And after that…

Hebrews 9: ²⁷ Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

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“Put your pencils down” exclaimed the moderator. “Oh no” I thought in my mind for I had not finished the test. “This was my only chance to shine and I blew it” I fretted with my young naive mind. The test was over and I had to permanently accept my score forever. I’m doomed! I thought. Maybe I should have prepared.

• There are some actions I take in life that can cause permanent damage.
• There are some things I do that will leave permanent scars.
• There are some situations I face where my regrets will mount high.

We are all born as sinners on this great planet. We have an entire life that is given to us that includes “purpose.” It’s up to me to choose GOD’s purpose to make my life “abundant” for after I die then I will have to stand in front of HIM and give an account of each of my actions.

The most important action is believing that CHRIST was sacrificed once to take away my sins. After HIS death HE rose to life and will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but bring salvation to me. But until HE returns I have a life to live. What should I do?

• GOD wants my life to be full of the same grace HE shows me daily.
• GOD wants my life to include reaching out to those who feel like turning away from HIM.
• GOD wants my life to be abundant in relationships with people.

One day I will have to put my pencil down in life and face all that I have done. I am glad CHRIST took away my sins!

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you just sitting or are you serving?
• Can you stop focusing on yourself and mend “that” relationship?

Do I have a choice?

Hebrews 8: ¹⁰ This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel

    after that time, declares the Lord.

I will put my laws in their minds

    and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God,

    and they will be my people.

¹¹ No longer will they teach their neighbor,

    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’

because they will all know me,

    from the least of them to the greatest.

¹² For I will forgive their wickedness

    and will remember their sins no more.”

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I had some easy buildings to clean that night. Empty a few trash cans clean the bathrooms and the minimum was done. What could I do with all that “extra” time on my hands? I know… I can go to my apartment, eat and go back to work. “Who would know?” Well, my boss, to name one person.

• I have a choice between loving GOD and leaving GOD.
• I have a choice between following GOD versus following myself.
• I have a choice between GOD’s way versus my way.

I honestly have no excuse for when I choose to sin. I mean I actually know better but for some reason the thing I want to do seems like a good choice at the time. I actually, willingly choose to disobey GOD.

• GOD wrote HIS laws in my conscience so I would have a guide.
• GOD put HIS laws in my heart so I could experience HIS compassion.
• GOD placed HIS laws in my person so I could be forgiven.

I actually believe it is difficult to be sentenced to hell. I mean GOD made the provision for salvation so easy for me by taking on the penalty of sin. If I reject HIS SON as the savior then HE will remember all my sins. I am glad HE made it easy to accept HIS gift of grace.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Is your life one struggle after another?
• Do you want a life filled with abundance and adventure?
• Won’t you allow GOD to move your heart so you can have a full life?

Need a sure thing?

Hebrews 7: ²² Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

²³ Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; ²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

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“I’m going to be rich” I thought to myself. I mean this day trading stuff is easy. All I have to do is pick a stock to purchase on the stock market, buy it and watch my money grow.  I asked a few people which stock they liked and after getting my advice I had my sure thing.

I purchased my stock and watched it climb. I had my sure thing! The next week I noticed the value was down a little, then a little more and more, soon it was worthless.  I received a letter stating the company had gone belly up and all who had invested had lost their money.  What happened to my sure thing?

• When I depend on my plan I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on money I am not depending on a sure thing.
• When I depend on insurance, doctors or my health I am not depending on a sure thing.

Because life has so many inconsistencies, I sometimes doubt that GOD can be a sure thing.  I mean HE can’t possibly forgive me “this time” for “this sin” right? Wrong!

• When GOD said “It is finished” HE meant death had no power over those who believe in HIM.
• When GOD said “My grace is sufficient” HE meant “MY grace is sufficient!”
• When GOD said “No man can pluck you out of MY hands” HE meant that HE knows I am a sinner and HE will hold onto me anyway.

There is only one sure thing that I can truly depend on and that is GOD. I can truly depend on HIS protection from the accuser who mentions my sins before GOD whenever he gets a change. Since JESUS lives forever HE intercedes for me erasing my sin removing it as far as the east is from the west. HE is my sure thing!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Are you worried about something?
• Can you put your trust in HIM?
• Won’t you let HIM take care of “that” situation?

HIS promises are never broken

Hebrews 6: ¹³ When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” ¹⁵ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

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When my bike was stolen I thought my life was ruined…well at least for that moment. I also thought the same thing when I had my first accident, when I missed an interview and when I watched a plane leave with the VP on it and I wasn’t.

Can anything good come out of bad situations?

• When bad situations happen I think I’m being punished.
• When bad situations happen I sometimes think my life is ruined.
• When bad situations happen I let my mind race in the wrong direction and fall to my worries, fears and doubts.

Little did I know these “bad” moments in my life were those that would shape me. Looking back I can see each situation acting like a puzzle piece to a greater picture. GOD seems to have HIS hand on these “bad” situations.

• GOD made a promise to me that HE has a wonderful plan for me.
• GOD made a promise to me that HE would always be with me even until the end of this age and beyond.
• GOD made a promise to me that HE would wipe away all my tears and forgive me for all my sins if I would just believe in HIS SON’s position and efforts.

When GOD makes a promise you can believe HE is going to keep it. I may have one way I think the promise should play out and I am usually wrong. I never would have chosen the path HE has placed me on. HE put obstacles in front of me to turn my life back to HIM. Now I can see those “bad” situations weren’t bad at all, they were simply nudges.

• Are you going through a difficult time?
• What is GOD trying to tell you by having you in this situation?
• Can you believe HE has a wonderful plan for you?
• Won’t you believe HE will always keep HIS promise of loving you forever?

Yes HE sees

Hebrews 6: ¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

¹¹ We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

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We were all working hard for what seemed to be an eternity. When we finally finished the project I got on stage and recognized my team for all their hard work. Everyone clapped and cheered then I left the stage only to find a person with a very long face.

My assistant approached me and said “you forgot to mention her.” That was like a dagger to her.

• Sometimes I doubt GOD sees what I try to do for HIM.
• Sometimes I think GOD is only out to punish me instead of recognizing my efforts to serve HIM.
• Sometimes I feel GOD forgets about me and allows others who want to be, as evil as they want to be, to get away with their antics.

When I think GOD doesn’t care I get tempted to act like those who don’t love HIM. I consider not serving others and focus on getting all I can for me. BUT GOD says “HE sees me.”

• GOD sees when I serve someone in secret.
• GOD sees when I simply smile at someone who is having a bad day.
• GOD sees when I encourage people to continue through their difficulty.
• GOD sees when I forgive those who are difficult to forgive.
• GOD sees

Yes HE sees the large things I attempt to do but HE definitely sees the tiny things I do for HIM.  HE jumps for joy when I stay in the race and focus “just a little” on HIM. HE loves when I imitate those who have faith and patience and can’t wait to give me what HE promised me!

• Are you tired of serving and not being recognized?
• Do you feel GOD isn’t hearing you?
• Can you take a moment to hear GOD sees you and is excited about what you are doing?
• Won’t you encourage someone else to continue on their journey with HIM?

Time to change my diet

Hebrews 5: ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

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After a night of laughter I went back to my apartment only to arrive with a tremendous pain in my chest. I had never felt a pain like this. The next day I visited the doctor and he said everything was alright. This incident had solidified my thought of going back to church.

It had been a while since I had sat in church and wouldn’t you know I picked up with the same boring old stories about one or two people who did some miraculous thing. Just when I was about to check out someone asked me if I could teach. Me? Teach? Hey wait a minute… “I don’t know the Bible” I thought.

• I stayed away from learning GOD’s messages because I wanted to do what I wanted to do.
• I stayed away from being acquainted with righteous teaching because I wanted to do what I wanted to do.
• I stayed away from heavier learning about GOD because it seemed like the less I knew the more I could get away with.

It’s amazing how critical I was of pastors and teachers. I would sit and listen and if they miss-stepped then I would check back in and criticize. I would then check out and halfway look at GOD here and there, never pondering HIM or asking about HIM, but when I needed something I was right there on my knees asking HIM for stuff.

• GOD wants me to attempt to know HIM better each day.
• GOD wants me to learn of HIM because HIS tie to HIM is easy and HIS burden is light.
• GOD wants me to be acquainted with HIS teaching about righteousness so I can become mature and be able to distinguish good from evil.

It really shouldn’t take a scary incident to get me back in church, nor should it take some drastic situation to get me to learn about GOD. HE wants me to focus on HIM daily and watch HIS miracles unfold.

• Are you avoiding GOD?
• Are you afraid to grow in HIS teaching?
• Won’t you try to learn more about HIM?
• Can’t you reach a little further and try learning some of the “harder to understand” things about GOD?

Who can help?

Hebrews 4: ¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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As I sat in the auditorium I watched thousands of people walk in. All the pomp and glamour could not excite me because I didn’t know anyone. I was lonely and no one understood the glum look on my face. As I slugged back to my room I heard my name called. “We have been looking for you” one person said. 

“I know this is your first convention and I know how you feel because I felt the same way at my first.” Finally, someone who understood what I was going through!

• When I am tempted to sin I have JESUS who is my empathizer.
• When I am feeling low I have JESUS who is my empathizer.
• When I thoroughly mess up and cause my world to crash, I have JESUS who is my empathizer.

Sometimes I think GOD is there standing over me lording HIS un-follow-able rules. I mean everyone sins so why don’t I just give up and do what I want to do? GOD sees my weaknesses and flaws and determines I am clean.

• My faith should not be in humans rather it should be placed in JESUS who is GOD the SON.
• My faith should not be placed on causes rather it should be placed in JESUS who is GOD the SON.
• My faith should not be in my ability to avoid temptation or sin rather it should be placed in JESUS who is GOD the SON.

I can approach the throne with faith that GOD will accept me and my sins just as I am. HE empathizes with my issues and wants me to do the same to others. Instead of eradicating sin, HE wants me to show love so that HIS sufficient grace can cover their sins.

• Are you hiding your sin or is your heart hard that you believe you are not sinning?
• Are you tired of GOD and HIS rules?
• Can you look at JESUS who is GOD the SON as your empathizer?
• Won’t you forgive yourself as well as others in order to have grace and mercy shown to you?

Do you like the “Me” team?

Hebrews 3: ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

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After many hours of work we finally released our new product.  At the convention, people crowded into our booth clamoring to see it. Some of those people came over to me and pat me on the back. “Yeah I did do a good job” I thought to myself. I mean “I” oops we put a lot of hard work into this!

• When I look for accolades I sometimes point to myself.
• When I build a group I sometimes want those who follow to follow “me.”
• When I am part of a group I usually want that group to be the “winning” group so I can be associated with winners no matter how the group is acting.

Team “Me” is a wonderful team that I try to promote as often as I can.  Either I’m voicing my stance on something to be associated with a group or I’m just dropping subtle hints to make sure people know I’m pretty great. Don’t get me wrong, I treat my people well as long as they like “me.” I wonder if I should be pointing to team “Me.”

• GOD says everything I own is HIS.
• GOD says every group given to me was given by HIM.
• GOD says every leader put in place was placed there by HIM for HIS purposes.

I am not greater than GOD so I need to point all of my accomplishments to HIM.  Every team he has me lead I need to point to HIM and not team “Me.” Every group I am associated with I need to point to GOD and not in a false, selfish way.

GOD needs to receive the accolades for everything accomplished. If HIS SON is falsely followed then HE will know and not respond. I need to point my team to GOD for HE is the builder of everything.

• Are you pointing at yourself?
• Are you trying to push a human into the spotlight without pushing GOD into the spotlight?
• Are you mentioning the sins of others without examining your own sins?
• Can you mention the name “JESUS” with the way you are acting towards “that” person?

I have someone who can help

Hebrews 2: ¹⁷ For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

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When I compare my temptations to other folks they seem rather mild. Okay, I was tempted to take my parents’ car without permission, look at a body I wasn’t married to, or move ahead in the company while taking others out of my way. People today would say “you are really a wimp” especially since I was really nervous as the temptation popped in my head.

Even though my temptations may seem mild they are temptations nonetheless. Who can help me with my temptations?

• When I am tempted to sin, I try to run away from GOD.
• When I am tempted to sin, I blame GOD for making too many rules.
• When I am tempted to sin, I look at others instead of myself and I justify my actions.

The devil knows sin blinds me from GOD’s grace. Every time I sin, I can’t see how GOD would love me, nor can I see that I have the right to tell anyone else about HIM.  I mean what would I say? “Follow the rules?” I couldn’t even follow them myself. Wait, maybe that’s what I should say!

• I should tell people I sin and GOD forgives me.
• I should tell people JESUS became a human and understands everything I go through.
• I should tell people GOD desires to help “anyone” who is willing to hear HIM.

GOD loved me so much that HE took my punishment for sin. HE sentenced HIMSELF and allowed HIS humans to murder HIM. Before HE died HE was tempted in every way possible. Yes “every way.” HE never sinned and fully understands my battle. HE is my focus to help me see around the temptation.

• Are you tempted?
• Do you feel like you are not in control of your life?
• Can you allow GOD to comfort you?
• Won’t you believe HE knows what you are going through and wants to help?

Sometimes I forget why I’m here

Hebrews 1: But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

    by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

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Waking up with aches and pains immediately put me in the mindset of need. My prayers immediately went towards my comfort. Another time I sat at my desk feeling pressured. My prayer immediately went towards my relief. Yet another time I felt alone even though I sat in the midst of a crowd. My prayer immediately went towards finding human companionship.

Yes, I need GOD but do I only need HIM in crisis?

• Many times I forget I am GOD’s human.
• Sometimes I forget to focus my attention on GOD the SON.
• There are other times when I just simply focus on my needs and I never marvel at who the SON really is.

The FATHER says JESUS’ throne will last forever. This is not reserved for any other human. JESUS will rule with a scepter of justice. HE will love those who accept HIS position as GOD and HIS gift of self-sacrifice. There is no-one above HIM and all has been given to HIM.

My anxieties, worries, desires and doubts can all be cast aside when I focus on how bright the future will be with the SON as my guide. Many will fall away but my focus has to remain on the SON.

• Are you anxious about something?
• Is your mind racing because of some situation?
• Can you focus on the SON and know HE is in control?
• Won’t you stop trying to steer GOD and allow HIM to guide you?

What are people saying about me?

Philemon 1: ⁴ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, ⁵ because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

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As I stood back I observed guys who seemed to have crowds around them all the time. They always had something humorous to say so I started on the path of making people laugh. I did a marvelous job, maybe too marvelous for I was now deemed the “campus clown.”  Hey, that’s not what I was shooting for!

• When I act mean word gets around.
• When I act like a cheat word gets around.
• When I act like a scoundrel word gets around.

People are looking at me daily whether I like it or not. Unfortunately people label others as defense mechanisms. What kind of label does GOD want me to portray?

• GOD wants me to be graceful to many so HIS reputation can get around.
• GOD wants me to be truthful with people so HIS word will convict all.
• GOD wants me to be loving to people especially those who are difficult to love.

GOD’s reputation can never be tarnished. HE is supreme and has given up a lot just for HIS creation. HE desires that I act like HIM showing compassion, grace, love and mercy. HE is the only judge so HE will handle the punishment of those who disobey HIM. HE wants me to point people to HIS grace and the gift of HIS SON.

• What are people saying about you?
• Are you labeled as a scoundrel or compassionate for GOD?
• Do you mutter poisonous words or are your words full of grace and mercy?
• Is your life an example for GOD?

Which politician do I want to go to hell?

Titus 3: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

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Competition was thick in our environment. It took hours of conversations discussing viewpoints and perspectives on which direction we would go. I had to let everyone know how poor the other person’s idea was. Finally when the decision was made mine emerged victorious! My gloating could not be withheld. “People above me… I’m coming after you!” was the look on my face.

• When I act with slander I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act disobedient I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act with malice and envy I’m on the wrong path.

Really, really wanting my way makes me act in ways that don’t please GOD. I justify in my mind that since everyone else is acting with slander, malice and strife then maybe I should too. But I wonder what GOD wants me to do.

• GOD wants me to give my leaders respect and remain in doing what is good.
• GOD wants me to slander “NO ONE” because HE loves them just as much as HE loves HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to live in peace even with those who dislike me for HIS SON died in my place in the middle of my sins.

GOD is not a political party for “all have sinned.” When I esteem one human over another I lose focus on the only human who was perfect, namely JESUS. My prayers should be that all politicians worldwide bow to the SAVIOR who is the CHRIST.

• Are you caught up in the media frenzy of political races?
• Do you get tired of slanderous remarks or are you making them?
• Can you use the same energy you use talking about your candidate to speak about CHRIST?

Just say “No!”

Titus 2: ¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

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Rain delayed the busses and everyone, including me, piled on the first bus that appeared. Standing room only forced us to be pushed to the seedier area of the bus where “that” guy felt compelled to light up his “homegrown” cigarette at six O’clock in the morning. He peered at me with a grin and asked “Want some?” That was an easy “NO!”

Later that day some of my friends said they were going to a party that night. I said I probably wouldn’t be allowed to go and they suggested that I sneak out. “Hmm, that’s not a bad idea” I thought to myself. The problem was I couldn’t come up with a good lie, our house was too small and my parents seemed to be awake at crazy hours. “How are you getting out of your house?” I asked.

• The world will always offer me something that seems “better” than GOD.
• The world will always want me to jump in on activities that are against GOD.
• The world will always invite me to join in activities that don’t please GOD but since “everyone” else is doing it maybe HE won’t mind.

The HOLY SPIRIT was place inside anyone who believes that JESUS (GOD) voluntarily allowed HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and is now living. The HOLY SPIRIT teaches me to say “NO” to the temptations of the world and HE comforts me “when” I decide to fall.

Little by little HE teaches me to take baby steps toward HIM and every time I fall, HE is right there to pick me up. CHRIST did the heavy lifting by removing eternal death from me. All I have to do is accept HIS gift and be purified. I can now take my baby steps toward HIM.

• Are you tempted to do something you know is wrong?
• Are you avoiding GOD so you can keep doing what you are doing?
• Can you turn toward HIM just a little today?
• Won’t you say “No” to that temptation and know that if you fall HE is there to pick you up?

Do what I say not what you see me do

Titus 1: ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. ¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

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As I sought power I noticed I became very good at pointing out what another department leader was doing wrong and how our group could “fix” it. This skill of being critical enabled me to peer into the eyes of the “opponent”, discover their weakness and rapidly build a plan to counter their next move. My mind was blind.

• When I practice being disobedient I become very good at it.
• When I perfect being detestable I lose my direction.
• When I prepare for acting evil I forget the good I had in mind when I started my plan.

I heard the road to hell is paved with “good intentions” and I know what those philosophers mean. I thought I could do “more” wonderful things for people the higher I climbed. Truth is the way I sought power was through being opposite of GOD’s style.

• GOD wants my intentions to match my actions.
• GOD desires that I treat “ALL” humans the same and not “side” with one specific group.
• GOD loves when I focus on what HE calls pure, not the cause I am hiding behind to pretend I follow GOD.

So many times I want to tell people to straighten up but I would have to put a caveat on the message to not pay attention to what I’m doing. Don’t pay attention to the slander or the lust or the greed I’m displaying just follow my words. GOD isn’t buying that kind of act. HE doesn’t want people who “talk” about generosity or love or compassion, HE wants people who are.

• Are you talking more than being?
• What would others who are not in your circle say about you?
• Can you use your thoughts and statements about those people on yourself?
• What if GOD used your thoughts and statements as the measure of how HE would judge you?

Say the “hard to say” stuff too

2 Timothy 4:¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

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As I listened to the final message in our four week class I felt ready to change the world!  Now that I know exactly which scripture to use, surely people would hear the message and automatically believe in CHRIST.  I approached a person with Bible in hand and he said “Get away from me with that (expletive delete).”

I then changed my approach to that of a judge. Maybe if I told them what was wrong with them then they would see the err of their ways. I judged everyone and well, you know how that ended. I know, maybe I should teach what they wanted to hear. This would get “more people!”

• When I want to sin, I don’t want to hear a message about GOD because I “want” to sin.
• When I want to stay away from GOD, I harden my heart to any message that could tell me to act differently.
• When I want to be accepted by the world, I look for as many people to support my lifestyle so I can stay in my lifestyle and not change.

Living for CHRIST is not easy I must admit.  I mean it’s becoming more and more accepted to openly sin and hide behind the “Christian” label. Sloshing in sensuality or stepping up to power or slandering a political candidate have become widely accepted in churches around the nation. What message should I be preaching?

• I should always be prepared to speak about JESUS who died “because” of me and now lives.
• I should lovingly correct a CHRIST follower when there is an err in doctrinal soundness.
• I should patiently rebuke those who preach “against” CHRIST, not to win an argument but in hopes they might believe and be rescued.
• I should look for opportunities to encourage as many people as possible because that is what people are looking for.

The Bible is full of loving promises and encouragement, but it also has GOD’s wrath and judgment. I can’t just tickle ears to get big numbers. HIS message penetrates deep and cuts me too! 

• Are you scared of telling people about GOD?
• Are you so politically blind that you cannot see your own sin or your candidates’ sin?
• Have you lost your “fear of GOD” because you are with a community who teaches what you want to hear?
• Isn’t it time you moved out of your comfort zone to live for GOD?

You know where you came from

2 Timothy 3: ¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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“LORD Why?” were the words I exclaimed many times when something went horribly wrong or when those people weren’t acting right. It seemed like the bad became billionaires and the good groveled. “Maybe I should become like them” I would say to myself.

I mean “if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em.” Maybe I should learn how to be as sneaky and low down as they are so I don’t have to get persecuted anymore.

• GOD said “There will be terrible times in the last days.”
• GOD said “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, and abusive.”
• GOD said “People will be disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, and without love.”
• GOD said “People will be unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, and not lovers of the good.”
• GOD said “People will be treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
• GOD said “People will have a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Wow! This is the group that I wanted to join! I wanted to be the persecutor rather than having someone stomp all over me. BUT GOD knows what I’m going through and wants me to focus on something else.

• Yes there will be persecutors, BUT GOD will protect me.
• Yes there will be cheats and thieves; BUT GOD shows me they can steal my stuff but not my relationship with HIM.
• Yes there will be slimy, slanderous slugs who do not spread the truth, BUT GOD wants me to remain in the truth which is HIS SON.

I know where I came from and that is faith in our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST. Persecution may come but those who pretend to follow HIM to get their way will have to face HIM. I want to face HIM with HIS love.

• Are you tired of being persecuted?
• Does it seem like bad people keep getting their way?
• Can you focus on what you have learned about GOD and teach about HIS love?
• Won’t you show GOD’s love to someone today even if they are the persecutor?  

Winning the argument loses the battle

2 Timothy 2: ²³ Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

²⁵ Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

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When I know someone is lying, I feel compelled to expose them even if I have nothing to do with the conversation. I mean they are lying! I would ride my horse around, you know, the high one? I would jump in places I thought my two cents would be worth to add.

In other words I would stick my nose in a conversation I did not have all of the facts in and look for tiny fights. My goal was to “win” and my opponent, well they may not have even known they were an opponent, but I still “won” right?

• When I look for something to be wrong I will find it.
• When I look for someone to fight I will find them.
• When I look for an argument I will start it.

My trigger is short for some and long for others.  I mean some people know just the right buttons to press and I automatically go into boxing stance! GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to kind instead of quarrelsome so my life will draw people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to teach people so my argument is not as important as the lesson GOD wants to teach.
• GOD wants me to be respectful to people not resentful because ultimately GOD will win them over.

I love “winning” an argument but that is not the goal. I also dislike when my kindness is mistake for weakness. It takes tremendous strength to treat others the way GOD wants me to treat them even though I feel like fighting. GOD wants me to hope they will one day come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.

• Are you ready to argue with someone?
• Do you have irreconcilable differences?
• Are you the person spreading slander and picking fights?
• Can you be the first to drop your guards for GOD’s purpose?

The marathon of life

2 Timothy 2: ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.

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¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:

   If we died with him,

    we will also live with him;

¹² if we endure,

    we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

    he will also disown us;

¹³ if we are faithless,

    he remains faithful,

    for he cannot disown himself.

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Shivering, we huddled together as strangers to keep warm. When the National Anthem was sung, 45,000 of my best friends and me set off on our journey. Right around mile fourteen or fifteen I noticed a street leading to where the other runners were running back.

I thought to myself, “I wonder if they would notice if I just ducked down that street as my private shortcut. I mean, I’m not going to win the marathon anyway so who would it hurt?

• When I make my own rules in life I throw out the real rules.
• When I make my own rules then no one can win except me.
• When I make my own rules then I can adjust the rules for some and not for others.

GOD gave me a book to follow because I normally would not look at HIM or accept HIM. HE doesn’t want me to be a “rule” follower within my relationship with HIM, but HE does want me to treat HIS other humans with the love and compassion HE has for me.

HIS rules include things like “love others as I would love myself” and “treat others with higher respect than myself.” I’ve noticed me and many of my friends not following the latter of the two during political discussions.

In order to truly follow GOD I must endure, just like the marathon. No short cuts to loving others, I should just love them as they are. When I am faithless, GOD is faithful but HE cannot tolerate if I reject HIS SON or HIS SPIRIT HE wants to give me because of JESUS’ death.

• Are you trying to take shortcuts with your relationship with GOD?
• Is there someone who is difficult to love that you are not showing love to?
• Can you go the extra mile for the people who are hard to serve or love?
• Won’t you accept CHRIST and remain with HIM the rest of your life if you haven’t already?