Weak and Overlooked

Weak and Overlooked

Revelation 19: ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He shouted in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair: “Come and gather together for God's great feast! ¹⁸ Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and soldiers, the flesh of horses and their riders, the flesh of all people, slave and free, great and small!”

 

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Trying to figure out how to see the boss of an area I wanted to get in, I thought of ways to “accidentally” run into the person. I lurked around to understand times for lunch and breaks, but nothing worked. The administrative assistant said, “You have to come through me.” “Nah, that can’t be the answer” I said to myself.

 

• I overlooked the administrative assistant’s position.
• I did not think the administrative assistant had power over my circumstance.
• I did not see it coming that the administrative assistant was watching me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an angel standing on something as powerful as the sun. He shouted in a loud voice, commanding one of the weakest creatures to eat strong and powerful people. Not just powerful eagles, but hummingbirds would be at the disposal of the Living GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful, that HE can use something weak to do something strong.
• GOD is so mighty, that HE can overtake those who think they are powerful.
• GOD is omnipotent, that HE can choose which way HE will overthrow HIS enemy and use what people would label as weak to do something powerful.

 

Weak things are overlooked. I mean, things like prayer, belief, trusting and fasting are viewed by humans as last resort items versus the starting point to strength. When things get bad, GOD is turned to, temporarily until the storm is over, then we turn back to our old ways. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

HE can use birds against an army of people equipped with the latest technology, to fight and conquer them. HE can also see you, who thinks of frailties and faults as obstacles, but HE sees you as the answer to HIS problem, namely reaching the lost. I am glad GOD trusts you and me even though we are weak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the angel was standing on the sun?
• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, thinking you cannot possibly overcome the difficulties you are facing?
• Will you look to GOD, who has all power, and believe HE is fighting the battles you are facing today?

Idle, Timid and Weak

Idle, Timid and Weak

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁴ We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

 

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Sitting in the corner, alone, a teacher noticed me, took my hand and brought me over to other people. I wanted to interact, but did not know how. I was shy, frail and did not know what to say. “you want to play?” were the words of others.

 

• That was an enjoyable day.
• I did not know how to get myself into the crowd.
• I felt that I would not be accepted.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give another stern warning, but on a much lighter note. They urged everyone to “warn the idle, encourage the timid and help the weak.” Instead of seeking the rich and powerful, they urged everyone to seek those who are in need.

 

My Observations

• My patience is required when seeking those who are idle about speaking about the LORD.
• I must overlook wrong and do what is right according to the LORD.
• Doing good is the aim for me and GOD provides those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.

 

Idle, timid and weak people seem like a strange audience to seek. I mean, to get ahead, don’t you have to be connected to the powerful and noisy? No. GOD has a vast harvest, but the laborers are few. HE know there are plenty of people who sit idle, waiting on HIM.

 

HE wants those in wait to get up and use their gifts and talents for HIM. HE also wants those who have been discouraged to be encouraged that HE is with you. Lastly, HE desires those who have tried and tired and failed, to be strengthened to get up and try again, knowing it’s not your power, but HIS love that will overcome all. I am glad GOD cares more than I ever could.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so urgent?
• Have you ever been overlooked, misunderstood or shy?
• Will you seek those who need to speak about GOD, but they are idle and those who are discouraged and need encouragement and those who are weak and strengthen him or her with GOD’s unchanging love today?

Split Decision

Split Decision

Acts 15: ³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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When I heard the news of a friend leaving the gathering I regularly attended, I was shocked. The leader of the gathering and the co-leader had parted ways. Not knowing what happened between them, I attempted to get them to speak to one another to no avail. Now I was put in a bad spot. If I stayed, then one would think I was “siding with the opposition,” and vice versa if I left.

• When people split up it stinks!
• When people split up it affects many.
• When people split up it weakens the purpose.

Paul and Barnabas had been through very difficult times together. Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet he continued in the faith. Barnabas wanted to bring Mark with them on their next journey. Paul adamantly disagreed, saying Mark had deserted them.

After a sharp disagreement, Paul and Barnabas separated. While the believers commended Paul, this weakened the support of Barnabas.

• GOD wants me to try to avoid splits.
• GOD wants me to work on loving one another, even when we disagree.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the goal rather than siding with a group.

Humans are creative with how we hate each other. Immediate reactions to what a person wears, or does not wear or how a person is wearing it or when a person wears it, shows how easily humans throw out compassion in the cause of compassion. No one wins in a split. BUT GOD still continues.

GOD knew humans would not choose HIM. HE saw the poison of sin mixing in with my blood, blinding me of the truth. HE died for me and placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me, to forgive me and guide me back to HIM. This act of kindness cleansed me but did not prevent me from sinning. I am grateful JESUS forgive me daily.

• Are you on a side of something?
• Are you taking a stance against someone or a group?
• Will you check to see if your heart is turning to stone and ask GOD to soften it enough to have you pray for your opposition in a loving way today?

First Steps to the Return

Ezra 2: ⁶⁴ The whole company numbered 42,360, ⁶⁵ besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 200 male and female singers. ⁶⁶ They had 736 horses, 245 mules,⁶⁷ 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

⁶⁸ When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site.

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After finishing my final paperwork I stood in my home office. No commute. No conference calls. No meetings. Silence. My career had shifted after the company decided to eliminate positions and I found myself wondering what to do. My previous pace was fast and pressured. I questioned the directions of the numerous people who gave me input.

They had great intentions in providing suggestions, but until I quieted down, I could not hear what I was supposed to be doing.

• After my turmoil, I ponder what happens next.
• After my trial, I question where I am supposed to go.
• After my difficulty, I wonder “am I good enough?”

When I ask myself “Am I good enough” I am still looking at myself for all the answers. I then turn into judge, jury and executioner, quickly convicting myself of all my sins and missteps. GOD does want me to admit I am a sinner, BUT HE also wants me to move on, knowing HE has forgiven me. HE sometimes wants me to start over, dropping my misinterpretations of HIM along the way.

• GOD wants me to look at HIM rather than looking at my accomplishments.
• GOD wants me to look at HIM rather than looking at my might.
• GOD wants me to look at HIM rather than looking at my resources.

Hundreds of thousands of GOD’s people had been taken into captivity and they returned with a pitiful few. Their resources were low yet their spirit was not broken. They gave and that was the first step to the return. On the journey back GOD said to me “be generous and you will be blessed.”

• Are you just getting out of a huge trial?
• Are you still pondering the aftermath of devastation?
• Can you mourn for a shorter period of time and start to focus on GOD’s peace?
• Will you drop your struggles and focus on rebuilding HIS temple within you, HIS way this time?
• Will you ask GOD for the spirit of generosity today?

Treating GOD any old way!

Judges 17: ⁵ Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest. ⁶ In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

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“GOD won’t mind” is what I said when I lied to my boss for slipping away and goofing off. Well, actually I didn’t think about GOD at the time but later when it popped in my head I did. “GOD won’t mind” is what I said when I did (insert sin here). I mean HE did forgive me so I can sin as much as I want right?

• Sometimes I treat GOD a bit too common.
• Sometimes I treat GOD as if HE can’t do anything to me.
• Sometimes I treat GOD like HE is a pushover and doesn’t require me to worship HIM.

My actions will always bear fruit, but many times the fruit may be rotten. GOD sees through my actions and understands that if even the tiniest bit of sin is at the root, the action will fail. Does this mean everything I do will fail?

• GOD forgave me and cleansed me of all unrighteousness but I still should follow HIS ways.
• GOD understands every temptation I face but if I look carefully HE shows me a way out.
• GOD knows my weaknesses because HE made me but HE loves when I overcome them and turn to HIM.

Sometimes I look at GOD with extreme eyes. Either HE is this mushy, weak forgiver or HE is a sadistic punisher who likes to put tests in front of me that I will constantly fail. GOD is so much different than my thoughts!

HE is all powerful, all seeing, all knowing and chooses to show HIS love, gentleness and kindness to have a relationship with me.  HE knows the right amount of discipline to grow me instead of breaking me and has my best interest in mind ALL the time!

• Do you have the wrong view of GOD?
• Are you doing anything you wish and think there is no consequence for your action?
• Won’t you turn your life back to GOD and watch HIM work in your life?
• Can you take small steps toward HIM so HE can take giant steps towards you?

True Strength

2 Corinthians 12: ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

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One hundred thirty pound weakling was the best description of me after college. I joined the local gym in hopes of gaining some muscle. Slightly intimidated, I eased my way into the free weight area and attempted to bench press. Muscle guys stared intently as I struggled to lift the weight. After I finished they asked, “are you done?”

“Yes” I said and they began to add weight and bench ten times what I was lifting. My strength was not adequate to help them if they needed a spot.

• My strength will not get me very far in life.
• My strength comes in short bursts and quickly runs out.
• My strength sometimes feels helpless in situations I cannot control.

Whenever I am facing some difficult situation I think my strength is sufficient. I mean I start working on stuff as fast as I can in hopes that “my strength” can deliver me. There is one flaw to my plan. My strength isn’t strong enough to erase wrong or create right. My strength is laced with holes and powered by fear and weakness. My strength is not adequate.

• GOD says “MY grace is sufficient for you” which means HE does not need “my strength.”
• GOD says “MY power is made perfect in weakness” which means I have to admit I am weak.
• GOD says “MY SON paid the price” which means I don’t have to seek a savior any longer, I found one.

GOD’s strength is infinite. HE handles all situations with extreme precision and wisdom. HE loves when I step back and watch HIM clear up the situation. HE loves when I recognize HIM as being GOD.

• Are you trying to do things under your own strength?
• Are you attempting to fix your own situation with sin?
• Will you try GOD’s power for a change?
• Won’t you step back and watch HIM work in your life?

When I’m weak HE is strong

2 Corinthians 11: ³⁰ If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

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“This is my year” I thought to myself. The promotion would be mine because our team worked hard and we delivered on time and well within budget. Now it was time to tell people about our accomplishments. Every year we would do performance appraisals and I listed all the things “I” oops “we” had accomplished.

When I didn’t get the promotion a mentor told me I need to learn how to brag about myself without sounding like I’m bragging. I wonder if GOD wants me to do this.

• When I brag about myself I’m seeking approval from people who may not have my best interest in mind.
• When I boast about my accomplishments I overlook the one who made them come true.
• When I brag about my actions I may be trying to cover up flaws.

Boasting draws the attention to me and once everyone is watching, I need to keep on boasting otherwise they will see my broken parts. This vicious cycle does not work well with the LORD because I leave HIM out of the picture.

• When I show others my weaknesses it takes their eyes off of me and puts them on the LORD.
• When I show others my defects it enables others to bring their defects to the LORD.
• When I show others my problems it opens the door for people with the same problem to give it to the LORD.

“Why am I bragging” is the question I had to ask myself. Is it to get another award or accolade? Do I feel better when others celebrate “my” accomplishments? Well, to tell the truth I believed bragging was my way to the top. BUT GOD wants me to use the light inside of me to focus the attention on HIS SON.

HE doesn’t want me to be proud of my weaknesses rather HE wants me to openly admit I have them and HE is the forgiver and gives me eternal life. He wants my weakness to point to HIS strength.

• Are you busy trying to be something in front of people?
• Are you seeking approval from people who cannot see GOD inside of you?
• Can you stop trying to seek human approval and seek GOD’s blessings?
• Will you open yourself up to show your weaknesses so you don’t have to hide any longer?

I am weak when I think I’m strong

1 Corinthians 10: ¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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Hard work and innovation wasn’t enough to be in “the club.” I mean I had delivered some fantastic things for the company; shouldn’t I be promoted based on merit? I was careful with my budget, growing people and deriving new ways to grow but “the club” was elusive.

I went out with “the club” and they started talking about women’s body parts. “Is this my entry into the club? Maybe I should join in!” was the tempting thought that popped into my head.

I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• When I think I got it together is when I am the weakest.
• When I believe nothing can touch me is when I will be attacked.
• When I look at my achievements instead of my pitfalls I open myself up to temptation.

There is always a way out of temptation but are my desires blocking the exit door? Temptation doesn’t seem to come straight at me rather it lurks behind some other desire. Temptation also doesn’t seem to attack me when I can truly see I need GOD.

• GOD will always make a way out of temptation no matter how many times I fall.
• GOD gets excited when I get back up and follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to understand I need HIM instead of depending on my strength.

Every human has and will be tempted.  JESUS was tempted in more ways than I can even imagine. Being the all-powerful GOD yet remaining subject to human insults showed incredible restraint that only JESUS could perform.  HE did not fall to temptation to flex rather HE went to HIS execution for me. That is real strength.

• Do you think you have it together?
• Are you focused on your own accolades?
• Are you ready for today’s temptations?
• Will you let GOD be your strength instead of depending on yourself?

I can’t see!

John 9: ³⁹ Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

 ⁴⁰ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”

 ⁴¹ Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

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“Please come speak to our group” was the request of one of the business owners. Arrogantly, I accepted the invitation thinking they wanted to hear my greatness. When I stepped to the podium, I was met with questions not pertaining to the agenda, nor had I prepared for. It was a trap! How did I not see this coming?

• When I think more highly of myself, I become blind.
• When I think I am doing better than others, I become blind.
• When I think I have arrived, I become blind.

Blindness is my weakness and arrogance is my blind-guide. When I assume someone is stupid or weak or prejudiced or flirty or dangerous, I am acting in a “blind” fashion. I guess it’s self-preservation.

• JESUS came into the world to lead me to HIS kingdom.
• JESUS opened my eyes to my fallen state and showed me there is no way to save myself.
• JESUS volunteered to die specifically for me and you in order for us to “see” HIS power.

Going through life blind and deaf to GOD’s ways has been a problem of mine since birth. HE yearns for me to learn about HIM, teach about HIM and live with HIM in peace not adversarial. Blindness causes me to run towards things I can touch and “see” which unfortunately are not items of faith.

JESUS says “Have faith in ME” and you will see.

• Are you trying to live by your own power?
• Do you get nervous easily?
• Won’t you trade your worry for faith that GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you accept your purpose in life telling more and more people about the great news of JESUS’ salvation?
• Does the last question leave you blind?

Fearing GOD is more important!

Luke 12: ⁴ “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷ Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

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Interview day had arrived and I was meeting with the entire senior management team. Needless to say I couldn’t sleep the night before. When they called my name fear went through my entire body. “This is my chance” I said to myself which made me more nervous.

For the first time in my life, my hand actually trembled as I sat in the room with the steely eyed intimidating team. Where did this fear come from? I never had it before, why now?

• Lust can drive fear in my life.
• Titles of people can drive fear in my life.
• Losing my stuff can drive fear in my life.
• Bullies can drive fear in my life.
• Wanting to be liked by everyone can drive fear in my life.

I’m not going to be able to please or reach everyone. GOD has specific people who HE wants me to be an example for.  HE wants me to be ready to have words of love, grace and mercy to those who can accept it coming from me. I should not fear this purpose.

• GOD wants me to fear not following HIS ways instead of fearing humans who are in power.
• GOD wants me to fear others facing the consequences of their sins rather than getting my way.
• GOD wants me to fear missing an opportunity to be HIS example because of the sin I just committed.

One problem that I face is GOD is too familiar to me at times. Oh I believe HE should be my friend, but not my pal. What I mean is HE deserves reverence, awe and healthy fear of HIS power. HE is pure love, yet HIS consequences are eternal.

HE despises sin and anything that turns my head away from HIM. HE made me for HIS purposes and that should be the only thing that matters in my life.

• Do you have a healthy fear of GOD?
• Are you more concerned with how you look in front of humans than being worried about how you look to GOD?
• Do you care if people know about your love for JESUS or are you busy lusting?

Choices

Mark 14: ³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

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Many times I have had the opportunity to really do some great things for GOD and chose not to. I mean I really wanted to serve GOD when I woke up that morning but by the time I went to bed it seems I had ruined another day.

• When I say I want to be more graceful, “that” person got on my nerves and my flesh kicked in to argue, fuss and fight.
• When I say I want to be less lustful, greed, power and sex seem to pop up everywhere I look and I fall into their trap.
• When I say I want to be more loving, “that” person downplays my efforts and sometimes ridicules it rather than accepting my gift of love so I withdraw my efforts and blame them.

My flesh is weak! When I think I am strong, I seem to fall into a hole quicker than when I feel weak and helpless. In fact I believe I am blind when I think I am strong so GOD wants me to be on the lookout for temptation.

• GOD wants me to see my temptation coming at a distance and pray to HIM for help.
• HE wants me to understand my weaknesses and give them to HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to make small adjustments in my life so that I can have success.

GOD knows I am weak yet HE uses me and loves me anyway. HE knows my heart is filled with the wrong stuff yet rejoices when I make the tiniest effort to truly serve HIM.  Each time I ask GOD for help way before the temptation begins, HE gives me the strength to get through it.  HE does this a little at a time so each time I am successful I can praise HIM.

• Are you falling into temptation?
• Can you choose to not flirt with that coworker today?
• Will you choose to show grace and mercy to that person who wants to pick a fight?
• Will you choose to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT today and do what HE says?

Getting rid of my fear this year!

Hebrews 4: ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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Which weakness should I write about? My fear of the future, lust, pride, envy, gluttony, work-a-holism, doubt, selfishness you name it, I probably have it. I used to think it was SO hard to follow JESUS’s example. I mean HE was perfect and I heard many preachers tell me that I had to be perfect too.

GOD says “Be holy, for I AM holy.” What does HE mean “be holy!?” Well back in 2003, I was perfect about 15 minutes into the New Year because I was asleep.

• GOD doesn’t expect me to be sinless throughout my life.
• GOD doesn’t expect me to save others by my sinless actions.
• GOD doesn’t set a high standard for me to constantly fail at.
• GOD doesn’t wait for me to fail so HE can hit me with a brick.

JESUS who is GOD decided, long before HE made me, to die for my sins. HE came to earth and lived the perfect life for me. HE never sinned yet was tempted to sin every day. HIS perfection took care of all my sins and when HE was raised from the dead, it showed that HE truly did perform HIS mission.

Now I get it… JESUS is declaring me “holy” for HE is holy. My belief in HIM makes me holy, not my actions. I can approach HIS throne of grace with confidence. I can get mercy when I need it!

Grace means getting a great thing I do not deserve. Mercy means knowing I am at fault for a wrong and knowing the consequence, yet being excused for the malefaction. JESUS pours out HIS “Grace” and “Mercy” on me in healthy doses.

So I can sin all I want, right? Wrong! There is still something wrong with sin that I honestly do not know the effects even though I am saved. All I know is when I reduce or stop sinning, GOD blesses me in ways I could not imagine, but “when I sin” I can come to JESUS’s throne confidently receiving “grace” and “mercy.”

Now I do not “fear” getting rid of my sins this year, because I cannot fail!

• Have you sinned the same sin again?
• Do you think HE won’t forgive you this time?
• Can you believe HE understands your weakness and forgives you anyway?
• Will you confidently look at JESUS’s perfection instead of your own?