Plans After the Problem

Plans After the Problem

Revelation 14: ¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!”

 

“Yes indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”

 

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

 

Not knowing I could goof off, I kept working. I dumped ashtrays, wiped up spilled drinks, sprayed and arranged the bowling shoes and put away the bowling balls. I looked around and realized I was doing all the work and the other floor porters were outside, enjoying themselves.

 

• I wondered why I was working so hard when “everyone else” was having fun.
• I thought about not doing my job because “everyone else” was not doing theirs.
• I kept doing my job and was met with uncomfortable conversations like “You are making us look bad”, so I felt bad.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation. One voice told him to write down a blessing that was aimed at those who would die in service of the LORD. This statement would apply to those who were persecuted during the tribulation of GOD. The response to the statement to “Write this” was “Yes indeed!” by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

My Observations:

• Enjoyment was the plan after their death
• GOD sees hard work that is done in service of the LORD.
• Results of service of the LORD will be in the form of people who were the benefactors of the service.

 

Service of the LORD can seem lonely at times. I mean, if GOD sends you to a place that does not value HIM or any servant HE sends, it can seem lonely being the sent servant. BUT GOD sees every ounce of service done “of the LORD.”

 

In spite of how things may seem, “keep going” says GOD. HE has plans for this life and afterwards. Death has no power over those who reverence the LORD. Every word spoken for HIM and about HIM is accounted for. Every deed done in service of HIM will be blessed.

 

Challenge

• What is the mood of the conversation the writer records?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on the LORD?
• Will you persevere and remain faithful to the LORD even when it gets difficult or it may “seem” like you are the only one serving in an area?

Wealthy

Wealthy

2 Corinthians 8: ⁵ It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well. ⁶ So we urged Titus, who began this work, to continue it and help you complete this special service of love. ⁷ You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.

 

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

 

“Want to play?” was the question posed to me. “Play what?” was my response. We were outside and had no games, money or toys. We looked around and found some popsicle sticks. A neighbor was washing his car, causing a stream near the curb in which we raced our sticks. We laughed, talked and played.

 

Later in life I accumulated money. I had no time for talking or playing because I was working long hours. I worried about bills, vacations, houses, cars, and a long list material possessions.

 

• Somewhere I had lost focus on what “wealth” was.
• I thought having no money was the problem.
• I believed that having a lot of money would reduce my problems.

 

Paul writes about how “rich” the people were, but his list is strange. He talked about a portfolio most people would scoff at. He mentioned faith, speech, knowledge and eagerness to help.

 

My Observations

• My love of money is the root of all kinds of evil in me.
• GOD wants me to be wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS, curiosity to know HIM and eagerness to help others seek HIM.
• GOD wants me to value serving others who follow HIM, especially those who are persecuted because of HIM.

 

Wealth is a term thrown around as something to acquire. But if the wealth causes division, arguments, pain or mistrust, then what good is having a lot of it? GOD wants me wealthy on the inside by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

HIS leading shows me when I am being greedy, overly self-protective and a slave to the god of sustenance. Generosity is felt by those who believe in CHRIST. I am grateful for the many who have poured out their service of love on me.

 

Challenge

• What riches does the writer list?
• Does comparing yourself to others make you, or them feel bad?
• How wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS and knowledge of GOD do you feel?
• Will you reconsider what true wealth is by seeking what GOD wants you to and surrendering anything that blinds you from HIS rewards today?

Balanced Structure

Balanced Structure

! Corinthians 14: ²⁶ This is what I mean, my friends. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church. ²⁷ If someone is going to speak in strange tongues, two or three at the most should speak, one after the other, and someone else must explain what is being said. ²⁸ But if no one is there who can explain, then the one who speaks in strange tongues must be quiet and speak only to himself and to God.

 

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

 

Nervous, I answered the interviewers’ question with a very long statement. As I remembered something, I would say “Oh, I forgot to mention…” in my disjointed rambling. Needless to say, I did not get that job. I asked someone for advice and got organized. The next time, however, I was so focused on my new structure that I was thrown off when the interview did not go as planned.

 

• I was unorganized and confused the person I was supposed to be explaining things to.
• I was then too organized and not ready for meeting a different need.
• I wanted to find a balance in my organization for something spontaneous.

 

Paul provides a suggestion rather than a command. He tried to get people to understand the real purpose of meeting together is to help people understand who JESUS is through song, teaching, testimonies and spontaneous speaking that would require interpretation. He wants everyone to think about the recipient versus those who are delivering.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to be organized because people need structure.
• GOD wants me to be flexible because HE cannot be contained to a certain hour or duration.
• GOD wants me to be ready for HIM to reveal HIMSELF at any moment but have control over wanting the spotlight.

 

Order in church is important, especially to someone who has never attended a church service. But has order replaced reaching people? I mean, sometimes when church meets “my” expectation as a believer, I look around and do not see the fruit of hearing from a new person who freshly gave their life to CHRIST.

 

While order is important, purpose is more important. GOD doesn’t seem to be this repetitive lifeless being, rather one who is alive and working things out in a variety of lives. Out gatherings probably will not change overnight, but I can provide a balance of structure and spontaneity to my life to bring people to CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Have you had the urge to bring in new people to your gathering?
• When is the last time you reviewed your order or your service?
• Are you driven by meeting the expectations of those who are regular church goers?
• Will you consider a balance that provides structure and spontaneity in your own life with the purpose of easing the concerns of someone who has not yet accepted JESUS as their Savior?

Bound Freedom

Bound Freedom

1 Corinthians 7: ³⁹ A married woman is not free as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, then she is free to be married to any man she wishes, but only if he is a Christian. ⁴⁰ She will be happier, however, if she stays as she is. That is my opinion, and I think that I too have God's Spirit.

 

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

 

“I can’t wait until I am adult” I thought to myself. I had too many rules to follow and I wanted to be “free.” Little did I know that when I grew up, the “rules” provided me with freedom.

 

• When I was immature, I saw the “rules” as the problem.
• When I was unaware, I saw the “rules” as a barrier to my “freedom.”
• When I was being lied to, I saw the “rules” as a way to hold me down from having “fun.”

 

Paul concludes answering the questions sent to him about marriage. He provides guidance for widows concerning remarriage. He did this by focusing in on the SPIRIT of the LORD and aligning his response with GOD’s desires.

 

• GOD wants me to be free within HIS rules.
• GOD wants me to be free from the world but follow HIS rules while living in the world.
• GOD wants me to be free from the slavery of sin so I can speak about HIS SON.

 

Sin will lie about freedom. I mean, sin will tell me that it is better than following GOD’s rules. Single moments of selfishness or hatred or pleasure usually end up in worse situations, but sin would make me think those things bring freedom.

 

GOD wants me to see that by being bound to HIM, I am set free. The sin that so easily tosses me around, causing more turmoil in my life, no longer enslaves me. Yes, I sin. But GOD’s amazing grace is sufficient to cleanse me of the unrighteousness I so easily fall into. I gladly bind myself to GOD so I can receive HIS freedom.

 

• Do you long to be “free?”
• What is in your heart that actually enslaves you?
• Will you ask GOD to set you free from all the things that hold you back from true freedom today?

Free From Worry

Free From Worry

1 Corinthians 7: ³² I would like you to be free from worry. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord's work, because he is trying to please the Lord. ³³ But a married man concerns himself with worldly matters, because he wants to please his wife; ³⁴ and so he is pulled in two directions. An unmarried woman or a virgin concerns herself with the Lord's work, because she wants to be dedicated both in body and spirit; but a married woman concerns herself with worldly matters, because she wants to please her husband.

 

³⁵ I am saying this because I want to help you. I am not trying to put restrictions on you. Instead, I want you to do what is right and proper, and to give yourselves completely to the Lord's service without any reservation.

 

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

 

Worried about the test, I tried to study to no avail. The solution to my worry was clear, go to a party and search for drunken sex. Worried about the car, I tried to fix it myself to no avail. The solution to my worry was clear, go to a party and search for drunken sex.

 

• There have been many times that my worries got to me.
• There have been many times when I thought temporary relief would fix the problem.
• There have been many times when I searched for a way out of the problem with my own worldly solution.

 

Paul gives an odd statement. He says “I would like you to be free from worry.” This statement was about marriage and the problems people raised concerning the difficulty it brings with service to the LORD. Paul gives a solution to the married and unmarried.

 

• GOD wants me to do what is right and proper for HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to give myself to HIM without reservation.
• GOD wants me to serve HIM by giving myself to HIM completely.

 

Married or unmarried, every human belongs to the LORD. I mean, any service outside the LORD is a distraction from bearing HIS fruit. My desires should be on pleasing the LORD at all costs. This would include my family, friends and neighbors.

 

The world would rather silence any discussion about JESUS to make profit the primary message. BUT GOD wants and needs to be heard through HIS servants. I am grateful HE frees me to speak about HIM daily.

 

• Are you trapped?
• Do you feel like the world has you and there is no escape?
• Will you do what is right and proper and seek GOD wherever you are so you can serve HIM without reservation little by little each day?

Wear the Tee Shirt

Wear the Tee Shirt

1 Corinthians 7: ¹⁰ For married people I have a command which is not my own but the Lord's: a wife must not leave her husband; ¹¹ but if she does, she must remain single or else be reconciled to her husband; and a husband must not divorce his wife.
 
¹² To the others I say (I, myself, not the Lord): if a Christian man has a wife who is an unbeliever and she agrees to go on living with him, he must not divorce her. ¹³ And if a Christian woman is married to a man who is an unbeliever and he agrees to go on living with her, she must not divorce him. ¹⁴ For the unbelieving husband is made acceptable to God by being united to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made acceptable to God by being united to her Christian husband. If this were not so, their children would be like pagan children; but as it is, they are acceptable to God. ¹⁵ However, if the one who is not a believer wishes to leave the Christian partner, let it be so. In such cases the Christian partner, whether husband or wife, is free to act. God has called you to live in peace. ¹⁶ How can you be sure, Christian wife, that you will not save your husband? Or how can you be sure, Christian husband, that you will not save your wife?

 

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

 

Traveling with a large group was probably a huge responsibility that I did not have to be aware of. “Put on your tee shirts” was the command I heard several times. The tee shirt had a bright color and a distinct design. Some people complained while others complied. Sure enough, someone got slightly lost in an airport in another country. I am glad we had tee shirts to identify with the group.

 

• There have been times when I saw the benefits of being together.
• There have been times when I could see the need to identify being together.
• There have been times when I saw the problem of not being together actually cause others to be affected.

 

Paul speaks a little deeper about marriage. He tries to explain the commitment required to be a witness for JESUS. Even if a believer were married to an unbeliever, he or she would be the example that leads people to salvation in JESUS. Unity is part of that example.

 

• GOD wants me to show unity so others can come to know JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek unity as part of my service to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be open to being agreeable so HE can draw people to HIM.

 

Getting “my” way sometimes means someone else loses. I mean, it is easy to pick a fight and harder to show unity. BUT GOD wants unity wherever I am. HE is the one who provides salvation. I must align my desires with HIS so everyone will see HIM as desirable. I am glad HE cares enough for me to help me seek unity when I want “my” way.

 

• Are you part of a couple or group and still trying to get your own way?
• Do you get tired of being bound by rules and just want to do your own thing?
• Will you seek unity and surrender your life to CHRIST so HE can guide all who you are associated with, back to HIM today?

All About Service

All About Service

1 Corinthians 7: ⁸ Now, to the unmarried and to the widows I say that it would be better for you to continue to live alone as I do. ⁹ But if you cannot restrain your desires, go ahead and marry—it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

 

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

 

“Let’s tryout for track” my friend said. My high school track career was not illustrious, but I went to the meeting anyway. “We will meet to run at 5:30 AM and then we practice in the evening” were the words of dedication I could not follow. I did not join the team and I felt pretty good that I didn’t./

 

• There have been times when I knew I did not have the dedication to do something.
• There have been times when I did not have the desire to be what a certain group wanted me to be.
• There have been times when I chose to place my passions elsewhere.

 

Paul implies that single people can dedicate themselves to the LORD easier than married people. Marriage requires an additional person to think about and the ministry is always affected. His instruction is not about staying single versus getting married. He is simply pointing out to chose the level of service based on self-control. If sexual desire will get in the way of true service, it is better to get married.

 

• GOD wants me to be dedicated to HIS service.
• GOD wants me to choose HIS way or no other way.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS Kingdom first, then HE will guide my desires.

 

It is all about GOD. I mean, all my decisions should be based on my ability to honestly serve the LORD. If I will “burn” with desire, it is better to not be in that ministry the way I am approaching it. I can still serve, but I must do it in a way that will not cause me to fall into sin. I am glad GOD accepts my service when I give it to HIM.

 

• Are you trying to serve “your way” and find yourself “burning” to do it another way?
• Do you see your complaints you are placing before the LORD?
• Will you seek to adjust how you serve and allow GOD to accept you based on your real desires versus trying to force your service into some way you think you should be?

Quality or Kindling

Quality or Kindling

1 Corinthians 3: You are also God's building. ¹⁰ Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. ¹¹ For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. ¹² Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. ¹³ And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. ¹⁴ If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire.

 

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

 

Hearing a polished orator made me feel insignificant. I would hear about their audiences of millions of people and look at my numbers only to hold my head down in shame. I panicked and tried to be like famous people as quickly as I could. I went away from quality and started putting out irrelevant information. The few who I spoke to soon left.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to be seen and heard.
• There were many times when I served people so “I” could get noticed.
• There were many times when I got involved so I could be with the crowd that looked good.

 

Paul uses a different analogy. He switched from plants in a field to that of a building. JESUS CHRIST is the one and only foundation to build anything, Paul explains. Some people use money and others use security or health, but those who truly follow GOD need the right foundation.

 

• GOD wants me to continually question my motives to see if I am speaking about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to know I am susceptible to seeking selfish motives, so I should be careful how I build.
• GOD wants me to seek sincerity when I serve otherwise HE will burn up my work.

 

“Did you see me give?” is a question that could point to a work that may be burned up by GOD. I mean, HE said “Give in secret.” HE also gave guidelines for prayer and fasting. HE just wants me to be sincere when serving HIM. Unfortunately, sin gets in the way and there are times when my motive is not aligned with HIS.

 

GOD forgives me and can tell the difference of when I am being sincere and when my motive is false. I am grateful HE forgives my false motive and loves me enough to serve HIM in Spirit and truth.

 

• Are you trying to impress people to get a large following?
• Do you want to look good in front of people and are not concerned how you look in front of GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to help you sincerely serve HIM and do what HE wants, especially when no one is looking?

Loyal Friends

 Loyal Friends

Romans 16: ⁸ My greetings to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the fellowship of the Lord. ⁹ Greetings also to Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ's service, and to Stachys, my dear friend. ¹⁰ Greetings to Apelles, whose loyalty to Christ has been proved. Greetings to those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. ¹¹ Greetings to Herodion, a fellow Jew, and to the Christians in the family of Narcissus.

 

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

 

“Sit right here on the letter ‘W’ the teacher said. There was no one with the last name with the letter ‘U’ so I had a conversation with the boy sitting on the letter ‘T.’ Decades later we still have conversations along with a few other guys who I have had the honor to know and love all these years. We pray together and time has tested our loyalties.

 

• I have met many people who I call friend.
• I have interacted with many people who are now my friends.
• I have prayed with many people who I can count on as a friend.

 

Paul switches to a different tone in his greeting. He speaks about family, fellowship and friends. But he does this in relationship to CHRIST. He knows that friendships can be fleeting, so he mentions Apelles, whose loyalty to CHRIST was somehow proven.

 

• GOD wants me to accept those who believe in the LORD as friends.
• GOD wants me to become part of a family so I can help serve the LORD.
• GOD wants me to see others as fellow workers of the LORD.

 

Friendship can be hard when I place my criteria on another person. I mean, when people have to meet certain standards I, or others who know me, have set in our minds, then few people will measure up.

 

BUT GOD is the standard maker and HE erases their sin and exposes mine. HE wants me to realize that other people are just as forgiven as I am. HE loves when I greet people who serve HIM and treat them as fellow family who are my friends. I am glad to be part of a loving group in JESUS.

 

• What is your criteria for “friendship?”
• Do other people have more problems than you?
• Will you reduce your judgment of others so you can have more friends who can work alongside you for the sake of CHRIST today?

Service Clarity

Luke 2: ³⁶ Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; ³⁷ and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. ³⁸ And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

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

“Would you serve on this committee?” someone asked. “Yes, of course” was my answer. “Would you serve as a lead” “Yes, of course” I said. “Would you run a special project, help with the books, lead another group and teach?” “Um… yes?” I said.

• There were times when I got burned out because I could not say not to the church leaders.
• There were times when I got burned out because I thought I “had” to serve.
• There were times when I felt I must be closer to the LORD because I was working so hard.

Anna was a prophetess who was dedicated to the LORD. She served the LORD in a way that was different from most thinking. She fasted, prayed and told people about JESUS becoming a human to redeem the world. Her service was easily done.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to fast, pray and tell people about HIM.
• GOD wants me to not burn out rather serve HIM with my current gifts, talents and financial situation.

“MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light stands out to me, yet many people in the church are worn out because the leaders are hard task masters. GOD never said “Work your fingers to the bone” nor did HE say “Try harder.” GOD says “I made you just as you are and I AM pleased with you, just speak of MY SON, fast and pray.” My service is simplified this day.

• Are you worried that you are not pleasing GOD?
• Do you think you are not doing enough because someone judged you into guilt?
• Can you stop trying to please GOD so hard as the task masters dictate and just be who HE made you to be?

Fixing People

Matthew 7: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

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

New at teaching, I stammered through the lesson about sexual purity. At long last, this was now my Sunday school class and we had a great discussion. When class was over a guy shouted from across the room, “Hey we had a great time at the club last night!” This club was known for drunken single people to meet.

• There were times when I used to point out other folk’s flaws.
• There were times when I used to try “saving” people by telling them how wrong they were.
• There were times when I used to say “Do as I say, not what I do.”

Hypocrisy is the main problem with people fixers and I was public enemy number one. “I” had cleaned myself up, why shouldn’t you? “GOD doesn’t like ‘insert sin’” was my hypocritical statement. While the words may have been true, they never included a confession that I too was committing the same sin.

• GOD said to me “Do not judge, or you too will be judges.”
• GOD said to me “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
• GOD said to me “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

When I started looking at my sins I realized a lot of work was needed in my own house. Before I could “fix” someone else, I needed to get help, but where? GOD sent HIS SON to die, raise and live again. HE did this to eradicate my sins and with that truth, I can help someone remove the spec in their eye. Many times I am asking them to remove the plank in my eye.

• Are you complaining about someone?
• Does “that” person or “those” people need to be fixed?
• Why do you spend so much time talking about someone else when you have not admitted to your own sins?

True Fasting

Isaiah 58: ⁴ Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
    and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
    and expect your voice to be heard on high.
⁵ Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
    only a day for people to humble themselves?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
    and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
    a day acceptable to the Lord?
⁶ “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
⁷ Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
⁸ Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
⁹ Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

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

“Do you want to join us in a fast?” someone asked me. “I’ll see” was my way of saying “No!” I mean what’s the purpose? I don’t eat or drink and what does that do? I went on my merry way. Weren’t these people just being religious fanatics?

• I used to think fasting was useless.
• I one time thought fasting was ridiculous.
• I used to think fasting was only for the religious freaks who were hypocrites by “my” standard.

When I read about the powerless disciples who came back beat up after fighting a demonic battle, I was curious. JESUS said, “This kind of demon can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.” These seemingly powerless weapons were the most powerful to GOD. I mean prayer does not involve any on my part to solve or resolve the problem, nor does fasting.

When I tried fasting once, it seemed like an eternity. I never realized how much I ate during one day. I got used to it but my fasting eventually ended up pointing to “me” fasting. GOD wanted more.

• GOD wants me to fast with a purpose. 
• HE wants me to miss a meal so someone else can have one. 
• GOD wants me to help the poor and guide my family to GOD. 

HIS fast calls me to point to HIM.

• Are you afraid to fast?
• Is your fast selfish?
• Are you unchanged in your ways after a fast?
• Will you give up your will versus giving up a meal?

A Curse may be the Answer to Mediocrity

Nehemiah 10: ²⁸ “The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand— 

²⁹ all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.

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

Keeping promises to GOD is one thing but to add a curse on top of the promise seems extreme. I mean aren’t GOD’s laws meant to be broken and HIS job is to swoop in, forgive me just in time and for me to get my way in spite of my sins?

Nehemiah and the tiny remnant of what used to be a thriving kingdom, took a vow to follow GOD and they added a curse on top of it. My guess is that a curse would fall on the person who does not follow what GOD says.

• By adding the curse, the people stated they fully understood the promise they were entering.
• By adding the curse, the people stated they were going to seriously follow GOD.
• By adding the curse, the people agreed not to blame GOD for their failure to follow HIM.

This act removed the safety net which is sometimes difficult. GOD’s grace is truly sufficient and HE has removed all of my sins. The battle comes in when I take sin too lightly. GOD knows how damaging sin is and desires for me to follow HIM, believe in HIM and trust HIM.

• Are you taking a mediocre approach to GOD?
• Do you find yourself in a rut with GOD, doing the same things from week to week?
• Is your faith, “faith” or is it habit?
• Can you radically follow GOD without harming others rather growing them?

Is Service to GOD Temporary?

1 Chronicles: ³¹ As for the Hebronites, Jeriah was their chief according to the genealogical records of their families. In the fortieth year of David’s reign a search was made in the records, and capable men among the Hebronites were found at Jazer in Gilead. 

³² Jeriah had twenty-seven hundred relatives, who were able men and heads of families, and King David put them in charge of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh for every matter pertaining to God and for the affairs of the king.

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

After returning from the church convention, I felt I should be doing “something.” I mean shouldn’t I be going out and preaching and teaching? I had just publicly announced I was following GOD and I wanted to get started!

A few years later I ran into problems. I didn’t like the people who were supposed to be followers of GOD and I stopped going to church.

• Some circumstances make me question “Why do I follow GOD?”
• Some situations make me question “Does GOD really care?”
• Some lengthy trials make me ask “Why serve if all I get is punishment?”

Each of my questions had to be answered by “maturity” in GOD. HE never said life would be easy. In fact HE said there would be many trials. HE warned HIS disciples that the world would hate them and people who follow HIM would go through many trials and tribulations.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me and strengthens me to handle trials.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS power even in the midst of chaos.
• GOD wants me to trust HIS ways and allow difficult situations to pass in order to see HIS perfect plan unfold.

Following GOD is not a temporary thing. Once I chose to follow HIM I became a new creation. The battle began. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me and now my eyes are open to when I choose to do right and wrong. I still sin, but JESUS is my advocate and HE encourages me to get up and serve again.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by being good?
• Are you getting burnt out by serving GOD?
• Can you evaluate whether you are serving GOD or are you trying to get accolades from humans?
• Can you stop trying so hard and just “be” with GOD?

Is Order a Good Thing?

1 Chronicles 24: ⁵ They divided them impartially by casting lots, for there were officials of the sanctuary and officials of God among the descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.

⁶ The scribe Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officials: Zadok the priest, Ahimelek son of Abiathar and the heads of families of the priests and of the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar and then one from Ithamar.

⁷ The first lot fell to Jehoiarib,

the second to Jedaiah,

^-------

and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

¹⁹ This was their appointed order of ministering when they entered the temple of the Lord, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their ancestor Aaron, as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded him.

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

“Please stand for the reading” said a priest to us. I was not familiar with the process so I felt a bit uncomfortable. As everyone spoke in unison, I stood fumbling over the words trying to determine what would be next. 

Every prayer, scripture and statement was written out for me. My mind wandered to the fact that there was SO much left on the itinerary. “When will we ever get out of here?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I get distracted in church because I want to be somewhere else.
• Sometimes I can’t see the purpose of church because I am thinking of the problems I am facing.
• Sometimes I think GOD isn’t in church because the spontaneity isn’t visible to me.

As I read this chapter this morning, I was tempted to skim read it because it seemed like another list of people who I couldn’t pronounce or remember.  Then it hit me.

• GOD had David create an “order of service” through a spontaneous method.
• GOD chose which order each of the twenty four ministers would serve.
• GOD was pleased to give an order to service to worship.

Everything in the universe has order. While things seem spontaneous to me, they are of no surprise to GOD. This made me rethink the boredom I experienced when worship was structured. A gentleman explained why he enjoyed reading prayers.

He said, “I enjoy reading words and meanings that were actually spoken to JESUS as HE walked the earth. I love singing songs from people who touched our risen SAVIOR.” This floored me. I never thought of it that way.

While humans have created division through religion, GOD still sees who is genuinely serving HIM and is pleased with their actions. HE wants me to recognize that “order” is a good thing as long as the focus is on HIM.

• Are you distracted in church?
• Do you think church is for your entertainment?
• Can you recognize How GOD is pleased with the order of service?

Don’t go with the flow

1 Kings 22: ⁵ But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

-------

¹² All the other prophets were prophesying the same thing. “Attack Ramoth Gilead and be victorious,” they said, “for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand.”

¹³ The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably.”

¹⁴ But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

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

“All your problems will go away. GOD will provide you with health, wealth and happiness” is what I want to say to entice people to accept CHRIST.  This naive thinking turned my tongue into a lying instrument.  After telling people “it will be alright” and watching things get worse, I questioned GOD.

• GOD never said things would be easy.
• GOD never said I wouldn’t have troubles.
• GOD never said all of my problems would go away if I follow HIM.

Following GOD invites trouble. I mean as soon as I stop following the world, it becomes my enemy. Things will be a bit tougher as I resist temptation and walk in HIS ways. Even my tongue will have to be guided to give the right words at the right time. Sometimes GOD will give me wonderful news through HIS word and sometimes the words will be a bit sharp, cutting me and others.

• GOD wants me to speak the truth but delivered in love, not judgment.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by understanding HIS word and not deviating from it.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth by saying HE is supreme and has the right to say “No.”

Yes GOD wants to bless everyone, but in HIS time and HIS way.  There may still be some pain each of us has to endure, some longer than others. BUT GOD wants me to say what HE wants me to say, knowing HIS word is best to follow.

• Are you telling people what you want to say or what GOD wants you to say?
• Do you feel you have to say “everything will be alright” even though you weren’t told to do so?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to say and find the courage to say it?

True Leadership

2 Samuel 23: ² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
³ The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
⁴ he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’

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

Fearing GOD is the mark of a true leader. This person will base major decisions on what GOD wants rather than on men’s desires. For me this means I shouldn’t look at what another leader is doing and point fingers at that person. I need to ask myself, “Am I following what GOD wants?”

JESUS showed HIMSELF to be a true leader on this very day. HE volunteered to take the horrible consequence of mankind’s sin. We have no idea what this means, only that it happened. HIS leadership example shows HE was the ultimate servant.

• JESUS was direct yet humble.
• JESUS was powerful yet frail.
• JESUS was killed yet raised to life.

HE is the mark of a true leader.

• Where are you putting your trust?
• Do you have faulty belief in GOD?
• Do you believe JESUS was raised from the dead and is now placed above everything?
• Can you see that HE loves you and wants a relationship with you?

It’s not personal

2 Samuel 15: In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him.² He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 

³ Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.” ⁴ And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”

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

I finally got the nerve to have lunch with a very powerful person seeking wisdom. There I sat, not knowing what questions to ask. “What seems to be the problem?” the mentor inquired. “Why am I not getting promoted?” I replied. “Business is not personal. You must do what you have to do to fight against those who will try to take your power away.”

“Wow!” I thought. This seemed cold but let me give it a try.  I watched some of the best use slander campaigns while self-promoting. I tried it and it worked. My power was on its way!

• When I forget I’m dealing with people I focus on power.
• When I think the goal is “up” I focus on power.
• When I work towards the next level instead of raising people up I focus on power.

Power makes me treat “higher” people higher and “lower” people low. It adds fear when I’m supposed to be confident and confidence when I’ supposed to be humble. Fortunately GOD placed people in my life to correct my course. “Raise people up and you will do better” were the words of another mentor. GOD also added some words.

• Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD.
• Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.

GOD also said “in order to be first you must be last.” JESUS, king of all, came to Earth as a servant. HE never begged anyone to follow HIM. HE served. With HIM it was and is personal. Each soul is special and HE wants me to treat people with dignity, respect and love.

• Are you working under the “it’s not personal” way of thinking?
• Do you believe you need to bow to the god of money?
• Can you bow to the true KING?
• Won’t you focus your behaviors on being a servant rather than seeking to be served?

Scheming is never a good idea

Judges 21: ¹⁸ We can’t give them our daughters as wives, since we Israelites have taken this oath: ‘Cursed be anyone who gives a wife to a Benjamite.’¹⁹ But look, there is the annual festival of the Lord in Shiloh, which lies north of Bethel, east of the road that goes from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.”

²⁰ So they instructed the Benjamites, saying, “Go and hide in the vineyards ²¹ and watch. When the young women of Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, rush from the vineyards and each of you seize one of them to be your wife. Then return to the land of Benjamin. 

²² When their fathers or brothers complain to us, we will say to them, ‘Do us the favor of helping them, because we did not get wives for them during the war. You will not be guilty of breaking your oath because you did not give your daughters to them.’”

²³ So that is what the Benjamites did. While the young women were dancing, each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife. Then they returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and settled in them.

^-------

²⁵ In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

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

Holding my breath and wishing everything would go well, I sat next to my potential buyer. He drove around the parking lot and everything seemed to work just fine.  He agreed to give me the maximum asking price and I breathed a sigh of relief.

I mean just a couple of week prior, the car stopped on the side of the road.  “It’s not my problem anymore” I thought to myself as I handed him the keys.  He called me two weeks later asking if I knew the car had major issues. “What [lie] should I say to this guy to get him off my back?”

• There is a way that seems right to me that is not.
• There is a path that is very wide and sometimes I choose to remain on it.
• There is a pile of money that sometimes drives my deepest decisions.

It seems like when I want to do something wrong, I can find a crowd to support my efforts.  They will look and act like me and I can do as I please because everyone else is doing it this way. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM no matter how many people agree to do wrong.
• GOD wants me to do what’s right not what’s popular.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS plan instead of making up my own.

There is a way that seems right to a man, BUT GOD’s way in infinitely above mine.

• Are you thinking of a gimmick to bring people to GOD?
• Are you worried that your efforts are failing?
• Can you allow GOD to thin your tools and grow you HIS way?

Check to see if GOD is with you

Judges 16: ¹⁸ When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. ¹⁹ After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him.

²⁰ Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!”

He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.

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

Teaching Sunday school would be easy to me because I was used to training people at work.  “This should be a breeze” I thought to myself.  I prepared fervently making sure the teens were entertained.  I had my quips ready and I delivered the message.  “How was that?” I asked a student afterward.

She replied “I enjoyed the message, but I didn’t understand what you were saying.”

• There are times when I serve people without having GOD in my service.
• There are times when I think I’m doing GOD’s work when I’m really doing it for myself.
• There are times when I want the pat on the back for serving.

It takes faith to serve GOD and when I try things under my own power they fail miserably. If GOD wants me to stretch for something and HIS power is not with me, then the plan I am trying to achieve will fail miserably.

• When I plan something, GOD has to be included.
• When I try something new, GOD must be asked.
• When I have a new endeavor, GOD must be bowed to for HIS supreme answer.

I have heard in business “failure is not an option” but it is when I don’t ask GOD for permission. Even when I do ask permission I must accept that HE may answer “No.” GOD’s power is never to be taken lightly and HE supplies me with it as I humbly seek HIM.

• Are your efforts falling apart?
• Do you feel exhausted and full of failure?
• Can you take a moment to recognize where GOD fits in the plan?
• Won’t you reduce your effort and increase HIS?