"I Saw That Coming…"

I recall often hearing this saying, “I saw that coming from a mile away.”

This phrase is primarily a way to explain events that we believe have a predictable outcome.

Other scenarios include:

“You keep playing with fire and you will eventually get burned.”

“You keep traveling down this road, you’ll recognize it is a dead-end street.” – Janette McGowen

“If you continue smoking…it is highly likely that you will get lung cancer, have throat issues or acquire emphysema or other breathing ailments.”

If an athlete has bad behavior – they will eventually get released from the team.

If a college student parties all of the time and does not attend classes – they will eventually get expelled.

If you keep taking drugs – you will eventually die from an overdose, erratic behavior, etc.

It’s interesting how we can use this phrase for anything and everything but our spiritual lives.

“If you don’t study the Word; you don’t pray; you don’t attend worship; you don’t fellowship with other Christians; You refuse to be obedient and you make God an option instead of your main priority”….the outcome is predictable...and will be unpleasant.

Can you honestly expect to hear the Lord say the following?

Matthew 25:21(NKJV) - His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

The Bible instructs us to:

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV): 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Romans 12:2 (NKJV):  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The final questions we must all ask ourselves:

Do you see your Heavenly Reward a mile away?

“Is your outcome predictable?”

“Opt-Out?”

Most of us know that when you are online, you receive many advertisements, newsletters and emails. Usually, at the end, you are given the choice to “opt-out” or discontinue receiving them. It’s also used with your company insurance, giving you the choice to “opt out” of their coverage, especially if you are already covered on your spouse’s insurance.

The term opt-out refers to several methods by which individuals can avoid receiving unsolicited product or service information. This ability is usually associated with direct marketing campaigns such as telemarketing, e-mail marketing, or direct mail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opt-out

Unfortunately, we don’t get to “opt-out” of this journey set forth by God.

Even when Satan helps lead us to extremes, such as intentional suicide, we may have ended our existence prematurely on this time side of life, but we don’t get to “opt-out” of our individual appointment with God on Judgment Day.

Acts 17:31(NKJV):  because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

Hebrews 9:27(NKJV):  And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

Romans 14:11(NKJV): For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”

We can’t think what we want, say what we want, or do what we want…and think we can “opt-out” of the consequence. It doesn’t work that way…

Granted…God gave us all free-moral will. But “free is not free.” It comes with responsibilities. We will still be held accountable…

There are instances in the Bible where individuals tried to “opt-out” of their responsibilities. God did not allow it.

Cases in Point:

#1 – In Genesis, Cain tried to “opt-out” of his responsibility of being a loving brother.  NOTE: God already knew he had killed his brother Abel before He asked him.

Genesis 4:9 (NKJV): Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:12 (NKJV): “When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”

#2 – When God told Jonah to go to Ninevah to minister to the people, Jonah tried to “opt-out.” It took him being tossed overboard at sea and spending  three days in a whale’s belly to realize that this was unacceptable and to become obedient.

Jonah 1:1-3 (NKJV): 1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.

Jonah 1:15-17 (NKJV):  So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows. 17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Jonah 2:1 (NKJV): Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly.

Jonah 2:10 (NKJV): So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

#3 – John the Baptist tried to “opt-out” of baptizing Jesus. He felt unworthy to do so. However, Jesus told him it was His Father’s Will that he do so.

John 3:13 -17 (NKJV): 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Quotes to Consider:

"Dying is easy, it's living that scares me to death." ~ Annie Lennox

“God never promised it would be easy; He promised it would be worth it.” – unknown

Many of us try to “opt out” of responsibilities, such as, as a parent; a Role model; even as a Christian. Guess what? This option is NOT AVAILABLE.

Now, we can choose to ignore it or simply refuse to do it.

“You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of that choice.” - unknown

It would serve us well to stop trying to “opt-out” of this life, be faithful and practice obedience …ijs…

Do We Need Both Grace & Mercy?

I have often been confused as to the difference between Grace and Mercy. Do we need both? What do they mean?

I found this definition:

Grace is receiving what you don’t deserve;

Mercy is not receiving what you do deserve.    

Example:

Grace – waking up this morning;

Mercy – not getting hit by a car that you cut off; not having a house fire when you left a candle burning all night

Merriam-Webster defines:

Grace as “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a special favor: privilege; disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency; a temporary exemption: reprieve; “

Mercy is “kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly; kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation; compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment ; a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion”    www.merriam-webster.com

Question: "What is the difference between Mercy and Grace?"

Answer: Mercy and grace are often confused. While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not the same. To summarize the difference: mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy.

According to the Bible, we have all sinned (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). As a result of that sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23) and eternal judgment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15). With that in mind, every day we live is an act of God's mercy. If God gave us all what we deserve, we would all be, right now, condemned for eternity.

We deserve nothing from God. God does not owe us anything. Anything good that we experience is a result of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:5). Grace is simply defined as unmerited favor. God favors, or gives us good things that we do not deserve and could never earn. Rescued from judgment by God's mercy, grace is anything and everything we receive beyond that mercy (Romans 3:24). Common grace refers to the sovereign grace which God bestows on all of mankind regardless of their spiritual standing before Him, while saving grace is that special dispensation of grace whereby God sovereignly bestows unmerited divine assistance upon His elect for their regeneration and sanctification.

Mercy and grace are best illustrated in the salvation that is available through Jesus Christ. We deserve judgment, but if we receive Jesus Christ as Savior, we receive mercy from God and we are delivered from judgment. Instead of judgment, we receive by grace salvation, forgiveness of sins, abundant life (John 10:10), and an eternity in Heaven, the most wonderful place imaginable (Revelation 21-22). Because of the mercy and grace of God, our response should be to fall on our knees in worship and thanksgiving. Hebrews 4:16 declares, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." http://www.gotquestions.org/mercy-grace.html#ixzz37TsVQiLI

The Bible says:

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV): “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

2 John 1:3 (NKJV): “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you[a] from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

I am full of gratitude that the Lord extends me both Grace & Mercy. I know I need them both. Do You??

“My Current Situation…”

Michael Paul Sorrentino, known by his nickname “The Situation,” is an American television personality. He appeared on the MTV reality show Jersey Shore in all six seasons from December 2009 through its final episode in 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Sorrentino

I have noticed on Facebook, people will note “My current situation…” as they post pictures of them lying on the beach, getting a manicure/pedicure, stuck in traffic, at a ball game, etc.  It simply describes what is going on in their life at that moment.

This led me to ask: “What is My Current Situation?”

Let’s take this deeper…What is my current situation, when it comes to pleasing God?

The thing that I find amazing is that we don’t seem to grasp the concept that GOD sees and hears everything. He knows our thoughts.

Proverbs 15:3 (NKJV): The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Psalm 94:11(NKJV):  The Lord knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.

Luke 11:17 (NKJV):  But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV):  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Let me do a self-assessment:

Do I really Trust God?

Is my life reflective of my love for Him?

Did I bless someone today, whether by a smile or a kind gesture?

Am I thankful that He woke me up this morning?

Have I prayed about it as much as I’ve worried about it?

We tend to worry about our situation at this moment, instead of investing time in our future situation to go to Heaven.

Life could change in an instant. What you thought was in the future could be thrust upon you right now…death, illness, car accident, job loss, health diagnosis, etc.

Are you ready RIGHT NOW to face the Lord on Judgment Day? Have You even thought about it?

What is Your Current Situation?

“Eating Humble Pie”

Humble is defined as “not proud: not thinking of yourself as better than other people : given or said in a way that shows you do not think you are better than other people.”  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humble

To eat humble pie, in common usage, is to apologize and face humiliation for a serious error. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humble_pie

The phrase “Eat humble pie” means to “Act submissively and apologetically, especially in admitting an error.” http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/eat-humble-pie.html

Eat Humble Pie: If you eat humble pie, you admit that you are in the wrong and behave apologetically. For example: Jim had to eat humble pie after we proved that what he'd said was wrong.  Note: Some politicians are so arrogant that they won't eat humble pie even when it's clear they've made a mistake. They just say they were "misinformed".
 https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Idioms/British/eat_humble_pie_59.htm

I have had my fair share of “humble pie” to eat….

Cases in Point:

#1 –  My Daddy occasionally has bouts with gout. It occurs when an excess of uric acid forms calcium deposits on joint areas. His was primarily in his big toe. It renders him temporarily unable to walk and in excruciating pain. I immediately did research about gout, its symptoms and preventative measures. One of the most consistent recommendations is to “drink plenty of water.” I think this helps level the uric acid in your body and provide relief.

Out of my other three siblings, I probably was the most vocal about this to him. “Daddy, you have got to drink more water.” He simply did not drink very much.

A year later, I am faced with health challenges. My neurologist is adamant about my drinking plenty water, targeting up to 100 ozs per day. Since this would entail frequent trips to the restroom, I simply wasn’t drinking it.

One day, Daddy & Mama visit me. Daddy asks me, “Now, are you drinking plenty of water?” What can I say? I cannot lie to my Daddy. I quietly whisper, “Not as much as I should.” He just looks at me with a slight smile and says, “Uhm…weren’t you telling me that I needed to drink more water? Yet, you are not drinking it yourself? Uhm…”

Ouch….

#2 – Circa 1993. I was the Vice-President of the Metropolitan Nashville Jaycees. It was a community service organization. Our President had a somewhat laid-back personality and leadership style. I spent his entire term frustrated with him and how he was leading our chapter. I remember vividly saying to other officers, “He should be doing this…” or “If I were President, I would…” Other officers complained about him also and were favoring me. When his term ended, I was elected President. Guess what? The areas where I was weaker, he was stronger. The Office of President had much more responsibility than I had realized. Also, the officers that were criticizing him before were now criticizing me. With as much humility and regret that I could express, I apologized to him. He kindly mentored me throughout the remainder of my term.

#3 – I have been blessed to live 48 years with no health issues whatsoever. Therefore, this diagnosis of MS was devastating to me. I went from running around everywhere to needing a cane and occasionally, a walker.

In the past, I had compassion for older people who used these. However, I would give them a quick hug and run on my way. Many would often warn me, “You’d better slow down, Little Girl.” I would laugh, give them a quick smile, and run on my way.

They have now welcomed me into what they call “The Cane Club.” J

#4 – As I mentioned earlier, never having had any health challenges led me to being assumptive and judgmental. I can hear myself saying things like, “If that were me, I would…” or “People just bring illnesses upon themselves. They need to be more responsible…” I had proclaimed myself to be a “Health Fanatic” and could never imagine myself having any health issues. And yet, here I am…

The Bible highlights this:

James 4:10 (NKJV): “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

2 Chronicles 34:27 (NKJV): “because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.”

Proverbs 11:2(NKJV): “When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.”

Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV): “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”

Luke 14:11 (NKJV): “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Memorable Quotes:

“Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.” - unknown

“Always use tasteful words – one day, you may have to eat them.” – unknown

“Welcome to ‘Karma Café.’ You will get served what you deserve.” – unknown

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” – unknown

“No matter how big your house is; how recent your car is; or how big your bank account is; our graves will always be the same size. Stay Humble.” – unknown

“True humility is staying teachable, no matter how much you already know.” – unknown

“Be Humble. You Could Be Wrong.” – unknown

So…I could probably lose a lot of (emotional) weight if I could limit eating a lot of Humble Pie.  J

Rubber-Stamping "God” on it…

Oftentimes, we have the mentality of food manufacturers. They label their food “All Natural,” or “Pure” to give the perception that it is healthy.

Just because you rubber-stamp or slap “God’s name” on everything does not make it holy or pleasing to Him. This is becoming more prevalent in media, society, even in worship.

I hear people at times saying, “I would cuss you out, but I’m saved.” I find it quite ironic. We cannot simply think what we want to think, say what we want to say, do what we want to do and act how we want to act…throw God’s name around …and believe that we are O.K.

God is only glorified when we are obedient to what HE authorizes. I am reminded of a message I heard many years ago:

A man had contracted with some workers to simply paint his house. They had agreed upon $1,000 to do this. The man left for the day to run errands. When he returned, he was in awe! Not only had the men painted his house, they had installed a new roof, cleared unsightly debris and had done some amazing landscaping of his front and back yards. His home had been transformed to something out of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine.

The manager for the workers went to the homeowner with an invoice for $10,000. The home owner returned it to the manager and gave him the original work order and a check for $1,000. The manager asked, “I can’t believe that you don’t like the amazing transformation we have made to your home! Surely, you can see that it is worth this increase.” The home owner humbly replied, “Yes…it is fantastic! You and your workers did an outstanding job. But, I didn't AUTHORIZE this.”

We often add into and subtract from worship things that WE decide are not as entertaining or meaningful as we would like. Even though 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV) says Let all things be done decently and in order, we still feel that we should shake things up a bit...be more modern and contemporary. We believe we can behave as we want…and as long as the outcome looks great and we “rubber-stamp” God across it, it should be O.K. But, the God we serve does not work like that. In Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV), it says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

The acronym for the BIBLE is: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It can be a challenging “manual” to adhere to. 

We can continue rationalizing and justifying our actions all we want. Things like: “That was 2,000 years ago.” Or even in the words of my beloved President, “I have evolved or altered my way of thing about that issue.” We human beings may evolve…but GOD doesn’t.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

We may want to stop “rubber-stamping God” on everything, humble ourselves and remain obedient.  ijs… (I’m just saying…)

“Who Do Men Say That I Am?”

After experiencing a beautiful weekend celebrating the marriage of my nephew to his best friend and love, it caused me to reflect on a few things. Every person who spoke of my nephew described him in a definitive, positive and loving way, as they did the same of my new niece.

The Question that came to my mind:

“How do others describe me? Is it clear, definitive, positive and consistent?”

Jesus Christ was travelling with His disciples one day. He felt compelled to ask them a question:  Mark 8:27 (NKJV): Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

I know people who are frustrated. Some because they are single, others because they are in a bad relationship, job, etc. Yet…one minute they are in church; the next minute, they are not. Sometimes they drink; sometimes they don’t. One minute, they are extremely articulate; the next minute, their speech is hard-core profanity. One moment they are in a good mood…the next minute, they are harsh and “have an attitude.” Their walk does not match their talk.

They are consumed with trying to be what they want others to think about them instead of remaining steadfast and consistently who they are. Others simply don’t know who you are.

People don’t know who to like or dislike, because you are so inconsistently and inauthentically you.

In the words of Shakespeare, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”

I recall watching the last season on the ABC TV show The Bachelorette. She is an Assistant District Attorney in Atlanta, GA. She went on a hometown visit with one of the final contestants. He was a very successful farmer from Iowa. He had an enormous farm and hoped to have his new wife be a homemaker, and future family make a home in the small town community. Although he was extremely handsome with a wonderful, kind personality, the Bachelorette could not see herself living there. I could not help but admire them both for remaining true to who they are. http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/episode-guide/season-10/09-hometown-dates

Quotes to Consider:

“I am not what has happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” – Carl Jung

“Who you are; who you were; and who you will become are three different people.” – unknown

“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who to be.” – unknown

“Be careful who you pretend to be. You might forget who you are.” – unknown

“Care about being precisely who you are than what other people think of you.” – unknown

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

“It’s now who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not.” – unknown

The ultimate answer will not be to the question, “Who do men say I am?” : 

I should be more concerned about, “Who does GOD say I am?”