Original, daily devotionals, inspiration and more from a fresh, "Hey! I never thought about it like that before" perspective.
Evening Epiphany
Remember this…
Proverbs 10:9 (NKJV)
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
Psalm 100:5 (NKJV)
5 For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
In His darkest moment, those closest to Him abandoned Him…
Matthew 26:31 (NKJV)
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But, I think that Jesus was cool with that. I know He wasn’t surprised. It was prophesied and He knew they would all scatter.
He knew Peter would follow, but far away. He knew he would deny Him three times to the point of cursing…
Matthew 26:74
Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!”
Many times, in the comfort and conveniences of our 21st Century lifestyles, we will read about or hear in a sermon about the disciples scattering and deserting Jesus just before He went to the cross. We may even think to ourselves, “What a shame”.
We may wonder what we would have done had we been in that situation. I can quickly and confidently answer that…we would have done the same thing.
How do I know that?
What could they have done to prevent Jesus’ crucifixion? Nothing…because it was God’s will.
What good would it have done if they had died with Him, because that’s exactly what would have happened had they stood with Him.
Had they stood with Jesus at that time and were crucified with Him, how would we have gotten the Gospels? Who would have told us of what they experienced while they were with Him?
He was preparing them to spread the Gospel, not to die with Him.
He was preparing them to GO….not DIE….at least not yet.
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Think about it like this…
Jesus could have stayed here longer. He could have put off the cross until His disciples were stronger…but He didn’t.
I believe that Christ was glad they scattered.
So, stop worrying about those who have…
Left you…
Abandoned you…
Deserted you…
Ignored you…or
Betrayed you.
Stop and look for God in it.
The next time that someone leaves you…look for God in it.
And, remember, that sometimes we must share in His sufferings…
Romans 8:17 (NKJV)
And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Yes, they scattered and deserted Him, but that’s not how the story ended…And, that’s why I believe that Jesus was glad they left Him alone.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Leaders, especially spiritual leaders , are very highly scrutinized and often criticized if they ‘don’t have it all together’. We can find ourselves expecting them to be near perfect. But, when we read our bibles, we find that many of God’s most anointed…those whom He gave great responsibility were lacking in many areas.
Moses and the Apostle Paul weren’t the greatest speakers.
Exodus 4:10 (NKJV)
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
2 Corinthians 11:6 (NKJV)
6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.
Eli the anointed High Priest and Judge had corrupt, disobedient sons (1 Samuel 3).
1 Samuel 3:13 (NKJV)
13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.
Peter was quick to speak before he thought, and was even rebuked by Paul for being a hypocrite to the point that it influenced other leaders.
Galatians 2:11-13(NKJV)
11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
Just because one is anointed by God doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t need any help. Every great leader needs a strong support system. They need to be surrounded by gifted, anointed people they can trust to delegate responsibility and help with their weaknesses. I think that’s God’s system of checks and balances.
We sometimes see charismatic, polished and sometimes affluent leaders and assume they have ‘it all together’ and that we could never qualify for leadership in God’s Kingdom because of our personal issues and weaknesses.
It’s easy to confuse charisma for anointing or confidence. Many great leaders are soft-spoken and reserved. There are many of charismatic leaders who can motivate a crowd but have absolutely no vision. There are others who have the WRONG vision and can motivate millions to do the wrong thing. Never confuse charisma with anointing. Check out this post for more on that… 4 WAYS TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREACHING & A PERFORMANCE….
The ability to manage money can either be a gift or an acquired discipline. For those of whom that it doesn’t come so naturally, they can struggle with the discipline, detail and organization it takes to be a great money manager. Remember how one of the devoted prophets in the Old Testament died in poverty leaving his sons to be sold into slavery…
2 Kings 4:1 (NIV)
4 The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.
Here again some people are more naturally inclined to be organized. They pay great attention to detail. They are uneasy when things aren’t in place. They even organize things in their minds as they observe them, while others struggle to be organized. They make a sincere effort, but slowly find themselves slipping into their old habits. Notice how the rich nobleman in Luke 16:1-13 had a shrewd manager hired to manage his affairs.
Yes, I know what the bible says…
1 Timothy 3:4-5 (NKJV)
4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)
…and this is not a contradiction. I had a friend tell me that his dad, a very sincere, devout man of God resigned as a deacon because his son, (my friends brother) was addicted to drugs and in and out of jail. Well, the devil found out how to move a great leader out of the way. We are all God’s children and we don’t always behave as He commands us, does that mean that He’s not a good Father? Does that mean that God is not a good leader? No! God set’s the standard of behavior and doesn’t waver. He tells us, “NO!” to certain things. It’s up to us to love and respect Him enough to obey. That’s what God expects us to do…set the rules and boundaries in the home. To say, “No!” and don’t waver. As mentioned earlier, Eli, a great man of God, didn’t restrain his sons in 1 Samuel Chapters 2 and 3. But, he was still highly respected and used by God.
Any stromg leader will tell you that leadership itself is a challenge to marriage. Responsibilities sometimes force the leader to choose between his or her spouse and duties. Leadership cuts into quality time, occupies the leaders mind during personal time, and even sometimes affects the desire for intimacy. It was obvious that ministry took some apostles a way from their wives, which is sure to put a strain on marriage…
1 Corinthians 9:5 (NKJV)
5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
Of course God expects leaders to honor their commitments and responsibilities…
Psalm 37:21 (NKJV)
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
But, when responsibilities aren’t met, it not always due to intentional carelessness. It’s not necessarily because of over extending, but sometimes life happens. Sometimes illness, job loss, an unwanted divorce and other things beyond the leaders control can happen damaging his or her credit.
Jesus Himself was troubled in the garden the night before He went to the cross.
John 12:27 (NKJV)
27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.
Sometimes we don’t expect our leaders to be visibly troubled by circumstances. But, that only shows their humanity. If Jesus Himself was troubled, the greatest leader of them all, then surely we will be too.
These are only a few of the reasons is why good leaders should be honest with themselves and aware of their natural weaknesses, so they can surround themselves with the right support to carry out their vision. They must also be confident enough in themselves to not be threatened by their support, but have the discernment to know who may actually be a threat to their leadership.
And, those whom they lead must be humble enough to follow in spite of their weaknesses, offering help towards the vision where possible. They must also realize that some weaknesses don’t disqualify the leader from leading. For example, the prophet Nathan didn’t tell David that he wasn’t qualified to be king after murder and adultery. (1 Samuel 12)
Leaders are only human, and they will all have lapses in character, but overall they must be…
Trustworthy.
Integrity…
Calm in Crisis…
One who unites rather than divides…
One who resolves conflict…
And, most of all led by God and a student of His word.
Remember, God uses imperfect people to carry out His perfect will. All good leaders need good help.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Confession is good for the soul, but remember this…make sure they’re offering a listening EAR and not NOSINESS.
James 5:16 (KJV)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Some issues you can’t ignore. Doing so can cause irreparable harm or worse.
Why?
Because when you ignore the symptoms or lack thereof…
You let it grow…
Give it room, space and freedom to work…
To thrive!
The next thing you know it will be bigger and stronger than expected…
Now you see why it’s not always bad when PEOPLE are ignoring YOU.
On your job…
In your relationships…
You know where they aren’t taking you seriously.
Maybe that’s God’s way of giving you a path of least resistance.
Matthew 10:14 (NKJV)
14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
BE BLESSTIFIED
Have you ever had something unfortunate happen, gotten ‘bad’ news or lost something of value, and it didn’t bother you?
You felt you should be anxious or upset, but you just weren’t?
You tried to get upset, but you didn’t?
Maybe even tried to cry, but couldn’t.
Do you know why? It’s because you’ve been praying for peace, or someone has been praying for you.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, WILL GUARD your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God’s peace will literally guard and protect your heart and mind.
When God’s peace guards your heart and mind…worry, doubt, fear, anxiety and stress can’t get in, sometimes even if you try to force it in.
In spite of what’s going on in your life you have a sense of calmness and ease because you trust God. You may not see a solution or resolution, but you have peace that no one can even understand…not even you.
But, isn’t that what God promised in Philippians 4:7?
Stop TRYING to worry and enjoy your peace.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
When an atheist loves or does good, is it from God?
Is a spiritual truth from another faith still wisdom from God, even though it may not be attributed to the one true God?
The fact of the matter is there are some atheists and people of other faiths more loving, friendly and generous than many of us Christians.
We were all made in God’s image. God IS love, and any love that is in us is from Him. Just because some people don’t attribute that love to Him doesn’t mean it doesn’t come from Him. Love definitely cannot come from the devil.
Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
But, being made in God’s image doesn’t mean that we look like Him physically because He is a spirit.
John 4:24 (NKJV)
24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
In fact, Jesus represents our invisible Father in bodily form…
Colossians 1:15 (NKJV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 2:8-9(NKJV)
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
But, being made in His image means we look like Him spiritually. It means we can have His character…His heart…His attributes…His mind.
1 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV)
16 For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?”[a] But we have the mind of Christ.
It means we can love like Him. We can hurt like Him. We can be angry like Him. We can feel like Him.
He gives EVERYONE of us a measure of faith…
Romans 12:3
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
He also gave us free will, and because of that free will, some choose place that faith in idol Gods…other religions…themselves…or no one at all.
It’s just like a son who looks just like His father but resents and rejects him saying, “You’re not my father!” “I look nothing like you!”
Consider this verse…
Romans 2: 14-16
14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Anyone’s ability to love and do good comes from God, even if they don’t believe in Him, it still originates from Him.
Also, since God is all-knowing, and the source of all knowledge…then even the wisdom of other religions is still from God. They just don’t attribute it to Him….
Romans 1:20-23 (NKJV)
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Just because that same son we mentioned earlier doesn’t want to admit that he inherited his intelligence or talents from his father or mother, doesn’t mean that he didn’t.
It’s evident in everything the son does, he proves he came from his parents, he proves they exist or existed…whether he admits it or not.
So, when unbelievers love. When someone of another faith speaks wisdom. When either of them are generous…it still comes from God. They are still created in His image. They just don’t give Him credit as the source.
For example, the wisdom behind ‘karma’ is still the same Godly knowledge of ‘reaping what you sow’…
Galatians 6:7-9(NKJV)
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
When you hear truth coming from an atheist or someone of another faith…the fact that they don’t believe in the one true and living God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ doesn’t prevent it from being truth…in fact, they are proving God is real.
It is our responsibility to convince them to give their measure of faith to God.
BE BLESSTIFIED!!!
It’s not where you live that makes you somebody, but who lives in you. (1 John 4:4)
It’s not how much you have in the bank, but what’s deposited in you. (2 Corinthians 1:22)
It’s not your education you’ve acquired, but who you’ve inspired. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
It’s not your titles before your name or letters after it, but it’s by whose you’re called. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
We are all a blessed mess. Some of us would have turned our noses up at Jesus…
No matter how clean you are now…you smell sometimes.
No matter how ‘clean’ you eat…you get rid of it ‘dirty’.
No matter how much you shine…you have a dark side.
No matter how much ‘better’ you think you are than someone else…
God doesn’t love them any less than you.
Even if you’re saved and they aren’t…
You have God’s grace, but they have His mercy. (Psalm 145:9)
His sun shines on them too. (Matthew 5:45)
His SON died for them too. (2 Corinthians 5:15)
How dare you think you’re better than anyone. Don’t let God have to show you that you aren’t. (Matthew 23:12)
Romans 12:3 (NKJV)
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Galatians 6:3 (NKJV)
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Evening Epiphany
Remember this…
It’s not a sin to assert yourself.
Job 12:3 (NKJV)
3 But I have understanding as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Indeed, who does not know such things as these?
Have you ever heard someone say, “Give God a chance”?
A chance to do what?
To change our lives?
To save us?
What power do we have to ‘give God a chance’? God has all power. The one with the power is the only one who can given anyone a chance.
In fact, anything that God can do has already been ordained. It’s already been prepared. It’s already available. In the spirit…we just have to get to it in the physical.
The day of your breakthrough, deliverance, healing, salvation has already been ordained. That day has already been prepared…you just have to get to it.
Psalm 139:16 (NIV)
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
Just because something didn’t take place doesn’t mean it wasn’t God’s will. For example…He said that it’s will that ALL be saved, but of course all won’t accept His invitation.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Salvation is already prepared, provided and available for everyone…it’s up to us to accept it.
Many times, our blessing…healing…deliverance has already been established, but we just have to keep the faith and endurance to get to it.
This is much like the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).
His father was waiting to receive him any day the son chose to back, but it was up to the son to come back home. If he never came back, it didn’t mean his ‘chance’, his ‘deliverance’, his ‘salvation’ was never available. In fact, he never lost his opportunity for salvation, but it was up to him to claim it (that’s another post coming soon). His father gave him a chance…he just had to take it. It wasn’t up to the son to give his dad a chance to save his life. It was up to the son to take advantage of the chance his father gave him.
And so it is with us and God. It’s not about us giving God a chance…He’s giving us a chance. As a matter of fact, He gives us chance after chance after chance. We must take advantage of the chances He gives us.
It’s not about us giving God a chance…it’s about us giving ourselves one.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
One of my greatest disappointments in ‘growing up’ was realizing how much we really don’t. You can look at some adults and sometimes easily tell who was the cry baby, the know it all, the spoiled child…the one who took their toys and went home when they didn’t get their way.
You can work in an office, school, store, restaurant, or even a church and you’ll find the same thing…proof that some of us never really grow up. Many work places aren’t much different from high school…
You have the so-called…
Popular/Cool kids
Nerds
Jocks
Preps
Bullies
Loners
You have those with aggravatingly high levels of ‘school spirit’ and those who ‘smoke in the bathroom’ and could care less…those who are ‘company people’ and those who spend most of their day in the designated smoking area.
You have those who ‘remind the teacher (boss) we have a test’…those who can’t wait to remind the boss of that meeting that no one wanted to have.
You have those who are always late for class and never have their assignments…those always late for work and hold up the process, the line…progress because they haven’t done their part.
You have the teacher’s pet…those who love ‘kissing the bosses behind’ trying to get noticed or get ahead, and you see it sometimes backfire on them at work just as it did in school.
You have those who keep their ‘desk’ in perfect condition…those whose desk is an organized mess…and those whose desk is a disaster area.
School should be a place where all children can go to learn in peace and safety…be challenged and enjoy rewarding friendships.
Our workplaces should be places where we can earn a living for ourselves or our families and be respected as adults.
Does any of this sound familiar to you?
Both school and workplaces are ruined by the same things…
Selfishness
Immaturity
Over Ambition
Arrogance
Untrustworthy
Cliques
God’s word tells us that we should always be mindful to treat others not only as we want to be treated…
Matthew 7:12 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
But, also better than ourselves…
Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
God also expects us to do whatever it takes within us to get along with others…
Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
The bible teaches us that God expects us to be ‘perfect’. But, perfect in the bible does not mean without fault. It means ‘mature’ (according to Strong’s Concordance Greek teleios means mature or consummated).
Matthew 5:48 (NKJV)
48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect
Philippians 3:15 (NKJV)
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
When you’re in fourth grade, you should be at that proper level of development…intellectually, emotionally, behaviorally and socially. You aren’t expected to be in the fourth grade on an eight grade level…or vice versa. If you are on your appropriate level of development, according to the bible you are ‘perfect’ or mature.
The problem is that in our workplaces…too many people remained at the ‘forth grade’ level even though they have moved to ‘high school’. God expects us to grow up.
If we take God’s work serious enough in our homes to instill it within our children, we will find our schools much better places to learn, which will create adults who make our workplaces better places to work.
God’s word will make us grow up.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Your Passion is the fire God gave you to fuel your vision.
Your vision…That snap shot of what He wants you to be. Where He wants you to go. What He wants you to do.
I didn’t say dream because dreams are for those who sleep. Your vision used to be a dream, but you’ve taken the first step. You’ve invested time…money…reputation…your faith!
I’m talking about your vision…
Your vision… That’s so much bigger than you or your abilities.
Your vision… That sometimes seems so far away.
Your vision…To some it seems impossible, improbable…even foolish.
Sometimes no one else will understand it, even those closest to you. That’s why God gave YOUR vision to YOU…that’s why He trusted you with it.
That’s why He gave you that flame…the passion inside you that won’t your vision die.
So, when the devil sends resistance through people to try to BLOW IT OUT…
When He tries to shut off resources to CHOKE and SNUFF your fire…
When He tries to QUENCH it out with you tears of disappointment and hopelessness…
God gave you your vision. Keep the fire burning.
Habakkuk 2 (NKJV)
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Would God allow you to fail? Well, I guess that depends on how you define, “fail”. Oxford dictionaries define fail as 1) an unsuccessful attempt to reach ones goal, or 2) neglect to do something…
That being said, and considering Romans 8:28…
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
…God promises that all things work together for our good when we are called according to HIS purpose.
So, God is saying His definition of success is when our goals are according to His purpose, but we all know that sometimes our goals aren’t aligned with God’s purpose.
We must understand that sometimes when things don’t work out according to OUR plans, it isn’t always, ‘the devil’.
A good example is in 1 Kings Chapter 12. King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son didn’t listen to the sound advice of the older men who stood before his father, but rather listen to the bad advice of the young men who were raised with him. This led to a bad decision that led to Rehoboam losing the loyalty of the people and the kingdom being split. But look closely at what verse 15 says…
15 So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from the Lord, that He might fulfill His word, which the Lord had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
God actually set Rehoboam up to fail, but only because of His own pride and hard heart. Though there are many in the bible, this serves as a perfect example for us today.
Let’s look at a few reason why God would ‘set us up to fail’. Some of these will overlap somewhat, but I think you will get the picture.
YOU MOVED WITHOUT CONSULTING GOD AND HIS WORD…
How many times have we made a decision because it was something that we wanted so bad…we didn’t want to consult God. Sometimes we even reason that if it wasn’t meant for us, God wouldn’t have sent the opportunity.
The truth is, that the enemy sometimes presents himself as an ‘angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14), and some ‘good’ opportunities aren’t good for us. You may have accepted a job or relationship that actually came between you and God. God loves you enough to sometimes, ‘get in the way’, to make us lose that which is not good for us.
YOU CONSULTED GOD AND HIS WORD, BUT IGNORED IT…
Sometimes we consult with God, and we know that what we want is clearly not His will, but we do it anyway. In 1 Kings Chapter 2, evil King Ahab complains that Micaiah is a prophet that, “I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad…”. King Ahab consistently acted against the prophet’s advice, and it led to his downfall.
When we step out on our own, knowing better, God will sometimes intervene, or strategically shape events that will allow us to ‘fail’ so that we can get back in line with God’s will.
YOU CONSULTED GOD BUT MISUNDERSTOOD…
There are times when we just simply misunderstood what God would have us do. We may have even gotten some bad spiritual advice. Sometimes God will lovingly allow things to fall apart, so we (and those around us) can learn from that mistake and move on wiser and stronger.
YOU STEP OUTSIDE HIS WILL..
Sometimes we can be on the right track, but get DIStracted. This can happen to the best of us. As I said above, God will sometimes allow us to fail, lose something or someone, so we can get back on track according to His will.
GOD IS TRYING TO MOVE YOU TO WHERE YOU’RE MEANT TO BE…
I love the example in 1 Kings Chapter 17 when the prophet Elijah was right where God placed him and wanted him to be. He was being fed by the ravens, and drank from the brook of Cherith, but the brook dried up and the ravens stopped bringing the food. God allowed what was sustaining Elisha to fail, because He was ready for Elisha to move on to his next assignment.
Sometimes God has to allow things to ‘dry up’ to get us to move on…sometimes we’ve stayed there too long…Sometimes we’ve completed our assignment…Sometimes God knows you will get comfortable where you’re not meant to be and has to allow you to ‘fail’, be rejected, be ignored, be embarrassed, be unproductive…He has to do what it takes to get you to move on where you meant to be.
Can you look back over your life and honestly see where what you thought at the time was a ‘failure’ was actually God redirecting you to success.
Remember this…
Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Would God allow you to fail? Well, I guess that depends on how you define, “fail”. Oxford dictionaries define fail as 1) an unsuccessful attempt to reach ones goal, or 2) neglect to do something…
That being said, and considering Romans 8:28…
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
…God promises that all things work together for our good when we are called according to HIS purpose.
So, God is saying His definition of success is when our goals are according to His purpose, but we all know that sometimes our goals aren’t aligned with God’s purpose.
We must understand that sometimes when things don’t work out according to OUR plans, it isn’t always, ‘the devil’.
A good example is in 1 Kings Chapter 12. King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son didn’t listen to the sound advice of the older men who stood before his father, but rather listen to the bad advice of the young men who were raised with him. This led to a bad decision that led to Rehoboam losing the loyalty of the people and the kingdom being split. But look closely at what verse 15 says…
15 So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from the Lord, that He might fulfill His word, which the Lord had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
God actually set Rehoboam up to fail, but only because of His own pride and hard heart. Though there are many in the bible, this serves as a perfect example for us today.
Let’s look at a few reason why God would ‘set us up to fail’. Some of these will overlap somewhat, but I think you will get the picture.
YOU MOVED WITHOUT CONSULTING GOD AND HIS WORD…
How many times have we made a decision because it was something that we wanted so bad…we didn’t want to consult God. Sometimes we even reason that if it wasn’t meant for us, God wouldn’t have sent the opportunity.
The truth is, that the enemy sometimes presents himself as an ‘angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14), and some ‘good’ opportunities aren’t good for us. You may have accepted a job or relationship that actually came between you and God. God loves you enough to sometimes, ‘get in the way’, to make us lose that which is not good for us.
YOU CONSULTED GOD AND HIS WORD, BUT IGNORED IT…
Sometimes we consult with God, and we know that what we want is clearly not His will, but we do it anyway. In 1 Kings Chapter 2, evil King Ahab complains that Micaiah is a prophet that, “I hate him, because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad…”. King Ahab consistently acted against the prophet’s advice, and it led to his downfall.
When we step out on our own, knowing better, God will sometimes intervene, or strategically shape events that will allow us to ‘fail’ so that we can get back in line with God’s will.
YOU CONSULTED GOD BUT MISUNDERSTOOD…
There are times when we just simply misunderstood what God would have us do. We may have even gotten some bad spiritual advice. Sometimes God will lovingly allow things to fall apart, so we (and those around us) can learn from that mistake and move on wiser and stronger.
YOU STEP OUTSIDE HIS WILL..
Sometimes we can be on the right track, but get DIStracted. This can happen to the best of us. As I said above, God will sometimes allow us to fail, lose something or someone, so we can get back on track according to His will.
GOD IS TRYING TO MOVE YOU TO WHERE YOU’RE MEANT TO BE…
I love the example in 1 Kings Chapter 17 when the prophet Elijah was right where God placed him and wanted him to be. He was being fed by the ravens, and drank from the brook of Cherith, but the brook dried up and the ravens stopped bringing the food. God allowed what was sustaining Elisha to fail, because He was ready for Elisha to move on to his next assignment.
Sometimes God has to allow things to ‘dry up’ to get us to move on…sometimes we’ve stayed there too long…Sometimes we’ve completed our assignment…Sometimes God knows you will get comfortable where you’re not meant to be and has to allow you to ‘fail’, be rejected, be ignored, be embarrassed, be unproductive…He has to do what it takes to get you to move on where you meant to be.
Can you look back over your life and honestly see where what you thought at the time was a ‘failure’ was actually God redirecting you to success.
Remember this…
Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Most of what we worry about is beyond today. There are some things that God only dispenses one day at a time. Just like He gave Israel manna…
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
Why?
So we will learn to lean and depend on Him…trust Him. So we trust Him and not ourselves. Our abilities… Our wealth… Our Education… Our technology… Our wisdom… Our systems… Our own strength.
Why?
Because all we ever need of ANYTHING is enough for TODAY…
Enough grace…for today.
Enough mercy…for today.
Enough faith…for today.
Enough food…for today.
Enough water…for today.
Enough hope…for today.
Enough joy…for today.
Enough money…for today.
Enough work…for today.
Enough laughter…for today.
Enough clothing…for today.
Enough shelter…for today.
Enough electricity…for today.
Enough courage…for today.
Enough love…for today.
Enough heartbeats for today.
Because today is all we ever have, and it’s all God ever promised. If you have enough for today…you’re rich.
Tomorrow will take care of itself, if God let’s us live to see it.
Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
When you think about it, tomorrow never actually ever arrives. Yesterday is always in the past. When 11:59 pm becomes 12 am, it’s not suddenly tomorrow…it’s once again today. And GOD’S GOTCHU!
BEBLESSTIFIED!
Most of what we worry about is beyond today. There are some things that God only dispenses one day at a time. Just like He gave Israel manna…
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NKJV)
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
Why?
So we will learn to lean and depend on Him…trust Him. So we trust Him and not ourselves. Our abilities… Our wealth… Our Education… Our technology… Our wisdom… Our systems… Our own strength.
Why?
Because all we ever need of ANYTHING is enough for TODAY…
Enough grace…for today.
Enough mercy…for today.
Enough faith…for today.
Enough food…for today.
Enough water…for today.
Enough hope…for today.
Enough joy…for today.
Enough money…for today.
Enough work…for today.
Enough laughter…for today.
Enough clothing…for today.
Enough shelter…for today.
Enough electricity…for today.
Enough courage…for today.
Enough love…for today.
Enough heartbeats for today.
Because today is all we ever have, and it’s all God ever promised. If you have enough for today…you’re rich.
Tomorrow will take care of itself, if God let’s us live to see it.
Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
When you think about it, tomorrow never actually ever arrives. Yesterday is always in the past. When 11:59 pm becomes 12 am, it’s not suddenly tomorrow…it’s once again today. And GOD’S GOTCHU!
BEBLESSTIFIED!
How many times have you done it? You jumped out of bed, and hit the ground running. You got dressed, maybe grabbed a bite to eat and started your day. Then here come the challenges…
Family asking questions they could have asked last night…
Can’t find your keys…
Horrible traffic…
More horrible co-workers…
Everyone seems to be pushing all your buttons all morning long!
Then, just before lunch you realize it. How could you have forgotten? Yes, the bed felt good and you lay there a few more moments, so when you jumped up you had to get going. But, how could you get going without telling God…
“Good Morning!” (Psalm 63:1)
“I bless your Holy Name this morning!” (Matthew 6:9)
“Thank you for keeping while I slept!” (Psalm 4:8)
“Thank you for brand new grace and mercy this morning!” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
“Please forgive me of all my sins!” (Psalm 41:4)
“No matter what happens today I love you and I trust you!” (Psalm 31:13-14)
“Thank you for sending the living word as your Son to die for my sins.” (John 1:14)
“Please provide all of our needs for this day.” (Matthew 6:11)
“ Lord, I look forward to being with you where you are when you return.” (John 17:24)
“ I pray for peace and prosperity in your Holy City of Jerusalem and salvation for your people.” (Psalm 122:6-9, Romans 10:1)
“I declare to have a good day in your Name!” (Psalm 118:24)
“For yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever!” (Matthew 6:13)
“In the name of Yeshua, Jesus Christ the Son of the only living God, and you are one.” (John 14:13-14)
“I love you because you first love me…Amen!” (1 John 4:19)
Of course, you don’t have to use this exact prayer, but how dare us begin are day without talking to God first! Sometimes we forget, but sometimes we may just decide to skip praying. There are even mornings when we are going through trials that we honestly don’t FEEL LIKE PRAYING.
But, it is a foolish thing to be bold enough step out into this world (or even stay at home) without talking to God first.
If you aren’t having a ‘good day’…did you pray? And, even if you did, stop and think of how much ‘worse’ your day could have been if you didn’t.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
God uses imperfect people to carry out His perfect will. That being said, we know that the church is made up of those imperfect people. It’s unavoidable that the church has historically made some mistakes. What’s important is that we continue to learn from those mistakes…and change.
I feel that one of the most damaging mistakes that’s been made in many churches is about GIVING. I’m not talking about HOW MUCH. I’m talking about WHY?
Too many people have been taught to GIVE SELFISHLY. Too many people have been taught and are being taught to approach God and give carnally. The ‘prosperity’ movement has reduced giving to a selfless act, based on our culture of greed, as a ‘tool’ to get what you want out of life from God. This allows the idolatry (Colossians 3:5) of worshiping oneself to pervert faith. They believe God can do it, but the motivation is wrong.
This actually comes from a biblical truth in the concept of giving when the bible says…
Malachi 3:10-12 (NKJV)
Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the Lord of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground,
Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,”
Says the Lord of hosts; 12 “And all nations will call you blessed,
For you will be a delightful land,”
Says the Lord of hosts.
Again, this post isn’t about the AMOUNT, but about the WHY. Of course God can and will bless you for giving from the heart, but when they’re honest with themselves…too many people give so they can release the blessings of verses 10 through 12 into THEIR OWN LIVES, “open the windows of heaven”…”pour out a blessing that there will not be room to receive it”, “rebuke the devourer for your sakes”, “all the nations of the world will call you blessed”.
When they’re honest with themselves, many Christians only give so they can get. It is their BLE$$ING bill, their BLE$$ING note…no different than their utility bill, cell phone bill, mortgage, rent, car payment…that if they DON’T give God will cut off their blessings.
They prove this in their behavior. These same people who won’t get caught missing an opportunity to give don’t seem to have a problem with not reading regularly, not praying regularly, not sharing their faith with unbelievers, not being generous beyond what they think is the minimum, not helping those in need, and not even having a regular prayer life.
When we’re honest with ourselves, even when we help others sometimes, we aren’t doing it to be a blessing, but so we can feel good about ourselves, or so others can see what we’ve done. A good example…so many people rush to feed those in need in shelters during Thanksgiving, as if these people don’t need to eat 365 days per year. Jesus clearly tells us that when we do things for our own glory, that we have already received our reward…
Matthew 6:1-2 (NKJV)
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Does that mean that it’s always wrong to share when you’ve blessed someone? No, because we are told to let our light shine…however God also knows the reason why we shared it.
We must always be honest with ourselves of even why we do good.
God wants us to give unselfishly, wishing for nothing in return. He wants us to give to fund the growth of His Kingdom in the earth. He wants us to give to simply plant seeds of His love. He wants us to give to be A BLESSING and not ONLY TO BE BLESSED.
Look at some of the verses concerning unselfish giving, and think of how infrequently you hear some of them or all of them…
Luke 6:34-35 (NKJV)
34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
2 Corinthians 9:5-15 (NKJV)
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God I sable to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
“He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”[b]
10 Now may[c] He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV)
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
1 John 3:17 (NKJV)
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
There are many more verses where God makes it clear that we should give unselfishly.
Yes, we should always be obedient and give as God told us to do. We should be generous as God told us to be.
But, we must always be honest with ourselves as to why we’re giving or being generous…because He already knows.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
We all know there are millions of children born into poverty putting them at an undeniable disadvantage in getting ‘ahead’ in the world. However, there are those who still overcame the ‘curse’ of poverty. I don’t know why some are born rich while others are born into deep poverty. I do know that Jesus affirmed that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26:11).
Sometimes those born into generational poverty can feel they are, and very well may be living under a curse, but I want to talk about an often overlooked ‘curse’. Those who are…
Just as there are those born into generations of poverty, there are also those born into generations of wealth. Wealth that they didn’t have to earn for themselves. This unmerited wealth can be just as much a ‘curse’ as deep poverty.
It’s when your so-called BLESSINGS have become a BURDEN and stumbling block…spiritually, morally and hindered the development of Godly character.
They are cursed with no real concept of need, lack, or sacrifice.
They are cursed with a mindset of entitlement…that they deserve everything they have and more with no sense of compassion for those with less.
They were denied the opportunities for the disappointments that are designed equip us to deal with the real world.
And here’s the thing, you don’t have to have extravagant wealth to have this CURSED mindset. There are plenty of middle and lower-income people who feel just as entitled because they really haven’t suffered lack in our prosperous society.
Simply because they weren’t told, “NO!”
After all, God tells us “NO!”. He has the wisdom to NOT give us everything just because we ask or it.
We must be careful that we aren’t raising a cursed generation that feels they DESERVE not only everything that they want, but also INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Parents must be careful not to focus ONLY on making sure their children have…
Smart phones and tablets at younger and younger ages…
The latest brand name shoes and clothes…
The latest video games…
Every extracurricular sport and activity as if it were a job…
While neglecting to give them a spirit of contentment, thanksgiving as a strong sense of responsibility. We must be careful that we don’t neglect their spiritual development while nurturing their carnal development.
This may be what led to the attitude of the young ruler in…
Matthew 19:16-22 (NKJV)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Remember, children don’t have to be rich to be ‘cursed with everything they want’…they only need parents that refuse to say, “No!”
And, yes there are various reason that parents don’t say, “No!”
Sometimes they want their children to have what they never had…
Sometimes they’re living vicariously through their children…
Sometime they are using their children as a symbol of their own status…
Whatever the reason. We must be careful that we aren’t raising a ‘cursed’ generation. In fact, some of the children born poor are better equipped to deal with the real world than their spoiled contemporaries.
These spoiled children grow up to lead and cause chaos and dysfunction in…
Families…
Companies…
Churches…
Countries…
So when you see that poor child in need, don’t feel sorry for them…help them if you can.
When you see that person who was clearly ‘cursed with everything they wanted’, send up a sincere prayer for God to give them a humble heart and His Spirit.
And, if you’re blessed with children, make sure you aren’t cursing them with everything they want.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Yes, they hurt you.
Yes, they did you wrong.
Yes, they slowed you down.
They’ve moved on…so now it’s time for you to do the same. God won’t even allow people to feel sorry for you anymore because it makes you mope even more.
Stop waiting for an apology…move on.
Stop complaining to others…move on.
Stop thinking about it…move on.
God can’t use you if your moping.
Your PITY party is making you PITIFUL!
Turn your PITY PARTY into a PRAISE PARTY!
Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Stop moping and move on!
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Evening Epiphany.
Remember this…
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
For those whose work schedule allows them to have a normal Saturday and Sunday weekend…Mondays can be tough. Especially if your job is challenging, if you have to work with difficult people, or if you work in a toxic culture.
Monday can also be difficult because the euphoria of the weekend is over. The reality of bills, errands and obligations come rushing back.
I’ve even found myself finding it hard to sleep well on SONday night…have you?
Monday CAN seem like a mountain, it can seem more like MOURNday if we let it.
If any of this is true for you, I have some suggestions to not only help get you through Monday, but make it seem quicker.
Here are 3 Simple Suggestions to Make Your Mondays Easier and Faster…
There are two sure fire ways to make time seem to pass by quicker…working harder and having fun.
When you’re focused on a job or completing a task, you can look at the clock surprised at how much time has elapsed. Anyone who works in a deadline based environment can attest to the fact that not only hours ‘fly by, but days and weeks. If you’re focused on your computer screen…your customers…your phone…your assembly line…your project…your students…your patients…your task, you’ll find yourself suddenly at the end of your work day.
It’s always good if you can find a way to make your job fun. Starting your day with and maintaining a smile sets a mindset, not only in you, but those around you. Find the humor in difficult situations…conversations…meetings. There will always be those who appreciate that you lighten the mood. Of course there will also be those who are annoyed, but that’s on them.
Listen to music, sermons, pod casts, etc if you can.
Play work goal games with yourself…I can make difficult customers smile…I can get this done faster with fewer mistakes.
Find a way to enjoy each day!
Make your it goal to be easy to work with. You can get joy from being the positive voice…from being the encourager.
God let’s us know through out His word that He hates complaining…
1 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV)
10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
God also said do our jobs as if doing them for Him…
Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
That being said, we should learn to work without complaining…
Complaining not only makes you feel worse, but it’s either contagious, or it makes people want to avoid you.
When you feel yourself ready to complain, remember how happy you were when you found out you were hired.
When you feel like complaining, try giving God some praise instead.
The truth is that Monday is always a blessing, and God deserves to be thanked first thing and all day. Even a job you hate is still a blessing…link
Pray and be thankful when things are going well…
Pray for strength when days get challenging…
Pray for your coworkers or customers who make your job difficult or work against you.
Just as you take a lunch break, dedicate some regular time as your prayer break.
Pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17) should not be taken lightly…prayer is your key to make God a part of your work day and help you maintain His character and integrity. It is also good to read some of His word during the day as well.
Every day is a gift, and we should treat each as such. We don’t want to find ourselves wasting days in anticipation for the weekend, holidays and vacation. It’s best when we can learn to enjoy every day…all day.
But, as we mature in our ability to enjoy each day, I pray these tips can make your Monday easier and quicker.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 