Headed to Something New

Headed to Something New

James 1:1  From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world.

 

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Being “let go” did not feel good at all. No matter how it was phrased, I could not wrap my mind around “Why did this happen to me?” “The position was eliminated” were the only words of comfort.

 

• I felt lost and directionless.
• I was not prepared to be out in the world.
• I did not know GOD had something much better in store for me.

 

James, human brother of JESUS, writes a letter to “GOD’s people scattered over the world.” The scattering did not come easy. In fact, because of belief in JESUS, many people were persecuted. They had to leave their homes, ill prepared, not knowing the future.

 

My Observations:

• GOD scatters HIS people for HIS purpose.
• Change is usually difficult for me, BUT GOD has a reason for it.
• Humans may not provide the right words to comfort me, BUT THE COMFORTER makes it clear that being scattered is not a bad thing.

 

Sometimes it feels like GOD is just not there. I mean, why in the world would HE push me out into the world with no plan? HE replies, “This is MY plan.” When I see HIS plan unfolding, I usually don’t like it. BUT GOD is doing something amazing that I don’t know.

 

GOD addresses my deepest fears by putting me in situations I need.  Ugh! Another problem? Yes. HE keeps allowing me to be scattered so I can be sent somewhere that I would not have otherwise gone. HE then tells me to stand firm for HIM in other places. I am glad GOD has a great and wonderful plan for me that includes “this” situation.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer write a letter to people scattered all over the world?
• Why do you think James refers to himself as a servant of his brother JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wondered where is GOD?
• Will you look at your current situation as an area that GOD is trying to address so you can look forward to HIS plan for you today?

Dangers and Troubles

Dangers and Troubles

Hebrews 11: ²⁷ It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. ²⁸ It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites.

 

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Driving in a neighborhood that was known for its dangers, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a dead end street, similar to those seen in movies. I panicked as I looked in my rear view mirror to see who was converging on me. No one was around. I simply backed up and drove away.

 

• I brought worry and fear into the situation.
• I worried about what could happen instead of seeing what was happening.
• I thought the worst, instead of thinking of the best.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his faith examples with another aspect from Moses. Danger would not stop Moses from doing what the LORD said to do. He boldly left Egypt after GOD sent plagues, making Pharoah desire to send the slaves away. GOD also protected those who believed in placing blood on their doors from the final plague, namely Angel of Death.

 

My Observations:

• My fears can diminish my faith in GOD.
• GOD loves when I face my fears by turning to HIM for the answers.
• GOD specializes in protection and deliverance, even when things seem bleak.

 

In the middle of danger and trouble, GOD wants me to take a deep breath and keep moving towards HIM. I mean, things may seem impossible with no way out and no solution at hand. GOD steps in and provides when I stay the course.

 

HE knows I am still afraid. BUT HE also knows how to provide for me when I get nervous and need HIM to show me the way. I am glad GOD takes care of my deepest fears and addresses all situations with HIS loving power.

 

Challenge

• How do the two examples of the writer relate to each other?
• Have you ever faced danger or trouble and panicked?
• Will you take faith into your next encounter with danger or trouble so you can calm down enough to hear GOD, and be delivered from evil that day?

Expect It

Expect It

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁰ But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, ¹¹ my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. ¹² Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; ¹³ and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

 

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Walking a certain route home was the norm, but I deviated this particular day. I ran into some thugs who summoned me over. I ignored their request and started walking faster. I could hear then say “didn’t you hear me? Get over here!” my walk turned into a trot. I then heard someone say “Leave him alone!” It was a tough kid I knew who protected me.

 

• I did not expect to be ambushed.
• I did not expect any problems that day.
• I did not expect anything different to happen just by doing something innocent.

 

Paul warns Timothy that he will be persecuted. He then tells Timothy to remember all the times he personally had been persecuted. Paul recalls the suffering he went through and gives Timothy these harsh words. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted;”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to expect persecution in this life.
• Persecution will come from nowhere and I should be ready.
• Deceit is the norm for those who do not follow the LORD.

 

Following JESUS is tough. I mean, when I declared publicly that I follow JESUS, I thought life would be so much better. It sometimes got worse. Those who pretended to know HIM used deceit to gain my trust and proceeded to pour out their harm.

 

GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. In other words, I should expect life to have deceitful people who pretend to follow GOD but really are deceiving themselves and others. I accept the fact that life will bring persecution and I am glad GOD gives me strength to endure.

 

Challenge

• What persecution do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever tried to follow JESUS and things went wrong?
• Will you expect trouble in life and ask GOD for strength to endure today?

Detoured

 

Detoured

Acts 28: ¹¹ After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. ¹² We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. ¹³ From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. ¹⁴ There we found some brothers and sisters who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. ¹⁵ The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged. ¹⁶ When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

 

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Traffic was thick and I wanted to get home. I couldn’t take the stop and go moments any longer. I exited the jammed up road to take my chances on the side streets. I decided to forego making dinner so I stopped to pick up something to eat for the family. There was a homeless person outside of the restaurant. I gave to him.

 

• There have been times when I had a destination in mind, but was detoured.
• There have been times when I had a plan in mind but the plan did not go as expected.
• There have been times when I had a solid expectation in mind, but got a different opportunity.

 

Paul was led to go to Jerusalem to speak about JESUS. He knew he would face opposition from the church leaders, yet he went anyway. After being mobbed, thrown in jail, shipwrecked and detoured to strange places, Paul finally arrives in Rome. Along the way Paul told people about JESUS and showed HIS power.

 

• GOD wants me to accept HIS detours in life.
• GOD wants me to understand that my expectations may be holding me back from see how amazing HE is.
• GOD wants me to be excited about a new fruitful road of life rather than being stuck on the fruitless road of trying to control my fears.

 

Expect detours when serving GOD is what I have learned. I mean, nothing will go as expected in life. When one thing calms down another trial pops up. GOD wants me to see that I can have peace in the middle of life’s journey. HE leads me to places I would not expect and protects me along the way. I am grateful for HIS detours.

 

• Do you have a destination in life that seems to have taken a detour?
• Are there new people in your life that need to hear about GOD?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour by dropping your expectation and allow HIM to guide you to a better place than you anticipated?

Being Prepared

Luke 22: ³⁵ Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’

‘Nothing,’ they answered.

³⁶ He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. ³⁷ It is written: “And he was numbered with the transgressors”; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.’

³⁸ The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’

‘That’s enough!’ he replied.

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“Who is in charge?” the person entered the room flustered. The people pointed at me and I had to handle the situation. This was my convention and I was responsible for whatever happened. Days prior to the convention, I only prepared for what would go right. I was mistaken.

• Many times I have not been prepared for problems.
• Many times I thought life would be smooth with no rough edges.
• Many times I thought everything should go my way, not the other way.

JESUS brings reality to the disciples by telling them the situation was about to change drastically. HE knew HE was about to be handed over to the church leaders and the government. JESUS would no longer be right there physically to protect them and HE implores them to be prepared.

• GOD wants me to be ready to face difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to understand that life’s situations can be difficult.
• GOD wants me to know HE is still with me through the pains and troubles of life.

Pain, torture and death was JESUS’ destiny and HE wanted HIS disciples to be prepared to take over the message HE easily spoke. HE wants me to do the same. GOD knows that I will face the difficulties of life BUT HE wants me to face them with HIM as my guide. GOD is my protection.

• Are you prepared to face difficulty and trouble?
• Do you easily cave in to the troubles of life?
• Will you ask GOD for strength to go through difficulty so you won’t turn away from HIM today?

Facing Decrees

Luke 2: And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,  who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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As I walked out of the interview, something told me to speak with the official looking person walking towards the parking lot. The company I had just interviewed with was just placed on a global hiring freeze and I felt a bit dejected.

The person in the parking lot confirmed the statement but said something amazing. “Call our company. I am a recruiter.” I called and weeks later began working for that company.

• Some human decrees seem devastating to me.
• Some human decrees seem like they add hurdles to my life.
• Some human decrees seem like snap judgments leaning towards greed.

Joseph and Mary had to do what the government said. Registering with the government meant more money for the government and Joseph complied. Little did he know that this decree was being used by GOD.

• GOD places huge situations in front of me so I can tell it is HIM.
• GOD uses human decrees for HIS good, even when I think the decree is harsh and filled with greed.
• GOD has a plan for me that includes human decrees especially when humans think they are in control.

Whether it is government or work or an of track church, GOD laughs at human plans. “They think they are in control” HE giggles. The reality is GOD is in control. HE knew towns would be flooded with people who would stay at the best hotels, so HE took the lower route and had HIS SON born in a barn and laid in a dirty feeding trough.

GOD sees the enormity of various situations in my life as well. HE knows the barriers before me are laughable to HIM. HE carriers me through the troubles and lays me down beside HIS still waters of peace. GOD is my refuge.

• Are you facing something huge?
• Do you see a huge human decree that seems to be immovable?
• Can you put your trust in GOD today knowing HE has already taken care of your situation in spite of what humans think?

Facing Something Big

Mark 14: ³² Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” ³³ And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. ³⁴ Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”

³⁵ He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. ³⁶ And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

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“You are being let go” were the unfamiliar words I heard for the first time in my career. “What?!” was my first reaction. I had no idea what to do. Trying to resolve what went wrong was impossible as they handed me awards and accolades while I walked out the door.

• ·         There have been times in my life when I have had to face something big.
• ·         There have been times in my life when it seemed like nothing was going right.
• ·         There have been times in my life when I thought the world was going to end because I put so much into a single direction.

“MY soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death”, Jesus says. HE was facing tremendous pressure and cried out in sorrow. “FATHER take this away from ME!” was HIS cry. Sometimes I feel the same.

• ·         GOD says to me “I have a greater plan than the pain you are going through.”
• ·         GOD says to me “I understand your pain because I went through tremendous pain for you.”
• ·         GOD says to me “Cry out to me when you feel any pain or sorrow and I promise to comfort you.”

JESUS does a strange thing in the middle of HIS pain and sorrow. HE doesn’t give up on HIS journey rather HE gives up HIS struggle with what HE was facing. “”Take this cup away from ME; nevertheless, not what I will, but what YOU will” was the release of trying to steer things in HIS direction. In other words “Take this, it is YOURS.”

JESUS was about to take on the blame for every sin and no other human could help HIM. Even HIS own FATHER would turn HIS back on JESUS for a moment, but not for eternity. There was no saving JESUS from death. I am glad HE understands when I am full of sorrow. HE comforts me.

• ·         Are you full of pain?
• ·         Did you just get some extremely bad news?
• ·         Can you cry out to GOD with a purpose so you can give your pain to HIM rather than holding onto it?

Expect It

Mark 13: ³ Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, ⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?”

⁵ And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

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 “This is going to sting a bit” said the doctor as he gave me a shot. I braced for the worst and while it was bad, I expected it.

• Sometimes bad news comes in droves.
• Sometimes I get bad news then some more bad news then some more.
• Sometimes it seems like there is nothing but bad news all around.

Two thousand years ago JESUS speaks about these days. HE does not paint a very good picture for mankind. It seems like all of humanity are doomed by the way this reads. BUT GOD said something that caught my eye.

• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when problems seem to pile up.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when it seems like the trial keeps going on and on.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be troubled when issues develop.”

The reason JESUS can say “do not be troubled” is because HE already saw the outcome and it was victorious. HE, like the doctor, says to me “This may sting a bit” in order to warn me. BUT GOD sees beyond the surgery, unlike the surgeon. HE sees HIS victory in my life and says to me “hang in.” By expecting trouble, I can also expect HIS protection and HIS guaranteed love for me.

• Are you frightened by the trouble you are in?
• Do you feel a lot of pressure?
• Can you stop for a moment and expect the trouble and also expect GOD’s victory?

Surrounded

Matthew 26: ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” ⁴⁹ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him.

⁵⁰ Jesus replied, “Why have you come, friend?”

Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. ⁵¹ With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

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Finally the day was over, or so I thought. I paid my fare and sat down on the strangely open window seat. I figured someone got up and I was the fortunate soul to ride in bus comfort. 

When I sat down the person behind me said something but I could not discern what he said. Then someone sat next to me on the aisle and then two more stood in the aisle. I was being robbed with no way out!

• There were times I felt surrounded.
• There were times when I looked around and I could not see friendly faces.
• There were times when I had no choice but to give in to the difficult situation.

JESUS faced the same thing. An army came to arrest HIM because they thought they were in control. They had seen miracles and chalked it up to JESUS being a person who got lucky and they were going to make HIS luck run out. BUT JESUS knew.

• JESUS knew HE was going to be arrested and allowed it anyway.
• JESUS could have stopped them with a mere utterance of a word, but HE chose to be taken.
• JESUS saw how far HIS betrayer went and still called him “friend.”

Later in life I was surrounded again, only this time it was corporate bullies and thugs. GOD opened my eyes to see that I may be surrounded again and again in life so I should expect it, like HE did. HE taught me to trust HIS protection even when it seems like there is no way out.

• Are you surrounded by your trouble?
• Do you see problems on all sides with no way out?
• Can you calm down for a moment and allow GOD to protect you?

Thoroughly Protected

Ezekiel 35: ¹² Then you will know that I the Lord have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” ¹³ You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. ¹⁴ This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

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We split up and ran in different directions to divide the would-be robbers. When I felt the coast was clear, I went back to the grocery store looking for my friend. As I walked into the store one of the detectives summoned me over. “Is he one of them?” he asked my friend. “No, he was the one I told you about who was being chased with me. He is my friend.” I never felt more relieved because they did catch the thugs and drove us home.

• Some people thought I was down and tried to kick me.
• Some people thought I was an easy target, and I was.
• Some people thought I could be taken advantage of and they were right.

We were outnumbered five to two. They even yelled out “Shoot them!” thinking that would stop our mad dash. The odds did not seem in our favor. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD said “I have heard all the contemptible things” meaning HE is listening to those plotting against me.
• GOD said “You boasted against ME and spoke against ME without restraint and I heard it” meaning HE listens to those who think they do not need HIM and who are against those HE protects.
• GOD said “I AM the Sovereign LORD, I will make you desolate” meaning HE is going to take down those who try to harm me.

GOD provides special protection for those who HE gives a purpose. I did not know it at the time, but HE protected me through many other similar incidents. As I look back through all the times I needed protection, I cannot help but think “Why me?” GOD says to me “Because I want you to tell people about MY SON.”

GOD’s protection should never be wasted. HE protects me in order for me to spread the Good News about HIS SON.’’

• Are you scared?
• Are you full of fear?
• Can you let go of the situation ling enough to give it over to GOD and watch HIS deliverance?
• Will you walk in HIS strength and protection today?

It Will Happen Soon

Ezekiel 12: ²⁶ The word of the Lord came to me: ²⁷ “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, ‘The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.’

²⁸ “Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

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“Pack your bags and be in [insert some distant city] on Monday” were the words spoken to me is a hasty decision. It was Friday and in one moment my life changed by the decision of a company. There was no time to think, just move.

• Sometimes situations happen quickly.
• Sometimes life changes rapidly.
• Sometimes the unexpected pops up when I am not ready.

Complacency had me relax in my position. I thought I could be in one place forever. I usually put in a nice effort and was satisfied that I contributed value, but the change came unexpectedly. GOD does the same. Many situations, bad or good, happen rapidly. How can I be ready for them?

• GOD says to me “Take up your cross daily” meaning I need to pay attention to HIS salvation of me on a daily basis.
• GOD says to me “Pray without ceasing” meaning stay in continual communication with GOD because anything can happen quickly.
• GOD says to me “Put oil in your lamp” meaning be prepared for MY return at a moment’s notice.

Surprise is not in GOD’s vocabulary. HE knows what I am going to go through way before it happens, but I am blind to the timing and get surprised many times. Since I can’t go through life fearing the next moment, GOD wants me to seek peace by paying attention to HIM as often as I can. HE says “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”

Instead of constantly thinking on disaster, I can think about GOD. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. I can find peace knowing anything can happen.

• Are you worried?
• Are many thoughts flooding your mind?
• Can you relax for a moment and allow GOD to provide you with comfort?
• Will you let HIS timing happen while you sit back and relax?

Giving Up

Proverbs 24:

Saying 25

¹⁰ If you falter in a time of trouble,
    how small is your strength!
¹¹ Rescue those being led away to death;
    hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
¹² If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
    Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?

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“This was the final straw” I said to myself. Tired of the nonsense that was happening around me, I decided that I had enough. I gave up on helping because I was making no headway at all. In fact it seemed quite the opposite.

• Sometimes it seems like difficulties can throw me off.
• There are times when trouble can feel overwhelming to me.
• Sometimes I just feel like giving up when I am making no headway.

Quarrels and blame were the mode of operation and I truly got tired of being the self-appointed mediator. I said “What good is my help and it certainly doesn’t seem like GOD cares.” How incredibly wrong I was.

• GOD said “I will be with you always” this means HE stays during times of trouble.
• GOD said “Trouble you will have but I send a COMFORTER to you” meaning HE knows I will got through things so HE gave me protection.
• GOD said “Have the faith of a mustard seed” meaning I must believe in HIM even if it is the tiniest belief.

Giving up is quite easy to do, BUT GOD says to me “stay in there and complete your work I have given to you.” HE wants me to continue what I’ve started and never give up.

• Are you in trouble?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you look back on how GOD has rescued you in the past?
• Will you allow HIM to take you “through” the trouble instead of around it?

Lifting Up My Head!

Psalm 24: ⁵ They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

⁷ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

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Phone calls became a dread to me. I picked up the third call this particular day and it was my insurance company. “You have to get a higher priced insurance because of your ticket history” they said. This was after the call I received from the credit card company and the auto mechanic who just finished working on my jalopy of a car. Both were asking for their money and I had none. Where is GOD during these times?

• Sometimes it seems like trouble comes in waves.
• Sometimes it seems like problems hit when I am weakest.
• Sometimes it seems like I have more questions than answers.

I couldn’t understand why I was going through this circumstance at the time. I was in a mess and I couldn’t see beyond the day. BUT GOD saw my future.

• GOD owns everything on Earth and all around it, so HE knows what I need.
• GOD raises me up in HIS time with HIS method.
• GOD fights my battles even when it seems like I am outnumbered.

GOD tells me to “Lift up my head and stop acting defeated!” The question I had to ask myself is, “What would I be doing if I had all the money I needed at my disposal?” The answer came to me with a statement, “Live for today and let GOD have tomorrow.” I focused my attention on that day and little by little I climbed out of the mountain of debt. I could answer the phone with confidence.

• Are you in a landslide of trouble?
• Do you think you have problems on all sides?
• Can you focus your attention on what GOD will have you do “this” day?
• Will you stop pouting about what you don’t have and focus on what GOD wants for you today?

Expect the Unexpected

Psalm 22: ¹⁹ But you, Lord, do not be far from me.
    You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

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“Help” was all I could utter when trouble number three came. I mean the car was broken, my credit was broken and my will was finally broken. I wondered how far GOD really was from me. I thought that if I started following GOD that things would be fine. I would be rich and famous and on a perpetual vacation. Why was I going through this?

• Sometimes I go through trials.
• Sometimes I experience trouble.
• Sometimes I have pain.

So many unexpected things happen and when they do I am taken thoroughly by surprise. This causes a mild panic and then a crazy thought comes to mind. “GOD is gone” or “GOD is punishing me”, but this thinking is extremely flawed.

• GOD allowed trouble on HIMSELF so HE could empathize with my troubles.
• GOD experienced ever temptation so HIS grace IS sufficient for me.
• GOD wept when HE saw all the troubles I would experience so HIS compassion for me is extreme.

GOD gets no pleasure in seeing me in pain. In fact it hurts HIM deeply when I anguish because HE place the HOLY SPIRIT inside me. GOD cannot get “away” from me even though it feels that way. So when the unexpected comes up, GOD is there, ready to go through the problem with me. HE wants me to expect the unexpected so I can put more trust in HIM.

• Are you in shock over something?
• Did something recently happen that caused you to go in a different direction suddenly?
• Can you ask GOD for strength to quickly resolve your new direction?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS swift resolution?