your problems?
• Will you stop relying on what you can see and allow GOD to open your spiritual eyes to see HIS power today?