You Finishing Well

HOW MUCH CONTROL DO YOU REALLY HAVE? Why do you succeed? Is it your hard work? Is it luck? Is it being at the right place at the right time? Is it knowing the right people? Is it God? Not all hard work produces the outcome you hoped for. I’ve seen someone have great beauty lost. I’ve seen rich people lose it all. I’ve seen healthy become sick. I’ve seen jobs get laid off. How much control do you really have over your circumstances? Do you know King Nebuchadnezzar? Daniel interpreted a dream he had explaining that the king would lose it all and go mentally crazy for seven years. He wouldn’t die, a remnant of his life would survive; like a stump of a tree. Daniel said he would lose it all. Then said “Since the stump of the tree and its roots were left in the ground, your kingdom will be given back to you when you learn that one in heaven rules your kingdom.” (Daniel? ?4?:?26? ?NCV??) Nebuchadnezzar made a foundational mistake in his life; he thought he was in control, when in fact God ruled his kingdom. Despite the warning, King Nebuchadnezzar did not heed Daniel’s plea. Daniel said: “So, O king, please accept my advice. Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.” (Daniel? ?4?:?27? ?NCV?) It’s hard to actually believe that all your effort would be worthless unless God blesses it. But it’s true. So what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar? “Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon, he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” (Daniel? ?4?:?29?-?30? ?NCV??) “The words were still in his mouth when a voice from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these things will happen to you: Your royal power has been taken away from you.” (Daniel? ?4?:?31? ?NCV??) “Immediately the words came true. Nebuchadnezzar was forced to go away from people, and he began eating grass like an ox. He became wet from dew. His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails grew like the claws of a bird.” (Daniel? ?4?:?33? ?NCV??) So what’s the take-away? We control nothing. I’ve seen people not respond to chemo. I’ve seen death show up out of the blue, when things are going great. I had a friend who died from an out of control speeding truck that hit him at 80 mph from behind. As Job said; “The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand.” (Job? ?12?:?10? ?NCV??) It’s wise to continually follow and walk with God, asking him to bless our effort and life. It’s where control actually starts. LORD, please bless our hard work. Please bless the medicine for those sick. Please protect us from others and the attacks of Satan. Please provide and help us work hard as we grow in faith. Help us step out in faith, depending on you go bless, protect and provide. Help us walk close to you because you are life, love and provision. IJNIP amen ??

THE FAMILY GATHERING - DOES EVERYONE “REALLY” ENJOY IT? How do you honestly feel about gathering with your family this coming Holiday Season? Some live for it, others tolerate it and there are a few who avoid or dislike it. It’s just true. Another truth is that we love ourself greatly. We love the way we live. We love how we live. We love our routines. And I believe this affects our gatherings. We love our entertainment, food, music, friends, habits and our own time at home - or what ever we spend our time doing. We just love ourselves - greatly. So if family (or anyone) is like-minded and they live like we do, we probably enjoy them and our time with them. However, most people are different and coming together can cause differences. This is very normal. However, there is nothing like like-mindedness. It’s a beautiful thing in marriage, friendships and family. The Apostle Paul once said: “Make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose.” (Philippians? ?2?:?2? ?NCV??) The Psalmist said; “Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord’s teachings. Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey him with their whole heart.” (Psalms? ?119?:?1?-?2? ?NCV?) If you stop and think about it, the entire Bible is summed up in Loving God with all that we have and loving others as ourselves. (Mark 12:30,31) And boy do we love ourself. The truth is, if we would serve with love and forgiveness while following God’s ways, all gatherings with both family and friends and even coworkers - it would be so much more enjoyable. In reality, what happens is we get selfish and sinful. And if we begin to hide our sin, things even get worse. When this happens, one can come to the table with regret, shame, guilt, selfishness. This causes a painful divide in relationships. Another reality is that we will never be on the same level with others spiritually and with the same mature growth. So what do you do about this? The goal doesn’t change. We “all” should try to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love others as ourself. As we live-out this life purpose, relationships build, we grow closer and gatherings are more enjoyable. It’s simple, but not easy. We are just too selfish and sinful to make it easy. But the more we realize this about ourself, hopefully we all grow and improve - and grow closer. So here comes the Holidays. Maybe this would be a good conversation with friends and family now … Just think about it. It’s never too late to build and restore great relationships and there is nothing like it. LORD, “With all my heart I try to obey you. Don’t let me break your commands. I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.” (Psalms? ?119?:?10?-?11? ?NCV??) Help us all equally yoke with others that love you and love others. Help us grow together starting today. IJNIP amen ??

WHERE DO ARGUMENTS “REALLY” COME FROM? What is the “real reason” most conflicts and arguments occur in your life? Normally, someone is not cooperating with things. But what kind of things? Yes, sometimes someone is doing things very wrong; getting drunk or high on narcotics, maybe a severe temper and so on. However, most arguments really come from “not getting what you want.” It’s true. We are selfish, sinners and we want what we want, when we want it. The Apostle James asked the profound question: “Do you know where your fights and arguments come from?” (James 4:1 NCV) “They come from the selfish desires that war within you. You want things, but you do not have them. So you are ready to kill and are jealous of other people, but you still cannot get what you want.” (James 4:2 NCV) “So you argue and fight. You do not get what you want, because you do not ask God. Or when you ask, you do not receive because the reason you ask is wrong. You want things so you can use them for your own pleasures.” (James? ?4?:?3 NCV??) Jesus himself said: “Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant.” (Matthew 20: 26 NCV) He went on to say: “Whoever wants to become first among you must serve the rest of you like a slave.” (Matthew 20: 27 NCV) He said: “In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.”” ??Matthew? ?20?:?28 NCV??) If I were to sum up our counseling for relationships in one word, it would be “serve”. However arguments come from us desiring to be served. Imagine how great it would be to have someone wake up each morning thinking of how they could serve you. But here is the kicker. You and I are supposed to wake up each morning thinking of how to serve him, her or them. This includes friends, the needy, spouses, children, neighbors and even those you don’t know that are in need. We all already know all of this, but the real question is: “Do we live it?” Sometimes, we simply need to stop being so self-centered and be other-centered - and love others as much as we love ourself. At the end of the day, it may be a little painful to give, but it always has a happy ending. LORD, help us serve. You served us by sending your son Jesus Christ to save our soul. He is free. All we have to do is beleive and accept. Help us live-out what we believe. Help us to possess what we profress. Holy Spirit, give us a heart of love and forgiveness. IJNIP amen ??

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WHO KNOWS ABOUT YOUR PRIVATE STUFF? What is private and secret in your life? You feel no one knows. Secrets might include an addiction, an affair, drinking, drugs, food or even laziness and hate. It can even include shame, guilt or an eroded self-esteem. Back in the day of the Prophet Ezekiel. He said to the doomed ancient kingdom Edom: “You said, “These two nations, Israel and Judah, and these two lands will be ours. We will take them for our own.” But the Lord was there.” (Ezekiel? ?35?:?10? ?NCV??) So what does this mean that “the Lord was there”? It means God knows. And sometimes God orchestrates our well hidden private stuff to be revealed for our own good and the good of those He protects. When Ezekiel informed Edom of God’s presence, Ezekiel told Edom: “So this is what the Lord God says: “As surely as I live, I will treat you just as you treated them. You were angry and jealous because you hated them. So I will punish you and show the Israelites who I am.” (Ezekiel? ?35?:?11? ?NCV??) Solomon once said “If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.” (Proverbs? ?28?:?13? ?NCV??) “If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” (1 John? ?1?:?9? ?NCV??) At the end of the day, most of us know if we are giving the life God gave us our best. And when we don’t, it affects our mental health, even our physical health. And it also affects those around us - sometimes in very bad ways. Many who try to keep secrets feel shame and guilt. It’s so much easier to live transparently. What is in your life that you need to confess? What things in your life do you need to stop, change and grow? I can remember my past shenanigans and very bad sins. God revealed them. Even then, I did not come clean. Eventually, things became so visible, I was left with no choice but to confess them, repent and seek forgiveness. In fact, most of my trash is in my book “You Finishing Well” - and how I overcame difficult things. The simple formula of Confess, Repent (change) and Seek Forgiveness is the only way to live life. You will feel the weight lifted. You feel clean. Your shame will disappear and the guilt will be no more. You will become new. There is nothing like it. God knows our private stuff - He is always there watching. And God is never mocked. He is the creator. We are the creation. And there’s nothing Iike living out Gods commands. They are there for our own good. LORD, you see all. Jesus, you gave your life to pay for all of our past, present and future sins. Holy Spirit, you are always there to help us confess, repent and seek forgiveness. Help us. IJNIP amen ??

WHO ARE YOU - REALLY? When no one is looking and you are all alone, really, who are you? Are you happy? Are you an angry and regretful person? Do you have secrets? Are you pouring yourself into others and other-centered vs self-centered? Do you want more or are you content with what you have? Who and what do you call Lord? What and who do you serve, yourself or God? Who do you love and treasure, yourself, God or others? Who are you - really? King Solomon wrote some proverbs which seem to be an odd arrangement of sayings, especially as you read them together. He said “Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored. As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and never satisfied are the eyes of man.” (Proverbs? ?27?:?18?-?20? ?ESV??) Said another way; “If we work hard, you eat the fruit of your labor. If you work hard for the master, you will be honored by him. Our heart will show others who we really are based on our actions and lifestyle. And the place of the dead (Sheol - not hell) and destruction (abandon) will continue to happen to man. We all die and evil lives on. And last, man will always keep seeing things he desires - we always want more and more and lust for things. These traits show who we really are. So how should we live? And who should we become? Life’s purpose, as God designed us is to have a relationship with Him. Thus the reason Christ said “love” (not obey) God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. (Matthew 22:37) Later, Christ said, “If you love me, you will follow my commands.” (John 14:15) Love and what we love, drives our decisions and lifestyle. Our other purpose in life is to love others as much as we love ourself. (Matthew 22:39) We were designed to share, care, minster, help, worship, and love other people. When Christ gave these two most important commands, he knew we would love ourselves. Instead, he was directing us to love God and love others. Solomon knew we would fight against working hard, embrace selfishness and always want more. Later, the Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content.” (Philippians 4:11) Contentment is learned. It’s wise to pause and reflect on who we are. Who are we? Really? GOD, help us to enjoy the blessings we have without always wanting more. You are enough. Having others around us is enough. Serving you and serving others is enough. Loving you and others are free and simple. Help us to stop and evaluate our life, our work, our love and help us to stop desiring more. Please bless us, protect us and help us see who we really are. IJNIP amen ??

WHAT IS FAITH? How would you describe faith? What exactly is it? Is it real and does it have real value? What kind of things do you have faith in? AI states that “Faith is the belief and trust in a person, thing, or concept, especially when there is no proof.” That’s a good definition. The Apostle Paul said that “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.” (Hebrews? ?11?:?1? ?NCV??) Where are you needing faith right now? I have a good friend with ALS. I can’t get him off my mind. I have faith that God can heal this incurable disease. Yes, it would be a miracle and he needs the miracle. Because I have faith, will God heal him? Everything in God’s creation is up to God and “His will”. The Apostle John said “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ??(1 John? ?5?:?14? ?NIV?) Even Jesus himself prayed about avoiding the death on the cross ”Praying, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42) God told the prophet Isaiah ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah? ?55?:?8?-?9? ?NIV??) I suppose unexpected tragedy, pain and suffering or unforeseen death can cause one’s faith to falter. So what do you do when your prayers seem like they are not being answered? Trust God. God is so complex. I think He sees death, pain and suffering different than we do. He allowed Jesus, the Apostles and others to suffer and die. We all die. Suffering and death for a short time compared to eternity is smaller to Him than it is to our finite perspective. Here is what we do know. “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (??John? ?3?:?16? ?NCV??) It can sound like a boiler-plate response, but think about it. What is eternal life? God describes it as a place that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” (Revelation? ?21?:?4? ?NCV??) No, that does not make the pain go away today, however if we have faith in God, His will, Eternity and the promise of His love through Jesus Christ saving our soul forever - maybe, just maybe, your faith in God’s care will carry you to the end. LORD, like the man who needed his son healed from an evil spirt, Jesus asked “Do you believe I can help him?”. The man answered “I believe, but help me believe even more!” - that’s us. Help us trust you. Help us believe more. Help us have faith in your love and restoration from pain and suffering. If you allow pain, help us endure it well. Please give us faith - and more faith. IJNIP amen ??

PROPHECY FOR YOU OR AGAINST YOU? How do you ponder your life? When do you pause and stop to think about the end of your life and what happens to you after you die? Do you think about these things? I think about them all the time and it helps me live better today. So why do I think of these things so frequently? Not only have I had cancer twice, the end of life topics bubble up all the time as I read about the final days of many lives in the Bible. You can’t help but think about it. For example, today I read Ezekiel (God) prophesied against Edom and said: “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Edom took revenge on the people of Judah, and the Edomites became guilty because of it. So this is what the Lord God says: I will use my power against Edom, killing every human and animal in it. And I will destroy Edom all the way from Teman to Dedan as they die in battle.” (Ezekiel? ?25?:?12?-?13? ?NCV??) These stories are a symbol of today. God invites us to a new life through his son Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life for us. Paid the price for our sin with his death on the cross. And was resurrected to a new life - like the one we will be resurrected to. One day, as John saw a revelation, he said; “Then I saw new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and there was no sea anymore.” (Revelation? ?21?:?1? ?NCV??) This will be my new home - the new earth and new heaven. It’s the new home of anyone who chooses Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s quite amazing to know this. It helps me on most days. No, not every day because I get distracted, dissappointed, mad, selfish, sin and forget to appreciate all the blessings God gives me. However, as I read God’s word, it brings me back to the goodness and deep love God has and still provides for me. Leaning on God’s word stabilizes me. Also, to live-out God’s ways truly brings peace, contentment, fulfillment, success, even when things go sideways. I know it can sound dreamy, religious and unreal, but I wouldn’t say so if it were not so. The prophecy against people today is that “if Christ is not our Lord & Savior, like Edom, things are going to nasty and stay that way for those who reject Christ. And it will be nasty and unbearable for eternity.” If one does not believe in Jesus Christ and life after death, what do they believe in? What do they believe will happen to them after they die? My goal is share Him with everyone. I hope as many people as possible check out God - Christ - The Holy Spirit - Heaven - Hell - and vet it thoroughly. I think if they would, they too would join me. Eternity is forever and the prophecy of it all is real. LORD, thank you a thousand times for offering a way to rescue my soul for eternity. Thank you for Jesus Christ. Thank you for removing the sting of death and offering life after. Help me be a good steward of life and all the blessing you offer and give me. IJNIP amen ??

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO CHURCH IN PERSON? Why should we go to church? How important is your attendance? What are the benefits? Do you go to church? The Apostle Paul told the Hebrews: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming.” (Hebrews? ?10?:?24?-?25? ?NCV?) Like a football game or a great concert with thousands of fans cheering with common purpose, it’s exhilarating. You feel part of something. It’s a celebration. It’s fun and exciting. Church has more meaning and benefits than the football game or concert. If you believe “God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans? ?5?:?8? ?NCV??), the songs mean more, the messages are life changing and it leaves us renewed and strengthened. Think of it this way; To have God save us when we don’t even know we need saving - it’s an incredible gift that lasts for eternity. For eternity. When we are weak and need help, Jesus said“My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” (??2 Corinthians? ?12?:?9? ?NCV??) This means that in a miraculous way, our emotional tank gets filled - for free. Our hope is restored. Our joy is deepened. And a literal change occurs in our heart and mind. We walk away from church with so much more. And if your church is not doing this for you, it’s either you or maybe your church. One or both may need a change. Yes, online worship is fine, but there is nothing like attending church in person. You are robbing yourself of something valuable by avoiding worshipping in-person. This also applies to meeting with small groups in our homes. “As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” (Proverbs? ?27?:?17? ?NCV??) As we meet in small groups, we pray, we learn, we are supported and we meet new and incredible people. It’s a great place to find someone to date and marry and develop a close friendship. If you want to kill an elephant, where should you go? Go where elephants are. If you want to find a good person to date and marry or find a friend, go where good people are. Church and small groups are full of people that are taking life seriously and have a common purpose. God’s word, His counsel, His strength, the support of others - corporate worship leaves us with far more than a football game or concert. No, there’s nothing wrong with games and concerts, however if you cherish them more than corporate worship, just think about it and consider joining in. LORD, your words heal us, give us hope, encourage us and teach us how to live a full life. And as we celebrate corporately, in small groups and intimately, we are healed and made whole. Thank you for your word. Thank you for Jesus Christ. And thank you for the Holy Spirit to help us. IJNIP amen ??

WHO SHOULD YOUR CLOSEST CONFIDANT BE? Who do you depend upon for your most private and close counsel? I realize most people know much of what I’ll discuss today, however, do we really follow the right path with our friends as we fight with our deep struggles? The options for help are vast; a counselor or therapist, your spouse, a therapy group, a close friend, your parents friends, a good neighbor, a co-worker, your employer, your church, your children, a home group, your parents - who should you choose? Other than your spouse, who else do you rely on to be your closet confidant? AI defines “a confidant is a close friend or associate with whom you can share private matters and secrets”. A good definition. I’m dealing with someone struggling with something that’s very destructive to their life. Who should this person go to for therapy and counsel? I suppose the first order of business is to ask a struggling person; “Do you desire to improve and grow?” The second priority might be to ask “Who do I want to become and what type of person do I want to be?” It’s a great time to ask, “Do I want to become more like Christ? Or do I want to become more like someone else? If it’s someone else, who do you want to become like? King Solomon once said “Don’t forget your friend or your parent’s friend. Don’t always go to your family for help when trouble comes. A neighbor close by is better than a family far away.” (Proverbs? ?27?:?10? ?NCV??) So why did King Solomon say this? As we all know, some family members can be jealous, judgmental and some family members simply cannot get over past conflicts within the family. Some family members may remember you as you “used to be”. They simply cannot move on. Do you gravitate toward friends who make you better or ones that always agree and entertain you?” King Solomon also said “The sweet smell of perfume and oils is pleasant, and so is good advice from a friend.” (Proverbs? ?27?:?9? ?NCV??) Do you have a friend that draws you toward wisdom, maturity and God’s word? The most reliable counsel is the Bible. It’s never been proven “not” to work. God’s created us. He knows us better than anyone. He wired us and fashioned us. His ways are written for our benefit. Why do so many reject his methods and counsel? So what’s the take-away? Have Godly friends. Choose friends that are willing to offer tough love and truth. Team up with friends who don’t judge, that are not jealous and willing to always help, pray with you and encourage you. Wow, how great would it be to have friends like that? All we have to do, is go out and find them. LORD, Christ calls us friends. You can lead us to the right people we should have in our life. The Holy Spirit is our friend and most reliable helper. Help me be a good friend to those in need. Help me love, encourage and never judge. We are all sinners among sinners. Only Christ is perfect. Give us a love for your ways and a deep love for our others. IJNIP amen ??