Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

 

Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

Exodus 15: ⁶ “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
⁷ And in the greatness of Your excellence
You have overthrown those who rose against You;
You sent forth Your wrath;
It consumed them like stubble.
⁸ And with the blast of Your nostrils
The waters were gathered together;
The floods stood upright like a heap;
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
⁹ The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
I will draw my sword,
My hand shall destroy them.’
¹⁰ You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

 

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Moses continues to lead the children of Israel in song after they saw the Egyptians defeated by GOD. This stanza seems to pay tribute to how easy it was for GOD to take down the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• Moses used many human attributes like “right hand,” “nostrils,” and “heart” to invoke human understanding and excitement.
• Moses remembered how stubborn and cruel the Egyptians were and placed their futile attempts of being gods in the song.
• Moses points out how easy it was for GOD to overthrow the Egyptians.

 

Scripture uses the “right hand” as a statement of true, right and just. I believe Moses was speaking about GOD’s power and sovereignty. Would you blow up a balloon with your nose? No. Moses may have simply been excited and used the weakest form of wind a human can produce to show how strong GOD is.

 

The “heart” of things is usually the center, but in humans, it represents the connection to GOD. The enemy is anything or anyone who opposes GOD. In this case the Egyptians were going against a promise GOD made when HE said HE would make Abraham a great nation. By trying to be the nation above GOD’s decree, they became HIS enemy. Their “hearts” became hardened by their belief that they could be above GOD. It was easy for GOD to wipe them out, according to the song.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song he sang regarding the greatness of GOD?
• Have you ever praised GOD for HIS might and HIS timing?
• Will you praise GOD even if your expectations are being met in a different way then you expect?

Victory Ceremony

Victory Ceremony

Revelation 15: Then I saw in the sky another mysterious sight, great and amazing. There were seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last ones, because they are the final expression of God's anger.

² Then I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire. I also saw those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and over the one whose name is represented by a number. They were standing by the sea of glass, holding harps that God had given them ³ and singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Lord God Almighty,
    how great and wonderful are your deeds!
King of the nations,
    how right and true are your ways!
⁴ Who will not stand in awe of you, Lord?
    Who will refuse to declare your greatness?
    You alone are holy.
All the nations will come
    and worship you,
    because your just actions are seen by all.”

 

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After winning a prize, I was told to arrive early to the formal award ceremony. I received instructions on where to sit, who to meet on the stage and what to do after the meal.

 

• I was excited about the ceremony!
• I was handed objects pertaining to the ceremony.
• I enjoyed participating in the ceremony!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given a mysterious sight, great and amazing. He saw the seven angels with seven plagues as the final expression of GOD’s anger. But before talking about what the plagues were, there was a ceremony, orchestrated by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew what HE would do after the great tribulation.
• GOD provided the musical instruments and Moses and JESUS provided the song.
• All who had endured some terrible things were finally able to participate in a victory ceremony!

 

Celebration is coming! I mean, sometimes it looks so dismal and celebration seems so far away. BUT GOD is not worried. In fact, HE is planning a victory celebration that includes you and me!

 

Those who endured the persecution and did not bow down to the beast will receive a harp and a song of victory! I look forward to this ceremony!

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about what he saw?
• Have you ever been celebrated or watched a formal celebration?
• Will you persevere and endure through the troubles so you can participate in GOD’s victory ceremony some day?

Timing

Timing

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. ¹¹ They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. ¹² And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”

 

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After giving up my desire to leave, I was resolved that I would spend the rest of my days in the town I moved to. I decided that I needed GOD in my life rather than the party scene I was known for. One day I got a phone call at my desk. “We would like for you to come work for us” were the words I was waiting on for months.

 

• I was stunned and didn’t believe it at first.
• I had been waiting for so long, that after a while I stopped thinking it would happen.
• I was filled with new energy, knowing that it was finally time!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a voice in heaven talking about the arrival of the Messiah! John spoke about the timing being “Now” meaning there would be no more waiting and all that needed to be done was done. He also said that those who were accused by Satan “won the victory!”

 

My Observations:

• Waiting on GOD with my own expectations can make me feel disappointed sometimes.
• When GOD arrives with HIS solution, I can sometimes be a bit stunned.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so I can celebrate “now!”

 

Being glad in the middle of a storm seems hard. I mean, when the time is tumultuous and it seems like nothing is going right, it doesn’t seem like a good time to celebrate. BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the storm.

 

JESUS won the victory over yours and my circumstances. While we cannot see it, HE has taken care of everything, even “that” thing that looks impossible to you. GOD formally declared that all was right so all we have to do is proclaim HIS victory until JESUS returns. I gladly am willing to speak about JESUS, even unto death.

 

Challenge

• What timing does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been waiting on something to happen for so long, that you just gave up?
• Will you continue to proclaim GOD’s message of love and salvation even though your circumstance may not have cleared up today?

Unharmed Woman Witnessed

Unharmed Woman Witnessed

Revelation 12: Then a great and mysterious sight appeared in the sky. There was a woman, whose dress was the sun and who had the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. ² She was soon to give birth, and the pains and suffering of childbirth made her cry out.

³ Another mysterious sight appeared in the sky. There was a huge red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and a crown on each of his heads. ⁴ With his tail he dragged a third of the stars out of the sky and threw them down to the earth. He stood in front of the woman, in order to eat her child as soon as it was born. ⁵ Then she gave birth to a son, who will rule over all nations with an iron rod. But the child was snatched away and taken to God and his throne. ⁶ The woman fled to the desert, to a place God had prepared for her, where she will be taken care of for 1,260 days.

 

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Everyone was working normally until a sudden moment. An armored car pulled up and I could see the tension on the manager’s face as the guards entered the facility. They quickly went into the back, grabbed what they needed and quickly left. I asked what was going on. Someone said, “We had a lot of cash that needed to be deposited and required a special level of protection.”

 

• The cargo was precious and required a different level of protection.
• The place that held the cargo was at risk, so it needed special protection.
• Once the cargo was delivered, normal operations continued and all was well.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had heard the seventh trumpet blow. JESUS was revealed and was now showing him a recap of life from the beginning of human time. JESUS showed John a woman about to give birth. The woman was precious to GOD as well as the baby. They both needed special protection from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Life is precious to GOD.
• JESUS chose to become a human and was born by a woman who belonged to one of the twelve tribes.
• Satan tried to stop JESUS from being born, but his plan to harm the baby or the woman, was thwarted.

 

As fragile as this plan seemed, GOD’s protection was always there. Satan did a lot of harm and JESUS showed us that everything was in control. The birth of JESU was the beginning of a victorious story.

 

HE will one day return and rule with an “iron rod” meaning this time HE won’t be so gentle. GOD’s power protected JESUS and the nation HE chose to be born through. That same power protects me and you.

 

Challenge

• Do you think the writer knew what was being shown?
• Have you ever needed a recap of events to know what was going to happen next?
• Will you believe that the woman, also known as the nation JESUS chose, was safe and did give birth to JESUS and HE did die and was raised to life and is victorious for you and me today?

Something to Focus On

Something to Focus On

Revelation 1: ⁴ From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world.

He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins ⁶ and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

⁷ Look, he is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him, including those who pierced him. All peoples on earth will mourn over him. So shall it be!

⁸ “I am the first and the last,” says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.

 

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Worried about life, I felt like giving up. My “try harder” did not seem like it was getting “me” anywhere. As bills grew, so did my complaints. I could not find rest because the people I hung around also had many bills and complaints.

 

• My focus on life had turned into how much money I had or did not have.
• After complaining and worrying enough, I could only see problems.
• Victory was not even in my vocabulary because “I” did not feel victorious.

 

John starts his book by telling the believers that GOD, HIMSELF, sends HIS grace and peace. Not only HIM, but the seven SPIRITS and JESUS also send the message of grace and peace. All had seemed lost and humanity would belong to Satan. BUT JESUS, “the faithful witness” was “the first to be raised from death” and HE “freed us from our sins.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD, who is, who was and who is to come, is not worried about what is going to happen to me because HE has already seen me in a victorious state of being.
• JESUS freed me from death, pain and misery, so whatever I go through now is only temporary.
• GOD said, I AM the first and the last” meaning anything HE says can be counted on.

 

When life brings challenges, there is hope. I mean, human demands for unholy things can make anyone feel like all hope is lost, BUT when GOD tells me “everything turned out fine” I can believe it.

 

My focus needs to shift from the day to day worriers over to eternal victory. GOD may never say  “Did you work harder?” or “Did you get that gym shoe?”, or  “Did you accumulate as many earthly riches as you could?” Instead HE will ask “How many people did you serve the way I intended?” I am willing to change my focus over to the victory that has already happened!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer sends “grace and peace” from GOD?
• Have you ever worried about something and could only focus on your worries?
• Will you change your focus by believing that JESUS is already victorious over your temporary situations today?

Who can defeat the world?

Who can defeat the world?

1 John 5: Whoever believes that Jesus is the Messiah is a child of God; and whoever loves a father loves his child also. ² This is how we know that we love God's children: it is by loving God and obeying his commands. ³ For our love for God means that we obey his commands. And his commands are not too hard for us, ⁴ because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. ⁵ Who can defeat the world? Only the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

 

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Winning the most coveted award in the company made me feel great! Conversely, being told “Your position has been eliminated” was devastating. I had wrapped my entire identity in work. When I had to face other parts of the world, I no longer had my title to lean on.

 

• I felt beat up by the world.
• I thought that the world was helpful, until it turned against me.
• I felt that I lost my “purpose” that was given to me by the world.

 

John turned his attention to defining what true victory looks like. He first spoke about what true success looks like. He mentioned the grand prize of being a child of GOD. He then defines how GOD’s children should act, namely with love and obedience to GOD. He then defines the battle. Believers against the world.

 

My Observations:

• The world has a lot to offer that could distract me from believing in GOD.
• Fighting the world sometimes feels overwhelming.
• GOD sent HIS SON to defeat the world, and HE did, so I need to place my trust in HIM so I can experience HIS victory!

 

Life has many ups and downs and the world thinks it has remedies. I mean, the solutions from the world usually appeal to my eyes, pride, and physical indulgences. BUT GOD wants more than that for me. JESUS was tempted by food, power and physical preservation.

 

HE experienced pain and suffering. HE knew about loneliness as well as persecution. HE did all of this to overcome the world so I would not have to. Any problem I face, HE knows and is empathetic. I am glad JESUS understands me and has defeated the world so I can have life through HIM.

 

Challenge

• What answer does the writer give to the question “Who can defeat the world?”
• Are all of your solutions to life’s problems from the internet?
• Will you seek a relationship with JESUS, who defeated the powers of this world, so HE could save you and me to join in HIS plan to save all today?

Victory Found

Victory Found

2 Timothy 4: ⁶ As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. ⁷ I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. ⁸ And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day—and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

 

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Looking for a “win”, I joined various groups, followed certain sports teams and even competed. Sometimes my team won, which made me feel better as a human for some reason, and sometimes my team lost. When I won a bowling trophy, I wanted another. After a while, I wanted more and more trophies and awards in life.

 

• I wanted to feel like I was getting ahead.
• I guess I just wanted to feel special for a moment.
• I wanted to have a bright shiny moment in my life that was sometimes filled with hurt, and pain.

 

Paul tells Timothy this is the end of his life. He mentions that he has participated in the greatest competition, namely the fight against evil. He also mentions that he is on the winning side and has a “victory prize” waiting for him in heaven.

 

My Observations

• Friendly human competitions are alright BUT GOD wants me to join the competition against the evil one.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so HE wants me to join the side that already won so I can receive my prize.
• GOD wants me to “wait with love’ until the Day JESUS returns.

 

Waiting on JESUS is hard, especially during times when it seems like evil is rampant. I mean, the world seems to have lost its mind! BUT GOD sees all the violence, hurt and pain. Instead of competing with one another HE wants something different.

 

Waiting with love is different than being nervous that my moment here on earth has not happened yet. It means I will keep showing love to those HE sends me to or who HE sends to me. It also means that even though life can be hard, GOD still wants me to join in on HIS victorious side and do my part with love. I gladly join GOD and know my victory has already happened.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer feels satisfied?
• Are you disappointed with your accomplishments?
• Instead of looking at your situation, will you love someone who GOD wants you to show love to and keep pressing forward in the “race” of life by seeking HIS Kingdom today?

True Victory

 

True Victory

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁷ As for us, friends, when we were separated from you for a little while—not in our thoughts, of course, but only in body—how we missed you and how hard we tried to see you again! ¹⁸ We wanted to return to you. I myself tried to go back more than once, but Satan would not let us. ¹⁹ After all, it is you—you, no less than others!—who are our hope, our joy, and our reason for boasting of our victory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes. ²⁰ Indeed, you are our pride and our joy!

 

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After “winning” the company’s most coveted prize, I felt elated. “I” had worked hard and “I” felt great. Months later, I found out the CEO of the very large company was going to visit. I thought this was my chance to make an impression. “I won the -blank, blank- award”, I blurted. “Good for you” was his snide reply as he walked past, not even asking me my name. “Why did I say that?” I said to myself frustrated!

 

• I thought awards would raise me up.
• I thought achievements would make me stand out.
• I thought accomplishments would take me places that were “higher” than where I was.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expressed their desire to visit the people of Thessalonica, but were hindered by Satan himself. They tried and tried, but could not physically return, so they sent a letter, letting everyone know how much they cared for the Thessalonians, They also expressed that the true victory is speaking about them before the LORD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be willing to go and serve other people.
• Watching other people grow in the LORD should be where I place my hope.
• JESUS will return one day and I will be able to brag about you because you are my pride and joy.

 

“It is you” are words that stick out to me. I mean, humans love “winners” but usually the focus is on themselves. “Look at what ‘I’ did” is the attitude that is innocent, yet when used too much, can lead to a desire to always be in the spotlight.

 

GOD wants me to see other people and to say “Look at what he or she did” versus “Look at what ‘I’ did.” My bragging and boasting should be about those who have placed their trust in the LORD. I am grateful for you and I am glad GOD has given you a special reward.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so fond of the people?
• Who do you brag about outside of yourself?
• Will you get excited when other people place their trust in the LORD and when he or she gains honor before the LORD today?

Unfavorable Record Canceled

Unfavorable Record Canceled

Colossians 2: ¹³ You were at one time spiritually dead because of your sins and because you were Gentiles without the Law. But God has now brought you to life with Christ. God forgave us all our sins; ¹⁴ he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ And on that cross Christ freed himself from the power of the spiritual rulers and authorities; he made a public spectacle of them by leading them as captives in his victory procession.

 

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Receiving a phone call from the credit collection agency did not feel good. “You owe us $54 from three years ago” was the statement from one group. “For real?” I thought in my mind.

 

• I did not even know I had the debt.
• I was furious that the collection agency was relentless with such a small amount.
• I had to pay the debt because I owed it.

 

Paul speaks in terms most people can understand. He gives the analogy of debt, knowing most people could understand owing someone. He spoke of eternal debt that could not be repaid. The only solution was to forgive the debt by “nailing it to the cross.”

 

My Observations

• I am in great debt to GOD and need to be forgiven.
• I have sinned in a small way and a huge way and need a Savior to forgive me.
• I am forgiven for all my sins only because of JESUS.

 

Being spiritually dead mean I had no life in me to fix the problem of my relationship with GOD. I mean, I was dead! I needed help and could not do anything but lay three dead and lifeless. BUT GOD had a different plan.

 

HE saw my sins that caused me to die a spiritual death and said, “Your debt to me is canceled!” He said “You owe me everything and since you believe in MY SON, you owe me nothing.” All I can do is thank HIM for HIS total forgiveness. I am glad JESUS knows my sins, took them away from me and made the sin itself a “public spectacle” HE parades in HIS victory procession.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever been so sick that you needed other people to help you do things?
• What does the writer mean about being “spiritually dead?”
• Will you recognize that there is nothing within you that can save you from eternal death?
• Will you also recognize the need to have all your debts canceled by JESUS who is already victorious over all sin today!

 

Facing Fears

Facing Fears

Philippians 1: ²⁸ Don't be afraid of your enemies; always be courageous, and this will prove to them that they will lose and that you will win, because it is God who gives you the victory. ²⁹ For you have been given the privilege of serving Christ, not only by believing in him, but also by suffering for him. ³⁰ Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you hear, the one I am fighting still.

 

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Having no money, no title and no direction, I felt free to face the future. “Anywhere I go is better than where I am now” I groused. I was not afraid to try new things or go new places. But when I got a little money and a title and was leading the direction, I worried about “my” family and “my” stuff and “my” security. “What about the future?” I now asked.

 

• I had become full of fear.
• I had become blinded into thinking “I” was in control of “my” destiny.
• I had become so busy trying to fight for what I had, that I was willing to step away from the true battle.

 

Paul says some difficult words. “Don’t be afraid.” He says these unpopular words to everyone, then follow them up with even worse words. “Suffering for HIM.” He equated the suffering believers go through as partaking in a little of what CHRIST went through.

 

My Observations

• Fear will take me away from serving CHRIST fully, BUT GOD allows circumstances in my life that keep me praying for HIS help.
• Fear makes me make selfish decisions, BUT GOD wants me to be courageous enough to believe in HIS power, even if it means suffering.
• Fear is only one tactic the enemy uses, BUT GOD has already won the victory and has included me in it.

 

Many questions run through my mind that add fear to my countenance. “What will happen in the future?” or “What if I get sick or hurt?” or “How much money is enough to live it up until I die?” These and other questions make me make decisions that can sometimes seem courageous to the world, but in reality, can be detrimental to me.

 

GOD holds the future, the present and the past. HE owns everything and is all powerful. HE has given all authority to JESUS, who was raised from the dead. Believing in JESUS is great, but being willing to give up fears to keep pressing towards HIS direction, keeps me in the spiritual battle. I am glad GOD helps me face my fears to keep fighting for HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this stern warning?
• What spiritual enemies do you have?
• Have you ever been discouraged, distraught or disillusioned enough to want to give up on GOD?
• Will you be “courageous”, knowing that GOD has given you the victory even when it does not feel like it?

Becoming an Unstoppable Force

Becoming an Unstoppable Force

2 Corinthians 6: ⁸ We are honored and disgraced; we are insulted and praised. We are treated as liars, yet we speak the truth; ⁹ as unknown, yet we are known by all; as though we were dead, but, as you see, we live on. Although punished, we are not killed; ¹⁰ although saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we make many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything.

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Walking into the meeting it felt surreal. For years, I had worked hard and done everything by the book, yet I found myself on my way out. Someone said an obvious lie about me that everyone disputed immediately. While I was protected by many, I was confused. “Why do liars seem to get their way?” I asked.

 

• I felt weak and hopeless.
• I felt like giving up because no matter how much right I did, those who did wrong seemed to win.
• I felt that those who abuse power could disgrace, or insult or punish me at will.

 

Paul gave a “real” discussion. He put it out there that following GOD would sometimes be hard. He did not hold anything back. He spoke about people who would label the followers of GOD as a disgrace, liars, and unknowns who deserve punishment. BUT GOD saw something different.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to honor people who spread HIS word.
• GOD wants me to praise those who follow JESUS as their Savior.
• GOD wants me to look past being unknown and help those who are treated as dead to live on.

 

The world labels people who follow JESUS as weak, insignificant, unimpressive, intolerant, and sometimes uncaring. Unfortunately, many times this is true. BUT GOD sees things differently. HE knew believers in HIS SON would be persecuted.

 

In fact, JESUS said “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” HE knew HE would be lied on, slandered, abused and murdered. BUT HE kept going to live out HIS purpose. The main reason for trouble is to get believers to quit. Little does the enemy know, trouble strengthens. I am glad GOD picks me up when I fall.

 

Challenge

• What do you identify with in this passage?
• Have you ever been lied on or insulted or disgraced because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you look beyond the pain for a moment to help someone become that unstoppable force who will follow JESUS at all costs?

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?

The Other Side of a Whooping

Psalm 118: ¹⁵ Shouts of joy and victory

    resound in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!
¹⁶     The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;
    the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”
¹⁷ I will not die but live,
    and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
¹⁸ The Lord has chastened me severely,
    but he has not given me over to death.
¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous;
    I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

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Driving to my apartment I realized I was on my own. No more parents to answer to, no more professors to get graded by. I was free to do what I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I can join the crowd and fit in! When I did, it seemed like stuff would happen to me and no one else. I mean when I would do what everyone else was doing, something “bad” would happen to me and it seemed like everyone else would get away with whatever they were doing!

• My sins have consequences on earth.
• My sins have consequences that harm me.
• My sins have consequences that spring up in “crops” of seeds I’ve sown.

The old saying “what goes around comes around” is based on a Psalm that says “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them…” In other words, it seems like I can’t do what other people can “get away with.” GOD has a different standard for me.

• GOD holds me to a higher standard because I am HIS child.
• GOD treats me different because I am supposed to represent HIS holiness.
• GOD chastens me to a point, not because HE hates me, but because HE loves me and wants me to stay on HIS path.

GOD’s whooping is not a fun whooping and doesn’t always seem one for one. I mean sometimes the sin may be “small” but GOD sees something bigger in me and will not stand for it. Yes HE has grace, but HE also has wrath. HE demands my attention and desires that I follow HIM, HIS way. This is not arrogant since HE did so much for me.

The great thing about GOD is, HIS wrath for me is never eternal. HE pulls back and picks me up and says, “I love you.” HE opens the gate foe me to HIS house and I will praise HIM!

• Are you being chastened by GOD?
• Does it seem pretty harsh?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you and will not destroy you, but make you stronger?

A wonderful Prayer for You!

Psalm 20: ¹ May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
² May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
³ May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
⁵ May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

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What a delightful prayer! When I read this prayer I quickly realized that I need to align my thoughts to GOD’s. Any thought I have needs to be measured against HIS word and ways because they could be answered with positive or negative outcomes. I did realize something.

• GOD hears me when I am in distress and is planning something great for me.
• GOD sends help and grants support for me even when I don’t see it.
• GOD sees any sacrifice I have made, especially the ones no one else knows.
• GOD knows the desires of my heart even before I am aware of them and HE does not take them lightly, so HE makes strong plans for them to succeed.
• GOD gives victory and grants requests so this allows me to shout praise to HIM!

A Time of Thanksgiving

Nehemiah 12: ⁴³ And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

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Things seemed to break daily. Setback after setback, we kept plodding along until one day we were finished. I mean, it was over. No more extremely late nights. No more scratching my head wondering if this thing will ever be finished. All of us went out and celebrated.

• When I finish a large project I celebrate.
• When I get through a huge trial I celebrate.
• When I move past a large obstacle I celebrate.

Celebration is only natural when I get over the hump, but can be quite difficult if I haven’t quite made it there. If I am still in the trial and everyone else is celebrating, I can feel a little down. BUT GOD wants me to see what HE is doing.

• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS daily victories rather than waiting on a big ending.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS moment by moment victories rather than waiting on seeing things as I expected.
• GOD wants me to celebrate HIS tiny victories rather than waiting on the huge battle scene at the end of the movie.

Seeing GOD on a daily basis is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to celebrate HIM with praise for the mundane just as much as getting through a large trial. In fact, the more I praise HIM the easier it is to get through the trial.

• Do you feel like pouting right now?
• Do you think celebration is not for you right now?
• Can you stop looking at your situation for a moment and celebrate GOD?
• Will you slow down enough to see what GOD is doing around you and appreciate where HE has you right now?

When faith seems to fail

2 Kings 2: ⁹ So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.

¹⁰ “What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the Lord called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”

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“I will go” were my words as I volunteered for a short term mission’s trip. I mustered up all the faith I had at the time, in order to do this. Once I got on the trip things started off smooth but I was assigned to ride with the guy who drove a camper. He couldn’t keep up with the caravan and eventually got lost. We couldn’t speak the language and did not have a GPS, map or a clue!

This was the beginning of the trip! We had many missteps. We were constantly late, once four hours. The last straw was when I set up the equipment, it didn’t work. “GOD, why have you brought me to this place only to fail?!”, I cried out.

• Sometimes I get to a place where things seem bleak and I cry out.
• Sometimes I step out on faith only to meet a greater challenge when I get there.
• Sometimes I take a chance and my risk is met with tougher circumstances.

Faith takes trust in GOD, but sometimes when I used up all of my faith, I run into a situation where I can’t see my way beyond the next circumstance. Looking back, I realize I may have given up a bit too soon on many difficult situations.

• GOD said “MY ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said “Trust in ME for I shall never leave you nor forsake you.”
• GOD said “Believe in the one who can not only kill the body but destroy the soul.”

GOD has delivered me through many bleak situations. HIS power and might seem to overturn even the gravest circumstance. HE easily plows through any problem. When I step out on faith, I should expect to come up against the enemy’s attack. I must add trust to my faith and watch GOD work HIS plan, which includes the tough situation.

• Are you facing a difficult situation?
• Do you feel like you have stepped out on faith only to face a larger situation?
• Can you add trust to your faith and watch GOD deliver you?
• Can you praise GOD for the future victory today?

Victory may come with defeat

Judges 20: ²⁶ Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. ²⁷ And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, ²⁸ with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?”

The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”

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After being passed over for a number of positions I wondered what was going on.  I prayed and it seemed like GOD was saying “keep going.” Finally the company asked me to interview for CIO of one of their recently purchased companies. “Wow, look at GOD” I said. When it was all said and done, I didn’t get the job.

I pouted and questioned GOD. “Why did you put me up to this?” I said in a tiff.  Little did I know HE had something much greater in store for me.

• When I get defeated I think I can’t move forward.
• When I lose the battle I think I can’t fight anymore.
• When I don’t get my way I think GOD has forgotten me.

The Israelites went to GOD, not once but twice and prayed to HIM asking if they should fight and the LORD said “Yes” and they lost both times. In fact they were humiliated in their defeat. They went back one more time and GOD gave them victory.

• GOD’s plan is wonderful for me but it has included painful growth.
• GOD’s plan for me is great but I have had to fail in order to accomplish HIS goal.
• GOD’s plan is absolutely marvelous for me but I have had to fall in a few holes to realize I need HIM.

Just because I am defeated on one battle or even two doesn’t mean I shouldn’t keep fighting. GOD wants me to be strong as I move forward. The weak will observe my defeat as total failure, BUT GOD sees it as an opportunity to strengthen me and grow me. HE is the one who raises me and places me in the position HE desires.

• Are you defeated?
• Are you tired of the fight?
• Can you open your eyes and ask GOD to fight for you?
• Won’t you “keep going” like GOD told you to?

Feeling Forgiven

Exodus 26: ³³ Hang the curtain from the hooks.

“Place the ark of the covenant behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Room from the Most Holy Room.³⁴ Put the cover on the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Room. The cover will be the place where sin is paid for.

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As I told one lie it seemed only fitting to tell another.  How in the world could my parents tell that I was lying? I mean the first response of “I don’t know” should have been sufficient. Why were they asking me so many questions? Can’t this incident just be done?

• Many times I want forgiveness without admitting I did something wrong.
• Many times I want forgiveness without understanding consequence.
• Many times I want forgiveness without having to face the fact that I am flawed.

The initial covenant between mankind and GOD included a lot of conditions, like a special ceremony for confession of sin. GOD designed a special place that humans were supposed to enter with extreme caution and reverence.  Confession of sin was the main focus and it had to be done the right way, with the shedding of blood from a sacrifice. Do I need to do this?

• GOD did away with the sacrifices to HIM because HE sacrificed HIMSELF for me.
• GOD no longer needs the blood of an animal because HE used HIS own blood to pay for my sins.
• GOD does not need me to carry around stone tablets because HE placed HIS law in my heart.

One of my major battles is “feeling forgiven” rather than “:knowing I am forgiven.” Yes I know CHRIST died for me but sometimes I don’t “feel” it. GOD says “I will be with you always” and that lets me know I am forgiven. The laws in my heart battle with the ways of the world.

The battle wants me to doubt GOD’s everlasting love so I mistakenly seek “feeling” forgiveness with my own made up blinded criteria. GOD says to me “you are forgiven” and that’s all I need!

• Are you down on yourself?
• Are you feeling neglected rather than victorious?
• Can you stop believing the lie and start believing that GOD does care for you?
• Won’t you help others believe GOD cares for them?