Situational Gravity Explained

Situational Gravity Explained

Genesis 34³⁰ Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me by making me obnoxious among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites; and since I am few in number, they will gather themselves together against me and kill me. I shall be destroyed, my household and I.”

 

³¹ But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a harlot?”

 

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After Simeon and Levi took revenge on the entire city of Shechem, Jacob spoke to them trying to tell them what they had done was very serious. Their response was an attempt to explain why they did this extreme act.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob expressed his fear of retribution from the surrounding people.
• Simeon and Levi expressed to Jacob that something should have been done to serve justice on the city of Shechem.
• Israel’s reputation of being obnoxious had begun.

 

Shechem’s violation started a series of events that escalated out of control quickly. Throughout history, groups of raiders would take women for their own pleasures. Up until this point, Jacob’s family had remained safe. But now the safety net felt removed.

 

Jacob knew eventually the people of the surrounding lands would get word of what happened. The immense wealth that was stolen by his son’s would possibly bring people from far away who would desire to raid his camp without remorse. Simeon and Levi felt better, but their justice would be short lived. GOD saw it all.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s conversation with Simeon and Levi?
• Have you ever taken revenge and gotten into a worse situation?
• If vengeance is driving you to a situation that is worse, will you seek GOD to intervene HIS way?

Revenge Put in Motion

Revenge Put in Motion

Genesis 34: ¹³ But the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father, and spoke deceitfully, because he had defiled Dinah their sister. ¹⁴ And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. ¹⁵ But on this condition we will consent to you: If you will become as we are, if every male of you is circumcised, ¹⁶ then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to us; and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. ¹⁷ But if you will not heed us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and be gone.”

 

¹⁸ And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. ¹⁹ So the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob’s daughter. He was more honorable than all the household of his father.

 

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Hearing about the violation of Dinah, her brothers decided to do something about it. They deceived Shechem and Hamor by telling them they needed to become circumcised. This way the men of Shechem would become like the men of Israel, Jacob’s sons.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob’s sons were furious enough to plan out revenge.
• Jacob’s household followed the covenant given to Abraham, that all males born or servants who worked for the family, would be circumcised.
• Shechem was first in line, probably dreaming of having Dinah as his wife.

 

GOD told Abraham to be circumcised when he was ninety-nine. HE also said that males had to be circumcised on the eighth day, or when the child is eight days old. Jacob and his entire family followed this covenant. Jacob’s son’s knew this process would be painful for adults, so they added it to their plan.

 

Shechem, blinded by getting his way, fell into the trap created by Jacob’s sons. He was so used to getting his way that this plan looked like he had won over Jacob and his family. He thought that the men of Shechem would be excited about being able to marry the daughters of Jacob, so he got first in line. GOD saw the plan for revenge put in place.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the plan for revenge put in place by Jacob’s sons?
• Have you ever thought about taking revenge on someone?
• Can you let go of any ill will you may have against someone and allow GOD to own vengeance?

Seen People

Seen People

Genesis 15: ¹⁷ And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. ¹⁸ On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying:

 

“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates— ¹⁹ the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, ²⁰ the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, ²¹ the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

 

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Relating to humans is easy to GOD. Relating to GOD is sometimes difficult for humans. We don’t understand what or who HE really is. Only what HE has revealed, can we catch a glimpse of who HE is. When HE appeared to Abram, this time it was in the form of a smoking oxen. GOD reveals four SPIRITS to one of HIS disciples centuries later, one of which was “like an ox.”

 

GOD possibly passed the burning torch between the sacrificed animals, burning them up in the process. HE then made a covenant, or a promise, with Abram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew about people who were against HIM and had plans for their demise, but in HIS time.
• GOD’s plan for Abram would be fulfilled centuries later.
• GOD’s promises transcend life as we know it.

 

By localizing the vision GOD had for Abram, you and I can catch a glimpse of how HE works. HE may provide a promise to you and me, but part of the promise may get fulfilled centuries later. The weird part about GOD is that HE sees people who despise who HE is or treat HIM irreverently by trying to make HIM into their image.

 

GOD seems to be using extreme restraint, grace and mercy on people who are blatantly doing wrong. That includes you and me. HE gives people plenty of time to turn from their ways and to believe they need the Savior, namely JESUS. GOD’s positive promises include those who confess HIM as LORD. HE also promises to take vengeance on those who do not.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD explains this vision to Moses?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD sees the wrong someone is doing to you or around you?
• Will you have peace, knowing GOD sees those who wronged you and HE will take vengeance on those who harm HIS people?

Waiting to Rejoice

Waiting to Rejoice

Revelation 18: All the ships' captains and passengers, the sailors and all others who earn their living on the sea, stood a long way off, ¹⁸ and cried out as they saw the smoke from the flames that consumed her: “There never has been another city like this great city!” ¹⁹ They threw dust on their heads, they cried and mourned, saying, “How terrible! How awful for the great city! She is the city where all who have ships sailing the seas became rich on her wealth! And in one hour she has lost everything!”

²⁰ Be glad, heaven, because of her destruction! Be glad, God's people and the apostles and prophets! For God has condemned her for what she did to you!

 

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As the teacher separated the thug from the rest of the class, I felt relieved. It seemed like she allowed the thug to torment us forever without doing something about it. Before she left with the thug to go to the principal’s office, she gave a warning. “Do not celebrate, because this could be you.”

 

• She put a damper on my celebration.
• I wanted to get excited because justice had finally been served.
• I was told to hold back on my celebration, which was kind of a letdown.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw world trade and ocean travel come to an end. The great city that made it possible for goods to be sold around the world, and for luxury cruises to make people rich, had come to an end. This was the final piece of demolition that GOD put in place.

 

My Observations:

• Wealth without GOD can lead to my destruction.
• Luxury without GOD can cause me to move further away from hear HIM and seeing HIM.
• One day, the rich, powerful and arrogant leaders will mourn over the fall that GOD has planned.

 

Wealth is a touchy subject that can cause highly charged conversations. I mean, one person preaches prosperity, the other preaches poverty, in terms of being close to GOD. JESUS said “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the SON of man does not have a place to lay HIS head” while HE walked on earth. HE owned everything, yet chose to be the poorest among HIS people.

 

To HIM, worldly wealth was not a thing to be obtained because HE owned it all anyway. But what was HE after? HE wanted to save all HIS humans HE created, from destruction. One day, JESUS will judge the world for stealing people away from following HIM. I gladly seek HIS kingdom, which are the lost people HE wants me to find.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer give a sense of urgency?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich or follow those who are?
• What is GOD’s plan for your life and why do you think HE has you where you are today?

Slow to Anger

Slow to Anger

Revelation 14: ¹⁷ Then I saw another angel come out of the temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle.

¹⁸ Then another angel, who is in charge of the fire, came from the altar. He shouted in a loud voice to the angel who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sickle, and cut the grapes from the vineyard of the earth, because the grapes are ripe!” ¹⁹ So the angel swung his sickle on the earth, cut the grapes from the vine, and threw them into the wine press of God's furious anger. ²⁰ The grapes were squeezed out in the wine press outside the city, and blood came out of the wine press in a flood two hundred miles long and about five feet deep.

 

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A neighbor gave an uncharacteristic shout to stop playing in front of his house. A stray ball hit the window but it did not break. This neighbor was usually docile and in the past, never minded us playing.

 

• We had done something that crossed the line of patience.
• Patience had finally run out and the neighbor was furious.
• We could no longer play in front of that neighbor’s house because patience turned to wrath.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another angel who had a sickle. But this time it was to cut down grapes that were growing. These grapes seemed to be filled with the wrongdoing of humanity. They had reached a limit and GOD was furious!

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger, BUT HE still gets angry.
• GOD is extremely patient, but one day HIS patience will run out and HE will pour out HIS fury.
• GOD has given humanity plenty of time to turn from their wicked ways, and one day HE will be furious.

 

No one likes to talk about the wrath of GOD. I mean, we usually want to mention HIM as “gentle” or “forgiving” or “loving.” HE is all of the above. BUT GOD is also “jealous”, “just” and “supreme.” HE can and will judge mankind based on their relationship with HIS SON, JESUS, who is the Savior.

 

All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory. This means we all deserve GOD’s wrath. We are saved from HIS wrath by “active” belief in JESUS. Not just the knowledge of the story of JESUS, but allowing HIM to guide our lives as we surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT. I am grateful GOD is slow to anger and recognize, HE will get angry!

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s fury?
• Have you ever tried someone’s patience and saw him or her run out?
• If you are testing GOD’s patience with you, will you consider turning your ways over to HIM by believing in HIS SON, and surrendering your life to HIM so HIS anger will not be poured out on you?

What Am I Saying?

What Am I Saying?

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying high in the air, with an eternal message of Good News to announce to the peoples of the earth, to every race, tribe, language, and nation. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Honor God and praise his greatness! For the time has come for him to judge all people. Worship him who made heaven, earth, sea, and the springs of water!”

 

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Saying a joke about someone got a few laughs. After a while, I was able to insult anyone who crossed my path. I became a jokester. But when I had something serious to say, people thought I was joking and brushed off the statements as unimportant.

 

• I felt I had wasted my words.
• I looked back on what I said and found no value.
• I realized that words are important.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another especial event. Another angel appeared with an eternal message of Good News. This was to be announced to every race, tribe, language and nation. “Honor GOD and praise HIS greatness!

 

My Observations:

• GOD deserves honor and praise
• GOD will judge all people at a set time.
• GOD is worthy of worship because HE made heaven, earth, sea and springs of water.

 

How many of my words “Honor GOD?” I mean, even when I mention HIM, am I honoring HIM? GOD should be held in the highest esteem. Honor GOD means placing the highest value in who HE is and what HE does. Devaluing GOD, means seeing HIM as an obstacle, or a problem or not worthy of my time.

 

We only have so many words we will ever say in our lives. What’s important to GOD should be important to me. If he made a special event to tell us to Honor HIM, I should be willing to do so. I praise GOD from whom all blessings flow.

 

Challenge

• What is the great message given to the writer?
• Does the message seem mundane?
• Will you seek to “honor” GOD and “worship” HIM today?

Ready At All Times

Ready At All Times

1 Peter 3: Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, ¹⁶ but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. 

 

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Furious at the people who “attacked” me at work, I thought of ways to fight back. A thought crossed my mind to ask GOD to beat my enemies up. I had the justification because the attack was unprovoked.

 

• All I could think about was “getting even.”
• My performance started slipping because I wanted to fight.
• I lost sleep due to thinking of the actions of other people.

 

Peter provided some necessary words to those who were being chased by their religious leaders who wanted to kill them because of their belief in CHRIST. Petr suggested that they “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience.

 

My Observations:

• Thinking of evil retaliation can grow hatred and bitterness in my heart.
• Getting back at someone makes me “not ready” to explain the Gospel.
• Practicing GOD’s love and peace makes me “ready to answer” questions about HIS love.

 

Retaliation is not my job, BUT GOD’s. I mean, HE said “Vengeance is min, I will repay.” When HE used these words, HE did not include me in the “how” part of the method of repaying. So where does that leave me?

 

HE want my heart to “be ready” to show HIS love. HE desires that I explain the love of HIS SON in a non-combative respectful way. This way I can keep my conscience clear and let go of any hatred that may be growing in my heart. I am glad GOD gives me a way to let go of bitterness and to “be ready” when HE sends someone to me.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever had a chance to show peace but you lost your patience and showed frustration or complaints?
• Would you listen to the Gospel from someone who is complaining or combative?
• Will you consider walking more in peace so you can “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness and respect today?

Good Power

 Good Power

Romans 12: ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

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After working hard for months, I sat for my evaluation. I received a “Good” as the performance rating. I was furious. ‘After all that hard work, you mean to tell me that it was ‘good’” I said. Good meant “doing as expected” and I felt I exceeded expectations by staying late and doing more. I wanted better than “good.”

 

• There were times when I felt “Good” was not powerful.
• There were times when I felt good people finish last.
• There were times when I felt great was better than good.

 

Paul continues with his radical words given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. He speaks about not taking revenge. This was strange because the law said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In other words if someone does something bad to you, it is your right to do something bad to them. But GOD wants a different way.

 

• GOD wants me to leave vengeance up to HIM.
• GOD wants me to feel sorry for my enemies because HE felt sorry for me.
• GOD wants me to use good as a powerful weapon that overcomes evil.

 

“Great” is not suggested to be used to overcome evil, but “good” is. Being good when there is a chance or even the right to do evil, puts me in a better place with GOD. HE sees my “good” effort and rewards me.

 

Meanwhile, HE says “Let ME handle the evil this person has done to you.” GOD’s wrath on enemies is nothing to gloat at, but to be feared by all. I accept the powerful weapon of good to fight against those who purposefully do evil.

 

• Has someone done something evil against you?
• Do you want to take revenge out on “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on who HE chooses, meanwhile keep doing what “everyone” considers good so HE will be please with your actions?

Slander Reaction

Slander Reaction

Acts 6: ⁸ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ¹¹ Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ¹² And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. ¹³ They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; ¹⁴ for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ¹⁵ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

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Part of the fight of being a leader was protecting my reputation. For years, I made sure my decisions were not only sound, but heard. Things were going well, until I wanted to be “me” instead of who they wanted me to be.

I could no longer hide my faith just to get ahead. The slanderers made up their weird stories, but this time I did not care if those in charge wanted to believe lies.

• There came a time when I got tired of protecting what people thought of me.
• There came a time when I just wanted to be me instead of who everyone wanted me to be.
• There came a time when I realized I was not living by faith rather I was doing what was expected of me.

Stephen was doing great things for GOD. That’s what he was made for. Some jealous church leaders tried to fight his wisdom but found they could not beat him on that front. So they made up lies about him to capture him. Stephen’s reaction was simply to sit, peacefully.

• GOD wants me to know vengeance is HIS.
• GOD wants me to understand that I will be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to expect a fight because of my service to the LORD.

Yelling at me, lying on me and hating me are actions I should expect from those who do not believe. It does not feel good. BUT GOD wants me to react different to the outbursts and slander. HE wants me to understand that HE is in control and humans are not.

HE knows the heart and is willing to clean it if I confess. HE also knows the hearts of those who try to harm me because of my service to HIM. HE protects the relationship I have with HIM. Humans my hurt my reputation or sometimes, my body. BUT GOD holds me everlasting. I am grateful GOD hold my reputation.

• Are you being lied about?
• Do you have someone talking negatively about you behind your back?
• Will you let what they are doing go so GOD will handle them in HIS time without you seeing HIS punishment on them?

Miracle of the Ear

Luke 22: ⁴⁷ While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸ but Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’

⁴⁹ When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, ‘Lord, should we strike with our swords?’ ⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

⁵¹ But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

⁵² Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, ‘Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? ⁵³ Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.’

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“This is my chance to get back at the person” I said to myself. I worked hard, yet this person gave me a “so-so” evaluation and said I needed to improve. Now the shoe was on the other foot. This person was trying to interview at the company I moved to and my boss asked me if this person was worthy of an interview. “No” I said in a satisfying way.

• There were times when I wanted to fight those who pushed me around.
• There were times when I couldn’t wait to get back at those who did me “wrong.”
• There were times when I temporarily felt great when I saw someone’s demise.

JESUS shows extreme compassion towards a servant of those who came to arrest HIM. When one of HIS disciples cut off the servant’s ear, JESUS immediately performs yet another miracle by reattaching the ear. JESUS never said “It serves you right” to the servant, nor does HE say “Let this be a lesson to those who try to mess with ME.” HE stopped the fight.

• JESUS wants me to allow HIM to have vengeance on my enemies.
• JESUS wants me to allow HIM to show compassion to those I “think” have wronged me.
• JESUS wants me to understand HIS compassion includes people I do not like.

Perhaps GOD is showing me more compassion than I think. HE heals me when I am hurt and lifts me up when I am down. HE shows me grace when I deserve punishment. Why am I spiteful at “that” person when JESUS wants to show them, and me, compassion? GOD’s grace is sufficient.

• Are you mad at someone?
• Do you think that person has done you wrong and you want to get back at them?
• Will you allow GOD to show them compassion so HE will pour out HIS compassion on you more abundantly?

Do What You Gotta Do

Luke 19: ⁴⁵ When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. ⁴⁶ ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘“My house will be a house of prayer”; but you have made it “a den of robbers”.’

⁴⁷ Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. ⁴⁸ Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

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“This person seems like they are after me” I said with distress. I mean they treat me different than the rest. I added. “Fight back” were the words of human wisdom. “You don’t have to stand for that nonsense. You have to do what you gotta do.” After this advice, I was filled with rage. The conflict was on! I had to protect “myself.”

• There have been many times I have been filled with rage.
• There have been many times I have gotten mad at someone who was in charge.
• There have been many times I was told to do something, but the person giving the advice had rage inside of them.

JESUS entered the temple and saw what it had become. It was not a place where HIS people were being fed, rather it was a “den of robbers.” JESUS was filled with rage and began to drive out those who sold their stuff blatantly. The church leaders mentioned “GOD” but wanted to kill HIM. They too heard the words “Do what you gotta do.”

• GOD wants me to listen to HIM for advice.
• GOD wants me to put HIS word over my actions.
• GOD wants me to remove my rage and let HIM decide what HE wants to do with the oppressor.

Hate breeds more hate and those who love to hate people may not be able to recognize love. The church leaders hated JESUS enough to kill HIM because they wanted to protect themselves and their lifestyle. They were willing to do whatever it took to take control of the situation, even murder.

GOD wants me to check my heart and give my desires to HIM. HE does not want me to be so desperate that I would prey on HIS followers. GOD wants me to seek peace with HIM so I can pass it on to others. HE is my guide.

• Are you enraged by someone?
• Do you feel like you “gotta do what you gotta do?”
• Will you consult GOD before you add rage and hatred to your heart today?

Seeking Revenge

Ezekiel 25: ¹⁵ “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, ¹⁶ therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast. ¹⁷ I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.’”

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Seeking revenge felt good sometimes. I mean with anger boiling, I felt I had the “right” to inflict whatever pain or harm I could legally do to the person who “started” the fight in the first place. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Get rid of malice in your heart, otherwise it can turn into hatred.”
• GOD says to me “Get rid of ancient hostility in order to move into the future.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay.”

Letting GOD take care of those who trespass against me enables me to feel better about whatever is going on with “that” person. I can sleep and eat without a carrying around misery and pain. GOD wants me to ask HIM to forgive my trespasses as well as those who trespass against me. Instead of seeking revenge, I will seek GOD.

• Do you have malice in your heart against someone?
• Are you carrying around ancient hostility?
• Can you allow GOD to take care of the situation knowing HE will deal with you also?

Heart of Revenge

Jeremiah 51: ¹⁰ “‘The Lord has vindicated us;
    come, let us tell in Zion
    what the Lord our God has done.’

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Driving along the highway I noticed a person who decided to pay back a person who cut them off. They got in front of them and slammed on their brakes, causing the other person a huge scare. I thought to myself, “That seems like a good idea!” I mean I got tired of drivers who got in front of me, almost grazing my car, meanwhile the lane doesn’t go any faster.

I decided to try it on the next driver who cut me off. Minutes later it happened. I put my plan into action by sliding over to the lane they left. Suddenly I hit a huge pothole and bent one of my rims. Oh, now I know why the person darted in front of me. My vengeance cost me hundreds.

• Sometimes I want to get that person back.
• Sometimes I want “that” person to fail.
• Sometimes I want to hear about the fall and see them tumble down the mountain.

Watching the speeder who passes me then gets pulled over by a cop feels great until I am the speeder who gets pulled over. The “Heart of Revenge” makes me look at others with judgement in mind. I hope for their demise never once thinking I may be the perpetrator. BUT GOD says something different.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay” meaning I need to stay out of HIS way or I will feel the wrath too.
• GOD says to me “I will take out MY vengeance on those who harm MY people” meaning HE does not need me to fight when HE has been angered.
• GOD says to me “Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that GOD will bless them” meaning let GOD handle the malefactor.

Having a “Heart of Revenge” makes me play the situation over in my mind, not letting go of its deadly poison. BUT GOD wants me to let go. HE wants me to see HIS protection and allow HIM to pour out HIS wrath or grace on the person. HE wants my heart to be filled with grace just like HIM. HE wants me to empty my vengeful heart and fill it with love.

• Are you mad at someone?
• Are you spitting poison as much as you can about other people?
• Can you stop being angry and fill your heart with love?
• Will you allow GOD to handle “that” person and also allow HIM to change your heart?

Spend Time Wisely

Psalm 135: ¹³ Your name, Lord, endures forever,
    your renown, Lord, through all generations.
¹⁴ For the Lord will vindicate his people
    and have compassion on his servants.

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Pressure seemed to grow the higher I climbed. Deadlines, meetings and conference calls filled my mind. I had to document all of them and review them at night. There was little to no time to think of people outside of the projects I worked on.

• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should praise the LORD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should spend some of it with GOD.
• There is a finite amount of time I am on this planet so I should think of serving HIS people.

This chapter talks about how great and marvelous GOD is, but then it took a dark turn and talked about GOD destroying once mighty Egypt. Barbaric towards slaves, Egypt reigned with a mighty hand. Tierney caused GOD’s people to cry out. GOD heard.

• GOD hears me when I cry out.
• GOD hears me when I am in need.
• GOD hears me when I seek to serve HIM and HIS people.

Turning to GOD should be a daily thing rather than an afterthought upon attending church once a week. GOD wants me to seek the lost because time is running out. HIS name endures forever, not mine. My finite time should be spent as if tomorrow were the last.

• Are you spending an enormous amount of time mad, sad or worried?
• Can you quiet down for a moment and ponder GOD’s greatness?
• Will you stop spinning your troubles in your mind for a minute and notice GOD around you, even if it is for a second? 

Getting Revenge

Psalm 35: ²² Lord, you have seen this; do not be silent.
    Do not be far from me, Lord.
²³ Awake, and rise to my defense!
    Contend for me, my God and Lord.
²⁴ Vindicate me in your righteousness, Lord my God;
    do not let them gloat over me.
²⁵ Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”
    or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

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“That felt good” was the thought that flashed in my mind as I was able to block a person from interviewing at the company I worked at. She was a thorn in my side at my last job and I was shocked to hear my boss ask me “Should I interview her?”

Years later I went to look for a job at a place where I was a perfect fit. I looked through the list of employees and did not see her name, but I did see a person who was fired from the company I was trying to leave. I tried to reach out to him and he would have nothing to do with me. “So this is how she felt” crossed my mind.

• Sometimes revenge feels great to me.
• Sometimes revenge feels wonderful.
• Sometimes revenge fuels my determination.

Obtaining a goal based on revenge is very problematic. I mean if someone says something about me or does something to me, a dangerous fire can be lit that makes me determined to get that person back. This is a mild form of hatred that carries a dangerous seed. BUT GOD says think differently.

• GOD says to me “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay.”
• GOD says to me “Pray for your enemies that they may prosper.”
• GOD says to me “Forgive others as I have forgiven you.”

Spitting out my poison rather than using it as a dart is what GOD wants me to do. HE wants me to seek HIS kingdom first rather than seeking revenge first. By seeking HIS kingdom, I will find peace instead of pain, grace instead of groaning, and love instead of let downs. It is hard to “let it go” sometimes, BUT GOD can help me move on.

• Are you seeking revenge?
• Do you want to see “them” fail?
• Can you give your thoughts of revenge over to GOD?
• Will you focus on HIS kingdom first?