Longest Life

Longest Life

Genesis 5: ²⁵ Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lamech. ²⁶ After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters. ²⁷ So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died.

 

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“You are as old as Methuselah” people would say as a reference to being very, very old. Methuselah lived to a ripe old age of nine hundred and sixty-nine years. His father was taken by GOD at three hundred and sixty-five years of age.

 

My Observations:

• To be on this list, I believe these people all walked with the LORD.
• Methuselah walked with the LORD the longest.
• Methuselah saw his father’s excitement for the LORD and may have been influenced to pass this excitement on to his family.

 

By the time Methuselah died, the population had grown significantly. But somehow GOD spent time with Methuselah and other people. Methuselah did the same as seven generations before him by calling on the name of the LORD.

 

His long life may have been the pattern for a commandment that would be later given to Moses, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”

 

Challenge

• Do you think GOD told Methuselah about taking HIS father?
• Are you worried about your life and about how you will make it tomorrow?
• Have you considered placing your life in GOD’s hands so HE can manage it better than you think?

Just Walk Away

 

Just Walk Away

Romans 6: What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? ² Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? ³ For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. ⁴ By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.

 

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“Okay Lord, I will follow YOUR ways” I said. I finally meant it this time. After a long time, my life had changed. I was seeing people as I had never seen them before. I saw the hurt and those in need.

 

My life was making a difference. But a “friend” popped up and asked if I wanted to “hit the clubs?” He needed a “wingman” so he could find some to have sex with a willing lady. I did miss the lifestyle. “Maybe this one time.” I thought. It made me want to stop following GOD’s ways.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to “take a break” from GOD.
• There have been many times when I wanted to “go on vacation” from GOD.
• There have been many times when I wanted to “do a little sin” because a little won’t hurt me, right? Wrong!

 

Paul explains a dilemma that believers in CHRIST face. If I am saved from “all” my sins, then should I keep sinning? Paul explains that we have died to our sins when we believe in CHRIST. Paul then explains that our baptism was a display to show we agree with JESUS’ death and resurrection.

 

• GOD wants me to put “that” sin to death little by little.
• GOD wants me to stop doing “that” sin right now.
• GOD wants me to remove “that” sin as an option.

 

Choosing to follow GOD publicly seems easy, but for those who sin like me, it is a hard choice. I mean, telling everyone I belong to JESUS, but secretly looking at porn didn’t cut it with GOD. I had to put it to death. HE sees “all” sin, small and large. GOD wants me to put the sin to death by focusing in on HIS glorious power. I am glad JESUS gave me a new life of purpose.

 

• Are you struggling with giving up a particular sin?
• Are you focusing on the sin too much?
• Will you forgive yourself by knowing JESUS has forgiven you so you can focus on the purpose HE has for you?
• Will you ask GOD to help you just walk away from certain people who drag you back into the old life today?

Exiled and Evacuated

Exiled and Evacuated

Acts 18: After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. ² There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, ³ and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. ⁴ Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.

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After the devastation of the hurricane, all that was left of some neighborhoods was a memory. Homes were washed away as the levies broke and floods ensued. Later I went to assist in the repair. It would take over a decade to provide shelter for those who lost their homes.

• I have seen cities that have been torn up.
• I have seen cities that have been devastated.
• I have met people who lost everything they had, with no means to recover.

Paul met Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth. They were exiled because Claudius was tired of the squabbles the Jews were making over JESUS. Claudius exiled all the Jews, prominent and lesser known. They were now homeless. Paul went to help them.

• GOD wants me to help the homeless.
• GOD wants me to help repair the devastation.
• GOD wants me to help those who have been exiled, left out and forgotten.

Any help is welcome when people lose everything. I mean even a cup of water feels great when no water is available. GOD sees my efforts when I assist people in need. While it can sometimes be overwhelming, GOD wants me to serve one person at a time with what I can contribute. Even if it is a smile, GOD can bless the recipient. I am glad to serve.

• Are you willing to serve those who lost everything?
• Are you shielded from seeing the homeless by giving to a gathering who gives to an organization who may give to the homeless?
• Will you directly help those who are in need today?

Escorted

Escorted

Acts 17: ¹³ But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. ¹⁴ The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. ¹⁵ Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

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“Put your stuff in boxes” they told me in a cold tone. “Oh, and here is a reward you won for being a great team member. We will be your escort out of the building. You will give me your access badge at the entrance.” I was being escorted out of the building after a job elimination.

• I have been escorted out during tense situations.
• I have been escorted out when I did not need protection.
• I have been escorted out without being able to send a message back to those who encouraged me.

Paul was escorted out of the city because the Jews from another city had arrived and stirred up trouble for him. Paul was speaking about JESUS and many began to believe. The believers had to escort Paul out of the city so he would not be harmed. They took a message of good will back to Silas and Timothy.

• GOD wants me to protect those who are being harmed.
• GOD wants me to bring messages of encouragement to others.
• GOD wants me to calm the crowd by speaking peace about JESUS.

Being an escort can mean something bad or good. GOD wants me to be a protector and an encourager. When I walk by someone’s side, HE wants me to watch over that person and be ready to keep them from harms way. I am glad GOD sends HIS protection for me.

• Are you being harassed?
• Are people trying to harm you because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to provide a reliable escort out of the harmful situation today?

Band Together

Ecclesiastes 4: ⁹ Two are better than one,
    because they have a good return for their labor:
¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
    one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
    and has no one to help them up.
¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
    But how can one keep warm alone?
¹² Though one may be overpowered,
    two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

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“Come on I’ll run with you” said a member on the track team to me. I was the slowest, most malnourished slug on the team. After running with him for a while I found myself picking up the pace. Weeks later, I could hang with the rest of the group, from behind of course!

• There were times when I was trying to do things on my own.
• There were times when I was discouraged only because I was alone and not accomplishing my goal.
• There were times when I felt like giving up because I was alone.

Loneliness feels heavier when problems come along. I mean, I have faced times where I had no one to tell my problems to who would empathetically put their minds to the issue and determine a real solution. I heard terms like “Have you tried…” or “Why don’t you…” from people who have never faced the situation or who’s minds are not really interested in solving the issue. BUT GOD has a different strategy.

• GOD saw my problem and decided to partner with me.
• GOD saw my need and decided to pair up with me.
• GOD saw my situation and decided to connect with me and supply much needed help.

GOD rescued me in my time of need. HE picked me up, dusted me off and told me I am special. HE had no blame in HIS words and even gave me HIS plan for me. HE wants nothing in return but for me to be joyous enough to tell others about the great news of JESUS. Two are better than one when the partnership is excited about success. I’m glad GOD is excited about me!

• Are you alone?
• Do you feel lonely?
• Can you seek the help from those who want you to succeed and have your best interest in mind?
• Will you seek GOD who always has your best interest in mind?

Precious Time

Psalm 90: ¹¹ If only we knew the power of your anger!
    Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
¹² Teach us to number our days,
    that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

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“Take care of my buddy” were the words spoken of the spouse of a dying friend. Soon after I heard these words from one of GOD’s servants, “Live your life as if you only had two weeks to live” were the words I remember. I wondered how I should act if I only had two weeks left.

• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would tell everyone I met about the grace GOD has given me through JESUS.
• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would reconcile with people as best as “I” could and not worry that I met their reconciliation standards.
• If I knew I were going to stand before GOD two weeks from now I would remember what HE has done for me and prepare myself for eternal praise.

It’s amazing how much time I spend on “me.” I mean I pray about me, worry about me and scream at GOD about me. It seems so fruitless. BUT GOD has given me yet another chance.

• GOD says to me “I care about your day to day activities.”
• GOD says to me “I made you for a special purpose that only you can fulfill so spend your days wisely.”
• GOD says to me “I stand at the door and knock, if anyone will open the door, I will come in and sup with them.”

GOD wants me. The problem is sometimes, okay most times, I don’t want HIM. I take HIS love for “granted” and I think about me and the next situation. Fortunately GOD knew this and HE loves when I take a moment to turn around and thank HIM. HE even told a parable about ten blind people being healed and only one came back to thank HIM.

My days are numbered, contrary to what fitness and health advocates think. GOD knows exactly the day and hour of the end of my life. HE wants me to act as if it were tomorrow or two weeks from now. Money, time and arguments are not cares when I live life to its fullest and include GOD first.

• Are you so focused on you that you are not living for GOD?
• What is your last story of victory with GOD’s help?
• Can you get up off the ground and stop spitting out poison and speak of GOD’s wonderful blessings?
• Will you change your words of death into words of life?

The Long Journey

Psalm 74: ¹² But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.

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“Stop” has popped up in my mind many times as I was driving along distracted by life’s events. Each time I obeyed and each time I avoided a catastrophe. What was this voice? Why did I get saved each time?

• Looking back I see that GOD was there watching over me.
• Looking back I see that only GOD could have saved me from the things HE saved me from.
• Looking back I see that GOD was there the entire time protecting me and watching over me.

It’s not just avoided accidents or evaded pitfalls that GOD has guided me through. HE has blessed me beyond my imagination and taken me places I would never have dreamed. So why do I doubt?

• I doubt when I forget what GOD has done.
• I doubt when I think I know the answer and GOD has another path.
• I doubt when I lose my faith by placing faith in something else.

GOD want me to remember all the great things HE has done for me and to think on these things. HE wants me to retract the wonderful salvation HE has done and place HIS power to the forefront of my mind. GOD wants me to remember HIS greatness and continue to look forward to HIS everlasting love.

• Are you in a place of doubt?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Can you look back at the times GOD has miraculously saved you?
• Will you let GOD deliver you HIS way in HIS time?
• Will you continue to move forward without doubt like you used to?

Celebrate GOD’s Protection Longer

Ezra 6: ²² For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

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Scribbling on a pad trying to figure out a problem, I didn’t notice everyone in the office was missing. Someone came to my desk and said, aren’t you going to come to the meeting? As I walked in family and friends were there and they were celebrating me for my accomplishments with the highest award. I praised GOD and was excited.

Months later when I didn’t get the top job running a large portion of a large company I pouted at GOD.  My celebration didn’t last very long.

·         When I use GOD to get my way, my celebrations don’t last very long.

·         When I use GOD to get my way, my celebrations only pertain to what I perceive as blessings.

·         When I use GOD to get my way, my celebrations only happen during the good times.

Fair weather celebrations are nice BUT GOD wants so much more from me. HE wants me to celebrate HIM during good and bad times. HE desires praise in the middle of the storm before I reach dry land. HE enjoys my celebration of HIM before things get better.

·         GOD wants my true praise.

·         GOD wants my whole praise.

·         GOD wants my praise even when I don’t see the deliverance yet.

GOD fights my battle and I need to praise HIM in the middle of the battle. After the battle is won then I need to remember that it was HE who brought me through the storm. And when I face another battle I need to trust that HE will deliver me through this one and the next and the next.

·         Do you remember celebrating GOD?

·         Are you in the middle of doubting HIM now?

·         Can you see HIS deliverance on its way?

·         Will you praise HIM for fighting your battle today? 

Steady as It Goes

2 Chronicles 27: ⁶ Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.

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“You need to meet the right people” a mentor told me when I inquired about being successful. I looked around and the “successful” people were drunkards, liars and thieves. One of my coworkers asked me to attend a very “visible” bible study that the “successful” people seemed to shun. What was I going to do?

• Hanging around the crowd seems so satisfying at times.
• Compromising my values seems like the right thing to do at times.
• Desiring something to the extreme makes me want to join the wrong group at times.

When I woke up I actually remembered the mentors’ real statement. “You need to meet the right people within your values” is what he really said but not what I heard. I thought I had to change my value system and become something I was not created for. BUT GOD showed me something different.

• GOD says “I will give you rest unto your soul.”
• GOD says “MY burden is light.”
• GOD says “I will lead you besides still waters.”

I chose the harder route and went to the Bible study. The Bible leader and I spoke to a person about CHRIST and he began crying and accepted HIM with zeal. This was a greater reward than promotions. But that’s not the end of the story. The CIO watched me and so did my bosses boss. They were followers of GOD and I didn’t know it. I was later promoted to areas I never would have believed.

• Are you ready to throw in the towel with GOD?
• Do you think you have to change or compromise your values?
• Are you so desperate for money or success that you are thinking of giving up on GOD?
• Can you choose GOD today?
• Will you continue to walk down the path with GOD no matter how rocky it may seem?

Small Steps

2 Chronicles 8: ¹⁶ All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid until its completion. So the temple of the Lord was finished.

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Two o’clock in the morning I was awake pondering all of the items I had to do to nail down my business. There were several people still left to contact all kinds of documents to create and the thing we were building seemed to have numerous starts and fits. “When will this ever be done?” I asked GOD.

• Sometimes it seems like the road gets longer and longer.
• Sometimes when I think I am nearing the end another twist gets added and I have to wait.
• Sometimes I see the road ahead and I think there is too much.

Overwhelmed is the feeling I get when I look too hard at the “big” picture. I mean when I try to fit all the pieces together they just don’t add up. There seems to be this or that to do and something inevitably gets broken. When will relief come?

• GOD says to me “Be anxious for nothing” which takes trust.
• GOD says to me “I will lead you besides still waters” which relaxes my mind.
• GOD says to me “I will always be with you” which removes my doubt.

When I had a long way to run, it seemed impossible but when I focused on taking the first step then the next and the next, I soon looked back and had run nine miles for my practice. My mind cleared and GOD said to me “take small steps and see how far you will go.” GOD’s path is not filled with anxiety. HIS road is filled with faith, obedience and trust which enable me to let go of any worries.

• Are you feeling overwhelmed?
• Do you have anxiety?
• Can you relax a moment and talk to GOD about your worries out loud?
• Will you let the SPIRIT of peach overcome you in a way that surpasses all knowledge?