Set Up For Success

 

Set Up For Success

Romans 11: ¹⁶ If the first piece of bread is given to God, then the whole loaf is his also; and if the roots of a tree are offered to God, the branches are his also. ¹⁷ Some of the branches of the cultivated olive tree have been broken off, and a branch of a wild olive tree has been joined to it. You Gentiles are like that wild olive tree, and now you share the strong spiritual life of the Jews. ¹⁸ So then, you must not despise those who were broken off like branches. How can you be proud? You are just a branch; you don't support the roots—the roots support you.

 

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Blame the last person for the mess so the new person could look like the hero, was the normal habit at this particular company. I got into the position and everything seemed to be falling apart. People were blaming “my” department and I considered using the deflection tactic.

 

• There were times when I wanted to blame someone else for the mess I was in.
• There were times when I wanted to set someone up for failure so I could succeed.
• There were times when I wanted to show how wrong someone else was so I could look right.

 

Paul spoke about GOD’s currency, namely people. He uses two analogies; one about bread and the other about olive trees. In both analogies, Paul explains that everything is GOD’s. If a group of people are given to GOD then the entire tribe is also given to HIM. If a group has been adopted into the family, those adopted should not despise the family members who left the family.

 

• GOD wants me to recognize I am accepted by HIM only because of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to understand that all of us have gone astray so I must be humble because HE brought me back to HIM.
• GOD wants me to show love to those who are pursuing religion versus believing in JESUS as the Savior.

 

Setting people up for success means not speaking badly about them. I mean, I must look at my own sins and avoid pointing out someone else’s. I am a sinner and the only reason I can even speak JESUS’ name is because HE pursued me when I was not looking for HIM.

 

I have nothing to be proud of. My righteousness is like a pile of poop. I am grateful I can point to JESUS whose righteousness cleans all who believe.

 

• Are you looking at someone, thinking they are not following GOD correctly?
• Do you have a problem with the way someone sings, speaks or preaches about GOD?
• Will you get rid of your pride and be thankful JESUS is your Savior so HE can clean your heart to share in the “strong spiritual life” today?

Serve the Overlooked Well

 

Serve the Overlooked Well

Romans 11: ¹³ I am speaking now to you Gentiles: As long as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I will take pride in my work. ¹⁴ Perhaps I can make the people of my own race jealous, and so be able to save some of them. ¹⁵ For when they were rejected, all other people were changed from God's enemies into his friends. What will it be, then, when they are accepted? It will be life for the dead!

 

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When I got the promotion, I thought I would be given a team. “Make your own team” was the strange directive given to me and no one else. I met with people who were overlooked in the company and formed a team of volunteers. They worked out so well that the team got noticed and those in “power” asked how we did it.

 

• There were times when rejection seemed like a problem to me.
• There were times when being overlooked felt degrading to me.
• There were times when unfairness was the norm towards me.

 

Paul spoke about the Jewish leaders who rejected JESUS as the Messiah. He became a preacher to the Gentiles because of their rejection. He wanted to serve the Gentiles, who had been overlooked by his race, well. He still hoped his race would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to take pride in my work as I serve the group HE sends me to.
• GOD wants me to pay attention to the overlooked.
• GOD wants me to see those who have been rejected as HIS friends.

 

Speaking about JESUS has to be done. It cannot be bottled up inside once a person sees what JESUS did. Unfortunately, there will be those who too stuck on the pleasures of life to hear about the abundance GOD speaks about.

 

So GOD sends me to those who can hear about JESUS. HE does not have time to waste, so HE takes me and those ready to speak about JESUS, to HIS harvest. I am grateful GOD is no longer my enemy but calls me a friend.

 

• Are you overlooking people?
• Are you seeking the pleasures of the world without speaking about the greatness of JESUS?
• Will you take the responsibility of speaking about JESUS seriously and take the message to those GOD sends you to today?

Blessings

 

Blessings

Romans 11: ¹¹ I ask, then: When the Jews stumbled, did they fall to their ruin? By no means! Because they sinned, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make the Jews jealous of them. ¹² The sin of the Jews brought rich blessings to the world, and their spiritual poverty brought rich blessings to the Gentiles. Then, how much greater the blessings will be when the complete number of Jews is included!

 

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“Want these?” was the question as I was handed two newish TV’s and some barely used tools. The office was closing and they had no need for the lobby televisions and the tools used for minor repairs. “Sure” I replied. I couldn’t believe they were going to throw these items away!

 

• Many times I have received valuable things people did not want.
• Many times I have been the benefactor of something valuable by those who did not see the value.
• Many times I have obtained what was unwanted and felt very blessed.

 

Paul explains that the Jews stumbled when they did not believe in JESUS was the Messiah they had been searching for. This sin saved the Gentiles which brought rich blessings on a group that was not looking to be blessed. This rich blessing of salvation is used to make those who overlooked the blessing, jealous. One day, the full count of all believers, Jews and Gentiles, will be counted.

 

• GOD has poured out HIS blessings on me.
• GOD has given me so much, that I cannot thank HIM enough.
• GOD has provided for me to overflowing, spiritually.

 

When is comes to blessings, GOD cannot be beat. HE has so much to give and cannot seem to hold it back. When one group rejects HIS blessings, another benefits. HE looks at me the same way. If I choose to refuse HIS blessings, HE will pour them out on someone else who was not even looking for them.

 

BUT GOD is also gracious. HE knows I may stumble and overlook HIS blessings when I look for the blessings to come in a way I expect. HE does not mind when I come back to HIM and ask “Can I be included in YOUR blessings?” when I have overlooked what I was supposed to thank HIM for in the first place. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you looking for GOD to bless you and HE already has?
• What rich blessings are you overlooking?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to the extreme blessings HE has provided you so your heart may grow to overflowing today?

Being Sharp

 

Being Sharp

Romans 11: ⁷ What then? The people of Israel did not find what they were looking for. It was only the small group that God chose who found it; the rest grew deaf to God's call. ⁸ As the scripture says, “God made their minds and hearts dull; to this very day they cannot see or hear.” ⁹ And David says,

 

“May they be caught and trapped at their feasts;
    may they fall, may they be punished!
¹⁰ May their eyes be blinded so that they cannot see;
    and make them bend under their troubles at all times.”

 

 

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“OoWee! You look sharp!” someone told me as I donned my new suit. I felt pretty important walking around in a new suit. I heard the word “sharp” before but was never called it. Later in life, I met people who were moving up in the company. “That woman is sharp” they told me. I watched what she did and tried to emulate what I saw. I soon met other “sharp” people.

 

• I met many people who were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people whose minds were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people who led large crowds, who I thought were “sharp.”

 

The prophets and Paul talked about people who overlooked GOD. HIS chosen people denied JESUS being the Messiah so GOD made their minds and hearts dull. They can no longer see and hear GOD, so they follow who they label as “sharp.”

 

• GOD wants my heart so HE can keep it sharp.
• GOD wants my mind so HE can use it for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants my search to be over so HE provided JESUS.

 

Finding JESUS as the Savior keeps my mind and heart sharp. The news speaks of name after name. calling each person sharp or dull. BUT GOD is the only one who has the authority to do so.

 

HE blinds those who do not rely on HIS SON and sharpens the few who call on HIM for their troubles. I am glad JESUS entered into my life and ask that HE keeps my heart sharp for those HE wants me to bring to HIM.

 

• Are you trying to look good in front of people to gain their respect?
• Are you trying to mimic people who you think are “sharp?”
• Will you allow GOD to keep your heart and mind sharp by allowing JESUS to come into your life and  believe HE is the Savior of the world today?

Real Grace

 

Real Grace

Romans 11: I ask, then: Did God reject his own people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected his people, whom he chose from the beginning. You know what the scripture says in the passage where Elijah pleads with God against Israel: ³ “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” ⁴ What answer did God give him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not worshiped the false god Baal.” ⁵ It is the same way now: there is a small number left of those whom God has chosen because of his grace. ⁶ His choice is based on his grace, not on what they have done. For if God's choice were based on what people do, then his grace would not be real grace.

 

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Tiptoeing through my career, I tried not to make any mistakes. For years, I practice every speech, worked long hours and denied family, just like I was supposed to. Every penny was accounted for on every expense report.

 

But this day was special, my parents were celebrating a milestone anniversary and I would have to miss an “important” meeting. I missed the meeting and things got tough at work. I found out later, it wasn’t the meeting I missed, I would have been “imperfect” somewhere else according to the new leader’s standards.

 

• There have been times when I needed grace but it was not to be found.
• There have been times when I wanted to be myself, but was chained to be what I was “supposed” to be.
• There have been times when I asked for grace and did not receive it.

 

Paul explains that GOD has not turned on HIS people. He goes into depth about his background of being from the Tribe of Benjamin. He knew he was part of the chosen people. But he also knew the chosen people had turned their backs on GOD by killing JESUS who they overlooked as being GOD. Paul also explains that GOD chose people because of HIS grace.

 

• GOD knows I am imperfect.
• GOD decided to save me even though I could not meet HIS standards.
• GOD poured out HIS mercy on me even though I truly did not deserve it.

 

GOD’s grace is a wonderful gift. I mean, HE has a standard that people take for granted. HE requires no sin. But we are born into sin, so all of HIS creations deserve eternal separation from HIM.

 

BUT GOD showed tremendous grace. HE decided to take on the punishment for my sins. HE knew every sin I would ever commit and died for me anyway. HIS standard is high and HIS grace is higher. O am grateful for HIS saving grace.

 

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you feel that person did something wrong and you want to see  “justice?”
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to pray for your enemies and provide grace to those who persecute you today?

 

 

Purpose Found Me

 

Purpose Found Me

Romans 10: ¹⁸ But I ask: Is it true that they did not hear the message? Of course they did—for as the scripture says:

 

“The sound of their voice went out to all the world;
    their words reached the ends of the earth.”
¹⁹ Again I ask: Did the people of Israel not understand? Moses himself is the first one to answer:
“I will use a so-called nation
    to make my people jealous;
and by means of a nation of fools
    I will make my people angry.”
²⁰ And Isaiah is even bolder when he says,
“I was found by those who were not looking for me;
    I appeared to those who were not asking for me.”

 

²¹ But concerning Israel he says, “All day long I held out my hands to welcome a disobedient and rebellious people.”

 

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Walking down the hall between classes, a teacher asked me if I would like to be in her class next semester. She said “I will teach you about computers.” “What’s a computer?” I asked having just left a typing class. I took the class and entered the industry as my career.

 

• There have been times when I was given something I was not looking for.
• There have been times when I was invited into something I never knew anything about.
• There have been times when I found something special that I was not looking for.

 

Moses and Isaiah wrote what GOD told them. Both wrote about the heart of GOD as revealed to them. Paul encapsulates their words in an effort to explain that people have been sent to speak about JESUS, but the message was not heard. Surely a chosen people would listen to JESUS. Unfortunately, they listened to religion over GOD HIMSELF.

 

• GOD sought me out when I was not looking for HIM.
• GOD gave me purpose when I was not asking for it.
• GOD guided me when I was foolishly wandering.

 

Looking back I can see times where GOD was the one who intervened in the situation. HE brought people to me and I had a choice. Speak about my needs, wants and desires or speak life and JESUS. When I chose to speak about JESUS, GOD said “Well done.” HE then took care of my wants, needs and desires.

 

GOD has wants, needs and desires too. HE wants me to be part of HIS family, HE needs me to believe in JESUS so I can be adopted in HIS family, HE desires that all humans show love to one another so they will believe. HE gives me purpose that I was not looking for. I gladly accept HIS purpose.

 

• What do you think your purpose is in life?
• Have you assigned purpose to a job or a title?
• Will you thank GOD for providing you with purpose so HE will increase what HE has for you to do today?

Bring Good News

 

Bring Good News

Romans 10: ¹⁴ But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? ¹⁵ And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!” ¹⁶ But not all have accepted the Good News. Isaiah himself said, “Lord, who believed our message?” ¹⁷ So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.

 

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“What a rotten day” I said to myself. I was feeling low and down out about the dead end job which made me notice the gloomy weather, which emphasized my broken umbrella and to top it off… I was broke. My future looked grim as the dean told me the bad news of my failure in school. Can it get any worse?

 

• I have had many bad days.
• I have had many trying days where there was no good news to be found.
• I have had many rough days that seemed even rougher when I heard more bad news.

 

Paul spoke about the Great News which is CHRIST. But now he speaks of a dilemma. How can people believe in CHRIST if there are no messengers sent to proclaim HIM? Paul was trying to convince all who would hear to be the messenger.

 

• GOD wants me to bring Good News to everyone who will hear about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS SON is the only way to peace.
• GOD wants me to be sent so I can tell people Good News.

 

Good news is in short supply these days. The media’s news seems to show what is wrong with the world every second. When difficult situations arise, it is hard for me to find solace anywhere. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE gave me the “Good News” which is JESUS. HE not only died for me, HE was raised from the dead with all power and authority.

 

There was mor Good News. JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to comfort me and give me hope in hopeless situations. To top it off, JESUS went away to build a place for me. HIS imminent return unknown, however, HE brings great rewards to those HE finds following HIM with faith. I am glad JESUS is my Good News!

 

• Are you speaking life or death?
• Do your words pick people up or put people down?
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to wipe away your gloom so you can be used as HIS messenger to bring the Good News about JESUS to people HE sends you to today?

A B C’s Never Disappoints

 

A B C’s Never Disappoints

Romans 10: ⁹ If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved. ¹¹ The scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” ¹² This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him. ¹³ As the scripture says, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.”

 

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After the ridicule of my kinky hair, I combed it so I could fit in. This was met with “Your clothes are too raggedy.” I got a job and bought some clothes. This was met with “Your glasses look funny.” I saved up and bought new glasses. This was met with “You are too skinny.” Too skinny for what I wondered. I was disappointed.

 

• There have been times when I did not feel like I fit in.
• There have been times when I did not feel like anyone cared.
• There have been times when I did not feel like I would ever be accepted.

 

Paul wrote the best news I could ever have heard. If I would confess that JESUS is LORD and  believe that GOD raised JESUS from being dead, I will be saved. He then states that it does not matter if I am a Jew or Gentile, GOD will include me, any sin, any length of time sinning.

 

• GOD wants me to acknowledge JESUS is LORD of all.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE raised JESUS from the dead.
• GOD wants me to confess that I am a sinner in need of JESUS as my Savior.

 

It is as simple as that. These wonderful words are met with even better words. “Whoever believes in HIM will not be disappointed.” You mean I don’t have to try to have the latest clothes, or hair style or wonder if my body shape would keep me out of the crowd? No.

 

GOD never disappoints. When I believe in JESUS, HE lovingly brings me into HIS family. HE then places the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me, comfort me and plea for me. I can call to HIM with any trouble and HE will always be there for me. I acknowledge I need JESUS and believe in HIS saving power and I confess I am a sinner.

 

• Are you weary from trying to fit in with that group, job or people?
• Do you think your sin has been going on too long and no one will help you?
• Will you acknowledge JESUS is LORD and believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead and confess you need HIM as your Savior so you will be saved today?

It is About You

 

It is About You

Romans 10: ⁵ Moses wrote this about being put right with God by obeying the Law: “Whoever obeys the commands of the Law will live.” ⁶ But what the scripture says about being put right with God through faith is this: “You are not to ask yourself, Who will go up into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down). ⁷ “Nor are you to ask, Who will go down into the world below?” (that is, to bring Christ up from death). ⁸ What it says is this: “God's message is near you, on your lips and in your heart”—that is, the message of faith that we preach. 

 

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Cruising at a very nice speed, I was beating everybody on the road. When I was pulled over, I quickly thought of my defense. “What about them?” I asked, not knowing where I was going with that argument. “Yes, they are speeding, but it is you who was caught speeding.”

 

• When I am in trouble I want other people to go down with me.
• When I am caught doing wrong, I want a group to be caught with me.
• When I want something that someone else has, I question, “Why them and not me?”

 

Paul tries to address a seriously diseased way of thinking. “Will that person go to heaven or hell?”” was the type of questioning that could get any human in trouble. Paul then gives the best alternative. Speak for yourself.

 

• GOD wants me to hear HIS message and place it in my heart.
• GOD wants me to speak HIS message to anyone who will hear.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS message so I will continue to speak about HIM.

 

Looking around at others, trying to decide if they believe in JESUS or not is impossible for any human. I mean, many people who speak and preach HIS name weekly may not know HIM in a saving way, but a greedy way.

 

On the other hand, that person who is a regular sinner, known by the community as a liar and a thief, may be GOD’s greatest example. Ask the thief on the cross. The only assignment GOD gives me is to speak about HIS SON, who took care of all my sins. I am grateful HE is gracious enough to give HIS message to me.

 

• Are you looking at “those” poor lost people?
• Do “they” need to be saved because of something ”you” saw them do?
• Will you stop judging others and include yourself by saying “I” am a sinner who needs salvation today?

Religious-ship

 

Religious-ship

Romans 10: Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. ² For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. ³ Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

 

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Dressed in my “Sunday clothes”, I went to church. Songs were sang from a book that smelled like a musty cave. Announcements were made about upcoming events. I sat and listened to a person talking about an old car. I walked away remembering there was an event that would serve frappe. I liked sherbet and 7 UP!

 

• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I went to church.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I looked the part.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I sang the songs, quoted the speaker and attended the events.

 

After being beaten, slandered, and stoned by the Israelites, Paul says his desire is that they may be saved. He remembered his own zeal to persecute anyone who didn’t act “religious.” He watched men women and children being murdered because they weren’t doing GOD right, at least according to his way. BUT GOD had another way.

 

• GOD wants me to have a real relationship with HIM through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to submit to GOD’s righteousness through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS one and only SON so HE can declare me as righteous.

 

Reading the bible every day and quoting scriptures does not save me.  I mean, if I read the words and say them without truly believing them, I may as well read and quote any other manuscript that makes me feel good. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

JESUS died for me just to have an everlasting relationship with me. No one else has ever done something so wonderful for me. HE said things that have been true all my life like; “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and “Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I no longer want religion, because I have a relationship with JESUS.

 

• Are you looking at people, thinking they are doing GOD the wrong way?
• Do you feel you know GOD better because you listen to songs and read scripture a lot?
• Will you ask JESUS into your heart so you can desire HIS salvation for those who persecute you today?

Worn Out

 

Worn Out

Romans 9: ³⁰ So we say that the Gentiles, who were not trying to put themselves right with God, were put right with him through faith; ³¹ while God's people, who were seeking a law that would put them right with God, did not find it. ³² And why not? Because they did not depend on faith but on what they did. And so they stumbled over the “stumbling stone” ³³ that the scripture speaks of:

 

“Look, I place in Zion a stone
    that will make people stumble,
    a rock that will make them fall.
But whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”

 

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Desiring to move up, I applied for position after position. I did not get each them. I decided that my problem was possibly my work ethic. One day, I stayed at work overnight. I worked for 36 straight hours trying to help the company keep a contract that was slipping away. The company did not get the contract and I still did not get promoted.

 

• There have been times when I worked very hard and got nothing.
• There have been times when I depended on my strength and could not make it happen.
• There have been times when I tried to do everything right, but it was not enough.

 

Paul writes about something very peculiar. He mentions that the Gentiles, who were not even trying, were put right with GOD though faith. Meanwhile, the people GOD chose to be born through decided JESUS was not enough and they wanted people to focus on the law, wearing themselves out. They stumbled over the ROCK.

 

• GOD wants me to have total faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to watch HIM work things out.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS who is the cornerstone that makes people stumble.

 

Belief in JESUS is all that is needed. It seems so simple. In fact, it seems too simple. “What’s the catch?” I ask. I mean, don’t I have to try hard to win GOD’s love? No! GOD loved me so much that HE gave HIS one and only SON to die in my place and when I believed in HIS resurrection, I will no longer perish but have everlasting life.

 

Trying to win GOD over by showing up to weekly gatherings and giving some money and following the rules diminishes what GOD did. HE saved the world! HE said, “It is finished” meaning, there is nothing more to do.

 

The harder I try, the more I don’t rely. HE simply wants me to believe and be so excited that I will tell others and they will believe. HE is the one who controls all circumstances. I place my trust in JESUS and I have never been disappointed.

 

• Are you worn out?
• Do you feel you need to try harder to win GOD’s love?
• Are you looking at your circumstance, thinking GOD must not love you?
• Will you place your faith in JESUS and keep trusting that HE is the one who loves you will not disappoint you.

Infectious

 

Infectious

Romans 9: ²⁷ And Isaiah exclaims about Israel: “Even if the people of Israel are as many as the grains of sand by the sea, yet only a few of them will be saved; ²⁸ for the Lord will quickly settle his full account with the world.” ²⁹ It is as Isaiah had said before, “If the Lord Almighty had not left us some descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”

 

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Raining and gloomy, it was a day where everyone on the bus felt despair. As I sat, dreading my work destination, I could see a person smiling. Actually he was laughing. I brushed it off as another person who was going through some weird stuff. But I could not stop looking at him. I felt better. He got up and said, “GOD bless all of you” as he departed the bus. My day wasn’t as bad.

 

• There have been some people who have changed my attitude with a simple smile.
• There have been some people who made me laugh because they were laughing.
• There have been some people who had a positive effect on me simply because they were there.

 

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah to get his point across. It doesn’t matter how large the number, many people would choose to walk away from GOD. BUT GOD left a few descendants so this would not happen.

 

• GOD wants me to be infectious to my family and neighbors.
• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON, no matter the circumstance.
• GOD wants me to point to HIS strength, not my own.

 

Being infectious means rising above the current situation. I mean, the winds and storms of life look very scary at times. BUT GOD places me in the middle of the storm to be a beacon of light pointing to HIM.

 

Only a few descendants kept following HIS word and JESUS was born as a human. If it weren’t for those few, salvation would not have come about. JESUS then lived out a perfect life and was murdered by HIS creation. HE rose from the dead and infected those who believe in HIM with the HOLY SPIRIT. I am glad to be infectious to the world.

 

• Does the situation around you seem dismal?
• Are you looking at the storm versus seeing the Savior?
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to be the one who is calm in the middle of the storm so others can see JESUS through you today?

Exclusion Illusion

 

Exclusion Illusion

Romans 9: ²² And the same is true of what God has done. He wanted to show his anger and to make his power known. But he was very patient in enduring those who were the objects of his anger, who were doomed to destruction. ²³ And he also wanted to reveal his abundant glory, which was poured out on us who are the objects of his mercy, those of us whom he has prepared to receive his glory. ²⁴ For we are the people he called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles. ²⁵ This is what he says in the book of Hosea:

 

“The people who were not mine
    I will call ‘My People.’
The nation that I did not love
    I will call ‘My Beloved.’
²⁶ And in the very place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called the children of the living God.”

 

 

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After flying a lot, I received a certain status. I was able to upgrade to first class every now and then. I receive a notice from the airline. “You have access to a special location in major airports where you can be pampered while you wait. Great! Now I don’t have to even see the common traveler. They usually are too slow anyway.

 

• There were times when I wanted to be in exclusive places.
• There were times when I felt I had earned the right to exclude.
• There were times when I enjoyed the status of being in a certain group.

 

Paul takes a turn from the hard message and shows just how much GOD loves HIS creation. He explains that GOD has patience for those who reject HIM. He also explains that while JESUS chose a certain group of people to become a human through, everyone who believes in HIM will be called HIS people.

 

• GOD wants me to spread the great news about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to rejoice because HE included me in HIS love.
• GOD wants me to make everyone feel welcome to come into HIS family through HIS SON.

 

Thieves have tried to steal JESUS and make HIM an exclusive club. I mean, skin hues, and must do’s is bad news! Whenever I try to exclude people by telling them they have not done enough for GOD, or when I am sitting in a place where everyone looks and acts like me, I am not acting like the example JESUS showed.

 

Yes, the rules are very important to GOD, but if one bite took every human down, then my daily sin would burn everyone up. JESUS took care of it all. HE said “MY grace is sufficient.” HE also said “It is finished” meaning there is nothing else that needs to be done.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT has been sent and when I believed in JESUS, I have nothing more to do. But I want to do for HIM so I do what HE leads me to do. I am grateful JESUS brought me into HIS family and everyone is welcome.

 

• Are you telling people they are not doing enough for GOD?
• Are you mostly talking to people who look and act like you?
• Will you allow JESUS to break your normal habits wo HE can use you to reach many nations?

Love Who You Are

 

Love Who You Are

Romans 9: ¹⁹ One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” ²⁰ But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” ²¹ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?

 

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Broke, nappy hair, skinny and torn up clothes made me a target for ridicule from several angles. On top of that, I was sometimes blamed for the skin I wore, let alone the glasses that screamed “Don’t ever date this nerd!” “Why did YOU make me this way?” I cried out. To GOD. I got no answer.

 

• There were times when I shouted out blame so I could feel better.
• There were times when I spit poison at parents, teachers, and bosses, for making me a certain way.
• There were times when I felt misunderstood mainly because I did not understand myself.

 

Paul continues with the difficult subject of trying to explain why GOD made humans the way HE made them. The underlying question would be, why didn’t GOD just make everyone love HIM and believe in HIM? Paul does not address this question, but it is still there. He does, however, mention GOD’s right to make us the way HE pleases.

 

• GOD wants me to know HE made me special and with care.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE has a purpose for how HE made me.
• GOD wants me to love who I am so I can love others the way HE loves me.

 

Loving the way GOD made me is important. I mean, when I blame GOD, it means I am dissatisfied with what and how HE does things. The real reason I blame is to take charge or say to GOD, “Move over and let me show YOU how it should have been done.”

 

Looking back, I can see how beneficial it was to be me. I could talk to other broke, nappy haired, malnourished people and point them to GOD. HE would then fill me up so much that I would not just stop there. I could speak to those who ridiculed me about JESUS, and do it in a loving caring way. I am grateful GOD has a purpose for me, special or common.

 

• Are you full of blame and lacking in taking responsibility?
• Do you fight easily and surrender slowly?
• Will you give your blame and rage to GOD and love how HE made you so HE can clean your heart to use you for HIS purpose today?

Can, Will and Does

 

Can, Will and Does

Romans 9: ¹⁴ Shall we say, then, that God is unjust? Not at all. ¹⁵ For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on anyone I wish; I will take pity on anyone I wish.” ¹⁶ So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God's mercy. ¹⁷ For the scripture says to the king of Egypt, “I made you king in order to use you to show my power and to spread my fame over the whole world.” ¹⁸ So then, God has mercy on anyone he wishes, and he makes stubborn anyone he wishes.

 

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Hearing how others had “gotten away” with stealing. I tried my hand at it. I didn’t have enough money to pay for the pants and I really wanted to join the organization that required all of us to wear the same thing.

 

I lingered around the pants for what seemed like hours but it was probably minutes. I gave the pants to another person who was also joining the organization and he walked out the door. The deed was done.

 

• There were times when I thought I was getting away with something.
• There were times when I thought I was in control.
• There were times when I thought I could do my sins in secret and pretend to be innocent.

 

Paul gives some hard medicine to swallow. GOD takes mercy on whom HE wishes. On the contrary, GOD makes stubborn anyone HE wishes. Is there any hope? Yes! HE gives me choice.

 

• GOD wants me to surrender my stubborn will so HIS mercy can be shown through me.
• GOD wants me to say “I need JESUS as my Savior” so HIS mercy can be multiplied on me.
• GOD wants me to believe that JESUS is the only way to have an eternal existence with HIM.

 

All seeing, all powerful and everywhere is GOD. HE can do, HE will do and does anything HE pleases. The part of me that gets angry at that statement is the sin that fights against HIM. I mean, there is a part of me that wants to be GOD. That is the part of me HE hates.

 

HE still decided to show mercy on me. Mercy means I know I am guilty and fully aware I deserve the consequence of my actions, but the forgiver throws away my sentence and says I am free to go. Looking back, I can see an incredible amount of grace and mercy HE has shown to me. I can only say thank YOU.

 

• Are you fighting GOD thinking you will win?
• Do you think your stubbornness is a good quality?
• Will you surrender your life to the Most High GOD, by believing you need JESUS as your Savior, so HE will not harden your heart any further?

Act or React?

 

Act or React?

Romans 9: ¹⁰ And this is not all. For Rebecca's two sons had the same father, our ancestor Isaac. ^11-12 But in order that the choice of one son might be completely the result of God's own purpose, God said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” He said this before they were born, before they had done anything either good or bad; so God's choice was based on his call, and not on anything they had done. ¹³ As the scripture says, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.”

 

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Wanting to fit in, I joined in the mischievousness when the teacher left the room. I was teased for being “smart”. That was before the term “nerd” was popular. I wanted to prove I could be cool.

 

Go in the coat closet with that girl, was the dare. I did not know what to do in the coat closet, so I agreed. We stood there for a while. When we came out, the teacher was back and laughter filled the room.  The teacher held me after class and said “I will overlook this because it is not how you normally act.” I didn’t do that again.

 

Many times I have been spared based on being known.

Many times I did not get in trouble for something I did wrong.

Many times I should have been punished for something I did, but instead, I was given grace.

 

Paul uses Jacob and Esau as an example of GOD’s choice. GOD saw the two kids before they were born and chose one before they had done anything “good” or “bad.” HE told their mother, Rebecca, of HIS choice.

 

GOD knew I would believe in HIM before I believed in JESUS.

GOD knew every sin I would do, yet HE chose me to live.

GOD knew I would mess up time and time again, yet HE saved me.

 

Looking at GOD through dirty eyes, paints HIM to be the bad guy. I mean, when I question HIS existence, or why HE did something, I am looking at it from the sin I was born with. Sometimes my eyes are dirtier than others.

 

I question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I then question, “Why tell someone about JESUS if the choice was made for them?” These are valid and difficult questions. I am then provided with an answer. “I AM” says the LORD.

 

GOD, the creator, showed HIS love for me, enough to follow HIS own rule that somehow states, any sin, no matter how small, separates humans from HIM by death. JESUS took on that sin and saved me from eternal death. My reaction is to praise what HE did.

 

Are you trying to earn GOD’s favor by acting good?

Do you judge others when they act ”bad?”

Will you focus on the grace and rejoice that GOD loved you so much that HE died for you so you would not have to be punished forever?

Children of the Promise

 

Children of the Promise

Romans 9: ⁶ It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. ⁷ Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ⁸ In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. ⁹ For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

 

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“I’m going to build a new garage” were the words we overheard. This was great news to me because I would use the old garage as my private toilet when I did not feel like stop playing, and now it started to stink.

 

The next day, I got with my siblings and we tore a good sized hole in the garage. “What are you doing?!” was the shout. “We are tearing down the garage” we replied excitedly. The garage wasn’t planned to be built for months.

 

• There have been times when I believed in the promise, but could not wait for the result.
• There have been times when I could see the promised fulfilled in my mind, so I tried to help the promise come in my timing.
• There have been times when I was part of the promise, but not in a way I expected.

 

Abraham was promised that he would be the father of a countless nation of people who would follow GOD. He decided to help GOD with this promise by having a child with a younger woman. GOD’s promise was fulfilled through Sarah, the older woman. Paul’s explained Abraham’s impatience.

 

• GOD has a plan for me and wants me to watch HIM make it unfold.
• GOD has a promise for me, but it includes many other factors I cannot see.
• GOD has a place for me and HE is busy preparing it.

 

When GOD promises something, it will happen. I mean, HE promises things that seem impossible to me, so I try to help HIM out with my efforts. BUT GOD is forgiving. HE sees my futile attempts to “help” HIM and shows me grace anyway.

 

GOD is my FATHER because I believe in JESUS who died for me and is alive making a wonderful place for me. HIS ways are not my ways, HIS thoughts are not my thoughts and HIS plans are always fulfilled. I am glad I am HIS child and I believe in HIS promises.

 

• Is your family dysfunctional?
• Have you fallen into the trap of thinking you are not valued?
• Will you stop believing the lie and know you are a child of GOD and HIS promise for you is far beyond what you could ever think?