Live In

 

Live In

2 John 1: ⁴ How happy I was to find that some of your children live in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. ⁵ And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. ⁶ This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love.

 

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

 

“Once you join the group, you have to follow the rules” a group leader said. I wanted to be part of the prestigious group so I did everything the group said. Once inside I became an ambassador for the group, taunting people to join and to be like “us.”

 

• I was totally invested in the group.
• I believed in the group so much, that I talked about the group’s decisions all the time.
• I even thought the group was the answer to some problems people were having in life.

 

John expressed the excitement of seeing “some” people living in the truth of GOD. He could see their lives were different than others because they took GOD’s words to heart and were loving one another. They were no longer living outside of GOD’s love.

 

My Observations:

• I may try to leave GOD, BUT HE will never leave me.
• GOD loves when I live in HIS truth and obey what HE says in HIS word, which is the Bible.
• Obedience to GOD requires that I surrender my life to HIM which gives me more freedom than I thought.

 

At one time I thought GOD was a restrainer who couldn’t wait to punish me. I mean, isn’t the Bible a list of rules that hypocrites use to control people? No! GOD revealed HIS love and spoke to many writers to reveal HIS SON, JESUS as the Savior from blindness of HIM.

 

Sin caused all humans to be blind to GOD’s love and we needed help. JESUS took our punishment and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to open the wyes of believers. This causes you and me to be able to “live in” the truth, obedience and love. I am glad GOD made a way.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the words “some of your children?”
• Have you ever wanted to be part of an organization, so you learned the rules and stuck to them?
• Will you take whatever battles you are creating and surrender them to GOD so you can live in HIS truth, by obeying HIS commands so you can live in HIS love today?

Expectations Met

Expectations Met

1 John 5: ⁶ Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. ⁷ There are three witnesses: ⁸ the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. ⁹ We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 

 

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

 

Sitting in driver’s school, I looked at my watch all day! It seemed like the hours moved as days as the instructor warned all of us speeders about the dangers of driving fast. I had to check in at the beginning of the class and then check out at the end.

 

• I was sentenced to serve eight hours for my speeding.
• I was required to take the driver’s class.
• I needed an official witness that I took the class in order for the speeding ticket to not count against me.

 

John addressed something that people are still looking for to this very day, namely a person who can fix the mess humans are in. Poverty, sickness, violence and other problems seemed to grow, removing all hope. John addressed the fact the JESUS is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Humans witnessed HIS baptism, but only HE experienced death and the SPIRIT testifies that HE met the criteria, GOD was looking for.

 

My Observations:

• Satan’s pride caused him to get kicked out of heaven, and he introduced sin into the world by tricking Adam and Eve into performing an seemingly innocent sin.
• All of humanity became sinners through Adam and Eve and needed a sinless Savior.
• JESUS became a human, who never once sinned, who was baptized and murdered by HIS creation, but was raised from the dead by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Human witnesses are good, BUT GOD’s witness is the ultimate. I mean, humans can provide a witness to something and still be wrong or possibly have a sinful motive behind his or her witness. BUT GOD’s witness is pure and contains no sin.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT witnessed JESUS’s death and raised HIM from the dead. This act redeemed all humans who believe in the need of salvation. HIS resurrection was enough to meet GOD’s expectations. I am glad GOD supplied everything I needed to remove my sentence and to become redeemed by HIS SON.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer point out about JESUS?
• Have you ever pondered why did HE have to go through all of the pain and suffering?
• Will you see GOD’s love in JESUS’s actions by surrendering your life to HIM and by knowing that all expectations of you have been met, simply by believing in what HE has done today?

Trying to Understand Life

Trying to Understand Life

2 Peter 1: ¹⁹ So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. ²¹ For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

 

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

 

Going through difficult circumstances, I asked GOD “Why?” I did not get an audible answer and wondered if I was being punished or possibly forgotten. But then I read the scriptures and an example in the bible gave me peace that I wasn’t the only one going through difficulty and there is an enemy orchestrating war against believers.

 

• I did not like having to face difficulty again, but I felt inspired by reading the Bible.
• My situation had not changed, but something inside me felt at peace.
• Each word I read changed something inside me.

 

Peter explains that all scripture originated by the HOLY SPIRIT and can only be understood by explanation from the HOLY SPIRIT. He implicitly urged people to believe in CHRIST so they would receive the HOLY SPIRIT who would in turn be a guide to life.

 

My Observations:

• Humans can lie to me to get their own way, BUT GOD gave mankind scripture that revealed HIS love through HIS SON.
• I can believe scripture will guide me in making large and small decisions in life.
• Each example I read in scripture parallels a foundation in scripture.

 

Skeptics would say that scripture was written to enslave people to do work, or that scripture is no longer valid because technology has provided new ways of thinking. BUT GOD is in control and has provided a way to cope with life to this very day.

 

HE spoke to various men and women and had each carefully document their encounter with GOD. As unbelievable as each encounter was, there were several people who were eyewitnesses to the experiences. These experiences still hold true to this very day and can provide me with direction to keep moving forward. I am glad GOD said “I will never leave you nor forsake you, because I can hold onto this truth in the middle of a storm.

 

Challenge

• What gave the writer confidence?
• Have you ever wanted to ask GOD “Why?”
• Will you “lean not unto your own understanding” and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you through the difficult time so you can give GOD the praise HE deserves today?

Living in the Light

Living in the Light

Ephesians 5: ⁶ Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. ⁷ So have nothing at all to do with such people. ⁸ You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, ⁹ for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

 

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

 

Sneaking out the house under the cover of darkness, I was able to do what I wanted to do “without being detected.” In fact, many things I did that I did not want people to know, seemed to occur at night or in hidden moments.

 

• I was ashamed so I hid what I did.
• I was taught what was right and wanted to do wrong and hide it until I could figure out words to justify my actions.
• I did not want people to know the hidden side of me so I omitted the truth or ran with people who accepted what I was doing.

 

“Act like you belong to GOD” was the warning of Paul. He guided everyone to examine their old ways and to turn away from things that were not pleasing to GOD. This would come at a price. Some relationships would need to be severed and a new way of thinking needed to be pursued.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants to protect people from my dark ways.
• GOD wants me to turn from ways that are not pleasing to HIM so I can live for HIM without worry.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power to forgive and provide in the light.

 

Living in the light does not mean darkness goes away from my actions. I mean, I was born a sinner and this nature will remain until I am with CHRIST forever. But until then I have a choice that seems to fight each other.

 

People can easily fool me into believing something that is not pleasing to HIM or I can fool myself into falling away from GOD. BUT HE guides me back to HIM and gives me a better way to live. HE wants me to be brave enough expose my hidden sin so it will no longer have a hold on me. HIS light brings a rich harvest. I am glad HE brings goodness, righteousness and truth.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers warning to you?
• What does living in the light look like in your life?
• Will you examine yourself and see if there are ways that need to be brought to light so GOD can provide a rich harvest through you and in you today?

Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

2 Corinthians 6: ³ We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so we try not to put obstacles in anyone's way. ⁴ Instead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties. ⁵ We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food. ⁶ By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants—by the Holy Spirit, by our true love, ⁷ by our message of truth, and by the power of God. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

 

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

 

Tired of bullies and being a goody, goody, I decided to get into body building. This way I could be attractive and be ready to fight. The bigger I got, the more I realized there was always a bully who was bigger and stronger than me. I was preparing to fight the wrong battle.

 

• I wanted to overcome frustrations by venting or fighting.
• I wanted to fulfil my lusts.
• I wanted to be seen as a strong leader based on the world’s definition.

 

Paul describes a life that is less desirable to many. It is a life dedicated to GOD’s service. He mentions that he was beaten, jailed, mobbed, sleepless and starving all for the sake of being a servant of GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to patiently endure troubles, hardships and difficulties.
• GOD wants me to focus on purity, knowledge, patience and kindness to be HIS example.
• GOD wants me to show the love of the HOLY SPIRIT with the message of truth.

 

Being a pushover is not where GOD wants me. I mean, HE doesn’t want me gullible or unwise. HE knows the ways of the world require that I understand it, but not follow it. GOD’s kingdom is the only kingdom worth building.

 

HE loves when I surrender parts of my life solely for HIS purpose. HE then gives me HIS righteousness to attack injustice with peace and fight bullying, whether passive or overt, with love and truth. I gladly take on being a servant of GOD so HE may bring many back to HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever viewed your hardship, difficulty or trouble as the ministry GOD wants you to use as your ministry?
• What do you notice about what the writer went through?
• As a child, were you ever scared to do something so you asked an adult to help you?
• Will you be that adult to someone and share how GOD is keeping your trial today?

Break Thought Patterns

 Break Thought Patterns

1 Corinthians 8: ⁷ But not everyone knows this truth. Some people have been so used to idols that to this day when they eat such food they still think of it as food that belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, and they feel they are defiled by the food. ⁸ Food, however, will not improve our relation with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.

 

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

 

“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Step on a line, break your mother’s spine” were the superstitious rhymes told to me that I quickly believed. I didn’t want to hurt my mother so I avoided stepping on cracks and lines in the sidewalk at all cost. But one dreaded day, I stepped on a crack! I went home later that day and saw she was fine.

 

• There were times when I let superstitions guide my actions.
• There were times when I let old sayings determine my outcomes.
• There were times when I let idols provide me with my path, even though they were powerless.

 

Paul continues addressing an issue that people were concerned about. He lets people know that food does not “belong” to an idol because an idol is powerless. He says “their conscience is weak.” Then he provides the real solution, GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to drop my superstitions, and place my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my control, and place my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my fears, doubts and worries, and place my confidence in HIM.

 

Thinking I can control outcomes is a huge problem. I mean, when I subject my thinking to superstitions and hearsay, I can get tossed around by life very easily. I wind up following something that leads me to a dead end where I cannot answer the question “now what?” when a problem arises.

 

BUT GOD provides the solution. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT, who loves me and is concerned about me. I am led by HIM to the truth, which sets me free. I may sin, but I am freed from the bondage of my sins. I am glad I do not have to let fear, doubt and worry rule when I know GOD is for me.

 

• Are you following superstitions?
• Does your thought pattern automatically begin with negative versus trust in GOD?
• Will you break your natural thinking and ask GOD for the faith, love and hope you need so you can grow in HIM today to bear HIS fruit of the Spirit?

Truth is, no partiality

Truth is, no partiality

Acts 10 ³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵ But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ³⁶ The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— ³⁷ that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

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

Getting to the cafeteria when it opened was important this day. The tradition was to save a seat right at the front door for all who looked and acted like me. Though I was a freshman, I vowed to myself to keep this tradition going. Instead of waiting, I decided to get some food. When I returned to the table, someone who did not look like me sat there. I got ready for the fight.

• Many times I have acted “partial” to specific people.
• Many times I have given people I was “partial” to, a pass on their behavior.
• Many times I have been willing to start fights over people I was “partial” to.

Peter explains to Cornelius, a person of another race, that GOD is not partial to any nation. GOD will accept anyone who fears HIM and works righteousness. Peter then explains why.

• JESUS preached peace to me.
• JESUS was sent to me to save me.
• JESUS who is LORD of all, has received the HOLY SPIRIT, power and compassion to heal me and do good to me.

Part of the people is not enough for GOD. HE wants all of the people. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD. Unfortunately, some who will confess this truth will realize the eternal mistake they made by not believing this when they were alive.

JESUS has allowed me into HIS family. HE appreciates when I see the variety of people HE gets excited over. HE made each person unique and says “All of heaven rejoices over one person who accepts ME as their Savior.” I am learning to appreciate the uniqueness of others.

• Are you showing partiality to certain people and trying to say you are telling the truth?
• Do you give, those you are partial to, the best and leave the leftovers, if any, to everyone else?
• Will you stop your “small” view and look at GOD’s “large” picture by seeking HIS “full” kingdom today?

Sold out for GOD

Acts 21: ¹⁰ After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

 ¹² When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” ¹⁴ When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

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

Cartoons depicting an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other are a good example of how I have lived my life in the past. It seems like a temptation would pop up in front of me and I would have a choice.  Go with what seems to be fun or remain pure to GOD which usually seemed boring.

Well after being burned, hurt and left empty GOD’s way seems to be a better way.

• Some of my sins seem so harmless so why should I change?
• Some of my sins are too much of a habit so why should I change?
• Some of my sins are because of someone else or something out of my control so why should I change?

Excuses for me not changing my mind will be taken up with no one else BUT GOD! HE wants me to be sold out for serving HIM and desires me to live a victorious life.  HE does understand my flaws and knows I will fail time after time BUT HE desires that I change my ways little by little until I can do HIS will without fighting HIM to do my will. 

• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than helping someone else understand the freedom HE has given me.
• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than telling others GOD forgave me and HE will forgive you.
• Being sold out for GOD means nothing is more important than believing in HIS SON and following HIS will.

No person, no job, no trinket, no safe feeling, no self-preservation and especially no sin should be placed in front of doing GOD’s will. Now, I have to tell you that all of these items I have just listed are a struggle; BUT GOD has patience with me and helps me get it right. HE loves the way I am “becoming” sold out for HIM!

• Are you completely sold out for God or are you reserving most of you for you?
• What is holding you back from doing more for HIM?
• When will you give up a little of your lifestyle and start living for GOD more?

Am I Listening?

John 18: ³⁶ Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

 ³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

   Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

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

Winning is the prime objective in business. If you are not a winner, you are a loser! I took that to heart and “won” quite often. After numerous promotions I was summoned to take on another challenge. Get rid of a large number of employees so the company could remain profitable.

I heard the voice of compassion say “don’t do this.” Was I getting soft? Where did that come from and why now?

• GOD speaks to me every day I just don’t listen to HIM.
• GOD speaks to me and tells me to serve HIM I just want my way.
• GOD speaks to me with love and compassion expecting me to follow HIS example I ignore it and crush my opponents.

People have said to me “I can’t hear GOD” and I tell them I hear HIM every day and ignore HIM often. Because I don’t fully trust HIM or I want my way, I ignore HIS cry to be compassionate or kind, or pure, or loving. But when I do listen to HIM marvelous thing happen!

• When I listen to GOD I reach people for HIM.
• When I listen to GOD I always benefit.
• When I listen to GOD I change my ways instead of getting my way!

Miracles happen in front of my face and situations disappear before my eyes when I listen to GOD long enough. It takes my seeking heart to want to hear HIM.

• Are you seeking GOD or your own way?
• Have you intentionally tried to follow HIS ways?
• Will you try to learn about GOD for the purpose of having a better relationship with HIM?
• Do you know the truth?

I want to be free!

John 8:  ³¹ To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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

Sitting next to the window I could see a bird soar. How I dreamt I could be outside again enjoying the warm weather but my daydream was cut short when the teacher asked me a question.

Later in life I walked to work after class one summer and I saw everyone gathering to have some fun. I longed to be with them but the punch-clock said different. Even later, I sat in a high pressured meeting with blame and accusations being tossed around and I remembered days with no responsibility. “I just want to be free!” I thought to myself.

• My definition of freedom is missing an ingredient.
• My definition of freedom is slightly off kilter.
• My definition of freedom doesn’t always include GOD.

The way I define freedom means I am free “from” responsibilities, free “from” blame, free “from” doubt, free “from” worries. That sounds good until I add more. I want to be free “to” do what I want, free “to” run wild, free “to” have what I want to have, free “to” say what I want to say.

“What is so bad with all that?” you ask. My definition of freedom is bathed with selfishness. I don’t want to be bothered with “life” and I want to just check out from problems without facing them, this turns to blaming others and even worse blaming GOD for constraining me so much.

• GOD wants me to serve people the way they need to be served.
• GOD wants me to tell people I sin and JESUS took my punishment.
• GOD wants me to continue to learn of HIS ways so I can truly be free.

Freedom is telling people I have lied. Freedom is telling people I have broken promises. Freedom is telling people I have fallen to many other sins. Now that my life is an open book, I am free to live without guilt. What a weight lifted off my chest. I have chained my life to JESUS and HIS truth has set me free!

• Are you trying to hide something?
• What sins are you committing that seem to hold you in captivity?
• Do you realize GOD forgave you for “all” your sins?
• Won’t you try to reduce your “sin diet” even though GOD set you free from death?
• Do you know GOD’s truth instead of your own “truth?”

I’m the “best” at being humble!

John 7: ¹⁸ Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

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

After winning a number of awards and honors I guess I became addicted to the accolades. I wanted another trophy, plaque or cup that symbolized I was performing above my peers so I deserved to be recognized. Soon my vocabulary turned into a constant progress report of what “I” was accomplishing. “I was good at that.” There I go again!

• When I seek the approval of humans instead of seeking GOD’s approval I fail.
• When I openly or covertly brag about my accomplishments instead of pointing to GOD I fail.
• When I try to please those who do not understand GOD’s ways I sin.

This is my theory, I believe there is a sin GOD despises more than any and that is “pride.” I’m not saying that I should not be proud of the accomplishments of others or in my workmanship rather, I should not be plodding through life trying to make “me” look so good. Instead of seeking “personal glory” I should be looking for something else.

• Personal glory can sometimes make me stretch the truth about me, GOD’s glory always show the “truth.”
• Personal glory can sometimes take the focus off of GOD and onto me; GOD’s glory always points others to HIM.
• Personal glory can sometimes blind me to the good others are doing, GOD’s glory makes me appreciate others.

Satan was also a good braggart. He was so good at what he did that he thought he could actually be GOD. There was no humility in him. GOD doesn’t want me to fall into that same trap. I should never think more highly of myself, rather praise the one who saved me, namely JESUS who is the CHRIST.

When I put the focus on HIS accomplishments, I can’t go wrong.

• Are you trying to be heard by the masses?
• Do you have a yearning to be recognized by your peers or superiors?
• Can you do what you do strictly for GOD without wanting human recognition?
• Will you honestly seek HIS ways instead of yours?

GOD wants me to “know” HIM with my heart!

John 4: ²³ Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴ God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

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

Remembering the “Be-Attitudes” was a goal of mine because my Sunday school teacher told me to do it.  Maybe I would get some sort of prize if I could spit out these memorable verses. I did and I believe there was some sort of ribbon or a token.

Look at me! I can remember verses and spit them out really fast!  I will be the envy of my class and I’m sure GOD is pleased with my knowledge!

• Knowing GOD’s word doesn’t mean I know GOD.
• Going to church doesn’t mean I am following GOD.
• Being nice doesn’t mean I am living GOD’s ways.

Without “the SPIRIT” I cannot worship GOD.  Without understanding GOD’s word which is the “truth”, I cannot worship GOD.  Both are equally important. “How do I know?” you ask, because HE placed both in my heart to make sure I worship HIM the right way.

• Before I was born, GOD wrote HIS word on my heart.
• After my birth my sin nature makes me forget my relationship with GOD so I had to realize I was like everyone else, a sinner.
• When I believed JESUS is GOD who saved me from eternal separation from HIM, I received the HOLY SPIRIT and eternal life.

With the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD’s word, I can worship HIM the way HE wants to be worshipped. As I get more mature with my walk with GOD I realize my “heart” knowledge of GOD is just as important as my “head” knowledge of HIM.  I can know someone needs help, but without compassion I will not be moved to do anything.

I can try to worship GOD because it’s the right thing to do, but HE really wants me to “want” to serve HIM instead of being obligated.

• Serving GOD in SPIRIT and in Truth should be an exciting experience between just HIM and me.
• Serving GOD in SPIRIT and in Truth means I believe HIS ways first before I make my decisions.
• Serving GOD in SPIRIT and in Truth supersedes my feelings, my plans, my doubts and worries.

GOD leads my decisions and at times it’s scary to have HIM do that. But the more I let HIM the better off I am.

• Do you think GOD is impressed with your church attendance and giving?
• Can you serve HIM without people knowing what you did?
• Won’t you start trying to get to know GOD a little better?

Can I be trusted?

Luke 16:  ¹⁰ “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. ¹¹ So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?

   ¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

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

Sunrise was beautiful as it glistened off the lake near my job, at least it was when I could pay attention to it. Unfortunately its beauty went unnoticed most days as I trudged into work half asleep.

My job was menial and repetitive to me so I would take frequent breaks and sometimes doze off in the washroom. I mean who should get up at this hour and why didn’t they give me more to do?

• I should not be trusted if I am so focused with my life that I cannot see what’s going on with others.
• I should not be trusted if I justify taking even a paperclip from work.
• I should not be trusted if I think “they are rich they won’t miss it.”

Being trusted with little is harder than it looks.  Most would believe it’s all about money but it is really all about “attitude” with GOD. Selfishness can permeate every fragment of my soul which causes me to be blind to GOD’s plan. I can’t hear HIM nor can I see HIM do HIS thing when I am selfish so I wind up doing untrustworthy things.

• GOD wants me to treat “every” dollar of my employer as if it were mine.
• GOD wants me to view my job as a privilege not as if it were owed to me.
• GOD wants me to give my wealth away not hoard it for myself.

GODLY wealth is bestowed on those who are willing to share in a graceful, mercy filled way. Satanic wealth is granted to those who lie, back-stab, cheat, and steal. Whether I am stealing time or materials from my employer to do personal things it’s wrong in GOD’s eyes and HE won’t trust me with HIS wealth on this earth or in heaven.

HE does get excited when I “entrust” all my money to HIM and bless others as much as I can.

• Are you sneaky?
• Do you steal personal time or material from your employer?
• Are you working for a human or GOD?
• Can you ask GOD to help you be trustworthy in all aspects of your life?

Faith is available if I reach out and get it!

Ephesians 6:  ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

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

Question: How do I fight the spirit world that I cannot see, hear or touch?

¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

So I guess I need to be honest with GOD and tell HIM my true struggles instead of trying to manipulate him into getting my way. I need to confess my dissatisfaction with HIS methods and ask HIM to help me accept HIS ways. I can then be righteous by confessing my sins to GOD.

Question: What am I supposed to be doing right now? What’s my purpose?

¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

My feet provide motion so I must take the first step in sharing the great news about JESUS without shame. I will also remember that sharing isn’t force feeding rather loving others.

Question: Why are things going wrong in my life?

¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Sometimes I overlook the fact that someone or something is messin’ with me. Satan wants me to fail so of course roadblocks to GODLY success will be put in my way. I have to reach out to GOD to get the faith that is ALREADY there and use it against Satan’s attacks.

Question: What about me? Can things get better for me?

¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

It’s up to me to accept JESUS as GOD who died in my place then after belief I must understand GOD and how HE behaves so that through mimicking HIM I can reap earthly and eternal benefits. This requires reading HIS Bible.

Question: What should I pray for? How should I pray?

 ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

There is no right way to pray. Liturgical is prayer passed down by the ages, spontaneous is prayer thought up on the spot, intercessory is prayer for others, introspective is prayer for me. Kneeling, sitting, standing, singing, crying, dying are all acceptable for prayer to GOD!

Where should my focus be?

John 18:36Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." 37"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." 38"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.

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


JESUS' death and resurrection is the most amazing event to ever take place in history. The statements made about HIM were amazing because the people really didn't know what they were saying. "You are a king" acknowledges JESUS as the CHRIST, the ultimate leader of all the Jews.

I find all the events centered around JESUS' death to be fascinating. Hatred and jealousy drove mankind to lie about HIM. Humans had in their mind what the CHRIST should be, how he should look and what he should do.

It is quite amazing that this attitude is still around today. There is confusion on how to serve JESUS and who is serving HIM. People have searched for the antichrist for years. Humans pick a pet sin to protest while committing hidden sin.

I have been confused over the years about my purpose. I thought it was to go to church on Sunday, pay some money, listen to a guy talk about the Bible and go to work the rest of the week.

JESUS says HE came into the world for a specific purpose, to redeem mankind. HE told the "truth" and humans struggled with it. Pilate asks "What is truth?" and we still struggle with this statement.

Truth is so relative today. We have people fighting other Christians on what they wear, do and say. It has made me lose my focus at times, but scripture like this always bring me back to what I should focus on, namely JESUS.

HE died for me.
HE rescued me from punishment.
HE came here specifically for me.
HE rose for me.
HE is building a place for me.
HE knows me.

I am so happy that JESUS could save a sinner like me. I actually don't understand why HE likes me so much, but HE does. In HIM is all truth and that's where I should focus. Once I look at someone else and discuss their Christianity or lack thereof, I am acting like those who murdered JESUS.

My focus should be on exclaiming the GREAT news about CHRIST, not on the bad news about mankind.

Are you stuck doing something you know is wrong?
Are you judging others harshly?
What are you doing to further GOD's kingdom today?
Are you praying to get more of the world or more of the kingdom?

Want the truth? Let the SPIRIT guide you!

John 16:7But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

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

At the risk of sounding crazy I tell you that a voice tells me to do things. Well, that did sound a little crazy so I'll clean it up. I get an "urge" to do something. Sometimes the urge is from me, sometimes it's from my sinful nature and other times its from the HOLY SPIRIT.

How do I know which is which? I must tell you the truth this is a very difficult thing to break apart and understand but I will try.

• I know the urge is "me" when I get sleepy
• I know the urge is "me" when I get hungry
• I know the urge is "me" when I feel rested and want to savor the moment.
• I know the urge is "me" when I am creative
  
  

Wow... this is hard to separate.

• I know the urge is "my sinful nature" when I want my way.
• I know the urge is "my sinful nature" when I compare myself to others.
• I know the urge is "my sinful nature" when I fear men more than GOD.
• I know the urge is "my sinful nature" when I contemplate sin over righteousness.
  
  

Now here is the easier part.

• I know the urge is "from the HOLY SPIRIT" when I get the desire to confess my sin to GOD.
• I know the urge is "from the HOLY SPIRIT" when I hear scripture and it stops me from sinning.
• I know the urge is "from the HOLY SPIRIT" when I do something for GOD that I didn't want to do like forgiving my enemy or spreading the gospel.
• I know the urge is "from the HOLY SPIRIT" when I love someone as an act of worship instead of loving myself as an act of selfishness.
  
  

I forget about the HOLY SPIRIT sometimes. I drag HIM into my sin daily and HE goes to the FATHER and asks for forgiveness each and every day. HE talks to GOD in ways I can't possibly understand.

When Satan tries to accuse me for my sins, the HOLY SPIRIT appears in front of the thrown and pleads on my behalf. GOD placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to protect me and comfort me. Though my body may be bruised "I" am not bruised. Though people try to insult me "I" am not insulted.

Confusing? I will try to explain. My body is temporary but "I" was created eternal. The HOLY SPIRIT protects the eternal "me" but the temporary "me" gravitates to sin and can be hurt, sad, confused and fooled.

GOD put HIS HOLY SPIRIT here to judge the world and convict it of sin. By believing in JESUS I am given the HOLY SPIRIT and I am no longer guilty. Now I have the ability to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Are you listening to you or GOD?
• Do you believe in the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT?
• Where do your fears, lusts and selfishness originate?
• Is there something you can give up today that the HOLY SPIRIT has prompted you to give up?