Move From Micromanaging

Move From Micromanaging

Exodus 18: ¹³ And so it was, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people; and the people stood before Moses from morning until evening. ¹⁴ So when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning until evening?”

 

¹⁵ And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. ¹⁶ When they have a difficulty, they come to me, and I judge between one and another; and I make known the statutes of God and His laws.”

 

¹⁷ So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. ¹⁸ Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. ¹⁹ Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. ²⁰ And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do. ²¹ Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. ²² And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you. ²³ If you do this thing, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all this people will also go to their place in peace.”

 

²⁴ So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. ²⁵ And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. ²⁶ So they judged the people at all times; the hard cases they brought to Moses, but they judged every small case themselves.

 

²⁷ Then Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way to his own land.

 

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After hearing the complaints of the people. Moses fell into the trap of thinking he had to solve every problem for the people by himself. Jethro watched Moses and provided wise counsel.

 

My Observations:

• Moses may have felt alone, so he took it upon himself to speak to GOD about every matter concerning the millions of people he was leading.
• Jethro saw that Moses was trying to do everything alone and provided wise counsel to get some help.
• Moses listened to Jethro and appointed those who feared GOD, were truthful and who did not covet.

 

Feeling responsible for everyone’s wellbeing is a great quality of a leader, But, as Jethro pointed out, taking on too much responsibility for everyone is not a good thing. Moses was probably speaking to GOD in a one at a time fashion. He would hear one problem then race to GOD, then turn around and ask for another problem to solve.

 

Jethro knew Moses was getting bits and pieces of GOD’s law and he suggested that Moses teach others what GOD said to him. There was no formal law at this point. I believe the HOLY SPIRIT led Jethro to give Moses this wisdom.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the wisdom from Jethro?
• Are you trying to do everything yourself and are not asking for help?
• Is it time to ask GOD to bring you the help you need to fulfil HIS vision?

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?

Complete Understanding

Complete Understanding

2 Corinthians 1: ¹² We are proud that our conscience assures us that our lives in this world, and especially our relations with you, have been ruled by God-given frankness and sincerity, by the power of God's grace and not by human wisdom. ^13-14 We write to you only what you can read and understand. But even though you now understand us only in part, I hope that you will come to understand us completely, so that in the Day of our Lord Jesus you can be as proud of us as we shall be of you.

 

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When I become a parent, I will correct the list of complaints I had against my parents. But then I became one and got “complete understanding.” When I am the boss I will change how things are done. But I became one and things did not go as I thought. But now I had “complete understanding.” Running a business will be easy is what I said until I ran one and it wasn’t so easy. But now I had complete understanding.

 

Paul send his letter with a caveat. He did not include some of the stuff that would be hard to understand. Luke wrote about Paul being bit by a venomous snake and remaining alive. Paul did not write this about himself and did not include many other miracles he witnessed or performed. He knew his focus was not to point to himself, but JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be ruled by HIS holiness.
• GOD wants me to be as sincere as I can when I speak about HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I will not have “complete understanding” until HE transforms me to HIS true creation.

 

Confusion seems to be the norm during this life. I mean, when one person says “the truth”, another comes along to refute what was said. Human brawls increase rips in families, neighborhoods and communities. Disunity increases. Slander undermines the ability to help.

 

BUT GOD completely understands and has given us only a tiny revelation of HIMSELF. JESUS spent a little time being human and was tempted in every way a human could be tempted. HE died and was raised from the dead. HE has all authority. I am glad HE has complete understanding and wants to share it with me.

 

Challenge

• Has anyone ever questioned how and what you do without having complete understanding?
• Have you ever questioned GOD or complained about HIS plan for your life?
• Will you step back from the current situation and know GOD has complete understanding over your situation and has already added HIS love to it just for you?

Moment of Clarity

Moment of Clarity

Acts 11: ⁴ But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: ⁵ “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. ⁶ When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. ⁷ And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ ⁸ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ ⁹ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’

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“You got it! Said the math teacher to me. I understood what was being said and I was able to explain it back to the teacher, clearly. I understood the principle and could apply the concept.

• There have been times when I understood something at a certain moment.
• There have been times when I got it after putting the pieces together.
• There have been times when I could point to the moment of clarity after wrestling with something.

Peter explains a very strange vision. For years he had been taught one way but was told to do something that seemed opposite. He was told to eat some very strange animals and insects which would make him ritually unclean. BUT GOD explained the concept of clean to him.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so HE can provide clarity.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so HE can teach me.
• GOD wants me to study HIS ways so HE can correct my broken thinking about HIM.

All of heaven rejoices when one human has a moment of clarity regarding the belief in JESUS as the Savior. GOD loves when I look for HIM and find HIM sitting right next to me, never having left to go anywhere. This moment of clarity grows my faith in HIM and builds my trust. I am grateful GOD provides clarity in my purpose for HIM.

• Are you confused right now?
• Do you spend most of your time talking about someone else, never talking about your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD for a moment of clarity for your purpose?

Cautious Confidence

Cautious Confidence

John 13: ³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

³⁷ Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.”

³⁸ Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

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“I will never do that again” I said in haste. I was so relieved to be out of the bad situation, so I exclaimed how I would “never” get back into the same problem. Maybe a day or so passed and I found myself tiptoeing around the thing that got me in trouble in the first place.

• There have been times when I was over confident in my ability to stay away from sin.
• There have been times when I was over confident in my ability to follow what GOD says I should be doing.
• There have been times when I just knew I would never sin again and be perfect for the rest of my life.

Peter was perplexed by JESUS’s words of leaving. “Where are YOU going LORD?” Peter inquired. JESUS had already explained that HE was going to die and be raised, so HE said “You will, in fact, follow ME, but not now.”  Peter in his zeal said “I am willing to lay down my life for YOU.” JESUS said “You will deny ME.”

• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS abilities, not mine.
• GOD wants me to understand that my Spirit is willing but my flesh is weak.
• GOD wants me to know there will be times when I will do what I do not want to do and other times when I will do what HE wants me to do.

Being excited about GOD is great. I mean HE cares for me and is the most powerful being there is. Siding with HIM can give me confidence that HE can resolve any situation I can get in. But my confidence needs to be proceeded with caution. I should also know that I am still a sinner who fights temptation daily. My confidence is in GOD’s forgiveness when I am weak.

• Do you have a lot of self-confidence?
• Do you like to control the situation because of your lack of confidence in others?
• Will you place less confidence in your abilities and more confidence in GOD’s love for you?

Words are Mighty

Psalm 122: ⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
⁷ May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
⁸ For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

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Filled with rage, my poisonous words spewed out of my mouth. The problem was that the words kept coming out and soon I had filled the room with spiteful malicious paragraphs that I could never take back. Later, a thought popped in my mind. I wonder if this person is a follower of GOD.

• When my words are filled with hurt, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are full of fear, they are not pointed at the kingdom.
• When my words are packed with pain, they are not pointed at the kingdom.

Words can go two ways, to build someone up or tear someone down. The latter of the two is very easy, especially when I am trying to get a point across. What I have found is these words do not bring peace. Yeah, “I” may feel better, but am I bringing peace to “that” person?

• GOD wants me to pray for security for people no matter how insecure they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for peace for people no matter how contemptuous they may be.
• GOD wants me to pray for GOD’s prosperity which may mean a kingdom full of people rather than a bank full of money.

David was already very wealthy but he said “For the sake of the house of the LORD our GOD, I will seek your prosperity.” David knew that sacrifice was needed in order to lead a group of people who put their trust in the LORD. These people were excited about GOD and loved to worship HIM at all turns. GOD wants me to celebrate those who put their full trust in HIM. HE wants me to add peace to those who seek HIS face.

• Are your words pointing people to the problem or to the kingdom?
• Do you find poison in your words or can you point people to peace?
• Will you try adding GOD to every conversation you have today? 

Relying On My Wisdom

Job 28: ¹² But where can wisdom be found?
    Where does understanding dwell?
¹³ No mortal comprehends its worth;
    it cannot be found in the land of the living.
¹⁴ The deep says, “It is not in me”;
    the sea says, “It is not with me.”
¹⁵ It cannot be bought with the finest gold,
    nor can its price be weighed out in silver.

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²³ God understands the way to it
    and he alone knows where it dwells,
²⁴ for he views the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
²⁵ When he established the force of the wind
    and measured out the waters,
²⁶ when he made a decree for the rain
    and a path for the thunderstorm,
²⁷ then he looked at wisdom and appraised it;
    he confirmed it and tested it.
²⁸ And he said to the human race,
    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil is understanding.”

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I was the smartest, bravest person I knew. I mean I had just received my first promotion and I was now only twenty two levels beneath the CEO. I was confident in my world and no one could tell me otherwise.

• Sometimes I think more highly of myself.
• GOD wants me to value HIS power.

• Sometimes I think it’s my wisdom that got me where I am.
• GOD wants me to know it is only HIM who raises people up.

• Sometimes I think I can make it on my own.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIM and turn things over to HIM and let HIM do a marvelous work.

Seeking wisdom means seeking the fear of the LORD. I don’t mean to view GOD as a sadistic moniker rather I should place HIS values higher than my ambitions, relationships or status. GOD understands the way to wisdom. I will follow HIM to HIS fruit.

Recognizing Where Talent Comes From

1 Kings 10: ⁴ When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, ⁵ the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.

⁶ She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. ⁷ But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. ⁸ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 

⁹ Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

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As the fancy cars pulled up, I marveled over the list of names who paraded in the caravan.  The CEO and top officers met with Wall Street and the media was there in full. I sat there with my eyes opened wide as their smooth answers flowed from their lips. Someone mentioned, “Millions of dollars are sitting on that stage right now.”

I then got intimidated.  How was I going to ever reach that?  My career seemed hopeless so I went back to my cubicle and pouted.

• When I think I am responsible for reaching the top, I can get intimidated.
• When I set my goal on being at the top with my own skills, I can get intimidated.
• When I look at others with envy, I can get intimidated.

Sometimes I see the rich and famous and wonder, “How did this person get where they are?” “I mean they can’t think their way out of a wet paper bag” is usually my envious insult. “And besides, they aren’t even using the money to glorify GOD” is my added judgment. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM for someone else’s talent.
• GOD wants me to be excited to see how HE raises people up to places only HE can reach.
• GOD wants me to recognize the talent HE has given me and be excited about where HE has me.

“Get rid of the envy and strap on the excitement” is what GOD says to me. Being excited about life rids me of complaints and generates enthusiasm, encouragement and euphoria!

• Are you complaining?
• Do you have a negative view on life?
• Can you praise GOD for someone else’s talent?
• Do you recognize the talent HE has given you?
• Can you accept where GOD has you?

GOD made me skilled!

GOD made me skilled!

Exodus 28:3 “Speak to all of the skilled workers. I have given them the skill to do this kind of work. Tell them to make clothes for Aaron. He will wear them when he is set apart to serve me as priest.

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It's amazing that GOD has given me the skills I use on a daily basis. I can't brag about accomplishing anything for it was GOD who enabled me to do everything I do. I also cannot complain that my skills are not adequate because GOD made me with a purpose that only I can fulfill!

What kind of wisdom do I have?

James 3: ¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

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Conflict seemed to be the center of discussion between our departments. There was no love lost between our group so when one of my employees complained about what “they” were doing I immediately sprang into action hoping I could flex a little muscle to get the issue resolved.

Little did I know “they” had already brought in the big guns and had swayed senior management toward their posture. The fight was over before it had started.

• My warring wisdom reaps a crop of conflict.
• My combative wisdom reaps a harvest of struggles.
• My confrontational wisdom reaps a defensive stance from that person rather than promoting unity.

“I’m right” and “they” are wrong leaves me seeking a much smaller group who wants to follow “my” thinking. Unfortunately I usually end up with a group of people with the same flawed thinking and we don’t go anywhere. I stand around looking at “them” blaming “them” for all the problems “I” am facing. Is my thinking too low?

• GOD says “ask ME for wisdom and I will give more than you can handle.”
• GOD says “MY wisdom seeks peace rather than being right all the time.”
• GOD says “MY wisdom seeks what the other person wants rather than blindly serving self.”
• GOD says “MY wisdom is full of mercy, submissive and good fruit rather than judgment and depletion.”
• GOD says “MY wisdom is impartial and sincere rather than thinking one group is better than another.”

GODLY wisdom says mankind is not changing rather it has always been in a fallen state and desperately needs a savior. Communities and neighborhoods do not “change” rather a new face that needs GOD appears and I must serve them the way GOD wants me to serve them, with GODLY wisdom.

• Do you think your country or neighborhood is “changing?”
• Do you see a big problem or a large opportunity to harvest more people?
• Have you looked at yourself to see if your heart needs to change toward other people?
• When have you actively sought to understand “that” person to win them over rather than trying to get them to conform to your ways?

Ask and believe

James 1: ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

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“What should we do next” were the horrifying words from my team.  This was the first time I had led a project and I had micro-managed us into a corner where we had to make some difficult decisions. “I know” I said to myself. “I will listen to everyone and get all the opinions on how to fix the problem.”

When I opened the opinion box I unveiled a storm of differing views and I looked crazy trying to agree with everything. Now my team started doubting if we were going in the right direction.

• When I get confused I seem double minded.
• When I get lost I feel unstable.
• When I get disorganized my thoughts race and I grapple with the issue.

When a challenge appears I tend to “think” my way out of the issue but this sometimes gets me deeper into hot water. Now what should I do?

• GOD says “ask ME for wisdom and I will give it abundantly.”
• GOD says “no matter how lost you get I will be there for you.”
• GOD says “I am not looking for fault in you rather I am looking for you to believe.”

GOD only wants faith from me.  HE desires that I believe HE has the answers and I can ask HIM for as much wisdom as I can handle.  HE will heap a generous portion on me when I believe solely on HIM. If I seek other crutches I can be blown and tossed by the wind.

I’m not saying avoid seeking wise counsel, what I am saying is let GOD be my guide.

• Are you confused?
• Do you lack wisdom in something?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom?
• Can you let HIM guide your words and actions today?

I just want it when I want it how I want it

Hebrews 12: ⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

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Tired of being labeled as “the Professor” I decided to act “bad” that day. A good friend of mine felt the same way so we decided to join in on the antics of those who would normally get sent to the Principal. “Maybe we can go home early” I thought. I didn’t even know what to do but I wanted to make sure the other students knew it was me.

The teacher caught my friend and me and instead of sending us to the Principal we were sentenced to stay after school with her. “Uh-oh” I hadn’t anticipated staying later, now my parents would wonder why I was home so late. This discipline thing isn’t fun. I never did that again!

• I can’t say for every sin GOD spanks me but HE does discipline me.
• I can’t say for every bad act there is an equal act of discipline by GOD.
• I can’t say for every wrong I commit GOD is there waiting to hit me with a holy stick.

Many times I have been on the wrong path. I mean I would leave GOD alone and seek my way. I would not seek GOD’s counsel, nor would I hang out with HIS people.  I wanted things my way, when I wanted it and how I wanted it. BUT GOD had other plans.

• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to put me back on HIS path.
• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to keep me focused on HIS wonderful plan.
• GOD has a way of lovingly disciplining me to help me realize I can do nothing without HIM.

As a follower of GOD I wanted only to speak about a soft forgiving GOD without wrath or judgment. I want to be able to sin as much as I would like and be forgiven for anything I did, but here is the flaw. HE says “MY children listen to ME.” When I sin I ignore the HOLY SPIRIT.  All I can say is the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

• Are you enduring hardship right now?
• Do you realize GOD may be disciplining you to grow you?
• Can you let go of your way for a moment and focus on GOD’s way?

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?

Where does my confidence come from?

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ Such confidence we have through Christ before God. ^5 6 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant —not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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After hours of study I felt prepared.  You would think I would have done this kind of studying my entire academic career but this time it was do or die.  My vigorous study came after I had been placed on academic probation which meant if I did not pull my grades up I would be kicked out of college. “LORD I need your help” I cried out.  

I actually got on the dean’s list for great grades that semester.

• Sometimes I think “I” am smarter than I give GOD credit for.
• Sometimes I believe it takes extra effort from “me” instead of asking GOD.
• Sometimes I surmise that I know it all and I need not consult GOD on my affairs.

GOD says “it is a fool who says there is no GOD” and I was acting as if HE didn’t exist. I never consulted HIM, never reflected on HIM and did not commune with HIM but when I wanted something I was willing to act deserving and then blame HIM when the answer was “No.”

When I got on probation in the first place I asked GOD to give me all the knowledge I needed at the last minute. Obviously “no” was the answer. That situation made me think about GOD a little differently.

• My wisdom comes from GOD but I should ask for it instead of expecting it.
• My competence comes from GOD but I still have to work at honing my craft.
• My confidence comes from GOD but I still have to face the issues and solve the problems of today.

My expectations should be centered around GOD and HIS power.  Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are gifts I cannot take credit for.  At all turns, I need to thank GOD for what HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you think you are smart?
• Do you believe you have it all together?
• Can you stop looking at yourself and give GOD credit for your wisdom?
• Won’t you use the wisdom HE has given you to further HIS kingdom?

I’d rather be foolish

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written:

   “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

   the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

 ²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

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Technology is a difficult field to field to preach the gospel to.  I mean exact sciences look for answers in exact locations and GOD just hasn’t been in the places scientists look. I started to question GOD’s existence. I mean why the invisibility? Why the silence? Why the lack of aroma or taste? And most of all why hasn’t HE touched me?

• GOD is visible in all of creation so if I open my eyes I could see HIM every day.
• GOD speaks to me daily through HIS Bible, people and circumstances so if I open my ears I could hear HIM.
• GOD spreads the smell of sacrifice throughout the earth so if I would take a whiff I could smell danger to dodge, fear to fight and success that saves.
• GOD gives HIS message freely so if I would speak about HIS SON I could taste the sweetness of HIS love.
• GOD reaches out to me daily so if I would reach out and hug that person who is in despair, give to someone in need or pick up the person who has fallen I would feel HIM.

My five senses have been cursed to deteriorate. My spiritual senses need to grow in order to relate to GOD in the way HE wants me to.  My senses will play tricks on me causing me to lose faith, BUT GOD wants me to simply believe without seeing. HE wants my faith to be based on more than faulty senses. HE wants me to believe in HIM alone.

• Are you trying to rationalize GOD out of your life?
• Are you trying to figure GOD out so you can manipulate HIM?
• Won’t you open your eyes and ears to GOD today and watch HIM do HIS wonders?
• Can’t you believe GOD is everywhere, knows everything, and is all powerful?

I think I’m getting stupider!

Luke 2: 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

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The older I get the dumber I think I am. I’m not talking about in men’s eyes, I’m talking about as it relates to GOD. I have followed GOD for a long time and you would think I would be perfect by now. Well, it’s quite the opposite.

• The older I get the more sins I commit.
• The older I get the more grace I need.
• The older I get the more I set GOD up for failure in my eyes.

Fortunately for me GOD forgives me daily. HE knows my weaknesses and looks beyond them because I am something special to HIM.  HE places obstacles in my way to make me stronger in the faith and HE never ever leaves me alone.

• Only GOD can help me grow in wisdom.
• Only GOD can help me grow my faith.
• Only GOD can help me grow favor with HIM and man.

When I focus on my situations and problems I act “stupider and stupider” doubting HIM and worrying about my situations. But when I focus on GOD and HIS mighty power that raises me up from the dust then I am growing in wisdom, faith and favor.

• Do you think you “know it all?”
• Are you deliberately seeking GOD’s wisdom?
• Will you drop “your will” and seek GOD’s will today?

LORD please grant me wisdom!

James 1: ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

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An empty light socket was a magnet for my childish curiosity.  I couldn’t reach it so I climbed up the metal pipe dripping with condensation. One second felt like an eternity as the shock surged through my body. Fortunately for me I fell down in the process. That wasn’t very wise!

• Human wisdom is not very wise.
• Human wisdom does not include GOD’s supernatural powers.
• Human wisdom focuses on how, but can never answer why.

It seems like the smarter I became the dumber I got with GOD.  I’m not saying all intellectuals don’t know the LORD, but in my case I questioned the validity of the Bible, GOD’s ways and even HIS existence. I rarely communicated with HIM and when I did it was a half-baked prayer requesting something I didn’t believe I would get from GOD.

• GOD wants me to believe.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS grace, love, power, wealth and truth.

Any doubt in GOD makes me try my own plan which usually fails miserably. HE has shown me time after time that HE is in control. From little to large miracles, GOD has continued to amaze me over the years. 

It actually takes maturity to see GOD in action.  How does the sun never burn out? Why hasn’t gravity stopped working? Why does HE love me? These are questions I can’t answer but maturity helps me know where to go.

• GOD will give me wisdom in abundance if I ask HIM.
• GOD will give me faith in abundance if I ask HIM.
• GOD will give me love in abundance if I ask HIM.

GOD wants me to have the best, but what I consider the best may not be the best. I may desire the best material things while GOD wants me to have the best spiritual things. Only HE can grant me the wisdom to follow HIM the way HE wants me to.

• What are you lacking?
• Does GOD have the power to give you “that” thing right now?
• Why is HE taking so long or why is HE saying no?
• Are you trying to manipulate GOD into getting your way?
• Can you remove your doubt and ask GOD for wisdom, faith and love today?

What are you going to "ask" for today?

John 14:11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. 12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

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If you had one "wish" today what would it be? Hold on, before you go down the usual path of riches and fame think about it in GOD's terms. I had to think about what I would wish for while examining what GOD wants from me. I found myself in a struggle.

GOD wants the world to know about HIS SON. HE knows there is something wrong with the riches of this world. They are based on sin and made with sin. The currency we use is developed to make greedy people wealthier, yet we crave it like a drug.

I have said "I just want enough to pay my bills", but what if my bills included buying a gold toothbrush, a bowling alley in my basement and a cable for my bicycle. My needs and wants are a mess so that must not be what GOD wants me to ask for.

What if I were to ask to become a miracle worker. To be able to heal people of any disease. Well, that fits into me becoming very powerful and having all eyes on me. GOD wants all eyes on HIM and HIS SON.

I thought I would simplify my "asking" but it always came down to more money, a better title and all eyes on me.

• GOD gave HIS SON to the world to die for our sins.
• GOD desires that every human not reject HIS SON.
• GOD knows the earth is cursed and earthly wealth is false.
• GOD walked amongst men without a penny.
• GOD knows we need to live on the earth which is controlled by the greedy.
  
  

Asking is more difficult than I imagined. Solomon was given the choice to "ask for anything" and he chose wisdom. GOD was extremely pleased with him, so much so, that HE gave him wisdom and earthly wealth that no other man ever had before or since.

My parents used to tell me "ask for wisdom, knowledge and understanding", so I did.

• GOD has given me the wisdom to know HIS SON is the way, the truth and the life.
• GOD has given me the knowledge of HIS word which is the Bible I read every day.
• GOD has given me the understanding that there is no greater prize than JESUS.
  
  

I can be tempted to ask for wealth, fame and fortune, but these things won't enable me to do "greater" things than JESUS. Somehow they distract me from what is true. It seems like GOD wants me to ask for more of HIM and HE will give it in ample supply.

• GOD is LOVE.
• GOD is KIND.
• GOD is BOLD.
• GOD is TRUE.
• GOD is WISE.
• GOD is FAITHFUL.
• GOD is MERCIFUL.
• GOD is PEACEFUL.
  
  

If I ask for any one of these things, HE will supply it abundantly. There are two things I know GOD cannot do. HE can't cease to exist and HE cannot make me GOD, nor would I want HIM to. But HE can give me all that I ask for, especially if its something HE wants to give me.

• What will you ask for today?
• Are you still stuck on asking for financial gain?
• When is the last meal you've missed?
• Can you ask GOD "what would YOU like me to have today?"
• Is there a sinful part of your life that you are holding onto?