Pleasing to GOD means living with a purpose

Genesis 6: ⁶ The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

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Loud music woke me up. It was about 11:30 PM and I had to be up at 5:00 AM for my long commute to work. I went out to ask the neighbor if he could keep the music down to a roar. He was with one of his “acquaintances” who started reaching in his jacket in a motion that looked like he was reaching for a gun.

He stopped his acquaintance from doing whatever he was going to do. The LORD had intervened. “Maybe I should thank GOD more often”, I thought to myself.

• In the middle of my sins GOD saw something different in me.
• In the middle of my sins GOD rescued me not because of what I did, but because of HIS love.
• In the middle of my sins GOD saw fit to protect me.

There is no righteousness in me, nor can I do anything to persuade GOD to like me more after my sin.  If that were the case then I could sin as much as I wanted to as long as I confessed them or did something nice to counterbalance the sinful action.

GOD sees my sin and loves me anyway.  HE only wants my belief in HIS SON as the savior of all of mankind. HE is not looking for my perfection rather HE wants me to look at HIS. Since I am not perfect, HE wants me to tell people about HIS gift.

GOD regretted he made humans and I only hope HE can accept my sparse attempts of worship as pleasing to HIM.

• Has GOD rescued you from something?
• Have you ever faced danger and GOD brought you through it?
• Do you think GOD has a purpose for you?
• Can you live out GOD’s purpose realizing you will never eradicate sin but your love for HIM can increase?

Take GOD’s advice

Genesis 4: ⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

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“One day I will knock that guy out” I thought to myself.  After a lot of weightlifting I did get big enough to fight the guy, but it took time to transform my scrawny into brawny. I had actually matured enough to realize fighting doesn’t solve everything.  But I still wanted to hit him!

• There are some things people do that make me angry.
• There are some actions people take that make me livid.
• There are some ways people go that drive me to rage.

Anger is a very dangerous beast.  It sets a fire in my soul that ignites a battle between me and that person. But little do I know that while I’m fighting that person, I may also be fighting GOD.

• GOD says “rule over” my anger because sin is not far behind it.
• GOD says “Do what is right” because HE knows how to reward me.
• GOD says “you will be accepted” to me if I focus on HIM.

Sin is always waiting to jump on me.  It hides behind arguments, jealousy, lust, envy, insecurity, doubt and fear.  GOD wants me to control my actions and focus on “what is right” to follow HIM to a better place.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Is rage building up in your soul?
• Can you take control of your anger and focus on what GOD wants you to do?
• Won’t you give that person the gift of mercy and grace?

The blame game

Genesis 3: ⁹ But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

¹¹ And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”

¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”

¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

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Laughter filled the room as we tossed the couch pillows around. I had no idea how we started but this was fun until we heard the dreadful sound. “Crash” resounded and our laughter turned into fear.  We had broken a vase in the living room.  

Why did my parents have this vase here anyway? I mean it didn’t have flowers or anything in it. We got the only tape we could find, electrical tape. We taped the large pieces together in hopes of not being caught. “Who broke this vase?” they exclaimed. “I don’t know” was our answer.

• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame other people, attempting to avoid consequences.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame the one who is in authority because their rules are the problem.
• When I don’t accept responsibility for my actions I blame my situation because without it I would obviously be in better shape.

It’s amazing how fast I blame everything else but me when I sin.  It was my parents or my lack of wealth or the professor or the school or that mean person that caused my downfall. GOD wants me to see the situation differently.

• GOD wants me to own up to my sins because this way I can be cleansed.
• GOD wants me to admit my life is headed in the wrong direction unless I believe in HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to confess my wrongs to HIM.

When I blame everyone including GOD, I miss out on the opportunity to grow.  Yes I may avoid a little consequence but failure is my prize when I go down that path. GOD wants me to own up to my sin and this way I can be healed.

• Are you blaming someone else for your circumstances?
• Do you believe your life would be different if it weren’t for “this” person?
• Can’t you open your eyes to see what you’ve contributed to the situation?
• Can you be bigger than “that” person and forgive them?

Curiosity closed my eyes

Genesis 3: ⁶ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

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Music and a crowd seemed like the place I wanted to be.  It was exciting to see everyone having “fun.” Let’s play “insert drinking game name here.” In other words we were in college and any game could and would turn into a drinking game.

I was curious because I had never drank before. When it was my turn I grabbed a cup and quickly gulped it down.  Everyone cheered and laughter ensued. We played until the wee hours of the morning. The next day I was sick and sluggish, but that sure was “fun.”

• The crowd makes many actions seem “fun” but am I masking something?
• The crowd makes many actions seem “innocent” but is it good for me?
• The crowd makes many actions seem “delightful” but where is the crowd when things go wrong?

The argument over drinking continues but I’m talking about temptation in general.  The crowd will have me doing almost anything nowadays and I will easily fall for it because it seems “pleasurable.” But what does GOD want?

• GOD wants my spiritual eyes open and my sinful eyes closed.
• GOD wants me to pay attention to HIS ways instead of falling for ways that take me from HIM.
• GOD wants me to view HIS ways as being pleasurable versus the tempting ways of the crowd.

It sounds like I will never have fun again, right? Wrong! GOD never said act like a stiff, judgmental, old crony. HE wants my life to be full and rich but on HIS terms not mine. The first sin closed every human’s eyes and even Adam and Eve’s relationship was shaken with each other. BUT GOD saved them and me!

• Are you justifying what you are doing?
• Do you think it’s hard to follow GOD’s ways?
• Won’t you start learning who GOD really is?
• Can you seek HIS loving ways instead of following a path that may lead to destruction?

Even GOD rested

Genesis 2: ² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

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Three O’clock in the morning and I was wide awake.  I may as well do some more work I thought to myself.  I am awake anyway. I finished answering some e-mail messages and went back to bed for a couple of hours. The next day the same thing happened and the next and the next.

Soon a week had passed and I never stopped working. Day and night I persisted. I was getting exhausted and I had not communicated with the LORD very much.

• When I get caught up with work I sometimes forget to rest.
• When I get focused on accomplishing what I want I sometimes lose focus on what is around me.
• When I get my mind wrapped around achieving my goals I sometimes forget GOD has a purpose for me.

GOD made me for HIS purpose and I forget that quite often.  I get a desire in my mind and when GOD says “No” I don’t just accept it.  I keep persisting until I get my way or at least I think I will get my way.  Soon I find myself losing sleep and working harder than ever only to come back to GOD and asking HIS favor. Is there a better way? YES!

• GOD wants me to rest instead of persist.
• GOD wants me to let things go instead of holding onto them tightly.
• GOD wants me to take some time to focus on HIM rather than worrying, doubting and fearing.

When I stop for a moment and give GOD some time HE blesses me thoroughly with peace. I can’t understand where it comes from but HE gives it to me and I can think clearly. Now I actually look forward to my time with HIM.  HE calms me down and suggests next steps through my prayer and reading of HIS words.

The best thing for my worries, fears and doubt is to stand still and know GOD’s power.

• Are you worried about something?
• Are you working hard to keep your stuff?
• Have you tried stopping and sitting still for a moment so you can hear GOD?
• Won’t you increase your time with HIM so HE can communicate with you?

Am I special?

Genesis 1: ²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

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³¹ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

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Sitting on the bus I noticed some girls staring in my direction. As I observed a little closer I noticed they were looking past me staring at my friend. “Why didn’t I have a pretty face?” Then I started noticing other people doing better in other things. Why are they better or stronger or smarter? I didn’t feel like I was made in GOD’s image.

• When I see myself as a mess I’m not seeing how GOD made me.
• When I see myself as a problem I’m not seeing how GOD made me.
• When I see myself as useless I’m not seeing how GOD made me.

I have complained to GOD in the past.  “Why did you make me this way?” as if I had a better idea of how HE should have made me. It basically boils down to me trying to get my way and then I complain that GOD made me wrong because I’m not getting my way.

• GOD made me the way I am and HE said it was very good.
• GOD made me with a purpose and that purpose was good.
• GOD made me and knows my flaws so HE rescued me through HIS SON.

 

I guess I’m a little hard on myself. If GOD thinks I’m very good the way HE made me, who am I to argue?

• Are you feeling a little low?
• Do you think you don’t have a purpose?
• Can you stop looking at yourself through sinful eyes and see how GOD wants you to be seen?
• Won’t you recognize that GOD made you special and with a purpose?

Something to look forward to

Revelation 22: ³ No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.

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Ever have “one of those days?” I’ve had days where from the time I woke up until the time I went to sleep there were nothing but troubles.  It seems like when I said “what else could happen” something else would happen.  Is there any relief in sight?

• When Satan was thrown out of heaven for wanting to be GOD he tried to ruin mankind.
• When Satan tempted the first humans to sin GOD cursed the Earth and everything that surrounds it.
• When Satan plotted against GOD in an effort to take over GOD sealed up his fate along with anyone who does not believe in HIS SON.

So the Earth is cursed and life is difficult.  I should actually expect things to go wrong, not in a pessimistic way rather in a healthy understanding way.  GOD loves humans. GOD loves me, so much so that when HIS SON volunteered to take my punishment HE allowed it. Now JESUS has been raised from the dead and the curse will be lifted.

• One day JESUS will lift the curse on everything and I will be able to worship HIM without problems.
• One day I will be able to see JESUS and be excited about being in HIS presence.
• One day I will have HIS real name written on my forehead because I am one of HIS.
• One day I won’t need lights or the sun because I will have the SON.

Just thinking of this makes me breathe a sigh of relief. Knowing HE did all this for me makes me continue with “hope.”

• Do you have hope?
• Can you see that GOD has done it all just for you?
• Won’t you stop focusing on today’s issues and know GOD loves you dearly?
• Can you look forward to HIS promises? 

Have I done anything for GOD?

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

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Lying about my grades seemed to be a good idea at the time.  It was the only way to get into the program so I simply told them I had the grades. I figured that they would want me, not my grades. I didn’t know they would ask for my transcripts. All my mistakes had been recorded and the truth was documented. Now I had to face the consequences of not performing well and lying!

• Everything I do is being recorded.
• Every word I say is being written down.
• Every thought I think is being captured.

Here is my confusion.  You would think salvation is the goal and those who believe would not be judged, but clearly that is not the case. Somehow I will be judged for every action I have ever done.  Unlike the “scales of justice” where every sin is balanced by a good deed GOD will still do something with my sins.

Fortunately for me, JESUS took my eternal consequence away from me and will wipe away my tears. My actions that I thought were for HIM will be judged and probably found that they were for me instead. The actions that I thought were useless will probably be the ones where GOD says I was truly on the mark.

Whatever the case GOD wants me to have a life that is full of HIM.

• GOD wants me to serve those in need right now even if it is not the perfect time to serve.
• GOD wants me to be there for HIS people to help in their hurt not add to it.
• GOD wants me to recognize that every human has a chance to believe in HIM so my pursuit should include them even if my belief is different than theirs.

My recorded actions should include compassion, love, kindness, mercy, sacrifice and generosity. Sometimes I will get it right.

• Are you doing things for you or GOD?
• Is your service to GOD used for cleaning up your sins or for love for others?
• Are you better than “those people over there” or are you focused on listening to GOD?
• Do you truly have compassion or is it a façade?

Desire to be admired

Revelation 19: ⁹ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

¹⁰ At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

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Walking down the hall headed to my next meeting I had a trail of people asking me questions. In my mind I had arrived. When I left the company I no longer had anyone asking me questions. In fact people were looking at me like I was a problem. I really desired to have people seeking my advice. Then I thought “maybe if I become a title then people will admire me again.”

• Many times I do things to point at me.
• Many times I do things to get noticed.
• Many times I do things to grab all the attention.

It feels good to be admired or sought after but it shouldn’t go to my head. I mean I should focus my attention on getting people to the “right place.”

• JESUS is the being I need to point people to.
• JESUS is the answer to other peoples’ problems.
• JESUS is the only being who deserves to be idolized and worshipped.

Great humans come and go. People I admire fall to sin just like the next person. JESUS never sinned, yet took my punishment. Now that’s a person to admire!

• Do you desire attention?
• Are you constantly having people focus on you rather than on GOD?
• Do you develop causes to keep people focused on you or your crowd?
• Can you give up some of the attention and let GOD do HIS thing?

I thought I wanted toys

Revelation 18: ⁴ Then I heard another voice calling from heaven,

“Come away from her, my people.
    Do not take part in her sins,
    or you will be punished with her.

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“Finally I got a new car” I thought to myself.  It was my first brand new car and I cherished it.  I drove around a couple of hours just to be in it.  Once a speck of dirt touched it, I immediately washed it. One morning I saw the dew glisten all over the car with the exception of one window.

As I got closer I noticed my car had been broken into and all my music had been stolen. My car was never the same. Next time I’ll get a better car and I’ll have a garage and an alarm system!

• My stuff brings worries about my stuff.
• My toys are fun to play with until I get tired or my toys.
• My things seem to never last and I have to go out and get more things.

I’ve had some expensive things and some cheap things and they only made me lust for more things.  In fact, I found myself willing to do almost anything to keep my things or to get more things.  GOD says different.

• GOD doesn’t mind if I have things, but HE wants to be the focus in my life.
• GOD sometimes blesses me with things and HE blesses me by taking things away from me.
• GOD allows me to choose between HIM and things.

It’s very difficult to just give “stuff” up.  I mean I have to live don’t I? Yes, but things come and go and I must release them as GOD sees fit. No longer will I do almost anything for things.  My focus should be on seeking GOD’s kingdom and things here on earth and in heaven will be given to me but not in a greedy selfish way.

• Are you stuck on getting the latest thing?
• Are you sad because you can’t get more things?
• Won’t you step away from your things for a moment and focus on GOD?
• Can you give up some of your things as a sacrifice to the LORD?

Being on the winning side

Revelation 17: ¹⁴ Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him.”

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After a semester of confusion I sat praying for a miracle. I just didn’t understand the material and I hoped GOD would zap some clarity in my mind. I failed the course and got mad at GOD for a minute. I interviewed for a position that I really wanted. I prayed about it in hopes to get this “life-changing” job. I didn’t get the position and got mad at GOD. Wait, is there a pattern?

• When I don’t get my way I get mad at GOD
• When I get mad at GOD I don’t feel like serving.
• When I don’t feel like serving, sin looks like a good option.
• When I sin, my faith in GOD diminishes.

It seems like I’m at war with GOD to get my way.  When things go a little rough I get nervous, worried, frightened, let’s call it what it is, I lose faith. Fortunately for me GOD took care of every situation for me.

• When JESUS said “It is finished” my salvation was sealed forever.
• When JESUS rose with all power every situation I face has to bow to HIM.
• When JESUS returned to HIS throne all of humanity had to recognize HIS authority to rule over the past, present and future.

When I complain about the present, I’m complaining about the ordained. When I complain about people I may be complaining about HIS people. JESUS won and it’s up to me to choose HIS ways over mine.

• Are you fighting against GOD?
• Do you think you can continue in your ways and be on HIS side?
• Won’t you place your attention on building HIS kingdom instead of fighting?

Am I ready?

Revelation 16: ¹⁵ “Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed.”

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“What is taking him so long?” I asked myself as I waited in the lobby. We were supposed to be doing a tour of businesses in the area and this person was making us late.  While waiting, I received a phone call.  I moved to a quiet location and got lost in my discussion. 

When I got off the phone, everyone looked angrily at me. I didn’t notice the person we were waiting on had returned and I was now the culprit in making the group late. I wasn’t ready.

• Sometimes I doubt that JESUS is going to return so I sin instead of preparing.
• Sometimes I believe I will have another day to get it right so I focus on me instead of others.
• Sometimes I think GOD will forgive me for my sins so HE won’t mind if I continue in them.

Yes I know I am forgiven for all my sins and that’s the reason I watch out for CHRIST’s return.  “Just think of the look on my face if JESUS returned right now” is the thought that crosses my mind in the middle of my sin.

This passage implies that someone won’t be ready for HIS return.  It also implies that once HE does return, it will be too late. HE gives me a short lifetime to “get it right.” Why waste my life on items that will not last eternally?

• Are you living a life of purpose?
• Are you so determined to live your life your way or will you include GOD’s way?
• If JESUS were to return today, would HE be pleased at your activity?

A song of praise

Revelation 15: They held harps given them by God ³ and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
     Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
     King of the nations.
⁴ Who will not fear you, Lord,
     and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
    and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

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Today is a great opportunity for me to praise GOD. He does some great things in my life and I am richly blessed. Everything HE decides for me is alright to me. HE is the ultimate leader whom I fear.

I place HIM in the position of GOD rather than thinking HE is equal to or beneath me so HIS name is above any action I will take. One day I will worship HIM when I can see HIM but for now I worship HIM in faith.

Get prepared

Revelation 14: ⁶ Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. ⁷ He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

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My robe and cap had arrived. I was actually graduating.  It seemed like such a difficult road but I had made it.  I was now ready to face the world, but with what?

• GOD wants me to use my talents to tell people about HIS SON.
• GOD desires that I focus my fears on HIM rather than fearing something that has to report to HIM.
• GOD craves that I lift HIM up to GOD status and say HE has the right to do as HE pleases.

Worshiping GOD means I have to accept HIS plan the way HE wants it to unfold.  I mean I may not get the thing I want the way I want it, but I will get what I need when I need it. GOD wants me to prepare for an eternal relationship with HIM and I can start right now.

• Are you prepared to be with the LORD?
• Has your faith waned?
• Can you allow GOD to let HIS might plan work in you?
• Won’t you follow HIM and fear HIM today?

Don’t be fooled

Revelation 13: ⁸ All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

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Pondering GOD’s love takes me down two paths, why me or why not me. When I go down the “why me” path then I blame GOD for everything that is wrong and I refuse to see HIS mercy. When I go down the “why not me” path then I accept my responsibility and understand I have to account for every action in my life. Both paths have their own destination.

• Either GOD has the authority to place my name in the Lamb’s book of life or I can blame HIM for having harsh rules that are impossible to follow.
• Either GOD has the supremacy to place my name in the Lamb’s book of life or I can fight and say HE doesn’t exist because “how can a god allow all these problems?”
• Either GOD has the sovereignty to place my name in the Lamb’s book of life or I can deny HIS claim that it takes belief in JESUS’ death and resurrection and authority.

I chose to believe!

• Do you believe your name is written in the Lamb’s book if life?
• Have you accepted JESUS’ authority over your life?
• Can you seek HIM today?

Triumphant

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

¹¹ They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

¹² Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

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• Just when I think I’m losing GOD says HE already won.
• Just when I thought everything is lost GOD said HE already won.
• Just when I was about to give up GOD said HE already won.

GOD revealed exactly what happened to the accuser. GOD used HIS might to ban the accuser and reserved a place for me. HIS love has already conquered every sin I have committed and all who believe in HIS SON!

GOD wins!

Revelation 11: ¹⁶ And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign.

¹⁸ The nations were angry,
and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead,
and for rewarding your servants the prophets
and your people who revere your name,
both great and small—
and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

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My head was pounding and I could barely breathe. It seemed like every note sent to me was filled with more bad news. I said to myself “this is going to be a rotten day” and guess what… it was!

• When I focus on everything bad I forget to look at GOD.
• When I look at everything wrong I can’t see what is right.
• When I see everything terrible I lose my direction on where GOD is calling me.

When situations arise I tend to forget GOD has already won! I may think HE is losing because I’m feeling rather beat up but HIS victory is nothing but reward for me.

• GOD rewards me for revering HIS name.
• GOD rewards me for recognizing HIS place and HIS power.
• GOD rewards me for reveling in HIS power.

GOD reigns now! HE always has and will always reign. I mean the situations that I think are catastrophic were known to GOD way before they happened. HE understands and HE loves. I get excited just watching HIS power!

• Are you stuck?
• Do you think you have no way out?
• Can you rely on GOD’s matchless power to be in control of your situation?

The GOOD NEWS and the bad news

Revelation 10: ¹⁰ I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. ¹¹ Then I was told, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.”

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Nervously I stood and walked down the aisle of our church.  Something moved me to get up and accept what was being said about CHRIST. What a sweet moment! Little did I know, the message of CHRIST wouldn’t always be an easy one to swallow.

• The GOOD NEWS is CHRIST died for me and everyone; the bad news is not everyone will accept HIM.
• The GOOD NEWS is CHRIST paid the penalty of my sin and anyone who believes; the bad news is many who say they believe have not truly put JESUS above all.
• The GOOD NEWS is CHRIST made salvation available to me and anyone else; the bad news is people will try to force their way into heaven by doing good, acting religious or trying to avoid sin.

Heaven is truly a remarkable place that I look forward to seeing those who have died before me but the reality is, I will not see everyone I thought I would see. Quite frankly there will be some who will be surprised to see me in heaven!

• GOD wants me to spread the GREAT NEWS about HIS SON to all people.
• GOD wants me to spread the GREAT NEWS about HIS SON to every nation.
• GOD wants me to spread the GREAT NEWS about HIS SON to kings of many languages.

The bad news is there will be opposition to HIS message. There will be many obstacles to my belief and temptations to pull away from GOD. Sin will look easier than serving. BUT GOD’s will, will be done!

• Are you following GOD’s way or your own way?
• Do you believe you can be good enough to get in heaven or has JESUS died for your sins?
• Is your lifestyle pleasing to GOD or can you ask HIM to help you change it?
• Won’t you seek HIS face today?

Being stubborn

Revelation 9: ²⁰ But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! ²¹ And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

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“Wow!” I thought to myself as I read these words.  What encouragement could I get from these words? I mean it seems like a hopeless situation for all humans. What good could possibly come out of this predicted situation?

Here are a few things I realize…

• GOD is giving me plenty of time to turn to HIM.
• GOD is giving me ample notice to turn to HIM.
• GOD is giving me full warning that if I do not turn to HIM HE will turn against me.

Many times I only want to see the loving, “forgive and forget” side of GOD, this way I can continue in the sin I desire to remain in.  I convince myself that there are no consequences for my actions because “HE will forgive me anyway.” There is a better way to look at this “win lose” situation.

• GOD understands I will sin the rest of my life but loves when I make every attempt to seek HIM.
• GOD knows when I feel like being greedy but loves when I finally sacrifice.
• GOD sees when I doubt HIM but loves when I place my dependence on HIM.
• GOD watches me try to justify my lusts but loves when I focus my energy on HIM.

The great news is JESUS did save me from myself. HE knew I would never turn to HIM so HE took the eternal consequences of my sin but that doesn't mean my relative consequence goes away.  I mean if I were to rob a bank and get shot in the process then my consequence for my action would be served.

I do not profess to understand why every sin I do is not met with immediate consequence, in fact it scares me. I do know that when I turn to GOD I am blessed ever time!

• Are you doing something GOD doesn't want you to do?
• Is your heart getting hard toward “that” person?
• Even though you are forgiven for all sins, can you turn away from some of them sometimes?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD and know HE forgives?