Wait Your Turn

In the 21st century where we have access to 4G networks, 4 speed turbo engines, and flights that can get us from St. Louis to Florida in 4 hours: there is no denying that the fastest service is the best service.  In reality though, this type of benefit only spoils the average person even the more.  Instead of learning how to wait patiently, we shout and sometimes get very rude when things take too long.  I bet most of us get angry at God when blessings take too long.  “God where’s my financial breakthrough, where’s my mate, where’s my healing?”

Some of us even go further asking God why did he get blessed, or she doesn’t deserve it, or how come I didn’t get blessed like they did (theirs is better than mine).  Sounds really petty but trust me we do this as saints sometimes even if it’s never spoken out loud.  God knows our heart.  The problem is we’ve learned we don’t have to wait to obtain something we desire.  But when you are a part of God’s family, as his child he teaches us to wait.  Why?  God is so much wiser than we realize.

 This scripture puts thing in perspective.  James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  Patience produces Peace!!!  When you have patience you are more peaceful in your responses to people and circumstances.  And with that peace that you have from being patient, you can wait.  Honestly, God doesn’t always move as soon as we want him to.  Seriously, it’s like almost never!  But you can still smile in knowing that when he shows up…he always blows your mind.  God bless!

GOD GIVEN STRATEGIES

This particular blog today is for people who believe that God will give you personally strategies for any situation in your life.  The Lord once told a group of friends of mine in corporate prayer that we leave his presence too soon.  We rush out when we need to sit and let him speak.  I personally suffer from this delimna in my own prayer time.  I feel like a champ when I get up from morning prayer, but I never sit long enough to allow the Lord to really speak to me.  Most of the time I will hear him later on the day when my mind settles.  That will be another blog subject.  If you also struggle with having the attention span of a 2 year old like myself maybe the story of Noah can help get both of us back on track!

Most people know the general storyline for Noah.  He built an arc, it rained 40 days, and God wiped out everything with the flood to start over with Noah’s family.  Genesis chapter 6 through Genesis chapter 9 will give all the details of this epic tale.  Genesis 6:15-22 God gives Noah the details on how to do build it and what to put in it.  Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.  God didn’t miss a single detail.  And Noah had to sit in his presence and listen long enough to get it.  

Noah was able to get the job done with accuracy because he listened long enought to get the exact plan and details.  I know we all want to be accurate when fulfilling God’s purpose in our life whether it’s writing a book, speaking your Sunday sermon, or starting a business.  Your first step is to discipline yourself to wait on the Lord after you finish your prayer.  Telling God the problem is easy, waiting for the instructions is the hard part.

CHASIN’ THAT BREAD

In 2015 most people would say the phrase, “Make that money.”  If you’re old school, you may say, “Chasin’ that paper!”  I will take the liberty of calling it “Chasin’ That Bread!”  It’s something that most American’s strive for today.  It makes since right?  No money means you don’t eat, have a warm place to sleep, and clothes to wear.  In 2015 I believe there is a much higher demand for money than it used to be.  Not only do we need to meet basic necessities, but now a minimum requirements in a typical household are; cable, smartphones, and name brand clothing.  Some other things we may place on our vision boards are; houses, cars, or exotic trips.  Everyone’s list is different.

It’s hard to believe that some people end up chasing money all their live’s and end up with less than what they started with.  And, some gain so much more than they could even imagine.  How does this work?  I am not certain, but there are plenty of books and resources that talk about it.  One bible verse always peeks my interest on this subject matter.  It is the parable Jesus tells of the rich man who did not want to give up riches to follow him.  You see Jesus told him the requirement (sacrifice) to follow him was to give up all his possessions and money, to follow him.  You see this man was very wealthy so obviously by the 2015 standards he would say no.  This man would essentially be homeless, with just the clothes on his back, and had to travel with a man he did not know.  So why did Jesus ask him to do this?  Seems crazy right.  Well it was the very thing that had become his passion, center of attention, and reason for living and Jesus knew it.  So the man had a tough decision to make.  This man chose money over love.

People who choose money over love often neglect other areas in their life.  The people that usually suffer are; their kids, family, spouses’ or friends.  These people usually feel like people are deserting them rather than the other way around.  They are so focused on chasin’ that bread.  1 Timothy 6:10 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.  Some who spend their lives chasing bread find themselves in a place of loneliness.  You would think all the Michael Kors purses or  massive walk in closet will make them smile for the rest of their lives.  You would be suprised how many people mask themselves behind a wall of expensive items and contemplate suicide on a regular bases.  The reason the rich man was so sorrowful and walked away from Jesus is simple.  He wanted to sound good to Jesus and gain his approval, but in the end his heart was far from him.  His heart was for his money.  Not Jesus.  

Here is the rich man’s story….

Matthew 16: 16-23 16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.