TODAYS INSPIRATION: WHO’S SITTING AT YOUR TABLE?

When we have challenges, sometimes it requires more than determination or a personal goal to push us through. We have to be driven by the desire to be obedient to God, knowing that He who appointed us this assignment, will not allow us to fail. So we move forward in obedience. And God blesses us for our obedience. We are thankful for our blessings, and everybody is happy for us, right? WRONG! Some people are not happy when God blesses you. And it is not always your enemies you have to worry about, your enemies cannot harm you because you keep them at a distance. It is the ones closest to you that can do the most damage. Be careful who is sitting at your table? Everybody will not celebrate your successes with you.

Some people have the spirit of Cain, the spirit of jealousy, insecurity, and unhealthy competition. They hate the fact that you have favor with God. They don’t see all you went through and in spite of everything, you still walked in obedience. They only see that you came out that fire not burned, not even smelling like smoke. They only see the double you received for your trouble. They only see that you are better, stronger, and at peace. They can’t be glad for you because somehow they feel your success came at their expense. They believe that should have been their job, their house, their husband or wife. They irrationally believe that you have their blessing. They don’t get that success is success only because it relates to struggle. How can you have victory without conflict? Success is the reward that God gives to the diligent, who through perseverance, patience and obedience obtained the promise. There is no way to receive what God has for your life without fighting the obstacles and challenges that block your way to victory.  

There was a time I would look at people and wonder how it felt to be where they are, now I look at people and I wonder what they had to go through to get there. What did they have to give up? How many relationships did they lose? Everyone can’t go where God is taking you so you have to leave some people behind. Your struggle helps you to appreciate the blessings when they come. But some people don’t want to know your story or what price you have paid to get where you are. They just want what you have. When I speak of successes, I’m not just talking financially, sometimes people are jealous of your peace and joy. Unfortunately sometimes those who are closest to you will try to steal them from you. I think about Jesus sitting at the table with Judas. He had no problem discerning who would betray him with a kiss. Judas served a purpose in God’s plan. Just as some people in our lives are there to serve God’s purpose for a particular time, not forever. God will protect us from those who mean us harm and will remove them from our lives. And if He does remove them, we must not try to keep them or let them back in!  

We must  pray for discernment. Guard your heart. We must recognize the spirit of Cain in those around us, and possibly even in our own heart. A jealous heart is the beginning of betrayal. Guarding our hearts means being wise and discerning in our lives. The best way to do this is to stop and listen to God. Hear what He is telling us to do, where He is leading us, when to move forward, and when to stop. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in all areas of life, especially relationships. As believers, it is important for us to realize what is important and what matters most on this journey. First we must seek God first and be obedient to Him. Then we should help the hurting, lift the discouraged, and rejoice at other people’s blessings. Simply love God and love one another. This pleases God and He will satisfy all our needs and meet the desires of our hearts. We do not have to be jealous or compare ourselves with anyone, what God has for us is for us, period. Remember that we are Jesus disciples on earth. As followers of Christ, we represent and should act accordingly. We should be thankful and genuinely celebrate our blessings as well as the blessings of others. Love and Blessings…

“The followers of Jesus are children of God and they should manifest the family likeness by doing good to all.”
F. F. Bruce

“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22) NLT

“Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” (1 John 3:12)

“As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” (Matthew 26:21)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”  (Proverbs 4:23)

“until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” ( Luke 20:43) NLT”What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” ( Romans 8:31)  

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” ( Romans 8:31)  

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