DO I NEED A VEIL?

THOUGHT:
The most interesting part about the story of the veil yesterday is not that Moses had to wear one because the people were afraid. What is most interesting is that, the glowing slowly disappeared after many days but Moses kept wearing a veil anyway. So, now the glow has gone but the people think it’s still there.

You may have found (like I did) that the beginning of your friendship with God, He is so close and you are very aware of His presence. After a while, you sometimes don’t feel as close to God. This is where we start the journey of faith – trusting God is present even if we don’t feel His presence.

Whenever we pretend to feel God’s presence it is like wearing a veil – a veil that is not needed. We are best just being honest and saying, I know God is real and He is with me even if I don’t feel it today. Julia and I have been married for 24 years, and there are days we don’t feel as in love like other days. But I still love her very much.

In fact, the moment I am honest with my feelings, even my lack of feelings, that’s the moment everything seems to change. The veil is removed again and there I am, face to face, spending time in the presence of the one I love.

TIME TO THINK:
When was the last time I didn’t feel God’s presence?
What changes can I make to lose the veil?

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for your unconditional love. You loved me when I was still far from You. Why would I think that Your love would run out now, now that I am pursuing You. Forgive me for pretending to be close to You when I actually feel so far away. Help me to understand how close You are even when I don’t feel anything. Amen.

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Character…

Proverbs 2:7-10 ESV

7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

8 guarding the paths of justice

and watching over the way of his saints.

9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice

and equity, every good path;

10 for wisdom will come into your heart,

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

Proverbs 10:9 ESV

9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Psalms 25:21 ESV

21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,

for I wait for you.

1 Peter 3:13-15

13Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 28:6

6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity

than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.

Titus 2:6-8

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

CHARACTER

Many people desire a quick fix for their character problems. They want some sort of magic wand they can wave over their problems, and—presto!—the problems will be gone. While a person may be able to acquire quick, easy techniques that provide short-term solutions, those don’t help build character that lasts. Ultimately, lasting character is forged on the anvil of experience, self-discipline and dedication. If a person lacks integrity and character, the challenges of life will melt down and undermine any short-term successes.

How can a leader gain wisdom that leads to character development? It won’t be acquired by an unguided groping in darkness. A leader’s search for wisdom must be directed. Its starting point is God’s revelation in the Scripture, and it involves specific injunctions and practical commandments.

Character isn’t shaped by the intellectual comprehension of truth. It’s forged by Biblical truth that penetrates to the depth of the human heart. That only occurs as a man or woman grapples with God’s Word and contemplates its meaning and application. Ultimately, the goal of such a diligent study of God’s revelation is the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 2:5). A wise leader has a reverential awe of God, holding him in high regard. And that high view of God shapes character, which in turn controls thoughts and actions.

Why does it take time to develop character? How will godly character be revealed in a leader’s life? How will ungodly character be expressed? As you consider where you are in the process of character development, honestly assess your progress on a scale of one (beginner) to ten (flawless). Since you’re probably neither a one nor a ten, and then ask him to help you to continue to grow in this area.

Deuteronomy 5:32 You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

What Type of Person Do You Want to Be?

Our decisions in tough situations reveal our character. Ephesians asks us to be imitators of God, so one way to make the right decision is to ask, “What type of person do I want to be?” Micah tells us that God demands justice, kindness, and humility. So we can trust that if a course of action makes us more just, kind, or humble, it is probably the right decision.

Sallie Krawcheck had just taken over leadership of Merrill Lynch’s wealth management division when she learned that their “Stable Value Fund” was in trouble. Customers had been sold this fund as a safe place to put their pension investments, but Merrill Lynch had managed the fund more riskily than advertised and lost money. Since Walmart had invested heavily in this fund, Merril Lynch’s loss would be felt most harshly by low-income workers in retirement. Krawcheck saw two options in front of her. One was to say “tough luck” to the Walmart employees; the other was to take money from Merrill Lynch’s coffers to replace the money that was lost.

Which decision embodies justice, kindness, and humility?

Ultimately, Sallie decided that she wanted to be the type of person who apologized for mistakes. She didn’t want to be the type of person who profited from other people’s loss. She reimbursed the fund’s losses from Merrill Lynch’s profits, even though she risked losing her job over it.

When you face a tough decision at work, ask yourself, “What type of person do I want to be?” Weigh each option by its effect on your character, and then make your decision.

Prayer

Lord, I want to imitate you in my actions. Shape my character through your word. Amen.

Circle of Friends

1 Corinthians 15:33 ~ Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Your relationships will either make you or break you. You will soar in some and spiral in others! Spoken yesterday by Pastor Charles.

Minor setbacks can be devastating if you are surrounded by the wrong people where the things meant to destroy you can strengthen and mold you if you are supported and guided by the right people. 
This is true for relationships with family, the friends you keep and the mates we choose. Especially the mates we choose…boy someone there can bring you way down doing out of character madness, or way up helping you see a better way to view circumstances, act and be! Choose your circle of influence well. If you want to be better and do better choose those that will challenge that in you and want that for you. Stop settling,  be a person that uplifts and desires to be surrounded by others that love healthily! Serious tho, CHECK your circles!

Written by: Cybill

Sing this song with me:  We were made to love and be loved
But the price this world demands will cost you far too much
I spent so many lonely years just trying to fit in
Now I’ve found a place in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends we have one Father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That every orphaned soul will know
And all will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
If you weep, I will weep with you
If you sing for joy the rest of us will lift our voices too
But no matter what you feel inside there’s no need to pretend
That’s the way it is in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That we’ll gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends
Among the nations, tribes and tongues we have sisters and brothers
And when we meet in heaven we will recognize each other
With joy so deep and love so sweet
Oh we’ll celebrate these friends
And a life that never ends
In a prayer
That will not be long before
All will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
That it will not be long before
All will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends

Making friend choices…OnPurpose!!