Mistreated Strength

Luke 6: ²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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Feeling helpless, I went to the nearest person and began grousing about the mistreatment I just experienced. My emotions went from being mild irritated to rage as I recalled the story. “How dare they!” were my words as I replayed the scenario over and over.

• There have been times when people have gotten on my nerves.
• There have been times when I have been enraged by people who have mistreated me.
• There have been times when I have felt helpless because of someone else’s “meanness.”

JESUS said some strange words to those who learned “revenge” as a biblical practice from their childhood. “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” seemed quite fair to everyone in the Law of Moses. BUT JESUS said to act differently.

• JESUS wants me to seek restoration versus revenge.
• JESUS wants me to seek being a witness as opposed to being right.
• JESUS wants me to seek peace instead of pain.

There is nothing fair about giving a thief extra stuff for them to steal. When someone mistreats me, I get furious at being powerless. BUT GOD has a remedy for that feeling. HE wants me to have HIS strength in the middle of being mistreated. By giving myself permission to love my enemies, they have no power over me.

In fact the more I love those who mistreat me, the more compassion fills my heart versus poison. I no longer replay the moments that bring on disgust, rather I can actually pray for them to have a wonderful relationship with JESUS, who brings peace to those who love HIM. JESUS puts me above the situation by adding HIS love.

• Are you furious at someone?
• Did someone treat you wrong?
• Can you diffuse the situation by loving the person as GOD loves you?

Rich and Famous

Luke 6: ²⁴ “But woe to you who are rich,

For you have received your consolation.
²⁵ Woe to you who are full,
For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
For you shall mourn and weep.
²⁶ Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.

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Mocking a person’s leadership style was one of the primary conversations of the “in crowd.” I was finally invited to partake and it felt great. I had a large expense account so our discussion took place at an expensive steak house.

• Riches can blind me.
• Indulgence can remove me from reality.
• Recognition can make me think more highly of myself.

JESUS turns from blessing to woes in a strange way.  HE had just said “Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom of GOD”, then HE turns right around and says “Woe to you who are rich.” HE knew the evil grips money could have on a person.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost and feed the poor so my reward can be in heaven.
• JESUS wants me to miss a meal or two seeking HIS kingdom.
• JESUS wants me to seek gratification in HIM being satisfied versus trying to get human edification.

When I am rich, full of food and bragged about, I do not hear GOD. When I am poor it seems like I can hear GOD in songs and I can see HIM moving obstacles. My rich blind times brings on worries of keeping my earthly treasures while my poor struggling times brings on a cry to GOD for rescue.

GOD wants me to be careful of falling into yet another trap of the devil. “If I could just make X dollars then I could…” is usually the trap language I use. GOD wants me to say “If I could just have the faith of a mustard seed then anything GOD wants me to do can happen.”

• Are you rich and losing touch with GOD?
• Are you poor and mad that you are not rich?
• Can you heed JESUS’s warnings and seek HIS kingdom as your pay and reward today?

Not What it Seems

Luke 6: ²⁰ Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
²² Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

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Phone call after phone call, the creditors relentlessly pressed me for my debts. Also, some of my peers were beginning to slander me. On top of that, the door that the insurance paid for on my car was rusting. When I tried to roll the window down, it fell into the door. And to top it all off, I stepped in some poop. “What else?” I screamed!

• There were times when I felt like I was drowning.
• There were times when life seemed to come at me too fast.
• There were times when I felt like giving up.

JESUS looked at HIS disciples and could see their hearts. HE knew just what to say at the right time. HE let them know that things are not what they may seem.

• GOD says to me when you are poor or in debt, I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are hungry, hurt or crying I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are slandered and thrown out because you follow ME, I AM with you.

Following GOD means problems. When GOD threw the devil to the earth from heaven, HE allowed him to keep the ability to tempt, confuse and hurt humans for a short period of time. As confusing as that may seem, it shows me HIS love for even the devil.

This adversary tries to devour me daily. BUT GOD fills me up with HIS power. HE tells me that life is not what it may seem. HE says, “Just keep going and you will receive the MY kingdom, you will be filled, you will laugh and you will receive a great reward in heaven.” This fills me with hope.

• Are you facing issues?
• Does it seem like problem after problem?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful words of hope and turn to HIM today?

Just a Touch

Luke 6: ¹⁷ And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, ¹⁸ as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. ¹⁹ And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

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Walking down the street troubled I did not see anyone I passed. I almost walked in front of a fast car racing to turn a corner, but even that did not break through my distractions. Out of nowhere a person seemed to appear next to me holding a sign with the words “GOD Bless You”. I handed the person a dollar and immediately felt better. My distractions went away.

• Sometimes life can be distracting
• Sometimes life can have a lot going on.
• Sometimes life can have very difficult moments.

JESUS fame spread throughout the area and a huge crowd went to see HIM. HE could do nothing but stand there as people pushed and shoved their way to simply touch HIM. When they did, they were immediately healed of any disease they had. Unclean spirits shrieked from their bodies and they were no longer tormented.

• GOD wants me to know I just need a little touch from HIM to be healed.
• GOD wants me to believe that any problem can be fixed by HIM.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIS mighty power and know I only need a touch from HIM.

Just a tiny amount of GOD can do infinite wonders. HE has healed me, saved me and lifted me when I was down. Even speaking the name “JESUS” can drive out tormenting spirits that people classify with other labels. I need just a touch of JESUS daily and I am alright.

• Are you distracted?
• Do you have a lot on your mind?
• Can you seek just a little of JESUS to have HIM carry your burdens away?

Meaning

Luke 6: ¹² Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. ¹³ And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: ¹⁴ Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; ¹⁵ Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; ¹⁶ Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

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“Get married”… Check. “Have kids”… Check. “Numerous vacations”… Check. “Bills paid”… Check. “Buy stuff”… Check. “Rise to the top in my industry”… Check. “So why am I so empty?” I asked myself one morning.

• There were times when I sought what everyone told me would make me happy.
• There were times when I met everyone’s expectations and I still was not excited.
• There were times when I acquired stuff and felt even emptier.

JESUS prayed all night and in the morning HE called HIS disciples to HIMSELF. These were the chosen people who would be charged with the incredible task of telling the entire world that the CHIRST has indeed arrived. Their lives would be turned upside down as they faced a new purpose.

• GOD wants me to have meaning in life.
• GOD wants me to live my life with purpose.
• GOD wants me to understand that my existence is because of HIM.

When I recognize that GOD not only created me, but I must live for HIS purpose, I soon make different decisions. I answer HIS call more often and HE guides me to serve people I would not have otherwise. GOD gives my life meaning and I can live every day for HIM if I choose to.

• Does your life have meaning?
• Do you feel GOD’s calling on your life?
• Can you answer HIS call and allow HIM to guide you to a more meaningful existence today?

Not Guilty Work Day

Luke 6: Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first that He went through the grain fields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. ² And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?”

³ But Jesus answering them said, “Have you not even read this, what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: ⁴ how he went into the house of God, took and ate the showbread, and also gave some to those with him, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat?” ⁵ And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

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Working until 3 in the morning was definitely a great excuse for missing church. I was a teen working at a bowling alley. By the time I got home, it was 3:20 AM. I slept until late afternoon.

• There were times when I did not think much of the Sabbath because I worked.
• There were times when my schedule did not include going to church.
• There were times when I slept through going to church because it was a lower priority to making money.

The Pharisees tried to blame JESUS and HIS disciples for breaking GOD’s law, not believing JESUS was and is GOD. They walked around observing the disciples, trying to catch them doing something wrong instead of teaching the Bible from a loving perspective. JESUS surprised them with HIS reply.

• JESUS wants me to take a day to rest and worship HIM.
• JESUS wants me to seek learning from HIM on a regular basis.
• JESUS wants me to know there are some harsh leaders who do not observe the Sabbath, so I may need to be flexible and worship HIM on purpose during other times.

Following JESUS will be met with worldly opposition. Schedules, problems and ailments can sometimes get in the way of my dedication to follow the law to the letter. JESUS says HE is the GOD of the Sabbath and understands my dilemma. HE still wants me to rest, follow and serve HIM, but is flexible because HE is the reason for the Sabbath.

• Are you feeling guilty because you have to work instead of worshipping?
• Do you blame people for working on the Sabbath like the Pharisees?
• Can you follow the heart of JESUS and rest and worship while being flexible to HIS plan for you which may include barriers to your desired worship day?

Out with the old in with the new

Luke 5: ³³ Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?”

³⁴ And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? ³⁵ But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”

³⁶ Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. ³⁷ And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. ³⁸ But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. ³⁹ And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ”

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After hours of work, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I had followed each step meticulously and had finished my entire quota. When someone came by, they asked if I had followed the new procedures. “What new procedures?” I asked. I had to redo everything.

• Sometimes I think I need to work hard in order to please GOD.
• Sometimes I like to see progress with GOD so I follow the rules meticulously.
• Sometimes I believe that when I follow the law, I am closer to GOD and when I break the law I am far away from HIM.

Heart language is very different than head language. In other words there are those who know the rods of the Bible, but not the heart of what is spoken. JESUS proves this over and over as HE explains that HE is the fulfilment of the Old Testament, therefore HIS disciples were indeed following the law by not fasting at that particular time.

• GOD wants me to know “A new commandment that I give to you, that you love one another.”
• GOD wants me to know “Love ME with all your heart and with all your mind.”
• GOD wants me to know “Without love, nothing can be done.”

This new way of thinking that JESUS introduces is more SPIRIT led than legal. The problem is wide interpretations can leave me confused so tend to cling onto the law HE gave in the first place. GOD does not mind me following the law, in fact HE loves when I try.

BUT GOD also desires that I become a new wineskin so I can accept HIS new wine of love for those I would ordinarily hate. The “Good old days” and the “Good old ways” sometimes leave me stuck in judgment of people who GOD simply wants me to love. JESUS is my bridegroom.

• Are you trying your best to follow every letter of the Bible and are feeling exhausted?
• Are you judging others for not following the Bible as you have learned?
• Will you allow GOD to work in others differently than the way HE has you working?
• Will you become a new vessel for HIM to pour new love for others into your heart today?

Acting Removed

Luke5: ²⁷ After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” ²⁸ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

²⁹ Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. ³⁰ And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

³¹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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Jumping in my luxury car, I sped off to my office. Mulling through the projects of the day, I finally organized what I was going to accomplish. I attended numerous meetings, filled out reports and then went home to do this again and again. I never once noticed the people I passed on the street.

• There were times when work was the focus.
• There were times when most of my thoughts were on the job.
• There were times when I placed a large amount of esteem in my career.

The scribes and Pharisees had the “job” of telling people about GOD and they did it with a judgmental attitude. “Why do YOU eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” was their question to JESUS. They thought they were so far removed from their sins that they no longer considered themselves sinners.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost.
• JESUS wants me to fill up some of my time for HIM.
• JESUS wants me to think of HIS kingdom each and every day.

Being far removed from poor, hurt and overtly sinful people doesn’t make me a better follower of GOD. In fact, the more removed I am from the more highly I think of myself. After a while I speak in “those people” terms instead of saying “us people.”

Being busy is also an exclusionary tactic. If I do not purposefully stop and look for the poor, lost and the hurt I can easily forget that I am one of them. JESUS wants me to be part of the crowd that seeks HIM in need of a Savior. I am sick and need GOD daily.

• Do you think you are better than someone?
• When is the last time you personally went out and sought after the sick, poor and lost?
• Can you plan on spending some of your time speaking on behalf of GOD in an inclusive way?

Know the Power

Luke 5: ²¹ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

²² But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? ²³ Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? ²⁴ But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

²⁵ Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. ²⁶ And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today!”

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With one eye squinted I focused on the bad guy, played by my neighbor. My “laser vision” deterred him from stealing the prize. “Wait a minute” I said. I had to put my cape back on which happened to be a bath towel I borrowed from clothes drying outside. When we resumed I stuck my hands out and moved as if I were flying. I was truly powerful that moment.

• There were times when I wanted to be powerful.
• There were times when I desired to be a superhero.
• There were times when I thought it would be good to have super powers so I could fight for good and get rid of evil.

The scribes and the Pharisees heard JESUS forgive the paralyzed man of his sins. They claimed JESUS was not GOD therefore HE could not forgive sins. JESUS perceived their twisted words and proved to the onlookers that HE was in fact GOD by healing the paralytic right in front of their eyes.

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS healing power.
• JESUS wants me to understand HE is GOD along with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS wants me to have faith in HIS power and not mine.

“In you weakness I AM made strong” JESUS tells me. HE doesn’t want me to be superior to humans, nor inferior. HE wants me to simply recognize that all humans need HIM to be GOD, not a human concept of a king-genie. JESUS truly has the power to forgive me and I desire to serve HIM.

• Do you want power?
• Are you tired of being weak?
• Can you focus on GOD’s power instead of yours today?

Ingenuity

Luke 5: ¹⁷ One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. ¹⁸ Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. ¹⁹ When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

²⁰ When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

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“We have a business problem” were the words posed to me that started my wheels turning. I loved solving business problems, the more complex the problem, the better. I pondered solutions for days, even weeks. Finally I came up with a solution and when I implemented it, I received awards and cash!

• There were times when I spent enormous amounts of time thinking of business solutions.
• There were times when I spent huge amounts of time trying to get the company ahead.
• There were times when I put forth large efforts developing complicated business solutions that made wealthy people wealthier.

The paralyzed man’s friends probably came up with a simple plan to go see JESUS who was healing people left and right but they ran into a problem. The crowd was too large. They had to think of something.

I could imagine the quick meeting as they discussed options. “Do you think the roof would support our weight?” “How will we get through the roof?” “Does anyone have any rope or should we use our clothes?” JESUS saw their faith as they implemented their solution.

• GOD wants me to think of ways to bring people to HIM.
• GOD wants me to spend time pondering solutions to bringing lost people back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to spend some time developing solutions to meet the needs of people who are seeking HIM.

“Your sins are forgiven” was the unexpected reward JESUS gave the paralyzed man. Who knows how he got paralyzed in the first place. Was he doing something that he wasn’t supposed to? The Bible does not say. JESUS forgave him and I believe his friends benefited as well. GOD sees any ingenuity I can give HIM.

• Do you have someone who is seeking GOD but they are facing barriers to accepting HIM?
• Do you know someone who is trying to run from GOD?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS ingenious plan to be brought to you so you can begin implementing it today?

Willing and Able

Luke 5: ¹² And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

¹³ Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. ¹⁴ And He charged him to tell no one, “But go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as a testimony to them, just as Moses commanded.”

¹⁵ However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. ¹⁶ So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

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“LORD I don’t know what to do!” was my cry. I just sat there in tears as it seemed like everything I tried to accomplish was falling apart rapidly. Broken relationships, broken vehicles and broken appliances piled up.

• Sometimes it seemed like GOD wasn’t listening.
• Sometimes it seemed like I was the problem and I could not find a solution.
• Sometimes it seemed like there was no end to the pain I was going through.

With tears in his eyes, the man begged JESUS to get rid of his infirmities as if to say, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired!” He then said to JESUS “If YOU are willing, YOU can make me clean.” He had faith that JESUS could do anything but also knew permission was necessary.

• JESUS tells me to have faith that HE can do anything.
• JESUS tells me to believe that HE is willing to do anything for me.
• JESUS tells me to know HE wants me to ask for anything and it will be given to me.

After begging JESUS for some help, it seemed like things eased up for me. I mean just as fast as everything went bad, they turned around to good. Relationships started healing and so did the material possessions. I could only thank GOD for bringing me through the storms of life.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like GOD isn’t hearing you?
• Will you cry out to GOD today and ask HIM “If YOU are willing” and allow HIM to say “yes” or “no” to your request but believe HE has to power to do all things?

Partnership

Luke 5: ⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” ¹¹ So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

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“Ask them questions to get to know them” someone suggested to me. I did not like this group of people, but I tolerated their arrogance because they were in charge. The more questions I asked, the more I did not like them. “Why am I here?’ I thought to myself.

• There were many times when I made up my mind to not like groups of people.
• There were many times when I sought to point out problems in people.
• There were many times when I brought negative words into a conversation even before meeting the person.

After JESUS performed the miracle of filling their nets with fish, HE said “Do not be afraid.” I believe HE was speaking on many levels. Do not be afraid of ME or what you will eat or what you will wear or who you talk to, just follow ME and you will catch those I give you. They decided to follow HIM.

• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can seek HIS merciful ways.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can point my ambitions toward HIM.
• GOD wants me to partner with HIM so I can drop the negative opinions of people and give them labels that only come from HIM.

Partnering with GOD means loving people I would not ordinarily love. It means getting rid of my prejudices and filling my mind with grace and fortitude to pursue humans who run away from GOD at every turn.

James, John and Peter also had a human partnership as friends and coworkers. One thing they had in common was they all sought JESUS as their savior and they gave up their lifestyle to follow HIM. They partnered with JESUS on a level that enabled them to do great things.

• Are you serving GOD on the surface?
• Are you afraid to give HIM your sins and are trying hard to be good and make everyone around you good?
• Will you stop trying to manipulate people and allow GOD to use your dirty parts to bring people to HIM?
• Can you drop your prejudices and allow GOD to send you to people who do not look or act like you today?

Personal Fuel

Luke 5 : ⁴ When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

⁵ But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. ⁷ So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”

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“There is no way I can accomplish that” I said to myself. I looked at my resources and assessed my intellectual prowess and concluded the task at hand was too large for me. “Can you do it?” was the questioned posed to me again. Sadly I said “No.”

There were times when I thought “I” was in control.

There were times when I depended on “my” knowledge.

There were times when I believed in “my” strength.

Simon (Peter) was told to go fish after unsuccessfully fishing all night. He was a professional fisherman who probably had caught many fish and knew when he was not going to have a good day. JESUS knew something different.

GOD tells me to believe the unbelievable.

GOD tells me to have faith in HIM rather than what I see.

GOD tells me to trust in HIS power rather than thinking “I” have all the answers.

Having faith in GOD means letting go of “my” power. If I believe in “me” and “my” abilities, then I may not have room for GOD to take care of the situation. Only when I toil to the point of exhaustion, do I call on GOD. HE wants me to add HIM first when I make my plans. I get my fuel from GOD.

Are you exhausted?

Do you think you need to fix everything?

Can you let GOD handle your situation and give you strength to do what HE wants you to do today?

Set Up for Success

Luke 5: So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, ² and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. ³ Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

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Struggling to keep up, I decided to study at home. Who knew that after college I would be studying more than while in college. After a while I caught up and was doing well. My boss came over to me and said “I’m sending you to class.” I was elated.

• I really enjoyed when someone took interest in me.
• I was excited when someone saw enough potential in me even when I struggled.
• I really felt wanted when someone saw something missing in me and decided to help instead of criticizing.

JESUS met the needs of the crowd which caused more people to show up. After a while HE could barely move so HE got into Simon’s (Peter’s) boat. Instead of giving away cars or money or healing everyone from a distance, JESUS taught them in a quiet manner by sitting down.

• GOD thinks enough of me to teach me.
• GOD thinks enough of me to want me to grow.
• GOD thinks enough of me to place HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me when I give my life to the SON.

Sometimes I think GOD is the great punisher, who is after me to beat me up over every sin I commit. BUT GOD is quite different. HE wants me to succeed and chases me every day. HE gives me lessons to see HIM at work. HE calms me down and raises me up. HE wants me to take HIS easy yoke and learn from HIM.

• Are you feeling down?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful teaching today by seeking HIS SON?

Empty Hole

Luke 4: ⁴² Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; ⁴³ but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”⁴⁴ And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

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“What service project will we do?” was the question posed in a corporate meeting. “I know…” exclaimed a coworker. “Let’s help rehab a house of someone.” We chipped in our time, got some great photos and immediately posted them in the news as corporate heroes. Through all of the excitement, I felt empty.

• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with service projects.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with work.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with shallow relationships.

JESUS tried to escape from the crowd, yet they found HIM. HE explained to them that HE had a purpose. “I must preach the kingdom of GOD to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” HE had healed this local crowd from all kinds of ailments and chased out demons but desired for them to understand HIS purpose so they would be whole.

• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to preach the kingdom of GOD everywhere HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to proclaim JESUS as the Savior of the world who has already redeemed me.

When I spoke to someone about JESUS for the first time, I felt weird and nervous. With palpitating beats in my chest, I spoke about the kingdom of GOD and the conversation was not the best, but my heart did something strange, it was filled up.

Soon after, GOD gave me the courage to speak about my sins to people, especially the dark yucky ones. People who heard, believed that CHRIST could save them too. My heart was filled more and more to the point of overflowing. GOD gave me HIS purpose.

• Is your heart empty?
• Are you trying to fill your empty heart with service, business, empty relationships or self-medication to addiction?
• Will you seek GOD and allow HIM to guide you in preaching HIS kingdom to someone today?

Character Witness

Luke 4: ⁴⁰ When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!”

And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.

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“How do I get out of this?” I thought. “I got it! I will tell them the names of police officers and judges I know” I planned in my head to get out of jury duty. I had too many other things to do rather than sitting around listening to crimes. “I wonder if I should lie.” I was not chosen.

• There were times when I wanted to show bad character.
• There were times when I desired to sin a lot and still represent GOD.
• There were times when I wanted to be in control of my time and I would do anything to remain in control, even lie.

JESUS showed people just how powerful HE was. HE healed those who were sick and sent demons out of many. The demons wanted to scream “YOU are the CHRIST, the SON of GOD!” This statement was definitely true and many needed to hear it, BUT GOD did not want HIS name mentioned by those who rejected HIM.

• GOD wants me to represent HIM by pointing people to HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I am a sinner saved by grace so people will come back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to remain focused on telling people about grace rather than accusing them of sinning.

Day and night the Accuser goes before the throne, blaming each human for the sins they commit. This is a poor character witness because the devil was thrown out of heaven and wants to destroy GOD’s prize creation, namely humanity.

BUT GOD allowed “THE CHRIST” which is JESUS to voluntarily take all the blame and wipe away my sin. THE HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf, nullifying every accusation brought against me. HE is my character witness.

• Have you examined your character lately?
• Does your character include blaming people for their faults?
• Will you preach “grace” that can only come from “THE CHRIST” today?

Healed

Luke 4: ³⁸ Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. ³⁹ So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

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“GOD I won’t do that again!” I said clutching my chest. The pain was so intense; I thought I was going to die. I figured I had been hanging out, sinning too much and maybe it was GOD’s way of punishing me. Days later, when the pain went away, The thought of hanging with my “friends” came back to mind. I mean church people were so boring to hang around.

• There were times when I did not believe in supernatural healing.
• There were times when I questioned “If GOD exists, then why are people sick?”
• There were times when I lived my life doing anything “I” wanted to do without a thought of what GOD wanted me to do.

Everyone in the house of Simon (Peter) asked JESUS to do something about Simon’s mother-in-law. They had just heard some amazing words from JESUS calling HIMSELF GOD and they believe HIM. JESUS told the fever to go away and she was instantly healed. She got up and served JESUS.

• JESUS wants to heal me when I am sick.
• JESUS wants me to remember that HE is the one who heals.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM when I do get healed.

Why get healed just to turn around and be the same lackluster person? If I am expecting supernatural healing, then I must also expect supernatural purpose in my life. GOD keeps me alive for some reason and that reason is HIS. Whether I am sick or well, GOD has a purpose for my life.

• Are you sick?
• Do you need supernatural healing?
• Will you stop living for yourself and start living for GOD so HE will heal your SPIRIT first?