Living Hope

Living Hope

1 Peter 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, ⁴ and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people. He keeps them for you in heaven, where they cannot decay or spoil or fade away. ⁵ They are for you, who through faith are kept safe by God's power for the salvation which is ready to be revealed at the end of time.

 

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

 

Feeling anxious about my pending job evaluation, I prepared my statement of the year’s accomplishments. When I sat in front of my boss, I could see that the evaluation was already written, signed and provided to me. It did not match what I thought.

 

• I put a lot of hard work into the job, only to get an average evaluation.
• I thought I did the right things to get recognized, but was told that other people performed better.
• I lost hope in the job, because I could not have worked any harder than 60 to 80 hours per week.

 

Peter discussed hope that cannot be stolen and will never decay. This hope is in GOD’s rewards in heaven for each of those HE calls HIS own.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s rewards for me are based on HIS love HE has for me.
• GOD sees what I  do for HIM and loves it so much that HE stores up rewards in heaven.
• GOD’s rewards are not based on human performance, rather HIS overflowing love for me.

 

Knowing that being born into sin seemed unfair to me. I mean, because I was born I deserve to go to Hell?! Yes. But the other side to the unfairness is quite amazing. Just by belief in JESUS not only saves me from eternal separation from GOD, but gives me unimaginable rewards that can never fade.

 

GOD provides me with living hope to look beyond this life. This hope propels me into action for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to save me and reward me greatly.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone, only to be met with disappointment?
• Will you seek living hope that actively seeks what GOD wants so you can receive rewards in heaven beyond your imagination?

Placed on a Better Mountain

Placed on a Better Mountain

Hebrews 12: ²² Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. ²³ You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. ²⁴ You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel.

 

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

 

“Wow! This is so much better” I said to myself. For a long, long time, I fretted over a high paying job that gave me a title. When I no longer had that position, I felt bad about “myself” because I placed all my identity in the level “I” achieved. But when I let go of titles and salary, I found something I had lost years back… “me.!”

 

• I thought the old way was the best way.
• I could not see anything better because I was stuck
• I found myself and then I could see who GOD wanted me to be.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, switched over to a different mountain, namely Mount Zion. While the reader could get caught up looking at mountains, the writer emphasizes a new covenant where people are made perfect. This is a “better” mountain.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to manipulate GOD by following the law, BUT GOD responds to when I surrender my life to JESUS.
• I can feel bad about when I broke GOD’s Law by sinning, BUT GOD wants me to know I am forgiven because of the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS.
• I can be scared of GOD and frightened over HIS punishment, BUT JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me in times of trouble.

 

I don’t know a better place until I see it. I mean, I may be in a bad place, thinking I have to stay there. Abuse, and misuse are accepted as I think I am doing the right thing by staying in the fire of achievement towards fame and fortune. BUT GOD wants me to have a better life.

 

When I identify with HIM, I become a new person. My new identity is far better than any title or wealth status I think I have reached. GOD gets excited when I point people to HIS SON. HE then tells me “Well done” and places me on HIS mountain, above the problem-filled world. I am glad GOD raises me up to do HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer provide?
• Have you ever gotten stuck on “the rules” and notice your life is still falling apart?
• Will you seek the grace of JESUS and ask GOD to open your eyes to what HE is doing versus what you think you and others have to do, so you can accept how much HE loves you today?

Hope for the Rich

Hope for the Rich

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in the things of this life not to be proud, but to place their hope, not in such an uncertain thing as riches, but in God, who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others. ¹⁹ In this way they will store up for themselves a treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future. And then they will be able to win the life which is true life.

 

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

 

Wearing “worn” clothes gave me skills I didn’t know I had. Instead of accepting holes in my coat, I got a needle and thread to close up drafty seams. Later in life, I got jobs that paid more than I was spending. I went to only certain stores and wore specific brands. I got compliments I hadn’t gotten before.

 

• I liked the reaction from admirers, so I saved up more money for myself to buy more.
• I liked being in the spotlight of followers, so I hid my poor past.
• I liked the way people reacted to “my” wealth and eventually despised patching holes.

 

Paul tells Timothy to give a command to the rich, “not to be proud” because they have plenty of “things of this life.” He pointed people to GOD who generously gives us everything for our enjoyment. He further tells Timothy to command them to “do good”, “rich in good works”, “to be generous and ready to share with others.”

 

My Observations

• Whether I have plenty of the “things of this life” or not, GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM.
• All things belong to GOD and HE has the right to give me what HE wants to.
• Sharing with others, doing good works and being good seem to be pleasing to the LORD whether I am rich or poor.

 

“It is harder for the rich to enter heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” are words that have scared me. I mean it seems like rich people don’t stand a chance! But who are the rich? To those who don’t have a home or food, everyone who does is rich. So what is the problem? It is where hope is placed.

 

Pride seems to be the one thing GOD despises the most. It blinds us to the fact that maybe “I” am the rich blind person who has plenty and am not sharing, being good or doing good works that are pleasing to the LORD. HE wants my heart because the things of this world mean nothing to HIM. HE has a “treasure which will be a solid foundation for the future” which is “true life.” I am glad GOD has given me plenty and recognize the need to serve others well.

 

Challenge

• Who are the rich people the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever lost hope because you don’t have money and don’t know when or where it is going to come?
• Will you rethink where you place your hope and move it from the “things of this life” and place it in JESUS who is our Savior and who stores up treasures in heaven for you today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, it is difficult to take our eyes off of wanting more of the things of this life because the enemy tempts us to want more and more. Help us see YOU as our hope. Take our fear away so we can rely on YOUR provision, knowing you give plenty and reward our “good deeds.” amen

Hope Never Lost

Hope Never Lost

Colossians 1: ⁵ When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven.

 

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

 

Special mementos were something I dragged around through life. One box contained pictures, cards and other items from my childhood through adult life. One day I would look at these items with fond memories, I thought. Unfortunately, the box got wet and moldy in transport from one place to the next. I had to toss everything.

 

• I wanted to hold onto that stuff.
• I labeled these items as special and wanted to keep them at all costs.
• I was unable to keep the items safe and they were lost anyway.

 

Paul admires those who have placed their faith in the Good News about JESUS when they heard about it. Since the Good News offers hope that cannot be tarnished, stolen or damaged by anything on earth, placing hope in this was the right move.

 

My Observations

• GOD has a special place for me that is far greater than this earth.
• My hope is based on the Good News of JESUS being raised from the dead.
• Nothing can steal, tarnish, dent, rip, crack, blotch, tear or ruin the rewards GOD has for me.

 

Shortsightedness makes me think things in this world can be special. I mean, material things like houses, cars, tech, clothes, art, jewelry and other items can sometimes make me temporarily feel special, but can be lost.

 

Since the world’s pleasures are temporary, I fall into a trap of a lifelong pursuit that ends up being hopeless. BUT GOD provides a remedy. “Let it go” is what HE says. Anything that cannot be taken into heaven is not worth losing my soul over. HE wants me to care about my relationship with JESUS and do the same for others. I am glad I can place my hope in something that will be eternally available.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone and it or they got damaged?
• Do you have regrets in missing some event or thing?
• Will you learn about the Good News of CHRIST so you can place your hope in what HE has done for you and so you can see other people need to hear HIS wonderful message today?

Made Special

Made Special

Ephesians 3: ⁷ I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power. ⁸ I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ, ⁹ and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect.

 

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

 

Doing an assessment of my skills, looks and accomplishments when I was insecure made me feel like I was not going to get anywhere soon. I saw people reach heights and overcome hurdles, yet I felt I had done nothing and was headed nowhere.

 

• I felt like I was insignificant.
• I compared myself to other people and felt bad about what I had done.
• I thought I was not special and had no gifts or talents.

 

Saul was zealous about GOD. He persecuted those who were not following the rules to the letter. He was given permission to have people killed. GOD called Saul to preach about the love of JESUS, and renamed him Paul, who wrote this letter. He stopped persecuting the church, lost his worldly title, became insignificant to humans and became special to GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me when humans do not.
• GOD made me special to reach those HE wants me to reach.
• GOD wants me to see that being HIS servant is a privilege.

 

Standing firm on the belief of JESUS can make anyone feel insignificant. I mean, the world praises celebrities, politicians, rich and powerful people. It sometimes seems like those who follow JESUS are the opposite of famous people. BUT GOD sees different.

 

When one person believes in JESUS there is incredible rejoicing in heaven! To the world, this seems insignificant, but to GOD, this means everything. HE stores up treasures in heaven for those who use their special gift to make people see HIS secret plan put into effect. I gladly use my gifts and talents to serve GOD by the working of HIS power.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the maturity of the writer?
• Why do you think he calls it a privilege to take the Good News to the Gentiles?
• If you feel less than special, will you stop looking at yourself and look at GOD’s incredible power and simply point one person to the infinite riches of CHRIST today?

 

Fixed Attention

Fixed Attention

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. ¹⁷ And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. ¹⁸ For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

 

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

 

Short pants were in and it was hot! Notice I didn’t say shorts. I wore them outside as we played. Unfortunately, my fashion choice gave mosquitos more opportunities for their evening snack.

 

With tens of bites on each leg, I sat inside miserable. The itching was overwhelming. Dinner didn’t seem to taste good because of my distraction. Sitting was uncomfortable and we had another six days to be there. “Don’t think about them” someone said. All I could think about were the bites.

 

• Mosquito bites seem small but somehow draw my attention.
• When I am uncomfortable, I only want to see a path to comfort.
• My focus on scratching the problem made the healing process extended.

 

Because JESUS died and was raised from the dead, we can have eternal life. Paul says “for this reason we never become discouraged.” He was the poster child of going through trouble. His troubles were very large in comparison to mosquito bites, yet he provides some great advice for facing large and small troubles.

 

My Observations

• Faith is something GOD loves for me to focus on.
• Joy is a gift GOD loves to give me daily.
• Eternal rewards are the true prizes GOD wants me to seek.

 

The unseen things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are what GOD wants me to have in abundance. This fruit is the best meal to place my attention on.

 

Whenever life becomes challenging, GOD wants me to seek the fruit of the Spirit, so I can endure and persevere. I am glad GOD loves the unseen fruit to focus my attention on.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt more rested when you were not focused on the problem?
• What does the writer say about never becoming discouraged?
• What things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous or praiseworthy can you focus on today?

True Finances

True Finances

John 16: 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

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

Over time, the coins I took to the bank added up. I got excited over seeing the balance grow. I could now afford to buy anything I wanted. “Maybe I will buy some pants” I said to myself. I mean the ones I had were ragged and outgrown. “I deserve something better.”

• Money made me excited.
• Money made me think there was a problem when I did not have it.
• Money made me want more of it so I could depend on its power.

JESUS had a lot more to say to HIS followers but ran out of time. HE spoke about the HOLY SPIRIT in a generous way. Somehow, the HOLY SPIRIT will give away everything that was entrusted to JESUS.

• Truth is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Glorifying JESUS is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.
• Salvation of those around me is a currency the HOLY SPIRIT gives to me.

Truth, praise and salvation are extremely important to the FATHER. But sometimes I fall into the trap, thinking human made finances are more important. I mean, GOD wants me to be more upset that one of my neighbor’s may be rejecting HIM, than worrying if their grass is not cut to the right length.

JESUS treasures humans and wants me to do the same. HE wants me to be as greedy as I want to be, as long as my greed is for human salvation. GOD’s currency is opposite that of human currency, which raises false hopes, false expectations and false security. GOD’s currency is truth and I believe in HIS true hope and security.

• Are you as concerned about your neighbor’s salvation than if you can pay a bill this month?
• Do you care about others more than the latest thing you want to spend money on?
• Will you accept caring for what GOD gives you more than what you can get out of life?

Leaving Home

Luke 18: ²¹ ‘All these I have kept since I was a boy,’ he said.

²² When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’

²³ When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. ²⁴ Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’

²⁶ Those who heard this asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’

²⁷ Jesus replied, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’

²⁸ Peter said to him, ‘We have left all we had to follow you!’

²⁹ ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus said to them, ‘no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God ³⁰ will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.’

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

Arriving on campus gave me no clues that I would not be returning home. I could now stay out as long as I wanted and do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I was free! The first night I began my party life and became “known” on campus.

• I remember living life with no purpose.
• I recall fulfilling the few lusts that I had.
• I reminisce on my life when I was simply wandering and living only for me.

JESUS saw the rich man’s heart and says to him “sell everything” for HE knew the rich man had a lust for money. Those around HIM heard this and may have known they too had this same lust, only they were poor. “Who then can be saved?” they asked.

• GOD says to me “It is impossible to save yourself, BUT what is impossible with man is possible with GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Leave your life and accept MY life that has purpose.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will eat or the clothes you will wear, for I will take care of you.”

After yet another party I still felt empty. I wondered if there was more to life. GOD guided me to be by myself with HIM and I slowly let go of my friends and family to begin following HIM. Later in life GOD gave them back to me with abundance. HE is my purpose.

• What are you holding onto?
• Is money, job, or a relationship holding you back from truly following GOD?
• Will you stop chasing what you think is your purpose and allow GOD to give you purpose in your life 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?

Treasure Map

Luke 12: ²⁹ “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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

Standing in the outfield I hoped no one would hit a ball to me. Unfortunately they did, over and over. Finally the coach pulled me in and said “Maybe next year.” This was the annual tryouts for the best little league team in the neighborhood and since my friends were doing it, I figured I would too even though I couldn’t hit, catch or run.

• Many times I did things without really wanting to do them.
• Many times I participated, but could not wait for the activity to be over.
• Many times I joined in but really did not enjoy what I was doing.

The FATHER’s heart is expressed by JESUS to the disciples. “HE knows that you need these things” was JESUS’s statement when it came to worrying about what you will eat and drink. JESUS tries to clear up any misconception that I may have regarding the FATHER’s love for me.

• JESUS says to me “The FATHER know your needs.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not fear for it is your FATHER’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek the kingdom of GOD and the FATHER will meet your needs.”

But how can I seek the kingdom? What does that mean? GOD wants me to change the desires of my heart to focus on giving directly to those who are in need. HE wants my heart to be excited about seeing people grow towards HIM and to look for opportunities to serve my neighbors rather than complaining about them.

GOD wants me to have an abundant life and that abundance means people turning their face towards HIM because of the love HE has shown me. HE guides my heart to serve HIM daily.

• What is your heart set on?
• Do you feel sorry for yourself and your situation?
• Can you change your focus from you and add the desire to have people grow in CHRIST on a daily basis?
• Will you give a little of what you have to someone in need today?

Same Wage

Matthew 20: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ² He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

³ “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ⁴ He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ ⁵ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. ⁶ About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

⁷ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

⁸ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

⁹ “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰ So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹ When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹² ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

¹³ “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵ Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

¹⁶ “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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

“How are we getting the same pay?” I exclaimed in my mind. This guy does nothing but play golf and guess at things, then he comes to me for answers!

• I have been jealous over some else’s position.
• I have been upset over someone else’s rewards.
• I have been envious when someone gets treated the same as me for doing less.

JESUS says “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” This story sounded unfair at first but HE was speaking of the kingdom of heaven in which no one deserved it at all. In heaven people will look over at me and say “How in the world did this person get in?”

JESUS wants me to accept my wages gratefully, so much so that I go out and recruit more workers for the vineyard.

• Are you jealous over what others are receiving?
• Do you feel that you should have more and are mad at GOD?
• Can you drop your anger and allow GOD to bless you and receive thanks from you?

Perfect Life

Matthew 19: ¹⁶ Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

¹⁷ “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

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

Upgrading to a luxury vehicle felt great! I filled out the company forms and drove off in my company car, praising the company! Important people rode in the car and I kept it neat as a hospital. Never once did I give the poor a ride.

• There were times wealth blinded me.
• There were times I treated GOD as yet another achievement.
• There were times when I like things and GOD was an afterthought.

GOD got HIS “cut” each week when it was easy to write a check, but HE wanted so much more. HE removed me from that position and visited with me.

• GOD said to me “I provide you with shelter to execute MY purpose.”
• GOD said to me “I give you transportation to bring MY people along.”
• GOD said to me “I give you wealth to give to the poor.”

Ten percent is nothing to GOD if HE doesn’t have it all. What I mean is even when it came to giving, I looked at wealth as being “mine.” GOD has a right to give to who HE desires and if my heart is in the right place, HE can use me to provide. Sometimes I may be on the other side and need someone to give to me.

GOD said “If you want to be perfect” to the man, knowing his greedy heart. GOD wants my computer, my phone, my car, my house, my clothes and my coffee maker. HE wants me to trade them in for treasure in heaven.

• Are you holding onto things?
• Has wealth or lack of wealth blinded you?
• Can you give GOD your wealth and possessions little by little until HE has it all?

Human Help

Psalm 108: ¹² Give us aid against the enemy,
    for human help is worthless.
¹³ With God we will gain the victory,
    and he will trample down our enemies.

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

Baffled and perplexed, I asked “what would you like me to do?” My willingness was there but this was my first time working with this group. The owner was a friend of the family so his tolerance level of me was extremely high and gracious. As his son toiled, carrying up huge troughs, I struggled to carry my own weight. I made mistake after mistake. Quite honestly I didn’t provide much help that entire day.

• Sometimes my help is worthless.
• Sometimes my addition may be a subtraction.
• Sometimes my input is a detriment.

Fortunately for me, the owner had a vested interest in growing me. While I was not very helpful to his business that day, he received rewards for his actions because he invested his time, talents and treasure in me. He was led by GOD.

• GOD has a way of guiding me through HIS servants.
• GOD has a way of growing me through HIS people.
• GOD has a way of gaining my trust though those HE chose to put around me.

Sometimes my help isn’t help at all, BUT GOD has a way of using my mistakes for good. GOD has blessed the business owner with extreme faith and he imparted some of that faith to me. Now I must do the same, sowing seeds of faith rather than crops of death. GOD has the victory!

• Are you feeling worthless?
• Do you feel like you are making mistake after mistake?
• Can you see that GOD is the victor and HE loves you?
• Will you allow HIM to leverage your situation as a blessing, not a curse?
• Do you realize, it’s not the situation that you are in, but how you allow GOD to drive the path?

Planning for the Future

Psalm 61: ¹ Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

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

What will they say about me at my funeral? I mean will they say that I worked hard and accumulated a great amount of wealth for myself? Will they say I had a wonderful title at whatever company? I wonder.

• Sometimes I chase pleasing the crowd.
• Sometimes I try to be what everyone else wants me to be.
• Sometimes I live to meet someone else’s expectations.

Getting accolades for being a corporate warrior sounds great on paper. I mean I received status, wealth and a little fame. But GOD called me out of this path and onto a new one. HE woke me up to see people who are in need and desires that I serve them with all my heart, no matter who they are or what they believe.

This is a different calling that leaves no legacy. I mean who will remember getting served or prayed for? With busy lives, people soon forget they received prayer and GOD granted them solitude. At the end of my life I desire more than a legacy.

• At the end of my life I want GOD so say “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
• At the end of my life I want GOD to wipe away my tears and point me to eternity.
• At the end of my life I want GOD to give me rewards that I never would have expected.

David recognized his need for GOD early. In order to be ready for a full life serving GOD, I have to start early. I have to begin dropping off the need to be dependent on the world and relying on GOD for direction and delivery. HE provides and HE has plans for me that are far greater than any I could have for myself. HE is my refuge and leads me to the rock upon which I can build my foundation.

• Are you tired?
• Do you feel you are working yourself to death?
• Have you given GOD a little time this week to serve who HE wants you to serve?
• Are you seeking a legacy to yourself or rewards in heaven?
• Will you serve someone today without the need to get an accolade here on earth?

Remember Me for This My GOD

Nehemiah 13: ¹⁴ Remember me for this, my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.

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

Another truck pulled in and I slugged over to unload it. A coworker of mine said, “Let’s hide until the next truck comes.” I thought “Good idea!” I mean it was hot and I could use a break anyway. When the next truck arrived, the supervisor met us. “Where have you been?” he questioned. I stammered over my words but could not find a good retort. “I wonder if they will hire me next summer” I thought.

• Sometimes I’m remembered by my pitiful actions.
• Sometimes I’m remembered by my actions that aren’t so good.
• Sometimes I’m remembered by my sinful actions.

As I was being shaped by the wrong people I made some horrible mistakes which caused several people to remember me in the wrong way. They remember the lazy oaf who slipped off work to goof off while getting paid. If I went to them this day, they would probably say “Yeah I remember. You caused production to be low that day and we did not get the account.” While that is not true, it could have happened that way.

• GOD wants me to grow up and be mature.
• GOD wants my actions to be focused on HIM rather on what I can get out of the deal.
• GOD wants me to serve not scheme.

Integrity is what GOD wants from me. Throw in a little character and fortitude to do what is right and I will have the whole package for giving GOD some great memories of me. HE wants me to serve and believe and have faith when it does not seem like the right thing to do. When all have fallen away HE wants me to stand firm for HIM, yet be graceful when HE blesses me.

These are times GOD remembers.

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you doing things the GOD will have good memories over?
• Are you doing things to get your way or to serve GOD?
• Can you focus your tasks on pleasing GOD today?

GOD is watching

1 Samuel 26: ²³ The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The Lord delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. ²⁴ As surely as I valued your life today, so may the Lord value my life and deliver me from all trouble.”

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

When I finally received the letter with my title and new salary, I said to myself, “I can’t wait to fire a few people.” I knew just who I had in mind. These were the lazy and slothful, at least in my mind, but really they were those who had opposed me over the years.

I handed in my list of people who should be cut, only to find out much later that one was my boss’s boss great friend.

• Sometimes I choose justice over grace.
• Sometimes I choose vengeance over mercy.
• Sometimes I choose “my way” versus “GOD’s way.”

It just feels good to get revenge or see someone fall who has been a jerk to many. BUT GOD wants me to have a different approach.

• GOD wants me to show mercy and sometimes explain it.
• GOD wants me to choose grace by praying for my enemies.
• GOD wants me to value life over getting my way.

Yes, GOD has softened my heart over the years and I value souls more stuff. My push is now focused on the kingdom more and more. It’s not always there but the more I can focus on GOD the more HE rewards me.

• Are you ready and hoping for vengeance?
• Do you want justice to happen?
• Are you waiting on a person to fail?
• Can you change your heart and hope for the best for that person?
• Won’t you pray for GOD to embrace them rather than taking them down?

Something to look forward to

Revelation 22: ³ No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

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

Ever have “one of those days?” I’ve had days where from the time I woke up until the time I went to sleep there were nothing but troubles.  It seems like when I said “what else could happen” something else would happen.  Is there any relief in sight?

• When Satan was thrown out of heaven for wanting to be GOD he tried to ruin mankind.
• When Satan tempted the first humans to sin GOD cursed the Earth and everything that surrounds it.
• When Satan plotted against GOD in an effort to take over GOD sealed up his fate along with anyone who does not believe in HIS SON.

So the Earth is cursed and life is difficult.  I should actually expect things to go wrong, not in a pessimistic way rather in a healthy understanding way.  GOD loves humans. GOD loves me, so much so that when HIS SON volunteered to take my punishment HE allowed it. Now JESUS has been raised from the dead and the curse will be lifted.

• One day JESUS will lift the curse on everything and I will be able to worship HIM without problems.
• One day I will be able to see JESUS and be excited about being in HIS presence.
• One day I will have HIS real name written on my forehead because I am one of HIS.
• One day I won’t need lights or the sun because I will have the SON.

Just thinking of this makes me breathe a sigh of relief. Knowing HE did all this for me makes me continue with “hope.”

• Do you have hope?
• Can you see that GOD has done it all just for you?
• Won’t you stop focusing on today’s issues and know GOD loves you dearly?
• Can you look forward to HIS promises? 

GOD wins!

Revelation 11: ¹⁶ And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.

¹⁸ The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

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

My head was pounding and I could barely breathe. It seemed like every note sent to me was filled with more bad news. I said to myself “this is going to be a rotten day” and guess what… it was!

• When I focus on everything bad I forget to look at GOD.
• When I look at everything wrong I can’t see what is right.
• When I see everything terrible I lose my direction on where GOD is calling me.

When situations arise I tend to forget GOD has already won! I may think HE is losing because I’m feeling rather beat up but HIS victory is nothing but reward for me.

• GOD rewards me for revering HIS name.
• GOD rewards me for recognizing HIS place and HIS power.
• GOD rewards me for reveling in HIS power.

GOD reigns now! HE always has and will always reign. I mean the situations that I think are catastrophic were known to GOD way before they happened. HE understands and HE loves. I get excited just watching HIS power!

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think you have no way out?
• Can you rely on GOD’s matchless power to be in control of your situation?

I need to go shopping!

Revelation 3: ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

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

“There, how does that fit?” the sales clerk asked. “Perfect” was my answer to my new tailored suit. After spending thirty minutes picking out the perfect tie I was now ready to show off my new garments. After wearing the suit twice I noticed a thread coming loose. Even worse I had a snag in my new silk tie. The suit looked old and I hadn't worn it much. I better find a new place to shop!

• Castles, cars and coins rust and deteriorate yet I still crave them.
• Clothes, caps and capes show others I’m successful but they cannot hide my sin from GOD.
• Cruises, champagne, and concierge made me feel special but blinded me to the hurt that was all around me.

Many say “there is nothing wrong with having stuff as long as stuff doesn't have you.” But I find it difficult to have stuff and not let the stuff have me. I mean if I purchase a car it has to be paid for and maintained, same with a house or a gadget.

Also, I did convince myself I deserved a first class vacation because of my neglect to my family by working all the time. When something went wrong I didn't have the words of CHRIST rather I threatened to take my “money” elsewhere. I wonder if I was blind.

• GOD says “buy from ME gold refined in the fire” because it is free of impurities and reflects HIS very nature, this way my wealth is in people not items that can break.
• GOD says “buy white clothes from me” which is the garment of confession, truth, wisdom and purity all of which HE uses to cleanse my unrighteousness.
• GOD says “buy slave to put on your eyes, so you can see” this way I will no longer be blind to how my sin is hurting me and others and I won’t pass by someone in need.

GOD wants me to visit HIS store instead of lusting over the things of this world. I haven’t figured out a way to not let “things have me” but I do realize focusing on GOD brings me legitimate wealth.

• Are you struggling to keep your stuff?
• Do you find yourself wanting more stuff or the latest gadget or the best garments?
• Can you let go of the stuff for a moment and help someone?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s heart and be wealthy HIS way?

Wait a minute or maybe a few years

James 5: ⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹ Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

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

“Dark, dinky, dank road” I thought to myself. As the highway curved and curved it seemed like the cars in front of us were not only getting slower, they seemed to be going backwards! It was early so it was still somewhat dark and I could probably see the glow of headlights coming at me.

I know what I’ll do, I will take a chance and pass all these cars in the no passing zone! As I moved into the oncoming traffic lane I revved the engine and we took off! I can make it, I thought… then a car was headed in our direction but I hadn’t finish passing all the cars. Fortunately for us, the drivers let me back in and we avoided a collision! My coworker said “don’t do that again!”

• When I am impatient I actually make mistakes.
• When I am impatient I sometimes make rash decisions.
• When I am impatient I don’t wait on the result of what others can do or become.

Sometimes I just want GOD to be done with the lessons HE has for me.  I mean can’t HE just zap wisdom, knowledge and understanding in me and be done with it already? Can’t I skip the trial? Can’t I just leap into a life of luxury without having to endure life’s pressures?

• My view on life should include the understanding that my situation is temporary.
• My view on life should include the knowledge that life will be a little uncomfortable but GOD’s “valuable crop” is worth the wait.
• My view on life should include the wisdom to recognize when I’m judging others harshly versus looking at my life and its crop.

GOD is extremely patient with me. HE watches me sin every day and doesn’t just zap me to hell rather HE shows mercy and grace. HE expects me to show the same patience to others.

• Is there someone who is annoying in your life?
• Do you find yourself irritated at what “that” person says or does?
• Can you show a little patience today?
• Won’t you slow down or even stop to wait on the LORD and watch HIS deliverance?