Everything Craved

Everything Craved

Revelation 5: ¹¹ Again I looked, and I heard angels, thousands and millions of them! They stood around the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, ¹² and sang in a loud voice:

“The Lamb who was killed is worthy
    to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,
    honor, glory, and praise!”
¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea—all living beings in the universe—and they were singing:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb,
    be praise and honor, glory and might,
    forever and ever!”

¹⁴ The four living creatures answered, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

 

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After struggling for years to pay my bills, it felt good to be able to pay for rent and a car payment. After a while, I was able to get a house and another new car because I got a “better” job. This wasn’t enough. I needed to be a decision maker so I climbed the corporate ladder in pursuit of a title.

 

• I tied a personal cause to it to justify the enormous amount of hours spent seeking power.
• I thought I needed a title to “help” other people.
• I thought “I” was the answer to other people’s problems and I needed to be strong.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is given another look at the throne area where GOD sat and JESUS was standing. Thousands of millions of powerful angels surrounded the throne, possibly protecting it, but also engaged in worship. Another son was sang, this time with a chorus. The song was about JESUS receiving power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful and I am so weak and I sometimes want the things JESUS deserves.
• GOD has everything and since HE is made of pure love, is willing to share it with me.
• JESUS did what no other could do and that is die for my sins and be raised from the dead.

 

All the things I want, JESUS has. I mean, I sometimes want power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I may even work a little longer and harder when I get even a couple of these items on the list. BUT JESUS is the only one who deserves these items.

 

JESUS did what no other being did, namely gave HIS life for HIS creation. HE is placed over everything. No power can come up against JESUS. The throne room scene by John shows the FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT with all power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise!” My crave is to yield my desires to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer present the presence of GOD as a weakling?
• Have you ever thought GOD was a pushover because HE is showing you grace and mercy?
• Will you contemplate your view of power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise so you can give it to JESUS and HE will share it with you?

Wealthy

Wealthy

2 Corinthians 8: ⁵ It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well. ⁶ So we urged Titus, who began this work, to continue it and help you complete this special service of love. ⁷ You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.

 

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“Want to play?” was the question posed to me. “Play what?” was my response. We were outside and had no games, money or toys. We looked around and found some popsicle sticks. A neighbor was washing his car, causing a stream near the curb in which we raced our sticks. We laughed, talked and played.

 

Later in life I accumulated money. I had no time for talking or playing because I was working long hours. I worried about bills, vacations, houses, cars, and a long list material possessions.

 

• Somewhere I had lost focus on what “wealth” was.
• I thought having no money was the problem.
• I believed that having a lot of money would reduce my problems.

 

Paul writes about how “rich” the people were, but his list is strange. He talked about a portfolio most people would scoff at. He mentioned faith, speech, knowledge and eagerness to help.

 

My Observations

• My love of money is the root of all kinds of evil in me.
• GOD wants me to be wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS, curiosity to know HIM and eagerness to help others seek HIM.
• GOD wants me to value serving others who follow HIM, especially those who are persecuted because of HIM.

 

Wealth is a term thrown around as something to acquire. But if the wealth causes division, arguments, pain or mistrust, then what good is having a lot of it? GOD wants me wealthy on the inside by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

HIS leading shows me when I am being greedy, overly self-protective and a slave to the god of sustenance. Generosity is felt by those who believe in CHRIST. I am grateful for the many who have poured out their service of love on me.

 

Challenge

• What riches does the writer list?
• Does comparing yourself to others make you, or them feel bad?
• How wealthy in faith, speech about JESUS and knowledge of GOD do you feel?
• Will you reconsider what true wealth is by seeking what GOD wants you to and surrendering anything that blinds you from HIS rewards today?

Ask for the Middle

Proverbs 30: ⁷ “Two things I ask of you, Lord;
    do not refuse me before I die:
⁸ Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
    give me neither poverty nor riches,
    but give me only my daily bread.
⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
    and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
    and so dishonor the name of my God.

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On my way to “extended wealth” I decided to get into day trading. I took some cash and asked one of the wealthy people what stock should I purchase. They gave me their advice and I went off with my purchase. About a month or two later I received a note stating the stock I purchased was worthless and the company had gone out of business.

• Sometimes I am not content with what I have.
• Sometimes the money I have is never enough.
• Sometimes I want more so I expand my thinking of what is poor and what is rich.

The wealthier I became the higher my thoughts were in terms of poverty. I mean my high school net worth could probably be measured in the cost of a sandwich and I thought I was rich. When I started working with very wealthy people, even my large bank account, insurance policies and stock made me feel as if I was destitute. What should I be thinking?

• GOD wants me to be grateful for this day HE has made.
• GOD wants me to be excited about where HE has me now.
• GOD wants me to be full of praise no matter what someone says my wealth status is.

“Easy” is not a place GOD says I would ever be as long as I am alive. HE did promise that HE would provide and HE would never leave me nor forsake me. My dependence is solely on HIM.

• Do you want wealth or a relationship with GOD?
• Are you trying to serve money and GOD?
• Will you stop talking about money for a moment and asses your relationship with where HE has you?
• Are you loving people that way GOD wants you to or are you frowning because you want more? 

Looking at Greener Grass

Job 21: ¹³ They spend their years in prosperity
    and go down to the grave in peace.
¹⁴ Yet they say to God, ‘Leave us alone!
    We have no desire to know your ways.
¹⁵ Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him?
    What would we gain by praying to him?’
¹⁶ But their prosperity is not in their own hands,
    so I stand aloof from the plans of the wicked.

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When I thought of the letter “H” I pursued Humility. I did the right things and lead a somewhat peaceful life. But it always seemed as if someone around me, who was reckless in their abandon, would always do better. I mean it seemed like the drug dealers would always have more money. I at least rationalized that they would be shot soon so I carried on.

Later it was peers at work who seemed to get better raises and bigger offices. Then I read the news when I was struggling in my payments and see some star who would buy frivolous items and not once look at GOD. I realized the “H” I found was Hater.

• Sometimes I look at the wealthy and get mad at GOD for allowing them to have it easy.
• Sometimes I look at the wealthy like they are getting everything they want without praying.
• Sometimes I look at the wealthy as a destination rather than a mirage.

I must admit it is hard to say to the poor, “Hang in there and remain poor” because it’s no fun being poor. Meanwhile those who never have a thought about GOD, not even once on a daily basis, seem to go unscathed. Is this fair? GOD thinks so.

• Wealth is fine BUT GOD knows my tipping point where wealth would blind me from HIM.
• Money is fine BUT GOD says to me “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
• Prosperity is fine BUT GOD understands that the only way for me to truly be prosperous is to be generous without being jealous.

GOD wants me to look at the news and say “Good for them” when it comes to the wealthy who waste. HE actually wants me to look at my own actions to see if I am being generous and not jealous. If I can give and not look at greener grass then I am pleasing GOD for I am giving a sacrifice to the MOST HIGH.

• Are you jealous of the wealthy?
• Do you pout at your financial circumstance?
• Can you praise GOD sacrificially today?
• Can you stop looking at other people for a moment and give to someone even when you don’t have much?

GOD’s steps to prosperity

1 Kings 2: When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son.

² “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, ³ and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go ⁴ and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

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Days can become difficult and one can lose heart so GOD says “Be Strong” to me so I won’t become discouraged.

Fast paced life and busy times can blind me so GOD says “Observe what the LORD your GOD requires” so I can slow down, open my spiritual eyes and see how HE is working in my life.

Temptation flaunts itself in my face daily so GOD says to me “Walk in obedience to HIM, and keep HIS decrees and commands, HIS laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses” so the more I follow HIM the clearer my path becomes.

It is very clear that large amounts of money should not be my destination. This turns many people away from following GOD.  Wealth blinds and after a while the only purpose I am left with is to protect my “stuff.”  GOD wants something very different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM no matter what’s going on around me.
• GOD wants me to be delighted in HIS path rather than sulking about what I do or do not have.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so HE will bring many to me to point people to HIM.

“Purpose” is part of the prosperity GOD gives me. When I live my life for HIS purpose I am forever wealthy!

• Are you bowing down to the god of wealth?
• Do you feel nervous about money for yourself or someone else?
• Do you think cash will bring happiness, health and security?
• Can you turn your thoughts to GOD rather than focusing on the things of this world?
• Will you let GOD dictate your wealth based on your generosity?

Consult GOD first

Joshua 9: ¹⁴ The Israelites sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. ¹⁵ Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.

¹⁶ Three days after they made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites heard that they were neighbors, living nearthem. ¹⁷ So the Israelites set out and on the third day came to their cities: Gibeon, Kephirah, Beeroth and Kiriath Jearim. ¹⁸ But the Israelites did not attack them, because the leaders of the assembly had sworn an oath to them by the Lord, the God of Israel.

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“Nine weeks will be a short assignment that would enable me to pick up a ton of cash and I can still perform the functions of my business” I greedily said to myself. I thought about what I would do with the cash and then I began planning.

Once I actually started working I realized I was in the worst assignment of my career. The atmosphere reeked of blame and deception. As I sat on the edge of my bed at 3:00 AM I realized I made a huge mistake.

• When something looks too good to be true for me, it usually is.
• When I look at things from a “monetary gain” perspective I usually fail.
• When I think about a plan from a “personal gain” angle I usually fall flat.

Many times I have run off with a plan and have not consulted GOD. These plans sometimes make it pretty far but then come crashing down to the ground with painful consequences. When I wake up in pain I blame GOD asking HIM “Why did YOU let me fail?”

• GOD wants me to consult HIM first before I make my plans.
• GOD wants me to ask HIS permission and allow HIM to say NO.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom, HIS power and HIS strength, for no plan can prosper without HIM.

The caveat to consulting GOD is I have to perform above the level otherwise HE will turn HIS back on the plan. I must respect everyone associated with the plan and listen to GOD intently. I must accept HIS timing and methods which can be long and scary. I must trust GOD.

• Are you planning something?
• Have you asked GOD “what do you want me to do?”
• Are you staying on the course HE has laid out for you?
• Won’t you ask HIM what plan HE wants for you instead of asking HIM for help on “your” plan?

Plan for generosity

Deuteronomy 14: ²⁸ At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, ²⁹ so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

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Anticipation and exhilaration flowed through my veins as I waited on a statement from my investments. I was saving up for a cruise and I wanted to make sure I had enough money to go. I planned this trip for months. I booked the plane and excursions. Yes this was a well-deserved trip!

• When I want something I plan for it.
• When I desire something I save up for it.
• When I yearn for something I get excited over it and anticipate its arrival.

Giving is quite the opposite of my vacation planning.  Sometimes I grumble over giving and other times I look up and whatever money is left I give. I say to myself, I don’t have enough to give right now, yet I run out and buy new stuff because I “need” more stuff.

• GOD wants me to plan for giving.
• GOD says “prepare your tithes.”
• GOD says “pay attention to those in need.”

When I know I am going to give then I automatically deduct the amount I have in my hand by what I have already planned. I no longer say to myself I have $1000 rather the LORD has $100 and I have $900. But wait, what if my income doesn’t cover my bills. Well, that’s a longer discussion but I know GOD loves when I am cheerful in my giving.

Giving frees me from wanting more and more for myself because the focus is on others. Through GOD’s generosity, I can be generous.

• Are you planning to give?
• Are you planning to give in big way or have you squeezed GOD’s generosity into your tiny world?
• Has GOD given you a vision for generosity?

Sometimes it stings to give!

Leviticus 27: ³⁰ “‘A tenth of everything the land produces belongs to me. That includes grain from the soil and fruit from the trees. It is holy. It is set apart for me.

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Scouring the internet I pieced together the ideal vacation.  With hotel points and airline miles, we could go to one of the top resorts and live first class.  This was phenomenal! Since I saved so much, I decided to throw in a cruise! I mean I earned it!

• Sometimes I don’t think GOD owns “my” money.
• Sometimes I think I am doing GOD a favor by “giving.”
• Sometimes I think I deserve stuff and get mad when someone breaks, steals or loses “my” stuff.

It’s hard to believe that GOD owns all things. I say, “yeah, yeah HE owns everything” but I turn around and get highly upset when HE allows some of my stuff to be taken or destroyed. When I have an abundance of cash I conveniently forget to give and when I’m low on cash I use the excuse, “I don’t have it right now.”

• GOD says “give ME a tenth” which releases my greedy grip on stuff.
• GOD says “I expect everyone to give” which means I should give when it is difficult.
• GOD says “Do not be worried over the things of this world” simply because HE owns it all and knows what is best for me to have.

Wanting more stuff is sometimes a problem for me.  The more I have the more I try to protect what I have.  I want a lot of stuff so I won’t me worried but the stuff makes me worry! GOD wants me to release the tight grip “stuff” has on me by giving it away just like HE gives to me daily!

• Are you worried about cash?
• Do you think GOD is punishing you by not giving you a lot of cash?
• Can you give when you have plenty AND when you don’t have much?
• Won’t you face your fears of losing stuff by giving stuff away?

Afraid to plant crops

Genesis 26: ¹² Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 

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Comfortable in my position I had no further plans to move up.  I could stay in this position forever as far as I was concerned.  When they offered me a promotion I worried about the future. Not only was it a big step, it was unknown. “I wonder if I should turn it down” ran through my mind.

• Fear makes me stay stagnant.
• Fear holds me back from pursuing difficult things.
• Fear tells me what is wrong with the situation and blinds me to what I’m supposed to be learning.

I don’t think Isaac planted crops thinking “I’m going to be rich.”  I believe he planted what would sustain him and GOD decided to make him rich because of the plan GOD put in motion. Stepping forward is what I noticed here. It took faith to simply step forward and plant the crop.

• GOD wants me to move forward on faith knowing HE will be there every step of the way.
• GOD wants me to understand my fears, doubts and worries so I can give them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes and ears to see and hear HIM enough to take steps necessary for HIM to bless me.

I may fail. I may be broken. That’s the risk! BUT GOD is there with me every step of the way.

• Is something holding you back from accomplishing your goal?
• Are you blinded by your circumstance?
• Can you take the next step on faith knowing GOD is with you?

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?

Hate is such a strong word!

1 John 2: ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

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If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bully. I mean it seems like I have run into them all my life.  I mean there was the guy in fifth grade and there was another in high school and some more at work only they bullied with words. 

“I just HATE them” is what I felt so I began pushing back.  I mean bullies aren’t going to push me around anymore! I lifted weights to fend off the physical bully, and learned snappy, cutting retorts to slice down the political bully. Soon I found myself going after these bullies because I could stand toe to toe with them.

• Mild forms of hatred turn into large forms of hatred with me.
• Mild forms of hatred are disguised in me as “things I don’t like” about that person.
• Mild forms of hatred expose themselves when I could care less what happens to the person.

Even when I isolate myself or segregate myself or even separate myself from them it still doesn’t seem to work. I still think about them and stew over what they have done. I don’t want them to have mercy, BUT GOD does.

• GOD wants me to love people, especially my enemies.
• GOD wants me to love people, even those who are difficult to love.
• GOD wants me to love people, ignoring their sin to win them over.

It is not GOD’s wish that anyone perish so why do I give up on that person so easily? GOD desires that I have patience with them because HE has patience with me.

• Do you dislike someone?
• Is there someone in your life who just makes you sick?
• Is there a popular person who you just rile about?
• Can you turn your thoughts into positive ones for “that” person?
• Won’t you try to understand GOD’s love for you AND “that” person?

Living a life of purpose

2 Peter 1: ¹³ I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, ¹⁴ because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.

¹⁵ And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.

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With new tie in hand I proceeded to the door. The exits all looked the same because in my haste to purchase a replacement for my forgotten tie I failed to note which way I had entered. That was only the beginning of the problem. I walked out and could not find my rental car because I didn’t remember what kind of car it was nor the color. Yes the information was on the key.

After finally finding my car I returned to the hotel. When I woke the next day I could not remember what city I was in. I had travelled too much. I sat on the side of my bed and asked myself, “is this my purpose in life?”

·         When I am overwhelmed I may not be living my life purpose.

·         When I am feeling absolutely miserable I may not be living my life purpose.

·         When I am restless and want something new I may not be living my life purpose.

I made work my purpose for living and quite honestly it only got me more work. Okay, I did get more money and accolades but they soon faded and I wondered “is this it?” BUT GOD has another purpose for me.

·         GOD says remind people about what I have already written on their heart.

·         GOD says make disciples to follow ME instead of following buildings or people.

·         GOD says love those who are difficult to love while loving your family and friends.

Leaving a legacy is nice but leaving people with ways to stop rejecting GOD is better. I used to think there were humans who just had not heard of CHRIST and needed me to tell them, now I believe GOD has written HIS word on every heart and it’s up to each not to reject HIM. I serve as a reminder to follow what they already know.

·         Do you have purpose?

·         Are you living your life’s purpose out?

·         Do you realize GOD has given you talents that only you possess?

·         Can you understand “your presence” can affect the situation?

My plans mean nothing without GOD

James 4: ¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

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“Business plan” check… “Service to sell” check… “Business Cards” check… “Tools” check… “Customers” a few so “CHECK!” As I halfheartedly proceeded in my first business venture I began with what I thought were the right components. With baby on the way and a very demanding job, I wanted to strike it out on my own to “be there” for the family so my intentions were honorable.

Weekends were now spent away from the family and with my band of one I had no time to grow my business plus my job was sending me out of town next week. The business failed before it got started. What went wrong?

• When I plan without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• Even if I have reached a level of success that is recognized by many, if the achievement was without GOD my plans are headed for failure.
• When I look into the future and develop contingency plans to thwart catastrophe, without GOD my plans are headed for failure.

Now that I am in business again I recognize something very important, GOD has the ability and the right to say “NO” or “not at all” to my plans. I could have, what I think are the best intentions but when I have not accepted the fact that my plans may not be aligned with GOD’s plans then I am prone to pout “when” they fail.

• GOD has a plan for me that is complex, purposeful and perfect.
• GOD’s plan will always be done; my plan can be done more if aligned with GOD’s plan.
• GOD knows the future of my plan and its success hinges on my dependence on HIM.

Saying “if it is the LORD’s will” means I am willing to accept “NO” for an answer. I am not rolling over and dying and preparing for a crash and burn blamed on the LORD rather my eyes are wide open to the fact that GOD has all I own. I can’t protect my family, stuff or business. GOD owns it all and has a right to do with it as HE pleases.

• Do you believe your abilities came from you?
• Do you have plans for yourself, thinking you can control your situation?
• Won’t you start your next plan by asking GOD what HE wants to do?
• Can you stop bragging about “your” accomplishments and credit them to GOD?

How to be rich and pleasing to GOD

1 Timothy 6: ¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

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Looking at my watch I realized I was ahead of schedule. The bus to the rental car was just about to pull off and I was the only one who made it. “Those poor saps” I thought to myself. Flying in first class had paid off!

Since I rented cars so often mine was in the front row with the keys in it ready to go. I drove twenty feet only to get in an exit line. “C’mon, I haven’t got all day” I thought to myself. Since I spent an extra five minutes in line I made it up on the freeway. “Get out of the way” was my attitude. I wonder who I saw on that trip.

• Wealth can make me arrogant.
• Wealth can stir up my impatience.
• Wealth can muster up my selfishness.
• Wealth can drive my desire to focus on me.

Clearly there is nothing wrong with being wealthy but it is wrong to have an attitude with my wealth. When I think nothing can go wrong because of the wealth I have amassed then I am gravely mistaken. Also, when I forget the reason GOD made me wealthy in the first place then I quickly focus on being “self-made” rather than having an attitude of thanksgiving.

• Generosity takes practice and it starts when I have little.
• Willingness to share must remain whether I have much or little.
• Doing good deeds should be the focus on my wealth rather than getting wealthier and protecting it.

Investments and retirement are nice but GOD wants me to lay up treasure in heaven. In other words HE doesn’t want me to work “for” my salvation, HE wants me to work “because of” my salvation. HE wants me to seek out those who may have lost their way and point to HIS love no matter how wealthy I get.

• Are you seeking wealth and power?
• Can you be generous with your wealth right now even before you get wealthier?
• Are you willing to share what little you have?
• Can you do a good deed for the sole purpose of serving the living GOD?

I have a new goal

Colossians 2: ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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Achievement was my staple as I won another award. When I surveyed the plaques, trophies and medals I had won I felt proud of where I had climbed. I was so proud of myself that I couldn’t get enough of hearing how well I was doing from others. I would set lofty goals and climb high to achieve them and wait for the applause. “I wonder if anyone is in pain” never crossed my mind.

• When I focus on self-achievement I can lose focus on others.
• When I focus on “me” getting ahead I can forget to serve people in pain.
• When I focus on gaining treasures on earth I can get caught up in lusts that derail me from seeing GOD.

Many times I sought power, position and payment as my goal of success. Once I achieved my goal, it never seemed like it was enough. My monetary goal had to become greater and I had to have a bigger title. This left little time for me to see who was hurting or in pain. BUT GOD saw them and wanted me to act different.

• GOD sees people in pain and wants me to open my eyes to them as well.
• GOD sees people who are discouraged and wants me to encourage them to believe in HIM.
• GOD sees people who are thrown away and wants me to show united love as an example of how much GOD loves all.

Many times I get so caught up in trying to get people to stop doing a certain sin that I never look at how much compassion GOD wants me to have on others.  I think I can solve their problems by making more money and fighting a cause so my goals are geared towards sin eradication and wealth. BUT GOD wants me to have new goals of encouragement, compassion and united love to draw those who really need HIM.

GOD wants me to point at HIS SON instead of pointing at me.

• What are you trying to achieve?
• Are you feeling discouraged that you have not achieved what you think you should have achieved?
• Won’t you set goals to be more compassionate for someone today?
• Can you take a moment to encourage someone today?

Peaceful Contentment

Philippians 4: ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

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Money was my motivator. You want me to do something, show me the money. Little did I know I had a greater motivator, namely fear. When the account was slipping away from us I worked extremely hard to keep everything going.

I worked thirty six hours straight, forsaking meals and family. We still lost the account and I found myself on the “bench.” “If I stayed there too long I could lose my job”, I thought to myself. I missed the fact that leaving my family and forgetting my health may have caused problems. 

• When I am poor I worry about paying bills.
• When I am in the middle I worry about becoming rich.
• When I am rich I worry about losing my wealth.
• When I am discontent I complain about GOD’s plan.

Each of my worries shows my discontentment. GOD couldn’t possibly be right with “this” plan I would think to myself. I mean HE wants me to keep moving forward right? Maybe… but with what kind of attitude?

It seems like I am always waiting for the other shoe to drop. In other words I am always waiting for things to “get better” rather than looking at the greatness that’s going on around me. 

• GOD wants me to have peace in the middle of each storm.
• GOD wants me to be content when HE gives me plenty and when HE takes my wealth away.
• GOD wants me to have peace during times of crisis.
• GOD wants me to be content when things aren’t going quite the way I planned.

From the inconvenient car accident to the bag of money falling out of the sky, GOD wants me to view HIS plan as being great. HE desires that I follow HIM and look to HIM for my strength rather than looking at my wealth.

• Are you seeking more money or more stuff?
• What trinket or gadget or title or group is holding you back from your contentment?
• Can you assess you desire to see if it is greater than your love for GOD?
• Are you willing to leave that thing and accept what GOD wants you to have?
• Can you focus your ambitions on what GOD wants?

Got any spare change?

2 Corinthians: ¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

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My first assignment downtown was an eye-opener. As I stepped off the train I found myself marching to the rhythm of the massive crowd migrating toward my destination. Amongst the flurry of activity of taxis, coffee shops and traffic I heard a voice, “got any spare change?” Of course I do was my first response and I donated gladly.

Days, months and years into the routine my zeal for giving turned into a critical statement. “Look at them… I bet they are using the money for drugs or alcohol. I’m not giving my hard earned money to them.” Then it hit me, I forgot to make my reservations in the three star hotel for our vacation. Three stars instead of five kept me humble right?

• Many times I avoid people in need.
• Many times I avoid direct contact with someone who wants something because I think I don’t have enough to give.
• Many times I rationalize not giving and wind up using the money on myself.

It is extremely easy to avoid giving. In fact the more I had the easier it was to avoid seeing people who truly needed my help. I found myself in conversations with people discussing wine cellars and humidors when at one point I didn’t even know what those things were. Lavish vacations were quite enjoyable BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD says “The poor you will always have” and HE desires I seek to serve when I’m wealthy or be served when I’m poor.
• GOD says “When you serve someone a cup of water you have served ME” so HE wants me to seek other to serve.
• GOD says “Show and share your talents and I will give you more” which means HE will give as long as I’m willing to give.

GOD isn’t looking to make me wealthy just to be a snob, HE wants me to give when I have plenty and if HE takes my wealth away HE wants me to accept gifts from others. Humility in giving and accepting gifts is GOD’s balance.

• Are you nervous about giving?
• Do you think you don’t have enough to give?
• Are you hoarding money for yourself or are you purposefully seeking opportunities to give?
• Does GOD want you to give to “that” person today?

Take Courage GOD is right there!

Acts 23: ¹⁰ The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.

 ¹¹ The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

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Tossing and turning I spent one night futilely trying to get to sleep.  The speech was on my mind because I had to explain why things weren’t working.  When I got out on stage I could see the hostile faces.  It seemed like everyone wanted to rip my heart out. “LORD where are you?” I thought to myself.

• There are times when humans will get mad at me and I feel I have no place to turn.
• There are times when humans will be disappointed with the way I act or something I did.
• There are times when humans will make me the fall guy because it’s convenient.
• There are times when humans will be hurt by things I have said or actions I have taken.

I have been in violent situations but never a mob circumstance like Paul. He was trying to change the minds of those who were blind to GOD and treated HIM like a figurehead rather than the leader of their lives.  The Pharisees and Sadducees talked about GOD and even went to church weekly but never turned their lives over to HIM.

They felt threatened when someone tried to correct them in love and never once admitted they had a problem. In fact they rioted to keep their lifestyle because it was lavish and cushy and respectful. I mean how could you go wrong talking about GOD and getting paid for it? They didn’t have to “believe” in the stuff, just talk about it right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to stand firm even if it means I get embarrassed in the process.
• GOD wants me to admit to others I sin regularly, but I am sinning less and less.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIS perfection and take eyes off of me.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is right here next to me in the middle of any trouble.

I just noticed it wasn’t an angel who came to talk to Paul it was JESUS. HE said “take courage!” and HE meant it.  HE wants me to have courage to face any situation without running away! HE has the power to fix, heal and mend any problem I have.

• Are you busy drawing attention to yourself?
• Are you busy holding onto a lifestyle that you know in your heart is against GOD?
• Do you realize it take admission of a problem in order to be healed?
• What problem is too big for GOD?
• What sins are you trying to take to the grave with you?

How committed am I?

Acts 14:  ¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

The Return to Antioch in Syria

 ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

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Being part of “the club” was an aspiration of mine. After a number of golf lessons I was actually accepted but only on the perimeter of “the club.” I overheard a conversation talking about the body parts of specific coworkers. “Should I join in and compromise the values I stood for?” “Sure” I quickly thought to myself. I was finally in “the club” but at what cost?

• One reason living for GOD is so tough is because I want my sinful way.
• Another reason living for GOD is so difficult is because I want the things GOD doesn’t want me to have.
• Yet another reason living for GOD is so hard is because I don’t want to be uncomfortable or mistreated because I am associated with HIM.

“The Club” represented wealth, great food, and incredible vacations at exotic locations. What it did not have in it was faith, purity, and love. These strange things meant I had to actually give up being in “the club” in order to live for GOD.

I actually tried using faith, purity and love in “the club” and noticed I was placed back on the perimeter and finally I was out of “the club.” The more committed to GOD I became the more “the club” opposed me. I wasn’t even trying to convert them or even win them over nor did I judge their actions. After a while “the club” viewed my kindness as weakness and they hurled stones at me.

Thank GOD for rescuing me out of the club because now I can speak about HIM without worrying about what others think of me.

• Are you trying to be in “the club?”
• Are you following behind others who are not committed to CHRIST?
• Are you actively seeking GOD and things are getting harder for you?
• Won’t you “hang in there” even if life gets more difficult?