Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Exodus 14: ²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” ²⁷ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. ²⁹ But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

 

³⁰ So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

 

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When GOD took the wheels off of their chariots, the Egyptians were filled with fear and tried to turn around from their pursuit of the children of Israel. They may have gotten close to them but fear made them turn around. Moses held up his hand again and the sea returned to its full depth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wiped out the last thing the Egyptians had, namely a mindset of power.
• The Egyptian mindset of believing in humans as gods was wiped out by GOD.
• The children of Israel heard Moses before the plagues, saw the miracles that would be performed, saw the actual plagues happen, but did not believe until they saw the Egyptian army killed by the Red Sea.

 

Mindsets can help our free will or attack it. The children of Israel were so used to being slaves, that they could not see GOD for who HE was. They cried for help and GOD came. They watched GOD take down Egypt. They left. But it wasn’t until the sea swallowed up the army that they believed in the LORD and they believed in Moses. We treat GOD the same.

 

Our limiting beliefs can limit what GOD can do in our lives. HE does not force HIMSELF on us, rather stands back and knocks on our hearts. If we let HIM in, then HE can do amazing things. GOD allowed Pharaoh to think he was a god. GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart by simply letting him think he was in charge. All of Egypt fell because GOD saw that his heart would not change. GOD did just as HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE wiped out the Egyptian army?
• How many times has GOD rescued you and yet you may still be operating with limiting beliefs of HIM?
• Is there a limiting belief that makes you tentative that GOD can do what HE said HE would do?

Lone Guardian

Lone Guardian

Genesis 19: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. ² And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

³ But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

 

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After leaving Abraham and Sarah, the angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was there in the gate to the city. He recognized the angels as being special. He insisted that they stay with him. He, just like Abraham, wanted to serve the angels by washing their feet.

 

My Observations:

• Lot took it upon himself to guard the city of Sodom, turning away innocent people.
• Lot did not partake in the ways of Sodom, but his family was not with him in his beliefs.
• The angels could easily protect themselves, but went with Lot to his house.

 

Lot was raised by Haran, Abram’s father. He heard the stories of Seth and Noah. He believed in the LORD’s ways, but chose poorly when he went to Sodom. He may have realized this choice was poor and tried to make up for it by guarding the city by himself.

 

When the angels appeared, he recognized them as beings from GOD. He knew he had to do something to protect them, thinking they needed protection. The angels were going to stay in the town square, but were convinced to stay in Lot’s house. I believe that angels are not omniscient, so they only had the information revealed to them by GOD.

 

They knew about Lot and his family as informed by GOD. They were sent on a mission to destroy Sodom. Lot brought the angels in his home, thinking he was going to send them on their way in the morning.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Lot was sitting at the gate of the city?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one who believed in GOD’s ways?
• If you are the only believer in JESUS as your LORD and Savior in your area, what would you do?

Enough for the Plan

Enough for the Plan

Genesis 6: ¹⁵ And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. ¹⁶ You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. 

 

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With no turning back, GOD gave Noah vague instructions on what to build to save humanity. I can only imagine how Noah felt. He walked with the LORD for years, so he had a heart for the people. Hearing that everyone would die must have been some terrifying news. Noah, while obedient, may have tried to save his siblings and townspeople. No one would listen.

 

GOD gave Noah dimensions that would be just enough to save mankind. No more, no less. Noah could ask GOD questions to get specificity along the way,

 

My Observations:

• GOD provided Noah with purpose.
• GOD did not do the work for Noah, but included him in the plan.
• GOD was specific enough, but left room for Noah to use his ingenuity.

 

Building an ark was probably not a delightful task. Noah was told that everything would be destroyed and no one would believe him. He was not only the contractor in GOD’s plan, but the benefactor. He and his family would remain alive if he followed the plan. GOD partnered with Noah to save him and mankind.

 

It never said that the LORD left Noah. The conversation also did not go into detail about tools, shapes or other “how” questions. GOD had a plan that HE wanted to succeed. HE would provide all that was needed.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD get so specific with his instructions to Noah?
• Have you ever overdone or underdone something?
• Can you listen to GOD for specific instructions that are just enough for HIS plan?

Alone With Favor

Alone With Favor

Genesis 6: ⁹ This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. ¹⁰ And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

 

¹¹ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. ¹² So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

 

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Generations had passed since the creation of Adam and Eve. Cain’s descendants were plentiful. They heard stories about GOD throwing humans out of the Garden of Eden. Cain was doubly cursed because he killed his brother over jealousy. No longer would the ground produce fruit for him. Cain possibly was trying to build his own Garden of Eden, which was not pleasing to the LORD.

 

Cain built an entire city. He showed that his ingenuity was a basis of not needing GOD. When GOD would walk with a few people, many would stay away, blaming HIM for being outcast. Noah’s great grandfather Enoch was taken by GOD because of his righteousness. Noah followed in his footsteps, but no one else on earth followed GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Noah walked with the LORD when it was not popular to do so.
• Noah’s siblings did not walk with the LORD and may have sought out the descendants of Cain to learn how to perform various industries.
• Humans stopped walking with GOD, possibly thinking they could overtake the Garden of Eden.

 

Searching all the earth, GOD saw that not one man or woman thought kindly of HIM, except Noah. They despised GOD and did not recognize that HE was the one who provided what little food they had. It was HIS building materials they used to engineer cities, cooking utensils and weapons.

 

The strong and mighty made people bow down to hierarchies that pointed to the rich and powerful. Corruption had reached its pinnacle and the way of life was to take instead of give. BUT GOD saw Noah and was pleased with him.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD repeat the genealogy of Noah to Moses?
• Have you ever tried to serve GOD around selfish people who could care less about HIM?
• If you are alone with your belief in JESUS, will you stand firm so HE can walk with you in unpopular decisions?

Worship Instructions

Worship Instructions

Revelation 22: ⁸ I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. ⁹ But he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!” ¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret, because the time is near when all this will happen. ¹¹ Whoever is evil must go on doing evil, and whoever is filthy must go on being filthy; whoever is good must go on doing good, and whoever is holy must go on being holy.”

 

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“Who fixed this?” was the question posed to me as if I did something great! But, it wasn’t me who had done the deed that would receive accolades. “Don’t look at me” was my reply to direct the investigation somewhere else.

 

• I was kind of jealous that I was not going to receive accolades.
• I wanted to be “recognized” but was not worthy of recognition.
• I sought accolades more intentionally from that day on.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, admits to being overwhelmed by what he saw and heard. He wanted to place this overwhelmed feeling somewhere, so he decided to worship the angel who showed him the marvelous, prophetic things that no one else has ever seen. The angel responded very clearly. “Don’t do it!” and “Worship GOD!” He

 

My Observations:

• Humans want accolades and praise, BUT GOD deserves all of our praise!
• Humans try to make a name for themselves, BUT GOD’s name is the one who should be said daily!
• Humans say other humans names more than they  say JESUS, BUT HE is our Savior who should be mentioned with honor.

 

Getting praise where JESUS need to receive it is dangerous. I mean, we should not have false humility, however, we should recognize when JESUS should get the praise versus a human. There is a difference. I can wash dishes and maybe receive praise for it, BUT JESUS is the one who saves people from eternal separation from HIM.

 

GOD handles hearts, not me. HE fixes situations and provides the right resources at the right time. Even “my” talent should be credited to GOD. I also have to let go of people. “evil must go on doing evil.” I gladly give GOD all the praise and honor!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer spoke of himself?
• Have you ever wanted to receive accolades and praise?
• What steps will you take to intentionally surrender and follow what GOD wants you to do today?

What Am I Saying?

What Am I Saying?

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying high in the air, with an eternal message of Good News to announce to the peoples of the earth, to every race, tribe, language, and nation. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Honor God and praise his greatness! For the time has come for him to judge all people. Worship him who made heaven, earth, sea, and the springs of water!”

 

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Saying a joke about someone got a few laughs. After a while, I was able to insult anyone who crossed my path. I became a jokester. But when I had something serious to say, people thought I was joking and brushed off the statements as unimportant.

 

• I felt I had wasted my words.
• I looked back on what I said and found no value.
• I realized that words are important.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw another especial event. Another angel appeared with an eternal message of Good News. This was to be announced to every race, tribe, language and nation. “Honor GOD and praise HIS greatness!

 

My Observations:

• GOD deserves honor and praise
• GOD will judge all people at a set time.
• GOD is worthy of worship because HE made heaven, earth, sea and springs of water.

 

How many of my words “Honor GOD?” I mean, even when I mention HIM, am I honoring HIM? GOD should be held in the highest esteem. Honor GOD means placing the highest value in who HE is and what HE does. Devaluing GOD, means seeing HIM as an obstacle, or a problem or not worthy of my time.

 

We only have so many words we will ever say in our lives. What’s important to GOD should be important to me. If he made a special event to tell us to Honor HIM, I should be willing to do so. I praise GOD from whom all blessings flow.

 

Challenge

• What is the great message given to the writer?
• Does the message seem mundane?
• Will you seek to “honor” GOD and “worship” HIM today?

Unfiltered Worship

Unfiltered Worship

Revelation 4: ⁹ The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,

 

¹¹ “Our Lord and God! You are worthy
    to receive glory, honor, and power.
For you created all things,
    and by your will they were given existence and life.”

 

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“Who are those people gathered in the field?” I asked one of the leaders on the missions trip. “They are people who worship GOD” was the response. They were all wearing white and did not have a building, seats or instruments. Later, we sat in a church. Many people, who had nothing, gathered to sing praise songs. They sang for hours!

 

• I looked at my watch to see when they would be done.
• I enjoyed the singing, but wanted it to be done so we could get on with it!
• I realized, after a while, that I was not really worshipping from my heart, but out of habit.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears wonderful songs about JESUS. These songs contained glory, honor and thanks for HIM causing the people who were very important to throw their crowns at HIS feet. They rejoiced and praised HIM for HIS power!

 

My Observations:

• JESUS Is worthy to be praised!
• Sometimes I want to hold back because I want to appear a certain way before humans.
• One day my worship will not be filtered with sin, problems or troubles!

 

Unfiltered worship can only take place in heaven. I mean, when all sin, worries and human structures are torn down, we can celebrate what JESUS has done! All problems will be solved and celebration will happen on a grand scale that lasts forever.

 

Will people get tired of praising JESUS? No! Our sinful minds cannot fathom true worship that lasts forever. We look at our watches and think of boredom if worship lasts longer than three songs. One day my worship for GOD will come out of sheer elation! I will not be embarrassed but filled with joy!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe worship?
• Have you ever got so excited about something that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Will you look beyond problems and praise GOD for what HE has done and is doing and will do in your life?

Reverence and Awe

Reverence and Awe

Hebrews 12: ²⁸ Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; ²⁹ because our God is indeed a destroying fire.

 

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Hearing the eloquent words pour out of the speaker’s mouth, I was engaged. I could not get enough of this particular speaker. I purchased recordings and distributed them to as many people as possible.

 

• I was enamored.
• I admired every word of the speaker.
• I took action to tell others about the speaker.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, provides the a very different view of GOD that is quite disturbing. He says GOD is a “Consuming fire” or in this version a “Destroying fire.” Because of this, we need to worship HIM in reverence and awe.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all seeing, all knowing and all-powerful.
• GOD is everywhere and I cannot escape HIM.
• GOD’s power should be revered and not taken lightly by me.

 

I should be a fan of GOD. I mean, I should like HIS style, HIS power and HIS timing. Unfortunately, I don’t like HIS style, the way HE uses HIS power or HIS timing. I easily get upset at GOD when HE doesn’t deliver me when and how I expect. Fortunately for me, HE is patient.

 

GOD deserves reverence and awe from me. HE can do anything, anytime and anywhere. By believing in JESUS, I have access to the Most High GOD. HE loves when I pray and rely on HIS power. I gladly surrender to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by calling GOD a “Destroying” or “Consuming” fire?
• Have you ever seen something so powerful that it memorized everyone?
• Will you look at GOD as the all-powerful being HE is and align your reverence to HIM today?

Looking for Grace and Peace

 

Looking for Grace and Peace

1 Corinthians 1: From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes—

 

² To the church of God which is in Corinth, to all who are called to be God's holy people, who belong to him in union with Christ Jesus, together with all people everywhere who worship our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Sleep eluded me as I felt the pressures of the pending deadline approaching. Day and night I worked but to no avail. I went to sleep, only to wake up thinking about work. I got up and satisfied the needs of the project. I arrived to work exhausted. I turned in the project, on time. “You misspelled some words” were the only comment.

 

• There have been times when I looked for peace after the turmoil.
• There have been times when I thought I could find peace through accomplishments and money.
• There have been times when I sought grace for mistakes I made.

 

Paul seemed to have a special tie to the people of Corinth. He mentioned Sosthenes, a Jewish leader who suffered a beating because he spoke about JESUS and agreed with Paul. Paul knew that those who were called would be ridiculed and persecuted by those who were supposed to be showing the love of GOD. He gives a solution to prepare those who are called.

 

• GOD wants me to seek grace by admitting I need a Savior.
• GOD wants me to seek peace from HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to confess to the FATHER that JESUS is my Savior so HE can send the HOLY SPIRIT to me, who in turn, brings me grace and peace.

 

Grace and peace will always elude me when I am not seeking it from the true source. Humans think a larger bank account or a certain brand of material things will bring peace. BUT GOD is the only source of grace and peace. HE withholds these precious implements from those who do not seek HIM.

 

GOD does something strange. HE pours out grace and peace to those who are called and who are worshipping our LORD JESUS CHRIST. While the world looks on with judgmental wrong labels, GOD gets excited to those who can mention the name of JESUS as their source of grace and peace. I gladly accept GOD’s grace and peace through JESUS who is my Savior.

 

• What do you think would bring you peace?
• Do you think a larger bank account or a better title or another material trinket will bring you peace?
• Have you taken inventory over your stuff to see if you have received grace and peace yet?
• Will you stop pursuing grace and peace “your” way and allow GOD to pour them out on you in abundance only when you surrender your life to JESUS today?

Desire Backfire

Desire Backfire

Acts 14: ¹¹ When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 

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Twelve forty five AM, I wanted to get a nap, so I went out to empty ash trays and pick up empty drink glasses left by the midnight bowling league. My coworker went missing and I did not want to be disturbed so I did his side.

With child labor laws being overlooked, the cashier allowed me to sleep for 15 minutes when there was a chance. When the boss came by, he saw that I could handle everything by myself. He fired the other guy. Now I had more work. I could not even finish my homework.

• Sometimes my desire drives my effort.
• Sometimes my effort does not match the result.
• Sometimes the result causes a different desire.

Paul, seeing the lame man, told him to walk and he did. This amazed everyone so much, that they called Paul and Barnabas gods. They bowed to them and offered sacrifices to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard of this they felt horrible. This was not the desired outcome.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to teach others to focus on HIM and not me.

Teaching someone about GOD is the best thing to do. But what happens when the person cannot stop looking at the teacher? GOD wants me to never desire a crowd following only me. HE wants me to show that they can go directly to the source if they believe in JESUS. I pray that many turn from me and follow JESUS who is the Savior.

• Do you desire followers?
• Are you trying to get attention?
• Will you stop trying to get the spotlight and allow GOD to be seen through your life so HE can get the glory today?

Isolated

Isolated

Acts 8: Now Saul was consenting to his death.

At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ² And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

³ As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

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After years of being the one who people sought after, I felt isolated in the new town. I did not know anyone other than my coworkers. And besides, who would go out to the not cool bars they had in this unheard of town. What was I going to do for “fun” now?

• There were times when I dreaded being alone.
• There were times when I felt isolated from “my” people.
• There were times when I was not able to be part of a social group and I did not enjoy it.

Saul consented the death of Stephen. Even more so, he started a great persecution of those who believed in JESUS as their Savior. Though people were scattered, he sent people to their homes, dragging them to prison.

• GOD sees me when I am separated from people.
• GOD knows I want to be around people but has a reason for separating me from the same old routine.
• GOD has a plan for me and is preparing me when HE separates me.

Isolation could be dreaded or embraced. I chose to embrace it. I wanted to clear up the misconceptions I had about this “GOD” being. I had to been to a lot of churches that spoke mostly about their brand and not about JESUS. Where to start?

GOD was gracious enough to have me read the book of John. When I saw in the first chapter that JESUS was GOD, I was shocked. It made me want to read this “bible” thing for myself. The isolation became welcome as it was a quiet place to learn about JESUS as part of the triune GOD. I am glad I went through the time of separation.

• Do you seek a crowd?
• Are you hungry for your social gathering?
• Will you embrace times when GOD separates you so you can quiet down and listen to HIM, while HE grows you?

Roots

Roots

John 9: ³⁵ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

³⁶ He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

³⁷ And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.”

³⁸ Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.

³⁹ And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”

⁴⁰ Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?”

⁴¹ Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.

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After the third promotion I could see the top getting a bit closer. Nervous about the trail, I resorted to listening to lines from some cheesy movie. “You are the master” are the words I remembered, to give me confidence. “You can do this!” I went in and got the promotion. I was invincible! Or so I thought.

• There were times when I had a lot of “self-confidence.”
• There were times when I believed in myself and “my” abilities.
• There were times when I thought “I” accomplished a lot.

JESUS reveals HE is GOD to the man HE healed of blindness. HE then asks “Do you believe in the SON of GOD?” The man says “Yes!” The church leaders, who were very confident in their titles, asked “Are we blind?” They knew the Bible thoroughly and mentioned GOD regularly. They could not “see” their blindness.

• GOD wants me to only have confidence in HIS abilities.
• GOD wants me place my trust in HIS abilities, motives and methods.
• GOD wants me to admit I am blind and need HIM every second of every day.

Forgetting that GOD raised me up from very meager roots led to my blindness. I foolishly believed that it was “my” talents that raised me up to where I got to. My ego was deflated when it was all taken away. GOD showed me just how blind I had gotten. I forgot to give HIM credit for the little things as well as the large.

GOD is in control of everything, no matter what humans think. All trust needs to be placed in JESUS for only HE knows the true plan. GOD is my master, in HIM I place my trust.

• Are you over confident in your abilities?
• Do you suffer from lack of confidence because you think you lack abilities?
• Will you remember where you came from and believe GOD made you exactly as HE wanted so you can serve HIM today?

Church as a business

John 2: ¹³ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵ So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!’ ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’

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Arriving on time, I sat waiting to hear a sermon at a church I visited. I expected the usual announcements, a couple of songs and then a sermon. The screen displayed book after book to purchase. The announcements were laced with events that cost money to attend.

Finally someone approached the stage who seemed like they were going to preach. They proceeded to talk about the new CD that was being developed that would be available for purchase. “I wonder if I should be selling stuff to this church” I thought to myself with a tempted feeling.

• There were times when I saw opportunities to make money from those who follow GOD.
• There were times when I felt comfortable with selling as a guise to “raising money” in the church.
• There were times when I looked at the numbers of those who attended a church and calculated how much money I could make if just a few people bought from me.

JESUS went into the temple courts and found people selling their wares. It probably seemed like a great business concept to sell sacrifices so that the church goer did not have to think about the difficulties of raising an animal. Low cost providers moved in with dishonorable sacrifices of doves to get money from the poor who couldn’t afford lawful sacrifices. All of this made JESUS furious!

• GOD wants me to view church people as money to HIM.
• GOD wants me to see church people as an opportunity to serve GOD as the final destination.
• GOD wants me to gather together with people to worship HIM and HIM alone.

Gimmicks to raise money more than likely infuriate GOD. HE performed HIS entire ministry without asking for a penny, so did John. HE does understand taking care of those who sacrifice their life to provide a gathering for people to worship. Give them food and shelter and help them tell people about GOD. BUT GOD does not need gimmicks. I am cautious of being comfortable selling anything in or to the church.

• Do you think GOD cannot survive without donations?
• Do you really feel GOD will stop existing if a certain amount is not raised?
• Will you put more trust in GOD by allowing HIM to move people around to spread HIS gospel without worrying about money today?

Something to shout about

Luke 24: ⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

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Not knowing what to expect, I sat and listened to the preacher speak. He invited people to accept CHRIST as their savior. When I looked up after we had finished praying, a large number of people were standing up front professing JESUS as their GOD and Savior. I was amazed!

• JESUS is something to shout about.
• JESUS is the ONE who saves.
• JESUS is the only salvation.

Before JESUS ascended to heaven, HE blessed those who were around HIM. HE gave them power to overcome the world and to speak about HIM as the only salvation. They worshipped HIM with great joy!

• GOD fills me up on a daily basis.
• GOD gives me incredible joy in the middle of the storm.
• GOD is the one with incredible power in the middle of my weakness.

I have seen many miracles on a daily basis that people would classify as mundane. GOD’s power baffles the world and confuses those who fail to believe. HIS power does not include doubt or fear. I am glad HE understands when I have both. HIS power is made perfect in my weakness. I praise GOD for the miracles HE has performed!

• Do you really believe that GOD can heal you?
• Do you think GOD needs help?
• Will you tell GOD about your weaknesses and allow HIM to grow you to where HE wants you to be grown today?

Slip Away

Matthew 14: ²² Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. ²³ After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, ²⁴ and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

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Rock music blasted on one side, rap on the other. I could not concentrate with all of the noise so I slipped away to a quiet location to study. With no distractions, I could comprehend more.

• Sometimes I needed to get away from the distractions.
• Sometimes I needed to get away from the noise.
• Sometimes I needed to get away from everyone around me so I could concentrate.

Concentration sometimes requires solitude in a peaceful setting. JESUS chose a mountainside. My guess is that HE could see the people HE created and pray for them. HE needed total concentration so HE slipped away from the crowds often to pray.

• GOD wants me to slip away from people in order to have concentrated prayer.
• GOD wants me to sometimes have quick prayer and other times deep concentrated prayer.
• GOD wants me to dismiss the crowd, go to a place and pray for those around me.

There is no definition for “real” prayer. I mean sometimes I can only say a few words “Help me LORD” and other times I can feel praise while other times I can feel deep empathy. GOD wants me to take time to communicate with HIM on a regular basis. Slipping away to talk to HIM about anything definitely clears my heart.

• Are you flooded with thoughts?
• Is it very noisy around you?
• Can you slip away to a quiet place so you can concentrate on the LORD?

Fast Recognition

Matthew 6: ¹⁶ “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

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As we were talking about going over someone’s house I think I said, “What time are we leaving? I have to know because I’m fasting.” When we left I think I said “Which way is it to their house? I have to know because I’m fasting. Did I tell you I’m fasting?”

• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “righteous” acts.
• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “goody-goody” appearance.
• Sometimes I want to be recognized for my “spiritual” efforts.

“You’re fasting?” was the response I was looking for and I received over and over that day. When I read this verse I realized I could have eaten that day because I was not fasting for GOD.

• When I fast GOD wants me to keep my normal face on in order to not draw attention to myself.
• When I fast GOD wants me to not let others know so the fast can be between me and HIM.
• When I fast GOD wants me to understand that I do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from HIM.

I noticed some important words that GOD says in this passage, “When you fast.” This means GOD expects a fast. These words come right after HE said “When you pray” because HE expects that too.

I have heard others try to explain to me that fasting was only for a group of people at a special time, blah, blah. BUT GOD says to me “I will reward your fasting efforts done in secret.” GOD opens my eyes when I fast and lets me know that survival is not only dependent on physical food but spiritual as well.

• Are you afraid to fast?
• Have you been told to fast by a doctor?
• Why can’t you fast for the LORD?
• Will you take time out this month and fast for GOD without telling others?

The ONLY Name

Zechariah 14: ⁹ The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

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Parents were Lords to me at one time, telling me when and where to go. Teachers were Lords to me at another time, assigning homework and grading my performance. Bosses became Lords to me at yet another time, hovering money over my head in anticipation of raises and bonuses.

• GOD says to me “I AM THE LORD your GOD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.”
• GOD says to me “I AM.”

The great “I AM” is the only name that can be called LORD. HE has full authority to do as HE pleases with my life and my struggles are fewer when I let go and place full trust in HIM.

Idolizing Someone

Psalm 97:  All who worship images are put to shame,
    those who boast in idols—
    worship him, all you gods!

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Star-struck was never my style. I mean I felt so far away from being a celebrity that I could never get used to the thought of knowing everything about them. “Those pitiful people” was my thought of those who follow this crowd. Then someone in my industry created some apps that were used on almost every computer in the world! I thought to myself “Wow, if I could just meet that person!”

• Worshipping people takes my eyes off of what I should pay attention to.
• Worshipping people makes me think that “levels” exist.
• Worshipping people adds jealousy to my demeanor.

Looking at all of the glitz and glamour of these celebrities was somewhat distracting. I mean reading about their lives, watching them on videos and hearing them on broadcasts was a lot to consume. I soon found myself climbing higher and higher in my industry and further and further away from treating GOD in the way HE should.

• GOD wants me to treat HIM as the only celebrity.
• GOD wants me to treat every human the same, with respect and humility.
• GOD wants me to elevate HIS status to worship status, drinking every word said about HIM daily!

If I put even a tenth of the time into worshipping GOD as I do human idols, I would understand HIM so much more. HE is so misunderstood because I am looking at the examples of human idols who sometimes do not proclaim GOD. Worship means I want to be like the recipient of my worship. GOD wants me to “want” to be like HIM. HIS love and compassion should be something I can only strive for.

I do not mean I should be prideful saying “I will be like the MOST HIGH”, see where that got Satan. I believe I should watch GOD’s examples and focus in on HIS training HE takes me through to be more like HIM. I will praise and worship HIM daily!

• Are you jealous?
• Do you follow celebrities?
• Can you place some of your admiration for them into GOD?
• Will you credit HIM for how HE dishes out talent to others as well as yourself?