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How to Defeat Sin and Restore Godly Foundations (Insights in Prophets)

4/20/2013

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To defeat sin and restore Godly foundations, know first of all that sin wounds people. Follow Christ's leadership in hating coveting, defrauding and stealing. Be filled with the Spirit to confront injustice, falsehood and profiteering, which opens the door to teach God's word and restore His kingship and provision. Then His people are in position to trust God in shepherding the body of Christ and destroying spiritual enemies. This provides the context to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God for satisfaction and success. The spiritual maturity obtained enables one to pray with total confidence in God to defeat sin.

Know Sin Wounds People and Destroys Godly Foundations
God told Micah during the reigns of Judah's kings including Hezekiah a vision about Samaria and Jerusalem because of their sins. He made Samaria a heap of rubble, laid bare her foundations, broke idols and destroyed her images. Micah wept, went naked and moaned like an owl because her wound came to Judah and Jerusalem having no protection and relief. Aczib deceived Israel's kings who were conquered and exiled (Micah 1:1-16). Know that sin wounds people and destroys godly foundations. 

Follow Christ's Leadership in Hating Coveting, Defrauding and Stealing 
Those who plotted evil coveted others' possessions and defrauded men of their inheritance. God planned disaster against them that led to ridicule and ruin so no one was in the assembly of the Lord. False prophets said they should not prophesy about these things. God's word did good to those whose ways were upright. Stealing from the rich, taking homes from women and removing blessings from children became acceptable. God gathered the remnant of Israel like a flock with the Lord as their head (Micah 2:1-13). Follow Christ's leadership in hating coveting, defrauding and stealing others' possessions. 

Be Filled with the Holy Spirit to Confront Injustice, Falsehood and Profiteering
God did not answer Israel's leaders' prayers who hated justice and took advantage of His people by doing evil. The prophets led His people astray proclaiming peace without visions or answers to their prayers. Micah was filled with power, God's Spirit and justice to tell Jacob and Israel their sin. He warned leaders who despised justice, distorted what was right, build Jerusalem with bloodshed and wickedness, took bribes and profited by their ministries. Jerusalem became rubble and the temple hill was overgrown with thickets (Micah 3:1-12). Be filled with the Holy Spirit to confront injustice, falsehood and profiteering in ministry.

Teach God's Word to Restore His Kingship, Strength and Provision
In the last days, the Lord's temple would be established with people streaming to it as they were taught His ways and walked in His paths. God's word would go out from Jerusalem to judge and settle disputes between many nations. They would beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks without fear so they could follow God. He gathered the lame, assembled the exiles and those grieving as a strong remnant under the Lord's rule. He would restore dominion and kingship to Jerusalem while redeeming them from their enemies according to His plan. He gave horns of iron and hoofs of bronze to break nations and used their wealth for the Lord (Micah 4:1-13). Teach God's word to restore His kingship, strength and provision. 

Trust God to Shepherd the Body of Christ and Destroy Spiritual Enemies
From small Bethlehem, a ruler over Israel would be born from days of eternity. He would shepherd His flock in the Lord's strength in the name of God so they could live securely. His greatness would reach around the world as their peace. The remnant of Jacob would be among many nations like a lion among the beasts to triumph over enemies. God would destroy chariots, cities, strongholds, witchcraft and carved images so they could no longer cast spells and bow down to the work of their hands (Micah 5:1-15). Trust God to shepherd the body of Christ and destroy spiritual enemies. 

Act Justly, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly with God for Satisfaction and Success
The Lord accused Israel of not knowing the Lord's righteous acts. Should Micah come before the Lord with a burnt offering and would He be pleased with thousands of rams and 10,000 rivers of oil? He showed what was good by acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. The fear of the Lord and heeding the rod were wisdom. Sin caused ruin. They ate but not satisfied, stored up but saved nothing, planted but harvested nothing, pressed olives but used no oil  and crushed grapes but drank no wine. They followed Ahab's traditions to bear the scorn of nations (Micah 6:1-16). Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God for satisfaction and success. 

Pray with Total Confidence in God to Defeat Sin
The godly were swept from the land with no righteous person left. All men shed blood, rulers demanded bribes and the powerful conspired and dictated their desires. They should put no confidence in a friend and be careful of their words since enemies were members of their household. He waited for God since He heard his prayer. He was Israel's light, they bore God's wrath because of sin and saw their enemies' downfall. A day would come to build walls and extend boundaries with people coming to Israel from Assyria, Egypt and from sea to sea. God would show His wonders as they shepherded His people. Nations would be ashamed, deprived of power, feared Israel and turned to reverence God. No one was like Him who pardoned sin, forgave transgression and delighted to show mercy. God showed compassion, tread sins underfoot and hurled all their iniquities into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:1-20). Pray with total confidence in God to defeat sin. 

To defeat sin and restore Godly foundations:
1. Know that sin wounds people
2. Follow Christ's leadership in hating coveting, defrauding and stealing
3. Be filled with the Spirit to confront injustice, falsehood and profiteering
The above three items open the door to:
4. Teach God's word and restore His kingship and provision Then His people are in position to: 
5. Trust God to shepherd the body of Christ and destroy spiritual enemies
This provides the context to:
6. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God for satisfaction and success
The spiritual maturity obtained enables one to:
7. Pray with total confidence in God to defeat sin.





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Examine Your Heart So Plans Succeed (Insights in Psalms)

6/3/2012

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To be successful in God’s eyes, any plan must begin in a heart renewed in truth and righteousness. To execute a plan, consider how your resources and people affect kingdom purposes. God will fulfill your plans as you pray and commit them to Him.

Your responsibility is to consider plans, assess motives and commit works to God. God's responsibility is to answer prayer according to motives so your plans succeed. He made everything for His purpose. Proud motives and great income with injustice are an abomination to God. When you fear the Lord and your ways are pleasing to the Lord, you evil and have peace even from your enemies (Prov. 16:1-9) . When you righteously plans your way, the Lord makes your steps succeed. 

A king establishes his throne by making righteous decisions, valuing truth from others, accepting and reconciling alternative viewpoints. (Prov. 16:10-15). As you value truth and accept conflicting viewpoints from others, you make good decisions for abiding success.  

When a person values wisdom over riches, he or she:  
1.  Avoids evil
2.  Guards his soul
3.  Humble spirit
4.  Gives attention to the word
5.  Trusts in the Lord
6.  Discerning
7.  Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness
8.  Healing speech (Prov. 16:16-24). A wise and discerning person with humility persuades and heals others. 


When a person values unrighteousness, he or she:  
1.  Ways seems right but leads to death
2.  Plots evil
3.  Speech like a scorching fire
4.  Stirs up dissension
5.  Gossip separates close friends
6.  Leads neighbor down a bad path
7.  Plots perversity
8.  Bent on evil (Prov. 16:25-30). An unrighteous person plots evil that stirs upon dissension and separates close friends.
    

God is more interested in heart and character than actions and accomplishments. He controls the outcomes (Prov. 16:31-33).  God examines the heart and determines the outcomes. 

Consider your heart and character in these points as you make a decision so your plans will succeed:
1. Avoid evil
2. Guard your soul
3. Humble spirit
4. Give attention to the word
5. Trust in the Lord
6. Discerning
7. Sweetness of speech
8. Healing speech 


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Cutting Against Cultural Christianity (Insights in Prophets)

2/20/2012

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Oswald Chambers wrote: "Today we hold conferences and conventions and give reports and make our programs. None of these things were in the life of Jesus, and yet every minute of His life He realized that He was fulfilling the purpose of His Father (John 9:4). How did He do it? By maintaining the one relationship, and it is that one relationship He insists on in His disciples, and it is the one we have lost in the rubbish of modern civilization. If we try and live the life Jesus Christ lived, modern civilization will fling us out like waste material; we are no good, we do not add anything to the hard cash of the times we live in, and the sooner we are flung out the better." God revealed priorities to Solomon that cut against cultural Christianity.  

Solomon assembled all the leaders and brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord from the city of David. Solomon and the congregation of Israel sacrificed many sheep and oxen. The priests brought the ark to the most holy place in the house under the wings of the cherubim. Inside the ark were two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb. The cloud of glory filled the house of the Lord so the priests could not minister (1 Kings 8:1-11). God prioritizes the glory of the Holy Spirit over good works and intentions.

Solomon said he would build God a lofty house where the Lord would dwell in the thick cloud as a place for His dwelling forever. Solomon said God chose David instead of a city from the tribes to be over His people Israel. God said David did well by having a heart to build a house for His name.The Lord fulfilled His word for Solomon to build a house for His name where he could set the ark. Solomon asked God to confirm His promise to David in always having a son sit on Israel's throne if they walk similarly as him  (1 Kings 8:12-26). God prioritizes heart over human abilities plus God's help when needed.

Solomon prayed that since heaven could not contain God, how would He dwell in this house? He asked God to listen, be open and forgive. He asked that God would condemn the wicked and justify the righteous by giving according to His righteousness. If Israel was defeated by an enemy because of sin, but turn to God, confess His name, pray and intercede, then He would hear, forgive sin and bring them back to the land. If sin caused drought and they prayed, confessed and turned from their sin when He afflicted them, then God heard, forgave sin and taught the good way to walk. He sent rain on His land given as an inheritance, If there was famine, pestilence, blight, enemy, plague or sickness, then God heard prayer, forgave, acted and rendered to each according to his ways since He knew peoples' hearts (1 Kings 8:27-40). God prioritizes confession of sin and prayer over being strong, capable and confident in self.

God heard the prayers of the foreigner and did what he or she called so all the peoples of the earth would know His name, fear Him and know that Solomon's house was called by His name (1 Kings 8:41-43). God prioritizes His name being glorified over peoples' desire to please and not offend the world. 

God maintained the cause of His people when they battled the enemy by praying to Him. Sin caused them to be taken captive in the land of the enemy. If they returned with all their heart and soul, repented and interceded by saying they  sinned, God heard their prayers, maintained their cause and forgave them (1 Kings 8:44-53). God prioritizes His people resisting being taken captive by the enemy over success and acceptance by all people.

Solomon blessed the whole assembly saying that "not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant." May the Lord not leave or forsake them, but incline their hearts to walk in His ways and maintain the cause of His servants as each day required so everyone would know the Lord as God. For 14 days, Solomon offered the sacrifice of peace offerings, burnt offering and grain offering to dedicate the house of the Lord  (1 Kings 8:54-66). God prioritizes time spent in relationship with God through His word over adapting the church to the "community" so everyone feels at home.

Which of the underlined insights convict you the most concerning God's priority versus cultural Christianity. Ask the Holy Spirit to work His priority in you. 


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Loving Him More Than Other Things (Insights in NT)

2/17/2012

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Author John Piper wrote, “We weren’t meant to be somebody–we were meant to know Somebody.” Making a name for yourself should not be your goal. Peter and the other disciples' goal was to be successful fisherman. When they caught nothing, it seemed like failure. Christ taught them that success is a by-product of knowing and obeying Christ. 

Jesus showed Himself to His disciples who joined Peter and caught nothing while going fishing. They did not know it was Jesus when He asked if they had any fish.  After telling the disciples to cast on the right side of the boat, they caught many fish. When John identified the person as Jesus, Peter put on his outer garment and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples dragged the net containing 153 large fish to the land. Jesus urged them to have breakfast and gave them bread and fish. This was the third time he showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead (John 21:1-14). Success is a by-product of knowing and obeying Christ. 

Jesus asked Peter is He loved Him more than fish. Peter said he loved Him as a friend. Jesus said to "tend My lambs." Jesus asked Peter a second time if he loved Him unselfishly to the point of being willing to sacrifice. Peter said that he loved Him as a friend. Jesus to "shepherd My sheep." Jesus asked Peter  a third time if he loved Him as a friend. Peter was grieved that Jesus said the third time if he loved Him as a friend. Peter said, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (friend) You." Jesus said to "tend My sheep." He said that Peter used to go wherever he wanted but when he got older, someone would crucify him. Jesus signified the kind of death by which he would glorify God. He told Peter to follow Him and not concern himself about John who would live until He came (John 21:15-23). Jesus tests you until you love Him more than earthly things.

John bore witness and wrote these things. We know his witness was true. Many other things Jesus did that if they were written in detail, the world could not contain all the books (John 21:24-25). Jesus bears witness to truth. 

What do you love more than Christ? Repent of your sin and ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your love for Christ so He becomes the most important thing in your life. Jesus bears witness to reality and truth!
 

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Defeating the Idol of Success (Insights in Law)

12/11/2011

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Each of us often get focused on work and activity without spending sufficient time in prayer and relaxation. It could be our business or even ministry work that have worthy goals. Most of the goals of the modern church can be accomplished without God. All we need is people, money and a common objective. Achieving success is not an automatic sign that the Holy Spirit is empowering us. Aaron crafted a golden calf when Israel became impatient over Moses not coming down from Mt. Sinai. They worshiped what they saw instead of the unseen God. Do you and me idolize success and short-term, observable outcomes?
 
The Lord said to Moses that He filled Bezalel of the tribe of Judah with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of craftsmanship. He also appointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan and put skill in their hearts to make all God commanded Moses: tent of meeting, ark of testimony, mercy seat upon it, furniture of tent, table and its utensils, pure gold lampstand with utensils, altar of incense, burnt offering and its utensils, laver and stand, woven garments for Aaron and priests to minister in their priesthood, anointing oil and fragrant incense for the holy place to make according to His commands (Ex. 31:1-11). God provides t
he creativity, practical insights, technical know-how and skilled labor to succeed in business, science, technology and art.

Moses commanded Israel to observe His Sabbaths as a sign and perpetual covenant throughout their generations so they could know God who sanctified them. He who profaned the Sabbath by doing work would be killed. The Lord ceased from labor on the seventh day and was refreshed after making heaven and earth (Ex. 31:12-17). Rest every seventh day from your creative labor so you can worship God, be refreshed and not die.

When God had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him two tablets of testimony written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18). God wants you to record what He communicates so you don’t forget.

When Moses delayed coming down from mountain, the people told Aaron to make a god since they didn't know what happened to Moses who brought them out of Egypt. Taking gold from their rings, people fashioned a molten calf with a graving tool and said this god brought them out of Egypt. After offering burnt and peace offerings to it, the people sat down to eat, drink and play. Their corruption and stubbornness caused Moses to ask God to change His mind about being angry, destroying Israel and making a great nation for Moses. Since His power brought Israel out of Egypt, the Egyptians would say God wanted to kill them.  Moses reminded God of His promise to Abraham of multiplying his descendants so they could inherit the land given to them forever. The Lord changed His mind about harming Israel (Ex. 32:1-14). Leaders influence people to either wait for long-term, eternal character qualities or seek impatiently the visible, temporal, short-term results.

Moses went down from the mountain with the two tablets of testimony that God engraved on the tablets. Moses' anger burned when he saw the calf and the dancing. He shattered the tablets, burned the calf and scattered the powder in the water for Israel to drink (Ex. 32:15-20). A leaders' right response is anger when God’s people sin by disobeying His word.

Moses asked Aaron what Israel did to him that such a great sin was brought upon Israel. Aaron answered that the people were prone to evil and threw the gold given to him "into the fire and out come this calf" (Ex. 32:21-24). A leaders' wrong response is worshiping the material instead of God.  

Moses saw how Aaron let the people get out of control to be a derision among their enemies. After the sons of Levi came to Moses being with the Lord, they killed 3000 men with the sword, dedicated themselves to Him and received His blessing (Ex. 32:25-29). True blessing comes by surrendering yourself to His will and using the sword of the Spirit, God's word, to defeat the flesh. 

Because the people sinned greatly, Moses could possibly ask God to forgive their sin of making a god of gold. Even though the Lord would blot out the sinners, He told Moses to follow His leadership through His angel going before him.  The Lord killed the people for worshiping the calf Aaron made (Ex. 32:30-35). Worshiping business, science, technology, art or material results as an end in themselves cause death in your relationship with God.

To defeat the idol of success, take time to each week to rest, recreate and return to God in worship and prayer. Make that time the highlight of your week to recenter your life. 

 







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Wait Before Work (Insights in Law)

11/25/2011

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A Fuller Seminary survey of 1050 Reformed and Evangelical pastors in 2005-06 showed only 26% of pastors regularly had personal devotions and felt they were adequately fed spirituality. We get the idea that the model of success is to make something happen with programs and work hard to make people happy. Henri Nouwen said the main obstacle to love for God is service for God. We can’t really serve Him unless we love Him. We make room for God by taking time to be with Him. We wait before work.  

God sets aside the priests for His purpose as they take one young bull, two rams without blemish, unleavened bread, cakes and wafers mixed with oil to be put in one basket. He instructs them to wash Aaron and his sons with water at the doorway of the tent of meeting. "Put the tunic, robe of ephod, breastpiece and turban on Aaron. Take anointing oil and pour it on his head, while anointing him along with his sons as a perpetual priesthood (Ex. 29:1-9)." True fellowship with God comes as you place your faith in Christ's sacrifice and become washed by the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Sacrifice the bull and pour its blood on the horns of altar. Burn its flesh and offer it up in smoke outside the camp as a sin offering (Ex. 29:10-14)." Christ's sacrificial death that restores your relationship with God should lead to humility, dying to self and confessing sin. 

"Offer a whole ram on the altar to be a soothing aroma, an offering by fire, as a burnt offering to the Lord (Ex. 29:15-18)." Give your all to God by surrendering your heart and life to Him.

"Slaughter the other ram, take its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's and his sons' right ears, thumbs of their right hands, big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle anointing oil on Aaron and his sons’ garments to be reserved exclusively for God. Take the bread and wafer in the hands of Aaron and his sons as a wave offering before the Lord (Ex. 29:19-25)." Christ's life through His blood transforms how you hear, work and walk.

"The wave offering was to be cooked and eatened by the priests for their ordination. Heave offering was to be a tax to support the Levites. The peace offering signified thanksgiving and sense of wholeness (Ex. 29:26-28)". Christ brings wholeness as you sense your need of Him, feed upon Him continually and trust His provision. 

"The holy garments of Aaron will be for his sons in future generations so they can be anointed and ordained. For seven days he shall put them on when he enters the tent of meeting to minister in the holy place (Ex. 29:29-30)." Being  in God's presence for long periods of time provides grace to serve Him. 

"Boil the ram in a holy place so Aaron and his sons could eat its flesh along with the bread in the basket by which atonement was made. Burn any of the flesh and bread that remains until morning instead of eating it (Ex. 29:31-34)." Meditate on God's word while in His presence. 

"Ordain Aaron and his sons through seven days. Each day offer a bull as a sin offering and purify the altar (Ex. 29:35-37)."  Remind yourself daily how Christ restored your relationship with God so you will die to self and confess your sins.

"Offer two one-year-old lambs daily in the morning and at twilight with a grain offering and drink offering as a soothing aroma. It would be a continual burnt offering throughout all generations at the tent of meeting where He met with Israel. God consecrated the tent of meeting, the altar and Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Him. He would dwell among them and be their God so they could know He is Lord (Ex. 29:38-46)."  Your total surrender to God determines your success and takes priority over your ministry. 

Are you taking time to be with God or always busy serving Him? Spend one hour this morning or evening to just listen and bask in God's love for you. If a Scripture comes to mind, meditate on it. Thank God for His various attributes and tell how much you love Him in response to His love for you. 



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Pray Continually Instead of Worship Success (Insights in Prophets)

3/6/2011

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Congregations try many strategies to increase their numbers. A top-notch nursery, stimulating children's ministries, friendly atmosphere, practical sermons that keep people smiling, lively worship team and needs- driven marketing are common church growth methodologies. How does this fit with God's word? Quoting Vernon Grounds, "I say it bluntly: too many of us American evangelicals are worshiping the bitch goddess of success."
Samuel had similar things to say after Israel wanted a human king instead of a divine one.  

Samuel said he appointed a king according to their wishes and walked faithfully before them. The Lord was witness that he didn’t defraud, oppress or steal from anyone (1 Sam. 12:1-5). The power for intercessory prayer originates from a pure heart.  

Samuel reminded the people that the Lord appointed Moses and Aaron and brought their fathers from Egypt. He asked them to consider the Lord’s righteous acts throughout their history. For example, when Jacob went into Egypt and their fathers cried out to the Lord, He sent Moses and Aaron who brought them out of Egypt and settled them in Canaan. Because they forgot the Lord their God, He sold them into Sisera’s hand, captain of Hazor’s army, and to the Philistines and Moab’s king. Their fathers admitted they sinned by  forsaking the Lord and serving the Baals and Ashtaroth instead. He sent judges to deliver them from their enemies after they cried to the Lord. As a result, they lived in security (1 Sam. 12:6-11). The motivation for intercessory prayer comes from deliverances modeled in Scripture through confessing sin and claiming God’s promises.

When Ammon’s king came against them, they said to Samuel, “A king should reign over us,” although the Lord was their king. By listening and serving the Lord, they proved they believed in God and not a king. Rebellion, Samuel warned, caused God to oppose them like He did with their fathers. To reinforce his point, he asked God to send thunder and rain during the wheat harvest as a great sign so they would comprehend their great wickedness before the Lord in asking for a king. Everyone greatly feared the Lord and Samuel (1 Sam. 12:12-18). The accountability for intercessory prayer comes from signs showing the consequences of disobeying Him.

The people asked Samuel to pray so they wouldn’t die since they asked for a king. Samuel acknowledged their evil and said, “. . . do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.” Disobedience would lead to seeking futile and worthless things that can’t profit or deliver. God's great name and love prevented Him from abandoning His people. Samuel said he would pray continually and instruct them in the good and right way. He asked that they would fear God, serve Him in truth with all their heart and consider the great things He did for them. Destruction would be consequences for wickedness (1 Sam. 12:19-25). In summary, powerful intercessory prayer leading to total peace and well-being requires a single focus on God, purity of heart, walking in the truth of His word and considering the great things He has done for you.


How are you worshiping success instead of God through intercessory prayer? Memorize and meditate on 1 Sam. 12:23.


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A Dose of Reality About the Rich and Famous (Insights in Psalms)

1/5/2011

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People often get nervous being around wealthy or famous people. Our minds have been brainwashed thinking they are extra special. Instead of being intimidated or thinking that you don't measure up, be concerned about their eternal welfare. It may appear they have it made in this life, but the afterlife is another story. Reality is not what it appears as you will learn in Psalm 49.  

God desires that all people, whether rich or poor, to hear God's wisdom, which provides understanding and insight on how to live skillfully in all areas of human experience (Ps. 49:1-4).


Don't succumb to fear when life becomes difficult because of those trusting in their wealth or power. For example, some managers' egos prevent them from serving their employees. They take the credit instead of helping others succeed. Sometimes church leaders lord it over the flock by being harsh instead of compassionate (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Remember that Jesus Christ is the true reality because He paid the price for your sins. Riches and power fade away, but His costly sacrificial death on the cross allowed you to have an eternal relationship with Him (Ps. 49:5-9).

Wise and rich people die like everyone else. They leave their wealth to others. Even famous people are forgotten after they die (Ps. 49:10-12).

Consider the legacy of the rich and famous who live without Christ. They will be consumed in hell apart from the dwelling place of God. People congratulate and praise their earthly success, but their ultimate destiny is tragic. Great glory may occur in this life, but after death, a fearful judgment awaits them. In contrast, believers can live confidently because God reverses the playing field. Believers will rule and God destroys the arrogant without Christ (Ps. 49:13-20). 

Who do you know that fits the description of the person in this Psalm? Consider their ultimate destiny without Christ and pray for their salvation!

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Find Your Passion As First Step to Success (Insights in Law)

12/4/2010

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About ten years into my career, it dawned on me that I was fulfilling the dreams of my father, instead of the passions God placed in me. I got a degree in Industrial Engineering and the work was not rewarding for me. I discovered my purpose in Bible studies I led for employees during the noon hour and being the designated "chaplain" at management club meetings where I gave the invocation before dinners.  Through much agony, prayers and divine circumstances, God led me into full-time US missionary work, which has taken many twists and turns the past 24 years. I raise my own support and trust God to provide, but it's the best decision I ever made. An older couple was key in providing the encouragement for my wife and me to make this move. Gen. 30 shows how God led Jacob and his family in finding his passion as he walked with God.  

When Rachel bore no children, she became jealous of her sister, Leah. She said to Jacob, “Give me children or else I die.” Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel. Bilhah, her maid, conceived a son through Jacob and Rachel said, “God has vindicated me, and has indeed heard my voice and has given me a son” (Gen. 30:1-7).


With mighty wrestlings of God, Rachel struggled with Leah and prevailed. When Leah stopped bearing children, she gave her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob and they bore two sons. Leah said, “How fortunate and 'successful' am I for women will call me happy.” Rachel told Leah that Jacob could have sex with her in return for her son’s mandrakes. God gave heed to Leah and she bore Jacob a fifth son (Gen. 30:8-17).

Leah concluded that God would provide wages because she gave her maid to Jacob. After she bore a sixth son, she said, “God has endowed me with a good gift; now my husband will dwell with me.” Then God remembered Rachel and gave heed to her and opened her womb. She said, “God has taken away my reproach” (Gen. 30:18-24). Family well-being and success in life depend on your wrestling with God in the heavenlies through prayer.

Jacob wanted to leave Laban and go to his own place, but asked him to stay because the Lord had multiplied his flock. Jacob now wanted to provide for his own household (Gen. 30:25-30). God blesses work done passionately for Him.  

Jacob removed every speckled and spotted sheep and every black one among the lambs, which became his wages. Jacob set the rods he had peeled in front of the flocks in the watering trough's gutters where the flocks drank and mated. The flocks brought forth striped, speckled and spotted ones. When the stronger flock mated, Jacob placed the rods in sight of the flock so they would mate by the rods. When the flock was feeble, he did not put them in so Laban's were feebler and Jacob’s stronger (Gen. 30:31-43). Diligently following the laws of nature or a business model leads to financial gain that not only benefits you, but others, if not motivated by self-interest.

Success in life involves both diligent prayer and hard work. A healthy family depends on prevailing and fervent prayer. A stable family provides the foundation for reaching your work goals. Gen. 30 makes a case for determining your passion so you can work heartily (from the soul) to not only provide for your family, but share with others. Even more importantly, you receive eternal reward from God when work originates from your heart through prayer (Col. 3:22-24). Many people should consider entrepreneurial employment since working for an organization can stifle creativity and their passion. 

Recent research shows that people who wrote down their goals, shared that information with a friend, and sent weekly updates to that friend were 33% more successful in accomplishing their stated goals that those who merely formulated goals:  http://bit.ly/writegoals 

What is your passion? Are you fulfilling your passion in your present position? If not, ask God to reveal your passion as you evaluate your hobbies, volunteer and recreational activities that have given you greatest joy and effectiveness. Since life is short and all of us will stand before God at the judgment-seat of Christ, begin to take bold and risky steps to move in the direction of your passion. It may involve further education, a different position (in an organization or starting something new) or even attitudinal change in your present position. Share your thoughts with a trusted friend who can encourage, counsel and hold you accountable to take the necessary steps. 


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    Mark Pomeroy

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    My goal is to ignite the hearts of people by explaining God's word in the Law, Prophets, Psalms and New Testament consecutively, much like the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32,44). I have been a missionary in Lincoln, NE, for 13 years with Christ For the City Int. and Sync with God.
     

    Sync with God is a highly versatile web app that hosts on-demand, virtual small groups. Sync is designed to connect young seekers in the faith and scripturally-trained mentors, even globally. It offers a safe, engaging interface for Millennials/Gen. Z and is readily adaptable to technical advances well into the future.

    ​Overview
    ​Sync pilot lesson 1
    Sync YouTube

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