Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Taking Redemption of the Firstborn Seriously

Exodus 13: ¹¹ “And it shall be, when the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, ¹² that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the Lord’s. ¹³ But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. ¹⁴ So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. ¹⁵ And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the Lord killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ ¹⁶ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.”

 

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Moses continues speaking to the people in preparation to leave Egypt. He reiterates what GOD told him about the firstborn male. But this time he mentions redemption.

 

My Observations:

• Moses tells a group of slave-minded people that they are to remember how GOD was restoring them.
• Moses attempted to tell slave-minded people about Pharaoh’s stubbornness.
• Moses spoke figuratively about the sacrifice of the firstborn being a sign to be worn on their hands and on their foreheads.

 

GOD’s firstborn is JESUS. HIS sacrifice redeemed all of mankind who believe in HIM. This was the announcement of restoration for mankind. Unfortunately, the Pharisees would take the act of wearing scriptures on their arms and foreheads as a sign of how holy they were. They may have screamed, “Hey, look at how holy I am” by wearing the law as they judged the people harshly.

 

Satan and the beast also will twist what Moses said. In Revelation, they force people to wear the mark of the beast on their hand and forehead, marking humans as theirs. GOD sees through the false acts of holiness and the attempts to steal humans away from HIM. Redemption means everything to GOD. HE wants to restore HIS humans to live in harmony with them. GOD’s redemption must be remembered not only in ceremony, but in truth and spirit.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that he emphasized redemption annually?
• Are you looking to feel restored when GOD told you that you are restored?
• Who have you told about your being restored by GOD?

Strength Through Adversity

 

Strength Through Adversity

Genesis 21: ¹⁴ So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. ¹⁵ And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. ¹⁶ Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, “Let me not see the death of the boy.” So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept.

 

¹⁷ And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. ¹⁸ Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

¹⁹ Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink. ²⁰ So God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. ²¹ He dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD promised Sarah that HE would return in one year and that she would have a child. She did. But this caused a change in her plan. She had Abraham have a child with Hagar, but now that she had the child that GOD promised, she wanted Harag and Ishmael to leave. Abraham was now placed in the middle of a mess.

 

He gave Hagar and Ishmael all the water they could carry and some bread. She wandered in the wilderness and eventually gave up. JESUS showed up and helped them out.

 

My Observations:

• Hagar was given next to nothing and was expected to survive.
• Ishmael had nothing and was told that he would become a great nation.
• JESUS appeared and did not give them money, shelter or people.

 

Hagar’s life seemed strange. She was an Egyptian slave who was given to Abraham as a commodity, because Pharoah almost took Sarah as his wife. Sarah was given Hagar by Abraham. Hagar had a child by Abraham based upon Sarah’s demands. GOD heard Hagar when she was sent away the first time and heard her again this time.

 

JESUS showed them a well that just happened to be there. I believe HE put that there, but the passage doesn’t say it. She got water, but what about food? JESUS stayed with them, teaching Ismael. Eventually Hagar made it back to Egypt and got a slave wife for Ismael. He grew despite the odds.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD didn’t intervene by placing Ismael in a palace like in the movies with a genie?
• Have you ever thought GOD should be making your life easier?
• Is your adversity strengthening you for the greatness GOD has in store for you?

Learned Satisfaction

Learned Satisfaction

Philippians 4: ¹² I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. ¹³ I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

 

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Tired of being poor, I sat and pouted. “Why do ‘bad’ people seem to get their way in life?” was my complaint to GOD. After my complaint, my car broke down. “This isn’t fair!” I complained.

 

• I was not satisfied with my life.
• Most of my thoughts and words were on problems in my life.
• “Everything” seemed bleak and I was not satisfied with the way things were.

 

At one time Paul was not content. He read the Law with fervor and was discontent with how other people lacked his conviction. He had people murdered because of his discontentment. GOD had to teach him a new way. He learned how to be content.

 

My Observations

• Being in need has a purpose with GOD that I sometimes do not understand.
• Having plenty can be dangerous because I can quickly forget I need GOD.
• Being content when I am in need or have plenty takes practice and is a gift given only from GOD.

 

Contentment is detestable to those who are never satisfied. I mean, if things have to go a certain way, those who are discontent will never reach satisfaction. After a while, even GOD cannot provide enough.

 

My discontentment can be detestable to GOD. Fortunately, HE understands. HE gently takes things away that I do not need and gives me an opportunity to say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” HE gives me things and I can say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” Yes it is the same statement because everything is HIS. I am glad HE gives me chances to learn how to be content.

 

Challenge

• How long do you think it took the writer to learn how to be content?
• Are there parts of your life that you are not satisfied with?
• Do you have complaints, worries or are dissatisfied with anything or anyone?
• Will you learn from GOD how to be satisfied in your situation, so you can be satisfied with other people HE wants to save today?

Edge Dwellers

Edge Dwellers

1 Corinthians 4: ⁸ Do you already have everything you need? Are you already rich? Have you become kings, even though we are not? Well, I wish you really were kings, so that we could be kings together with you. ⁹ For it seems to me that God has given the very last place to us apostles, like people condemned to die in public as a spectacle for the whole world of angels and of human beings. ¹⁰ For Christ's sake we are fools; but you are wise in union with Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! We are despised, but you are honored! ¹¹ To this very moment we go hungry and thirsty; we are clothed in rags; we are beaten; we wander from place to place; ¹² we wear ourselves out with hard work. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; ¹³ when we are insulted, we answer back with kind words. We are no more than this world's garbage; we are the scum of the earth to this very moment!

 

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“What is the maximum amount of money I can make and still be pleasing to GOD?” I thought greedily to myself. No one had the answer. From my perspective, some greedy leaders would say, “There is no limit.”

 

Another perspective would be “You have to manufacture a perception of humbleness, but still own a house and a car and subscription entertainment with not too many channels.” Still another would say “You must give up everything and live outside, eating only off the land.”

 

• There have been many times when I have struggled over my relationship with CHRIST.
• There have been many times when I wondered if I could test my limits with GOD.
• There have been many times when I desired to do things “my” way without thought of what GOD wanted.

 

Paul gives some difficult words to live by. As an apostle, he explains that life was very, very hard. His only purpose was to spread the Good News of JESUS. Apostles were poor, despised by church leaders, clothed in rags, beaten, homeless and often exploited by the rich to do hard labor just to eat. But apostles did this for the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to stop trying to figure out the maximum greed I can have and simply be led by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to stop trying to figure out the maximum amount of hidden sin I can have and simply be led by HIS Word.
• GOD wants me to stop trying to think about “my” position in heaven and simply praise JESUS for saving me.

 

Comparing myself to others is dangerous. I mean, one rich person who says words that make a lot of people mad may get me thinking he or she is destined for hell. On the other hand a homeless person may be viewed as an addict or a prostitute and cast out or looked down upon. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

 

HE wants me to praise HIM in plenty or in sparse times. Sometimes I am the helper and sometimes I need help. HE wants me to stay away from dwelling on the edge of the things that can draw me away from serving HIM with all my heart. I still fall into the deep, blinding holes of worldly thinking. I am grateful GOD pursues me and raises me out of these holes constantly.

 

• Are you questioning your relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by your show or humbleness?
• Do you think your riches have not made you blind?
• Will you relax your worries and simply be in union with JESUS today?

Strength Training

Luke 12: ⁴ “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!

⁶ “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

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Sitting at my desk, I thought of different ways to exit the building. A bully had threatened to beat me up at 3:15 PM and I could not tell anyone otherwise it would truly cause the fight to happen. I could only think about the bully.

• In the past I have been filled with fear.
• There were moments when I was scared of a particular person.
• Several times I got worried about what humans would do to me so I sought to protect myself.

JESUS tells an innumerable crowd about depending on GOD. HE summed up life in a few short statements. “There will always be another bully that will fight you in all aspects in life, so do not fear them. BUT fear not doing what GOD says to do.

• GOD wants me to fear what HE will do to me for not proclaiming that HIS SON is my savior.
• GOD wants me to fear NOT depending on HIM.
• GOD wants me to fear eternal separation from HIS love.

“Fear HIM who has the power to cast you into hell after death” was JESUS’s statement, but HE wasn’t finished. HE also said BUT GOD cares for you as HE has a plan for every hair on your head. HE cares for birds and other animals, HE can certainly care for you.

GOD’s power is infinite and I should fear not serving HIM daily. HE protects me from bullies of all sorts, especially those who desire to control me. GOD wants my passion and HE will take out those who try to snuff my passion for HIM. HIS protection is invaluable and gives me strength.

• Are you getting worn down by someone?
• Are you trying to control someone?
• Will you stop looking at other people and focus your path to GOD?
• Will you get your strength from GOD instead of allowing humans to put you in a fearful mood?

Standing Strong

Matthew 7: ²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

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Watching my car get towed away was the “last straw.” I no longer had transportation, I no longer had money and I had plenty of bills. I simply wanted to just sit in a corner away from everyone!

• There have been some rough times when I just wanted to give up.
• There have been some difficult times when I felt like nothing was going right.
• There have been some extreme times when it seemed like I had no help and “everything” was crashing to the ground.

Years later I took a leadership course giving me several habits to believe in “me.” Up to this point I had already relied on my intuition so this course was a natural fit. When I completed the course I still felt empty. What happens when a problem occurs that is much larger than the power of “me?” GOD had an answer.

• GOD says to me “Listen to MY words and put them into action.”
• GOD says to me “Build your fortitude on MY promises to protect you.”
• GOD says to me “When you place your trust in ME you will not fall.”

Slowly I stopped depending on my wit and started placing more trust in GOD. I began walking down the scary road of not always needing to know what the future had to hold. When the difficult times came I began to ask GOD how HE wanted to handle the situation rather than springing into action.

Prayer began to pop into my head as the answer rather than the question. GOD is a firm foundation for which I place my trust!

• Are you being blown around by life?
• Do you feel like you have reached your wits end?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you stop relying on your own power and start looking at GOD for your answers?

Much Needed Strength

Zechariah 10: ⁶ “I will strengthen Judah
    and save the tribes of Joseph.
I will restore them
    because I have compassion on them.
They will be as though
    I had not rejected them,
for I am the Lord their God
    and I will answer them.

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¹² I will strengthen them in the Lord
    and in his name they will live securely,”
declares the Lord.

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“I can’t do this” were the words I said as I threw another gutter. This was my first time bowling and everyone else seemed to get it right. I scored a “twelve” which is very far from the perfect game of three hundred. It got so bad that people stopped laughing because of my struggle.

• There were times in my life when I felt like giving up.
• There were times in my life when I felt like throwing in the towel.
• There were times in my life when I felt like I could not do anything right.

In the next try at this painful game someone came over to not only encourage me, but show me how to make a few minor adjustments. I slowed down a bit and aimed the ball towards the seemingly elusive target and got nine points all at once, that was almost as much as my previous entire game. I rejoiced and was glad I did not give up! GOD says the same.

• GOD says to me “I WILL strengthen you.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL restore you because I have compassion on you.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL answer you, and in MY name, you will live securely.”

I no longer felt weak and inept after a little guidance. In fact, I felt strong enough to join a bowling league and got better and better. Life is the same. Sometimes it feels like I am throwing gutter after gutter and getting nowhere. THEN GOD steps in with HIS promises and gives me strength to keep going.

HE provides me with HIS compassion and it is as if HE never rejected me in the first place. GOD loves me so much that HE volunteered to die for me. HE faced excruciating pain and was accused by those close to HIM. When HE rose from the dead, HE sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live in me. HE speaks to me through HIS word daily.

• Do you feel weak right now?
• Are you facing a situation that seems overwhelming?
• Can you slow down for a moment and allow GOD’s greatness overshadow what you are going through?
• Can you seek GOD’s compassion today?

Words of Encouragement

Isaiah 35: ³ Strengthen the feeble hands,
    steady the knees that give way;
⁴ say to those with fearful hearts,
    “Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
    he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
    he will come to save you.”

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“Your tie is supposed to line up with your belt and zipper” was the great dressing lesson my uncle gave me. “Use fine sandpaper after the clear coat” was another lesson from another uncle. “Make a loop when stitching your pants” my aunt told me in yet another lesson.

• Sometimes I need help.
• Sometimes I need assistance.
• Sometimes I need someone to teach me.

Many times I really needed help. I mean I ran into situations where I felt lost and could not accomplish what I set out to do. I was faced with problems and sometimes had no way out. Fortunately I was blessed with people I could call.

• GOD says to me “Strengthen the feeble hands” meaning I need to help someone who cannot do for themselves.
• GOD says to me “Steady the knees that give way” meaning I need to support those who cannot stand for themselves.
• GOD says to me “Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong and do not fear, your GOD will come with vengeance; with divine retribution HE will come to save you.”

Many times I received help and now it is time to be the help. GOD calls me to speak words of encouragement into others so they will continue on HIS wonderful path. HE removes barriers and HE is the only one who can speak blessings into existence. HE shows the way and holds up the weak. GOD wants me to not just talk, HE wants me to “do” and to “be.” GOD wants me to help.

• Are you passing by the weak and feeble?
• Are you dodging those who need your help?
• Can you reach out and help someone in need today?
• Will you ask GOD for more strength to help others?

Recognizing True Power

Psalm 93: ¹ The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
² Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity.

³ The seas have lifted up, Lord,
    the seas have lifted up their voice;
    the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
⁴ Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
    mightier than the breakers of the sea—
    the Lord on high is mighty.

⁵ Your statutes, Lord, stand firm;
    holiness adorns your house
    for endless days.

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Nervously awaiting the verdict, all I could think about is “what if they don’t accept me?” This happened as I attempted to get on the track team, or into college, or into a fraternity or into many companies. I was later taught “It’s not what you know but who you know.” I tried meeting people and soon found I had to identify the person with “power” and cater to their whims, no matter how crazy they seemed.

• There are times where I did not like the person with “power.”
• There are times where I did not like the person in charge.
• There are times where I did not like the person who made the decisions.

Folding my arms and pouting didn’t work, nor did slandering behind their back. I had to humble myself and face the situation that someone was actually “higher” than me in the pecking order of many things and I had to treat them with a level of respect. Then I noticed something different. What if I treated everyone with the same respect? Then I noticed something even more enlightening, what if I treated GOD with the level of respect HE needs?

• Humans need respect from me and GOD should get even more.
• Humans need special attention from me and GOD should get even more.
• Humans need immediate response, from me and GOD should get even more.

Recognizing “power” makes me successful, but human success can only last as long as their reign. GOD’s reign is everlasting. HIS “throne was established long ago” and HIS “holiness adorns HIS house for endless days.” The more I can recognize GOD’s power, without constantly pointing at my situation or my sins, the better.

• Are you focused on telling GOD about you?
• Do you find that most of your prayers are about you?
• Can you take a moment to recognize GOD’s power daily?
• Can you fight the temptation to be tired of praising GOD and truly honor HIM?

Taking Credit

Psalm 59: ¹⁷ You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely.

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Prayer was approaching a habit at this time. I decided to pray about the situation and it seemed like everything cleared up overnight. People around me saw that I had talent and I was promoted. Soon after I got as tough as the other bosses. “’I’ am strong enough to handle these people” I thought to myself.  “I” made it here “myself” and “I” can reach the top.

• It is false to think that I have any power whatsoever.
• It is false to think that my health, wealth and welfare come from me.
• It is false to think that I can breathe on my one, work on my own, live on my own.

I used to think that strength came from me. I mean when I was scrawny, I lifted weights and grew large. When I wasn’t successful, I worked harder than anyone else until I was. Soon I thought I was a self-made man. BUT GOD wants different.

• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for every step that I take.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to sing to HIM and about HIM because HE is the one who deserves credit.

It is GOD who raised me up and it is up to HIM to place me wherever HE wants me to go. HE is the bright shining light in the morning who blesses me with strength. I have no might at all. I cannot breathe without GOD. HE has the right to do as HE pleases and I praise HIM for it. I can always rely on GOD.

• Are you doing things on your own strength?
• Do you think it is your might that has you where you are?
• Do you think that your sin controls GOD’s blessings?
• Can you look at GOD’s grace as being sufficient?
• Will you look to GOD and praise HIM for being your strength today?

Gain Strength Today

Nehemiah 8: ¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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“My new car” I cried out! Someone had broken out the window and stolen items in the car. I was miserable the entire day. ”Relax” someone said to me. “Relax, what do they know?” I thought to myself. I mean this is “my” car! They are just saying relax because it is not their car.

• Sometimes the day to day worries distract me from peace.
• Sometimes the day to day troubles distract me from solitude.
• Sometimes the day to day trials distract me from tranquility.

It was difficult to see GOD with joy with fresh glass on my seat. I mean I have to call insurance, police, take the car to get it fixed. This is a huge inconvenience. My mind kept racing towards calamity. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to let go of my stuff so I can see HIM in the middle of calamity.
• GOD wants me to walk in peace as a practice because trials will appear out of nowhere.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIS strength as the center of my joy.

As I matured I saw the car situation was only a minor thing compared to what life had in store for me later. There are two things I can be sure of, life will have trials and GOD will always be there so I can have joy in HIS strength.

• Are you in the middle of a trial?
• Are you grieving about something?
• Can you take a moment to enjoy a meal and feed someone who does not have the means?
• Will you look to the LORD as your strength today rather than focusing on today’s calamity?

Asking Shapes Me

2 Chronicles 1: ⁷ That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

⁸ Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. ⁹ Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. ¹⁰ Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

¹¹ God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, ¹² therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

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GOD knows everything right? Then why does HE ask Solomon to “ask” HIM for something? I mean HE knows what Solomon will ask so why doesn’t HE just give it to him and be done with it? In fact, why doesn’t HE just give me my cushy life with plants that never die in a warm tropical bug-free place with people surrounding me who are praising GOD day and night?

• GOD has given me free will to choose HIM.
• GOD somehow allows me to actually pick my direction.
• GOD enables me to make choices and HE has rewards and consequences attached to them.

GOD doesn’t always just step in and steer things in my life. HE lets me choose my path. Unfortunately if sin and fear get in the way, I won’t choose HIM. That’s why HE had to die for me because I would never choose HIM. When GOD takes me to a very scary place my choices are critical. Choose HIM with faith, trust and obedience or cower away with fear, doubt and disobedience.

• GOD wants me to choose HIS way which shapes me to obey HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask for the items that please HIM which grows my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has a wonderful plan for me which strengthens my trust in HIM.

Asking actually is like exercise. The more I ask for the things GOD wants me to ask for, the stronger my faith becomes. The reason I will be able to believe larger things will come to fruition is because I would have seen GOD deliver me from the multitude of smaller things.

• Are you ready to grow your faith?
• Can you begin asking GOD for smaller things and watch HIM deliver you?
• Will you begin to put your trust in HIM today?

Power Struggle

1 Kings 1: ⁵ Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses^[a] ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. ⁶ (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)

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³⁹ Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” ⁴⁰ And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.

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After my second promotion I thought to myself, “I have cracked the code.” After years of missteps and false declarations, I was finally on my way. A couple of years later I received another promotion followed by another. Soon I could actually see myself at the very top of the organization.

The top person got wind of my desires and we began to lock horns. He surrounded himself with many other department heads. I was locked out.

• When I’m climbing up to the top, I sometimes forget I need people to pull me up.
• When I’m trying to reach the top, I sometimes forget I can’t get there on my own.
• When I’m focused on the top, I sometimes forget I was once on the bottom.

Self-declaration is dangerous in any situation. Confidence and competence must be exuded, however, arrogance and know it all behaviors soon become old and can blind me to where I need to be. Fortunately GOD has something different to say about the climb to the top.

• GOD wants me to raise HIM above everything.
• GOD wants me to climb up to HIM rather than seeking titles.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the ultimate destination without regarding the pride of humans.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all these things will be added to you” GOD says to me. In other words, crushing the opponent and making sure they are homeless and desolate shouldn’t be on my agenda. GOD wants me to remove my mild brand of hatred of my opponents and seek HIS face.

• Are you seeking a title?
• Do you want power?
• Can you focus your attention on GOD’s true power?
• Can you stop self-declaring and start declaring GOD’s power?

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.’

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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.”

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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?

Seek to be kind

2 Samuel 9: ³ The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?”

Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.”

⁴ “Where is he?” the king asked.

Ziba answered, “He is at the house of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

⁵ So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel.

⁶ When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor.

David said, “Mephibosheth!”

“At your service,” he replied.

⁷ “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”

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Kindness has been shown to me in various forms for many years. From a scout leader who tirelessly gave his time to us to the many bosses who stuck their neck out for me. One thing I noticed about them is they didn’t ask they just did.

• GOD wants me to seek moments in which I can be kind to someone.
• GOD wants me to actively pursue people to be kind to.
• GOD wants me to sacrifice a vacation or some “me” time to be kind to someone.

Being kind takes time and thought, but not always. Sometimes it is something as small as holding a door for someone or placing their newspaper near their door or smiling at them. The kind part is seen by the person who has done nothing to deserve the act. Hopefully I am ready to tell them why I do these things.

• I am kind because GOD is kind to me.
• I am kind because GOD can use the kindness to draw people to HIM.
• I am kind because GOD says “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Kindness should never be mistake for weakness. In fact it takes strength to show kindness in a humble way not expecting anything in return. Being kind is exactly what GOD wants from me.

• Are you full of complaints?
• Do you expect to get and never to give?
• Should you be kind to the person who isn’t?
• Won’t you show someone kindness today for the purpose of drawing them closer to GOD?

What does strength look like?

2 Samuel 3:¹The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

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³⁶ All the people took note and were pleased; indeed, everything the king did pleased them. ³⁷ So on that day all the people there and all Israel knew that the king had no part in the murder of Abner son of Ner.

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Everyone stood up when this guy walked in the room.  I was slow to rise as I was befuddled as to what was going on. We just stood there waiting on someone else to say something. I have no idea what was said but was happy when the guy left. “Don’t you know that was the vice president of something” they exclaimed.

From that day forward I tried to pay attention to what actually made someone powerful. I thought it was obtaining a title so I climbed the ladder to get one. I found out titles make people weaker because they can lean on them.

• When I use a title as my strength, I am weak.
• When I value someone’s title more than others, I am weak.
• When I think a title will give me more power, I am weak.

Once again David showed me what strength looks like. One of his generals murdered a person who defected and joined David in the quest for the kingdom. Abner was David’s enemy only because he was loyal to Saul, but Abner wanted the kingdom to follow David once Saul died.

David’s general murdered Abner in revenge but tried to cover it up saying Abner was acting as a spy. David cried and would not eat when he heard of the news. He actually cared.

• I learned that strong people care about others rather than the position.
• I learned that strong people don’t care about the competitive advantage rather they do what is right.
• I learned that strong people aren’t afraid to weep in public and are courageous enough to call out what is wrong.

Titles don’t make me strong, GOD does! In my weakness HE is strong. HE is pleased when I care about others and seek HIS face. HE wants me to value HIM rather than positions. GOD wants me to elevate HIM as the true measure of strength.

• Are you acting weak?
• Do you seek revenge?
• Do you believe that things would be better at the next level?
• Won’t you look to GOD as your source of strength rather than the title you aspire to?

Being above pettiness

1 Samuel 30: ²¹ Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow him and who were left behind at the Besor Valley. They came out to meet David and the men with him. As David and his men approached, he asked them how they were. ²² But all the evil men and troublemakers among David’s followers said, “Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However, each man may take his wife and children and go.”

²³ David replied, “No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us. He has protected us and delivered into our hands the raiding party that came against us. ²⁴ Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”²⁵ David made this a statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.

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“I’m not sure if he is a good boss or not” were the words that came from my lips as we met by the coffee machine and chatted. Months later we were going through yet another reorganization. He moved my family to a faraway land and we still questioned the validity of his business prowess, but exclaimed praise for his upward momentum.

One day he pulled me in his office and said, “I have watched over you. Raise yourself above any petty talk and you will succeed.” I think he knew I was talking about him. He blessed me for years after with raises and promotions. He went on to become the CEO.

• When I gossip I am being petty.
• When I talk about people who didn’t pull their weight I am being petty.
• When I think negatively about someone GOD is raising up I am being petty.

“Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent” of the people is how the old saying goes. Am I in helping group or the group that sits back and murmurs and complains about the boss? Well apparently I was in the latter of the two. BUT GOD wants me to be different.

• GOD wants me to stop complaining about “that” person and start praying “for” that person.
• GOD wants me to stop murmuring and start moving.
• GOD wants me to stop holding people back and start helping them move forward.

From his mentorship I was able to let go of my pettiness and grow people to become my boss and greater without being jealous. GOD blessed me with removing my blindness to others and great thing happened.

• Are you being petty?
• Are you too blind to see what GOD sees in “that” person?
• Do you murmur about “those” people?
• Can you reduce your complaining and gossiping and begin praising GOD for  HIS blessings?

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.

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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?

Faith plus actions wins the battle

Exodus 17: ¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 

¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

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School seemed like it took forever to complete! It took a lot of painful nights and prayer. Paying off bills seemed to take forever. It took a lot of discipline and prayer. Training for a marathon seemed tedious and time consuming. It took a lot of perseverance and prayer. Why couldn’t GOD just give me the knowledge, money and strength to do what I want to do?

• I want qualities that I may not be ready for.
• I want results without the pain of having my character shaped.
• I want easy living without troubles that may strengthen me.

GOD could have wiped out the army that fought against Israel but HE allowed HIS people to fight and show faith while fighting. GOD used Moses the strength in Moses arms as a gauge for whether they were winning or losing the battle. Meanwhile the soldiers had to actually fight for their lives. Many were wounded but they won the battle.

• GOD strengthens me through trials.
• GOD provides for me through work HE has given me..
• GOD grows me through studying HIS Bible and serving HIS people.

Each trial grows me for GOD’s purpose. As much as I despise the training I love the result!

• Are you going through a battle?
• Do you feel you have to fight for everything right now?
• Can you accept the painful process of GOD growing you?
• Can you take notice of the changes GOD is making in your life for HIS purpose?