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Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

The stories in the Scriptures often seem to be ripped from the headlines.

 You don't need to read any further than Genesis to encounter stories such as these:

“Brother Murders Brother in a Fit of Jealous Rage” (Genesis 4)

“Spiritual Leader Discovered Drunk and Naked in His Home” (Genesis 9)

“Husband’s Lies Place Wife in Danger of Sexual Assault” (Genesis 12)

“Militants Kidnap Family During Raid” (Genesis 14)

“Wife Lets Husband Father a Child with the Maid” (Genesis 16)

“Twin Brother Deceives Blind Father and Steals from Absent Brother” (Genesis 27)

“Man in Polygamous Household Faces Incredible Strife in Family” (Genesis 29-30)

“Mass Slaughter Perpetrated by Brothers to Avenge Sister’s Rape” (Genesis 34)

“Eldest Son Sleeps with His Father’s Co-Wife” (Genesis 35)

“Jealous Brothers Sell Younger Brother into Slavery” (Genesis 37)

In other words, our stories of stained lives redeemed by the blood of a merciful God are stories of biblical proportions. But be of good cheer: our Lord has a long and rich history of being mercifully involved in the lives of dysfunctional families.

Focus Power

 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! Psalm 42:5

When I pastored my first church, I had an elderly man in my church, Grandpa Oakie, who had a way with words. Once when he was going through a difficult place in his life, he said, "I feel lower than a snake in a wheel track." (That's pretty low.) He was describing an emotion that most of us have experienced.

In the movie, The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi is teaching Daniel, his student, how to successful in mastering karate. When Daniel cannot master a certain technique Mr. Miyagi tells him his problem is lack of focus. He says, "Focus Power, Daniel San." Quit focusing on yourself. 

Discouragement is focusing on the situation rather than focusing on God (Our power).  David said, "I will put my hope (focus) in God." Discouragement comes when we focus on our inability to overcome our situation.  David said in Psalm 56:3 "when I am afraid (or discouraged), I put my trust (or focus) in you. 

So, if you are discouraged today, ask yourself where is my focus

Do Not Conform

 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Matthew 15:8

Some years ago, I was a principal in a Christian Academy. As part of my responsibilities, I would interview the seniors who were about to graduate. As expected,  they gave all the correct answers. A few days after their graduation, it came to my attention that one of the graduates was involved in drinking and sexual activity. While attending school, his behavior was above reproach, How could this happen? He had conformed his outward behavior, without allowing his heart to be transformed.  He knew the lingo, he knew what was expected of him and he conformed. 

But I'm afraid he isn't alone. Millions of professing Christians have done the same. They observed other Christians and saw them pray, go to church, give offerings, read their Bibles, etc., and thought "I can do that too!"  So, they conformed their lives and came to the conclusion, that they too were "Christians." But, they have never been transformed by the Holy Spirit. They were never made new. 2 Corinthians 5 If there hasn't been a change, it is doubtful you have been truly converted. 

Someone said, ""External conformity without internal transformation gives us an incomplete Christian identity." The Apostle Paul said it this way, "Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside..." NOTICE. Paul said don't change yourself, (Don't just conform!) But allow God to change you!

Rich but poor

"Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”  Luke 12:15

Years ago,  multimillionaire John D. Rockefeller, was asked how much money does it take to make a man happy. His reply? "Just one dollar more." His answer came at the the peak of his wealth, Rockefeller had a net worth of about 1% of the entire US economy! 

As I was driving the other day, I was struck with the observation of how many storage facilities there were. We have so much, we don't have room to store it.  Apparently, we are like the rich farmer in Luke 12:18. He had an overabundance of crops that he didn't have room to store his present harvest. So, instead of giving the excess to the needy, he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger barns to hold it all for himself. He was not aware that he would die that very night. Jesus called this man a fool. "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” 

God isn't against having possessions but He is against things being more important than our relationship with God. 

"For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world at the price of his own soul? What could a man offer to buy back his soul once he had lost it?" Matthew 16:26

Being Tempted?

 

Every human being faces temptation at some time in their lives, You may be tempted to lie to protect your reputation. You may be tempted to cheat on a test to pass a subject in school. Everyone faces temptation but the good news is that God always provides a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation is anything that promises satisfaction at the cost of obedience to God. James 1:13 Temptation is not sinful because Jesus Himself was tempted. In Matthew 4, we read how Jesus faced temptation and was victorious. For 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus fasted in the wilderness AND He was being tempted by the devil, This is what Jesus was facing.

Jesus is faced with three temptations. These temptations are described as the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. Today we'll look at the lust of the flesh. We all have times in our lives when the lust of the flesh tempts us. This temptation says I want it." After 40 days without food, the devil tempts Jesus to turn stones to bread. Matthew 4:3 Nothing wrong in satisfying your hunger unless it is outside the will of God. Sin is fulfilling a God-given desire in a way that God never intended.

Jesus overcame temptation by quoting Scripture and relying on the power of God. Instead of saying "I want it" let's say "I want God."

What Did You Expect?

I have found that when I am frustrated, angry, and depressed, many times the source of my dilemma is unfulfilled expectations. Things didn't turn out like I had anticipated. When your promotion did not come through. Your 'happily-ever-after' marriage ended not happily. You prayed earnestly but God did not answer me, at least not as you expected. 

Since God is in control of my life, I have to surrender my life and its expectations to Him. There is nothing wrong with making plans but ultimately God's will has to be considered.  James 4:13-17. After all, God loves us and only wants our best. 

Ultimately we must give our expectations to God and in doing so, we will have peace. 

" My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62: 

Infinite But Intimate

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 

The true God is truly infinite, meaning He is totally outside of our world. Only He has no source, no beginning, and no end. God needs nothing, depends on nothing, and owes nothing. The concept of time is totally foreign to Him. He is “holy, holy, holy” — perfect in every way. Simply put, God is God, and we are not. 

For some people, they cannot grasp the idea that this infinite God truly wants a relationship with them. Their lives have been filled with so much sin, how can a holy God even consider them? Psalm 8:4 But the Bible tells us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 None of us are deserving of His love and care. He loves us because we are His creation. 

Others have understood God's love for them and received His forgiveness, but they struggle with the fact that God is interested in their daily lives. After all, why would the God that controls the universe care about my job, my finances, my family? It's because He loves us as individuals and not just as a mass of people.  Abraham was called "the friend of God." Isaiah 41:8. Jesus called His disciples friends. 

And God wants to be YOUR friend. He desires a personal relationship with each of us no matter our race, social standing, or financial status. So, why don't you talk with your "friend" today and seek His direction for your life? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

6 

Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Lion and a Lamb

Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

Years ago, many Christians wore bracelets that had the letters WWJD, this referred to What Would Jesus Do. The Bible clearly teaches us that Jesus is to be our example on how we should live. 

The Bible also uses the metaphor of Jesus being a lion and a lamb. Revelation 5:5-6. So, how should we live as a Lion and a Lamb? It means to be tough for and tender with others.  Jesus was tough and tender. He was tough for those religious hypocrites and tender with those caught in sin.  

Recently I heard a story of a Special Operations sniper who would be dropped behind enemy lines to "take out" a certain evil person. After accomplishing his mission, he would return home to his family which included his little daughter. His daughter had a ritual to celebrate her father's return. She would have a tea party for him. This included little teacups, lace, and a crown making her a princess. This sniper could be tough for her and tender with her. She was never afraid of him because she only knew his tender side.

A Christ-follower needs at times be tough and at times be tender. 

Who Am I?

 So, God created human beings in his image... Genesis 1:27 

According to Dr. Joe Rubino, approximately 85% of people worldwide have issues with self-esteem, so there is a good chance that you are struggling insecurity. I know I struggled with insecurity all my life. The day I was born, my mother delivered me in a small hospital. That particular day, there was no room available for her so, she was placed in the hall with a standup curtain for privacy and that is where I was born. (No wonder I had feelings of insecurity.) 

Insecurity can affect us in countless areas of our lives. Every person will notice their inner critic being more vocal in one area or another.  Old feelings that we are incompetent or that we will never be acknowledged or appreciated can send our insecurities through the roof. Some common critical inner voices about one’s career include:

No one appreciates you.

Who do you think you are? You’ll never be successful.

You’ll never get everything done. You’re so lazy.

My dad says I'm stupid, so I must be.

God created man perfect, but man fell from that state due to sin. Since than there has never been a perfect man since. (Except Jesus Christ) Security/Insecurity is all a manner of focus. If we look inward at Self we will always me insecure and disappointed. 

Man is primarily a spiritual being. To find peace and self-worth, you must have a personal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. "It is through Him [Jesus] that we are able to live, to do what we do, and be who we are.." Acts 17:28 

Helpful quotes:

Not one drop of my self-worth depends on your acceptance of me.”

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”

 

The Impossible Made Possible

 Nothing is impossible for God! Luke 1:37

The seemingly impossible happened when hurricane-force winds changed the flow of the mighty Mississippi River. Hurricane Ida came ashore on the coast of Louisiana causing a "negative flow", meaning water acutally flowed upriver for several hours.

Experts estimate that over its life cycle a hurricane can expend energy equal to ten thousand nuclear bombs! This "negative flow" might explain Israel's experience at the Red Sea. While fleeing the Egyptians who'd enslaved them for centuries, the Israelites came to the edge of the Red Sea. In front of them was a wide body of water and behind them was the Egyptian army. In that seemingly impossible situation, "the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wide and turned it into dry land...and the Israelites went through the sea." Exodus 14:21-22.

Responding with awe is natural after experiencing the immensity of God's power. The result was Israel "put their trust" in Him. (vs 31) When we experience God's power in creation, we too can place our trust in Him.

Fear of Death

 He will swallow up death forever. Isaiah 25:8

Is the fear of death robbing your joy of life? It can. At the age of 37, Florence told her friends her life hung by a thread. So, she went to bed and stayed there for 53 years! She did die but at the age of ninety! Except for three years, Florence cowered before the giant of death. But during those 3 years, she made a name for herself, not as one who suffered but as a friend to those who did. Florence Nightingale lived as a slave of death.

What about you? Jesus Christ came to deliver us from the fear of dying. He has destroyed the power of death. 2 Timothy 2:10 says,: "But now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,"

For those who know Jesus Christ as their Savior, there is no need to fear death. 

What Does God Look Like?

  No one has ever seen God.... John 1:18

Mrs. Johnson, the Sunday School teacher, had given her class free time to create something of their own. She could not help but notice that 6-year-old Billy was very occupied with a picture he was drawing. She carefully looked over his shoulder and inquired what he was drawing.   Billy replied he was drawing a picture of God. Somewhat amused and yet not wanting to discourage him; she said, "But Billy no one knows what God looks like." Without looking up from his paper, replied, "They will when I am finished." 

No matter your age, we all have an idea of God. Maybe you don't have a mental picture of Him, but we all have a concept of God. Hollywood has come up with some interesting characters to depict God.  There's Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty.  There's George Burns in Oh God. Entertaining but not accurate. 

The theologian, Karl Barth, said that the true God is "wholly other" meanings far above all earthly deities and every concept that man can envision. 

one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.   Ephesians 4:6

Relationship not Rules!

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NKJ

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 MGS

As a Christian parent, my biggest concern was that my two children would grow up to be mature disciples of Jesus Christ. My heart has been broken many times to see children that have been raised in Christian homes and have attended Bible-teaching churches only to forsake the faith and desert the church.

Many have interpreted the above verse as a promise to parents that if they do their job right their children will never abandon the faith. However, this has resulted in many parents feeling as if God has broken His promise to them when their child turns from the faith.

This verse is a proverb and not a promise. Proverbs are sayings about how life normally works. But, there are plenty of exceptions to proverbs, because life is complicated by many factors. Proverbs are principles, not promises.

Bible teacher, Peter Goeman has an interesting insight into this verse. "In addition to the fact that a proverb is a principle, not a promise, Proverbs 22:6 is likely a negative warning rather than a positive promise. If we break down the verse we see some interesting details which support the view this is not a promise...The context in Proverbs speaks very negatively about the way of the youth. Thus, “his way” likely refers to the sinful disposition of the youth. If true, this particular proverb functions as a warning, not a promise. If parents affirm a child in his or her own way, that child will embrace that lifestyle throughout life..."

"By way of application, the main point of the proverb is clear. Whether it is positive or negative, Proverbs 22:6 cannot be viewed as a promise. Rather, it is a principle that highlights the importance of parenting. Further, it also highlights the tendency of the child to hold to the patterns of his youth. However, we should avoid using such a proverb as a promise that has no exceptions.

Parents often think that if they have a set of rules for their child to follow, they won't stray from the faithh. Keeping a set of rules will never lead a child into saving faith in Jesus Christ. But if a parent lives a consistent Christ-like life where they exhibit a rewarding relationship with Christ, their is a good chance they will follow in their steps.

RULES WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP LEADS TO REBELLION. (Josh McDowell)

The God Hunt

 

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." Genesis 28:16 

 

The context for the above verse is found in the Old Testament Book of Genesis when Jacob is fleeing his vengeful brother. He stops for the night and while sleeping, God reveals Himself to Jacob in a dream.  Jacob awakes and it dawns on him that God was in the place that he stopped for the night, and he was totally unaware of it.  

The thought occurred to me; how many times is God is present in OUR lives and we are totally unaware of it. We mark it up as being “lucky” or just a favorable circumstance, but Psalms 37:23 says A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. Personally, I do not believe in ‘coincidences’ in a Christ-followers' life. There may be events where we are totally unaware of God’s Presence, but He is there all the same.  

This week let’s go on a God Hunt. Let’s look for God as He intersects on lives. Jeremiah 29:13 says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” If you are consciously, actively looking for Him, you will find Him.   Look for Him in... 

• An unexpected phone call 

• An opportunity that presents itself 

• A prayer that is answered in a way that was unexpected 

• A monetary gift or job advancement 

• 
  

God is predictable in His unpredictability. God delights in surprising us, in revealing the ways in which he is not like us. One of the most common deceptions of humanity is to believe God acts, thinks, and believes exactly like us. Rarely does God do what we expect. If humanity should be certain of anything it is that we never know what God might do next. The Bible is full of God’s unpredictability: 

• David kills Goliath. 

• When choosing disciples, He came to the least qualified. 

• When choosing a people, He came to the smallest. 

• When choosing a king, He came to the youngest. 

• People were expecting a military Messiah, God sent a baby.

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God shows up in unexpected places. It’s the pattern of God to shock and surprise in the place that we least expect.