New Mindset Towards Insults

New Mindset Towards Insults

1 Peter 4: ¹² My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. ¹³ Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.

 

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“Four eyes!” was the insult hurled at me that sent me crying. I could no longer play with my blocks. This insult was about my new glasses. I was the only one in my classroom with glasses. The teacher pulled me to the side and taught me this saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I tried it and it worked! That is until I became an adult.

 

• I was taught at a young age to ignore insults.
• A new mindset towards insults was given to me so I could handle when people tried to be mean.
• Realizing that insults are meant to hurt people reminds me to stay away from using them, even passively.

 

Peter provides a perspective on suffering. He went through fear, doubt and denial of JESUS. When JESUS restored HIM as a true follower, Peter preached with passion. He knew that church leaders would be jealous and would persecute him and anyone who believed in JESUS. Peter gave them a new mindset towards insults.

 

My Observations:

• Resilience starts with me knowing I can be slandered and insulted, simply because I believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• Resilience requires that I have a new mindset towards insults where I should expect them.
• Resilience makes me stronger because I know I am on the right track when I am insulted, slandered and debased for my relationship with CHRIST.

 

Insults sting for a moment. I mean, when someone passionately calls me a name, even though it may be false, I sometimes can feel the sharpness of the word. But it is not the insult that is the problem, it is how I respond.

 

GOD expects me to “Love one another” even when insulted by him or her. HE loves when I am thankful with a clear conscience. HE sees those who use insults, passive or aggressive, and owns vengeance. HE simply wants me to live above insults and walk in JESUS’ footsteps. I am glad GOD gives me a path that helps me not internalize insults.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer presenting?
• Have you ever be insulted and knew the insult was false, but it hurt anyway?
• Will you adopt a new mindset, knowing you will be insulted because of your relationship with JESUS?

Something Much Better

Something Much Better

Hebrews 10: ³² Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. ³³ You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. ³⁴ You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. ³⁵ Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward.

 

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Many wars broke out at the company. Some were ego related, some power related, some were racially motivated and some were just plain greed related. Whatever the case, I was ready to fight! When I “lost” the battle, I questioned GOD.

 

• I wondered if GOD loved me.
• I questioned HIS motivation for taking me out of the struggle.
• I thought I was supposed to stay where I was, doing the same battles over and over again.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed suffering. He spoke about it in two ways. First he spoke about past suffering. He suggested that GOD brought them through this difficult time and they were not defeated. He then spoke about other people’s struggles and how those who were not struggling at the time, empathized with those who were.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees me when I am going through a struggle.
• GOD hears me when I cry out to HIM.
• GOD may move me out of a struggle that I wanted to hold onto.

 

Pain and struggles are something I can get used to even though I am not supposed to. I mean, when I am in a bad situation where there is abuse, slander and mistreatment, I think I should stay there and simply take it. I also think it is okay to receive no help when I ask for it and be insulted for trying to serve. I then wonder if GOD is there... HE is.

 

GOD shows up in marvelous ways during the insults, slander, abuse and manipulation. HE fills me up when nothing else in the world can do the same. HIS SPIRIT guides me and provides me with hope that can never be tarnished. All things I hold onto pale in comparison to what GOD has for me. I am glad HE has something much better than I can imagine!

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer present?
• Have you ever suffered mistreatment and insults?
• Will you look beyond the current struggle and remember how GOD brought you through many of life’s battles and also know HE has great rewards for you because of your endurance today?

Permanent Solution

Permanent Solution

1 Corinthians 6: ⁷ The very fact that you have legal disputes among yourselves shows that you have failed completely. Would it not be better for you to be wronged? Would it not be better for you to be robbed? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves wrong one another and rob one another, even other believers! ⁹ Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts ¹⁰ or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God's Kingdom. ¹¹ Some of you were like that. But you have been purified from sin; you have been dedicated to God; you have been put right with God by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

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“Maybe I can use a coat hanger” was my first thought in repairing the hatch back door on my jalopy of a car.  Of course the hanger did not fit properly. It was too thin to snugly connect the hatch to the car and if I doubled the hanger, it was too thick. I needed a permanent solution.

 

• There have been many times when I looked at temporary solutions as permanent.
• There have been many times when I declared something as “fixed” when it was still broken.
• There have been many times when I argued about my patch work, justifying why I repaired it the way I did.

 

Paul explains the reason it is frivolous to take legal action against another believer in JESUS. He, however, does it in a strange way. He explains that anyone who sins in any way, will not receive the kingdom of GOD. The sines he lists are temporary solutions to a deeper problem, namely the lack of a relationship with JESUS for salvation.

 

• GOD wants me to turn from temporary sin and replace it with a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD knows I cannot resist sin, so HE gave me a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD saw all the sins I would ever commit, and HE forgave me with HIS permanent solution, namely JESUS.

 

Trying to pick apart the list Paul writes, points to a deeper problem which is surrender. I mean, if I think “I” am not on the list he writes about and that I can tell someone else to straighten up because “their” actions are sinful, then I am the one with the serious problem. All have sinned and need a permanent solution to sin.

 

JESUS is that permanent solution. HE not only saves me eternally, HE guides me daily through the HOLY SPIRIT. When I want to use sin as my solution, the HOLY SPIRIT warns me and provides a way out. I don’t always take the way out, so HE pleads for me when I sin. I am grateful GOD’s grace is sufficient to cover my sins.

 

• Are you trying to fix your life with temporary sin?
• Do you think you were “born that way” and are unwilling to surrender your life to JESUS?
• Have you fallen for the lie that if you have committed a sin, GOD will not forgive you, or worse yet, you do not feel you need to be forgiven?
• Will you consider the love of JESUS and ask for forgiveness of any sin so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Have Been Versus Is

Have Been Versus Is

1 Corinthians 5: ⁹ In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. ¹⁰ Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. ¹¹ What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.

 

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Over the course of my life I looked exactly like everyone else. I tried to fit into the world, so I picked up its behaviors. I read this list which included immorality, greed, idol worship, slander, getting drunk and being a thief. Yes, I have been all of the above.

 

• There have been many times when I have looked just like the world.
• There have been many times when I just wanted to fit in so I acted like “everyone” else.
• There have been many times when my own lusts made me choose to act like the world.

 

Paul gives a very strong warning about “someone who calls himself a believer but…” The “But” in his statement is very strong. He implies the person does not really believe JESUS is the only answer but mouths the words of GOD by mentioning HIM on occasion to manipulate people in immoral, greedy, idol worshipping, slanderous, drunken and thieving ways.

 

• GOD wants me to be able to confess when I sin.
• GOD wants me to be ready to admit a fallen state in hopes that I can be restored.
• GOD wants me to use the fruit of the Spirit, especially “self-control” to keep from falling back into the ways GOD dislikes.

 

Restoration can happen to anyone. I mean if I fall to being immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderous, drunk or a thief, I should be removed from leading in any gathering of believers as a leader. Fortunately, GOD wants to use sinners to spread HIS message.

 

If I confess this behavior and truly repent or stay away from old behaviors, then I can be restored and useful to lead people to CHRIST. Yes, GOD takes sin seriously and so should I. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads on my behalf, who restores me and who leads me daily.

 

• Are you trying to stay away from people you have judged?
• Do you think you heart is perfect and other people have imperfect hearts?
• Will you stop applying this list to other people and examine yourself to see if there is something blocking you from speaking boldly and truthfully about JESUS today?

Keep in Mind

Keep in Mind

Romans 1: ²⁸ Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. ²⁹ They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip ³⁰ and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. ³² They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.

 

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When I took the exam, I did well. I studied and memorized all the facts. Years later, after not having used the subject, I struggled to remember the content. When someone asked me questions, I could not help. I had forgotten everything.

 

• There have been many things I used to know that I have forgotten.
• There have been many practices I used to do that I no longer do.
• There have been many things that were good for me, and I did at one time that I stopped doing.

 

Paul continues explaining what GOD revealed to him. He says that some people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about GOD. Because of this, GOD allows those people to have a corrupt mind, doing anything evil that feels right to them.

 

• GOD wants me to keep HIM top of mind every day.
• GOD wants me to know I would choose evil every time if it weren’t for HIS guidance each day.
• GOD wants me to recognize I would choose greed, vice, jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, pride, boasting, disobedience and hatred unless I speak to HIM each day.

 

Having done many evil things on this list, I can testify that Paul’s writing is true. I mean, when he puts jealousy next to murder, it really makes me think that I am hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out of my mess.

 

Only GOD HIMSELF could save me from my sin. I would never choose HIS way, so HE chose me instead. HE died just for me and was raised from the dead. JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me back to HIM. I still want sin, but I keep in mind what GOD wants.

 

• Are you doing what you want, never asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Do you see things only from your perspective, justifying your actions along the way?
• Will you keep GOD in mind, knowing you could fall to the things HE does not want you to do, so you could be given your perfect purpose today?

Preach Imprisoned

Preach Imprisoned

Acts 24: ²² Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” ²³ He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

 

²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

 

²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

 

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After surviving the slander, those who spoke negatively about me wanted to keep me around to get information from me. They would speak cordially in the meetings I attended, but reported something made up to people behind my back. They wanted to look like heroes, taking credit for my work. This felt like prison.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to expose the liars.
• There were many times when I wanted to tell people about those who were acting sneaky.
• There were many times when I wanted people to know the truth about what was going on.

 

Felix knew about “the Way.” In other words, he had heard about the followers of JESUS. He gave Paul a lighter sentence, but Paul still had to remain in jail. Felix came with his Jewish wife to listen to Paul. Instead of letting Paul go, he kept him imprisoned and listened to the faith in CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to not get weary in the place that feels like prison.
• GOD wants me to remain vigilant in preaching HIS word, even to those who do wrong to me.
• GOD wants me to speak about love and demonstrate it to those who could care less about me.

 

Rage is usually want I want to show when sneaky people are doing wrong. I mean, I get tired of people, who try to cover themselves, spinning their words to make me look bad and themselves look good. BUT GOD wants me to remain calm and let HIM handle the situation. GOD wants me to choose peace.

 

When I am peaceful, the opportunity to speak about JESUS is more likely to happen than when I am acting out in rage. I place, looking forward to speaking about JESUS while in prison, over being free and not talking about HIM. I am grateful JESUS is there with me every step.

 

• Are you, or do you feel like you are, in prison?
• Do you feel like someone is acting sneaky and making themselves look good at your expense?
• Will you ask GOD to help you not grow weary and keep speaking about JESUS anyway?

Courage for Truth

 

Courage for Truth

Acts 21: ²⁷ When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, ²⁸ shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” ²⁹ (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

 

³⁰ The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. ³¹ While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. ³² He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

 

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Feeling pressured and not wanting to get in trouble, I thought of a “story” to cover myself. I had broken the bottom window of the door by losing my grip on my bike. Something popped in my head. I could blame the kid from two doors over. I mean, he “could” throw things, right? So what if he was in his wheelchair and wasn’t outside and the bushes would have not made it possible.

 

There were times when I was determined to cover myself.

There were times when I was too scared to even admit wrong to myself.

There were times when I felt it was easier to lie rather than facing the consequences of my actions.

 

Some Jews recognized Paul and immediately thought of lies. They grabbed him and told the crowd that Paul, singlehandedly, told “everyone” “everywhere” to not follow the Jewish law that he upheld. They also supposed he brought a Gentile into a Jewish temple. They stirred the crowd to beat Paul because of their lies.

 

GOD wants me to be courageous enough to tell the truth.

GOD wants me to be in the practice of admitting my sin so when someone confronts me, it won’t sting as much.

GOD wants me to invite people to GOD rather than excluding them to one race.

 

Believing in “a” truth is dangerous. I mean I can convince myself of anything regardless of the overwhelming evidence. GOD has provided overwhelming evidence of HIS love for humanity through HIS SON JESUS. HE chose to die for my sins and for that I am truly grateful!

 

What lies are you telling yourself or others?

When will you grow up to stop lying to show you are superior or “right?”

If you are courageous enough to lie to others and yourself, will you add to your courage by dropping your lies and telling people about “the” truth of JESUS being the only Savior today?

Fighting Rumors

Fighting Rumors

Acts 21: ²⁰ When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. ²¹ They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. ²² What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, ²³ so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. ²⁴ Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. ²⁵ As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”

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Someone reported a rumor about me. I was highly insulted so I reacted quickly in defense. It seemed the more I reacted the worse the rumor got. In fact, more rumors got added because I was shaken.

• There were times when worried about what people thought of me.
• There were times when I tried to please everyone.
• There were times when I thought rumors could hurt my reputation.

The crowd at Jerusalem was excited to finally see Paul. He told them about all GOD had done. After hearing what Paul had to say, they warned him about the rumors of him preaching against the Laws of Moses. They vowed to clear his name and tell everyone he lived according to the law. They also instructed the Gentiles to have self-control.

• GOD wants me to know my reputation with HIM is spotless.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE forgave me and that is all that matters.
• GOD wants me to embrace HIS protection, especially when people lie about me.

Rumors and lies are very similar. I mean the motive behind both do not come from a good place. The enemy used rumors and lies to trick humanity into sin. He wants to do the same today. GOD holds my reputation.

HE sees my prayers, service and efforts to resist sin. While I fail in everything I do, the HOLY SPIRIT fortifies my relationship with JESUS. I am grateful I cannot be removed from GOD’s hand, even by rumor.

• Is someone slandering you?
• Do you feel your reputation is in trouble because someone is lying on you?
• Will you focus on what GOD wants in your life so you can stop worrying about what people think about you today?

Slander Reaction

Slander Reaction

Acts 6: ⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

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Part of the fight of being a leader was protecting my reputation. For years, I made sure my decisions were not only sound, but heard. Things were going well, until I wanted to be “me” instead of who they wanted me to be.

I could no longer hide my faith just to get ahead. The slanderers made up their weird stories, but this time I did not care if those in charge wanted to believe lies.

• There came a time when I got tired of protecting what people thought of me.
• There came a time when I just wanted to be me instead of who everyone wanted me to be.
• There came a time when I realized I was not living by faith rather I was doing what was expected of me.

Stephen was doing great things for GOD. That’s what he was made for. Some jealous church leaders tried to fight his wisdom but found they could not beat him on that front. So they made up lies about him to capture him. Stephen’s reaction was simply to sit, peacefully.

• GOD wants me to know vengeance is HIS.
• GOD wants me to understand that I will be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to expect a fight because of my service to the LORD.

Yelling at me, lying on me and hating me are actions I should expect from those who do not believe. It does not feel good. BUT GOD wants me to react different to the outbursts and slander. HE wants me to understand that HE is in control and humans are not.

HE knows the heart and is willing to clean it if I confess. HE also knows the hearts of those who try to harm me because of my service to HIM. HE protects the relationship I have with HIM. Humans my hurt my reputation or sometimes, my body. BUT GOD holds me everlasting. I am grateful GOD hold my reputation.

• Are you being lied about?
• Do you have someone talking negatively about you behind your back?
• Will you let what they are doing go so GOD will handle them in HIS time without you seeing HIS punishment on them?

Jealousy

Jealousy

John 21: ²⁰ Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” ²¹ Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?”

²² Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.”

²³ Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?”

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

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Me and another person were top in our business class. We worked hard to study and figure things out. When we got our first business engagement, we poured our hearts into in. I worked tirelessly to prove my worth. One guy, who played golf well and told great jokes, got promoted over us. “What about us?” I inquired, really wanting to know “What about me?”

• There were times when I based my worth on winning over someone else.
• There were times when I looked at relationships as win-lose.
• There were times when I felt I needed recognition rather than correction.

Frustrated after JESUS had just restored him, Peter lashed out and said “What about him?”, as if to say, “Why not scold him for betraying YOU?” JESUS sees Peter’s hurt heart and guides him again by saying “What is that to you? Follow ME.” This sounded harsh, but it grew Peter.

• JESUS wants me to have my relationship with HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look at my sins and confess them to HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to grow my relationship with HIM by seeking HIM and not pouting at what other people are doing or getting.

Jealousy is a heart rotter. I mean when I look at what other people are getting or doing, I wonder if GOD loves me. I question the love of the One who actually loves me. BUT GOD knows this and comes after me anyway. HE erases my jealousy and still rewards me in spite of me. I thank GOD for forgiving me.

• Do you act jealous?
• Do you downplay other people’s accomplishments, talents or skills because you secretly desire to be where they are?
• Will you stop looking at other people and know GOD made you exactly as you are and loves you at HIS maximum already?

Inside Destination

Mark 14: ⁵³ And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. ⁵⁴ But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.

⁵⁵ Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. ⁵⁶ For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree.

⁵⁷ Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, ⁵⁸ “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” ⁵⁹ But not even then did their testimony agree.

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“He is so stinky” were the hurtful words spoken towards one person in our class. “I bet he pees on himself” said one. “I bet he will give you some disease” said another. One day, he was trying to speak kind words to me, but I backed away. I mean he did smell and I didn’t want to catch anything.

• Sometimes I believe in the negative stories spoken about people.
• Sometimes I believe in the slander people sling on others.
• Sometimes I believe in the unsubstantiated things said about people.

False witness comes deep from the heart. It comes from a desire to be right and in control at the same time. The church leaders wanted to be in control but JESUS was taking the spotlight. HE did nothing wrong, yet HIS accusers tried to dream up lies.

• GOD wants me to look for the good inside of people.
• GOD wants me to speak encouraging words about people.
• GOD wants me to dig through the dirty surface of people and seek the inside HE loves.

Slander is something GOD despises. Whether I call it venting or trying to get “my” point across, speaking bad about someone is not of GOD. JESUS wants me to look inside of those who seem dirty on the outside but in reality are seeking GOD. This group of hurt people desire to follow GOD but have a hard time and need grace the same as me.

• Are you involved in slander of someone?
• Are you speaking negative words about people instead of speaking grace?
• Can you ask GOD for healing of your tongue and your mind so you can think and speak gracefully today?

Looking for Trouble

Matthew 26: ⁵⁷ Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. ⁵⁸ But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome.

⁵⁹ The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. ⁶⁰ But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward.

Finally two came forward ⁶¹ and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

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“This guy has got to go!” I thought to myself. He was causing problems at work and stirred everyone up. I asked people what he did wrong and they could not tell me for certain what he was doing. No one else had the nerve to get rid of this person so I had to be the one. Finally one person came forth and told me about some trivial mistakes. “Maybe I can use this” I thought.

• There were times when I looked for evidence against “that” person.
• There were times when I sought to prove my position was right.
• There were times when I would have listened to false witnesses and been alright with it.

Peace is all I wanted even if my employees may have been the malefactors. It was easier to fire one than many, no matter how “right” he was. GOD wants me to have a different attitude.

• GOD wants me to stand up for what is right versus following the crowd.
• GOD wants me to guard against pleasing the crowd versus following what HE says.
• GOD wants me to seek first HIS righteousness instead of looking at humans who may have hidden motives.

When I look for trouble in a person I often can find it. I mean everyone has problems and I can make their imperfections stand out with the right crowd behind me. GOD wants me to seek what is good not what is obviously bad. HE saved me in the middle of my sins and desires to do the same for “that” person. HE wants me to have grace.

• Are you looking for the worst in “that” person?
• Are you immaturely building up evidence against them and getting your crowd to believe in you even if the truth may have been stretched?
• Will you stop looking for trouble and start looking for GOD’s grace today?

Betrayal Remembrance Dinner

Matthew 26: ²⁰ When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.²¹ And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

²² They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

²³ Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. ²⁴ The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

²⁵ Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

²⁷ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

³⁰ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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“Tell us who did it” were the calming words of the leaders. I felt comfortable enough to express my opinion so I told on the person. Later I was told my services were no longer needed. It turned out that the leaders needed me to be a fall guy to expose the problem while they maintained their political status. I was betrayed!

• Betrayal never feels good to me.
• Betrayal never brings good to anyone involved.
• Betrayal may seem like a good solution temporarily, but in the end the betrayer will pay.

Amazingly JESUS ate with HIS betrayer and did not stop him. JESUS continued to eat the Passover meal with a special purpose in mind. HE was performing the law of eating the Passover meal while giving humanity a new covenant, namely HIS forgiveness.

• JESUS taught me to give thanks before any meal in remembrance of HIM.
• JESUS taught me to remember HIS blood was shed for me.
• JESUS taught me to sing after celebrating what HE has done for me.

From betrayal to celebration, JESUS kept focus on HIS purpose. HE watched over HIS disciples all the way to the end. JESUS teaches me of HIS new covenant of forgiveness. I am truly grateful.

• Have you been betrayed?
• Do you feel dejected?
• Can you turn your life to JESUS who was betrayed by HIS own creation?

I Want To

Matthew 23: ³³ “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? ³⁴ Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. ³⁵ And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Truly I tell you, all this will come on this generation.

³⁷ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. ³⁸ Look, your house is left to you desolate. ³⁹ For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

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Zealous in my position, I sought out those I could fire. I mean if you weren’t pulling your weight I would have a much needed discussion with you. This was a very long way from where I started. At one time I could not stand to see someone fired.

• Positions were important to me at one time.
• Titles were important to me at one time.
• Authority was what I sought after even at the expense of someone’s demise.

JESUS made it very, very clear of HIS plan to condemn HIS enemies to hell. Those who would do anything for power and authority would have the blood of the innocent heaped upon them. From slanderous words to the act of killing, GOD hates those who hate others. HE sees my actions and knows my ambitions.

• JESUS longs for me to desire HIM.
• JESUS often looks for me to seek HIM.
• JESUS wants me to be willing to receive the rescue HE sends me.

Spiritual blindness can be cured by giving a simple answer to this question, “Do you want to be healed?” The answer from me is “I want to.” JESUS gets delighted by that answer and blesses me abundantly!

• Are you ambitious at some else’s detriment?
• Do you believe you are doing the right thing by tearing someone else down?
• Do you want to be healed of your spiritual blindness?
• Will you say to GOD “Blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD” today?

Ooo I’m Telling!

Matthew 18: ¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

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“This guy has to go” I thought to myself. In the meeting I allowed him to make mistakes on his facts. I knew he would snoop around my desk, so I laid a trap with false information. It took time to develop the fake report but it was worth it!

• I have been a coward when it came to confrontation.
• I have been selfish when it came to dealing with someone I did not like.
• I have been foolish when it came to helping instead of hurting.

Telling my peers how wrong this guy was became a pastime. I wonder how many hours I spent trying to get rid of this person or wasting my breath talking about him. Not once did I approach him.

• GOD wants me to be brave enough to confront “that” person in love.
• GOD wants me to bring witnesses; otherwise my wicked heart may bring up slander.
• GOD wants me to seek restoration versus demise and destruction.

I do not have to be a pushover if someone has wronged me. I should confront them, seeking restoration. If they refuse to listen then I should escalate the issue to those who also seek restoration.

Seeking demise and destruction hurts “that” person, myself and more. Nothing good comes from slander. GOD wants me to seek restoration so HIS work can be done.

• Are you speaking negatively about someone behind their back?
• Are you waiting for their next mistake so you can talk bad about them?
• Will you stop desiring their demise before GOD brings that same demise on you?
• Will you have the faith that GOD will deal with that person in HIS way and HIS time?

Two People

Matthew 13: ²⁴ Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷ “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

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Every day I have a choice of which person I will be. Person one in this passage sowed “good” seed and person two sowed “bad” seed or weeds. Each seed grew in the story.

• Some days I sow bad seed of fear, worry and doubt.
• Some days I sow bad seed of lust, slander and rage.
• Some days I sow bad seed of self-centeredness, self-promotion and self-righteousness.

There are many reasons I sow these seeds, none of which are good. BUT GOD wants me to prepare myself for something different.

• GOD wants me to prepare myself daily to sow “good” seeds.
• GOD wants me to seize every opportunity to plant something “good.”
• GOD wants me to seek out situations where I can say something “good.”

Complaints, slander and arguments weaken my “good” seed. In fact, every negative word I speak grows in weird ways I cannot imagine. GOD wants me to speak the “Good” seed about HIS SON especially when I feel like spreading bad seed.

• Which person will you be today?
• Will you choose to sow GOD’s “good” seeds or your own seeds which could contain weeds?
• Can you identify negative words and positive words that come from your mouth?

Multiplication and Division

Matthew 12: ²⁵ Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. ²⁶ If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? ²⁷ And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

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“Divide and conquer” was the advice of my boss. I heard it all the time and even used these words. It may have been used in a harmless way at the time to tackle a problem. Division can also have extreme consequences.

• I have seen families divided to long term hurt.
• I have seen neighborhoods divided to long term degradation.
• I have seen churches divided to eternal consequences of someone observing.

Divisive tactics begin by slander followed by justification of a point. “First let me show you how stupid that person is” followed by “Here is why I am right.” Blindly I followed these tactics. It was called “The Game.” GOD was not pleased with those tactics.

• GOD wants me to see others with the value HE sees I them.
• GOD wants me to be with HIM instead of being against HIM.
• GOD wants me to multiply instead of divide.

Living together in peace with people who are against me is difficult but worth it. They may look different than me or even have very different views, BUT GOD wants me to remain and be HIS servant.  HE wants me to pray for the different just as much as I pray for my friends and family.

GOD wants me to bring people together so we can multiply HIS kingdom in unity in CHRIST.

• Are you divisive?
• Do you find yourself brooding over someone?
• Can you stop your pouting and join them so you can bring the kingdom to more people?
• Will you ask for GOD’s strength to stay where you are and reach your different neighbors?