Lacking Nothing

Lacking Nothing

James 1: ⁴ Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 

 

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After the conference this past weekend, someone from another country asked for help. I knew my meager funds would never be enough so I started thinking of solutions. His current solution to local hunger is to teach farming. I sent videos on hydroponic farming. His response was , “that’s for the middle class.” I found videos on farming using discarded plastic bottles. His response “That’s for the middle class.”

 

• I lack wisdom.
• I do not know how to address this.
• The problem is far greater than any of my current solutions.

 

James addressed a scared scattered group of people who believed in JESUS and were persecuted for it. The first solution was to run and hide from those who oppressed people with religious persecution. He knew GOD was the only solution.

 

My Observations:

• Extreme problems require GOD to intervene.
• It is amazing that I can ask GOD to address an extreme problem and HE is willing to help.
• GOD will provide the wisdom it will take to address the need.

 

Feeling helpless is not an option for many people. I mean, those who are facing major issues that they think need a financial solution cannot afford to fall into despair. A solution is needed. But what?

 

GOD says “I AM the solution.” I believe that James said “endure” , not for the poor to just remain poor, but for those sent to help to “endure” until there is a solution. GOD will provide the right people at the right time. HIS love endures forever. I am glad I can ask GOD for wisdom and HE is gracious and generous to provide it!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about “falling?”
• Have you ever tried to do something and it seemed hopeless to the point where you felt like giving up?
• Will you ask for wisdom to address the overwhelming situation so GOD will get the glory and so eyes and hearts will be open to accept JESUS today?

Facing Trials

Facing Trials

James 1: ² My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, ³ for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. 

 

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Trying to explain what I was going through seemed impossible. Everyone was smiling and I was feeling terrible. Lots of problems were coming my way which included people being sick, debt collection and broken relationships.

 

• I did not want the phone to ring.
• I did not want to hear another problem mentioned.
• I did not want another trial.

 

James gives a strange statement to those who are scared and probably in hiding. Many people had been scattered because of their belief in JESUS. Persecution was their new normal and they needed some words to help them get over the shock.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows I will face trials and wants me to gain endurance.
• GOD is right there with me when I am going through a trial.
• GOD grows me in the times of trouble.

 

It is not the trials that we face it is the response to the trial that is important. I mean, I can fall apart and tell people how terrible the trial is, or I can tell people I am in a trial and ask GOD for endurance. GOD does not want me to be a superhero, nor does HE want me to fold up and wither in a corner. HE wants me to admit, something is not right and rely on HIM to fix the problem.

 

GOD gives me strength when I have none. HE empathizes with the pain I feel and deeply cares when I am concerned. HE gives me endurance to withstand trials because HE assures me HE is right there going through the trial with me. I am glad HE will never leave me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer consider trials as being fortunate?
• What trial can you think of that you came through and was stronger for it?
• Knowing GOD is right there with you, how does this change your view of the current trial?
• Will you look at the endurance you are gaining from GOD versus focusing in on the trial today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, we see trials as something to get out of. Please help this reader gain the right endurance to grow his or her faith. amen

Headed to Something New

Headed to Something New

James 1:1  From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Greetings to all God's people scattered over the whole world.

 

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Being “let go” did not feel good at all. No matter how it was phrased, I could not wrap my mind around “Why did this happen to me?” “The position was eliminated” were the only words of comfort.

 

• I felt lost and directionless.
• I was not prepared to be out in the world.
• I did not know GOD had something much better in store for me.

 

James, human brother of JESUS, writes a letter to “GOD’s people scattered over the world.” The scattering did not come easy. In fact, because of belief in JESUS, many people were persecuted. They had to leave their homes, ill prepared, not knowing the future.

 

My Observations:

• GOD scatters HIS people for HIS purpose.
• Change is usually difficult for me, BUT GOD has a reason for it.
• Humans may not provide the right words to comfort me, BUT THE COMFORTER makes it clear that being scattered is not a bad thing.

 

Sometimes it feels like GOD is just not there. I mean, why in the world would HE push me out into the world with no plan? HE replies, “This is MY plan.” When I see HIS plan unfolding, I usually don’t like it. BUT GOD is doing something amazing that I don’t know.

 

GOD addresses my deepest fears by putting me in situations I need.  Ugh! Another problem? Yes. HE keeps allowing me to be scattered so I can be sent somewhere that I would not have otherwise gone. HE then tells me to stand firm for HIM in other places. I am glad GOD has a great and wonderful plan for me that includes “this” situation.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer write a letter to people scattered all over the world?
• Why do you think James refers to himself as a servant of his brother JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wondered where is GOD?
• Will you look at your current situation as an area that GOD is trying to address so you can look forward to HIS plan for you today?

Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

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Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

Every Good Thing You Need

Every Good Thing You Need

Hebrews 13: ^20-21 God has raised from death our Lord Jesus, who is the Great Shepherd of the sheep as the result of his blood, by which the eternal covenant is sealed. May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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After joining the organization, to my amazement they asked me “What do you need?” I gave them my list and they provided it for me. They knew I was going to do some work for them and they were willing to provide whatever I needed to do their work.

 

• I was willing to do the work they needed.
• I had some needs and they were willing to meet those needs as long as it would benefit them.
• I used the things given to me to do what they wanted me to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains the need GOD has. JESUS, the “Great Shepherd” was raised from the dead. GOD wants all living human beings to become sheep, or followers of JESUS. He then says a prayer that GOD gives “every good thing” to do HIS will.

 

My Observations:

• I have to be willing to do GOD’s will in order for HIM to provide for me.
• GOD provides me with what I need to do HIS will.
• GOD wants to make me successful by giving me purpose in JESUS.

 

Realizing that I am made for GOD is challenging. I mean, HE created me with free will to choose HIS way or my way. Many times I see HIS way as a barrier to “my” pleasure. Or I try to manipulate HIM into getting “my” way. GOD is gracious enough to understand.

 

HE gently guides me back to understanding HIS precious need, namely telling everyone HE sends me or send me to, that HIS SON is my Savior. This simple message is so dear and important, that HE is willing to give me whatever I need to do HIS will. I thank GOD for HIS provisions.

 

Challenge

• What “Good Things” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to retire from serving GOD and just live a life of leisure?
• Will you give your life to GOD so HE can show you how to balance serving and enjoy life along the way so you will continue without burning out?
• Will you trust GOD for HIS provision today?

Do The Right Thing

Do The Right Thing

Hebrews 13: ¹⁸ Keep on praying for us. We are sure we have a clear conscience, because we want to do the right thing at all times. ¹⁹ And I beg you even more earnestly to pray that God will send me back to you soon.

 

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Having said the lie, now I had to live with it. Whenever I saw the person, my conscience felt guilty. “Oh great! Now I’ve lied and I have guilt?” How can this be fixed? A thought popped in my head. “Lie again to fix the last lie.”

 

• I was headed down the wrong path.
• I was trying to fix my lies with more lies.
• I was starting to get good at lying versus simply having a clear conscience.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asked for prayer because he knew they could be tempted to do the wrong thing which would lead to a guilty conscience. He must have been going through something difficult because he asked for prayer twice.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gives me rest when I have a clear conscience.
• GOD lets me sleep when I do not lie to HIM or myself.
• GOD provides peace when I desire to do the right thing.

 

Doing what is right can sometimes be hard. I mean, when I get insecure about what I did or am about to do, I may not want to experience any consequences, so I lie or stretch the truth. The problem with that approach, is I still face consequences and lost sleep in the process.

 

Peace and rest are elusive when I do not do the right thing. I’d rather follow GOD and enjoy peace than to live with hidden secrets and mounting sins. I gladly do the right thing for GOD and could use your prayers to keep going, HIS way.

 

Challenge

• What is “the right thing” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever done the wrong thing and tried to cover it up?
• Have you gotten so good at covering things up that you now believe in your own lie?
• Will you get some relief from your guilty conscience and confess to GOD that you do not know how to go forward, so HE can step in and guide you to HIS path today?

Followers and Leaders

Followers and Leaders

Hebrews 13: ¹⁷ Obey your leaders and follow their orders. They watch over your souls without resting, since they must give to God an account of their service. If you obey them, they will do their work gladly; if not, they will do it with sadness, and that would be of no help to you.

 

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Complaining about the leadership was a common practice with “us.” I joined in on the side conversations about him or her. I could see flaws in their leadership styles a mile away. But then, one day I was made a leader. “Why won’t they do what I say?” was my naïve question.

 

• I thought leadership was easy.
• I thought I had the right to sit back and complain.
• I never considered that perhaps I needed to change my following style.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appealed to those who were not in leadership roles. He urged them to follow their leadership without fighting. He also provides insight into leadership. Leaders will be held accountable by GOD, which can hold a higher reward or consequence.

 

My Observations:

• When I am in a follower role, GOD wants me to set the leader up for success.
• When I am in a leadership role, GOD wants me to “watch over the followers souls without resting.”
• GOD will hold followers and leaders accountable.

 

Bad leaders are common, but is there such a thing as a bad follower? I mean, when I am supposed to do something a certain way and I choose to ignore the leader and do it “my” way, am I being a bad follower? Possibly. Hard to say. I may have to assess why I need to have it “my” way and determine if I could possibly be contributing to the problem with his or her leadership style.

 

Awareness of how I serve others and follow leaders is quite humbling. I have served under belligerent, egotistical, arrogant people who demand so much that people were broken. I have also served  those who set up their followers for success, yet their followers still do not perform. I am glad GOD gives me a chance to humble myself in either a follower or leadership role.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to followers?
• Have you ever been in a leadership role and had a group of followers who made it difficult?
• Have you ever helped a leader succeed?
• Will you bow down to the MOST HIGH GOD and humble yourself in any role you have today?

Offerings and Sacrifices

 

Offerings and Sacrifices

Hebrews 13: ¹⁰ The priests who serve in the Jewish place of worship have no right to eat any of the sacrifice on our altar. ¹¹ The Jewish high priest brings the blood of the animals into the Most Holy Place to offer it as a sacrifice for sins; but the bodies of the animals are burned outside the camp. ¹² For this reason Jesus also died outside the city, in order to purify the people from sin with his own blood. ¹³ Let us, then, go to him outside the camp and share his shame. ¹⁴ For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come. ¹⁵ Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord. ¹⁶ Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

 

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“Can’t you get someone else to do it?” was my reply to the request. “No, we need your skills” was the reply to my pushback. I thought of ways to get out of doing the work being thrust upon me. “Perhaps we can outsource this” was my solution. “We need you” was the reply.

 

• I wanted someone else to do what I was supposed to do.
• I felt overloaded and wanted someone else to join in.
• I came up with a solution to pay someone to do what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, went into detail about offerings and sacrifices. He mentioned the reason for these was to atone for Jewish people. BUT JESUS, who died outside the city, offered HIS blood as a sacrifice for all.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to pay someone else to tell people about CHRIST, BUT GOD wants me to do it.
• I can try to outsource a singing group to praise GOD for me, BUT GOD wants my praise.
• I can try to give to a group who will serve others for me, BUT GOD wants me to serve.

 

Giving is good, BUT GOD wants more from me than cash. I mean, HE wants me to use my gifts and talents to tell people about JESUS and HE loves when I praise HIM daily! HE wants a direct and active relationship with me that helps me serve those who are hard to serve.

 

HE gives me strength to keep going when I feel like giving up. HE provides for those I cannot provide for. HE opens doors wide, just like HE opens eyes from being blind. I am glad GOD wants my offering of praise and my sacrifice of helping others.

 

Challenge

• What suggestions does the writer give that “pleases GOD?”
• Have you ever thought it was someone else’s responsibility to serve or tell people about CHRIST?
• Will you stop trying to outsource what GOD wants you to do today?

Motivated

Motivated

Hebrews 13: ⁷ Remember your former leaders, who spoke God's message to you. Think back on how they lived and died, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. ⁹ Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you from the right way. It is good to receive inner strength from God's grace, and not by obeying rules about foods; those who obey these rules have not been helped by them.

 

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“You can do this” were the words I clung onto when times were difficult. Halfway believing in the words, I continued on through frustration, obstacles and a desire to give up. After coming through the problem I remembered the words “You can do this”  

 

• I thought I needed someone to motivate me.
• I really needed something inside me to keep going.
• I was able to go through the problem and use the situation as an example of overcoming issues.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed a problem of fear related to following the Law over eating certain types of food. Some “strange teachings” had risen, causing people to have fear and eventually lose their faith. He told everyone to “remember your former leaders, who spoke GOD’s message to you” so all would not forget where their faith came from.

 

My Observations:

• There have been many people who told me about CHRIST being the answer to my problems.
• Encouraging words about how GOD will never leave me, helped me through many difficult situations.
• GOD protects me from weak philosophies that raise more concerns than solve my problem.

 

Problems sometime makes me want any solution, no matter how far it will take me away from believing in GOD. I mean, when I have a problem that threatens my livelihood or comfort or pleasure, I listen to people who sound like he or she has an answer, but really do not. I listen to philosophies that take me further and further from faith in GOD, meanwhile my situation gets worse and worse. GOD wants something different.

 

HE provides faith, love, and joy as my foundation. HE then tells me to remember what JESUS did for me whenever I can. HE reminds me of people who encouraged me to keep going when times were difficult. HE then let’s me know I can be used even though I am not perfect. I am motivated from within, because the HOLY SPIRIT lives in me.

 

Challenge

• What philosophy is the writer warning against?
• Have you ever tried to follow a human philosophy that seemed like a good idea, but turned out to be a dead end?
• Will you take a moment to remember those who provided godly encouragement and imitate those who have been through many situations by believing in GOD today?

 

Contented Faith

Contented Faith

Hebrews 13: ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” ⁶ Let us be bold, then, and say,

 

“The Lord is my helper,
    I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”

 

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After assessing my “needs” I got frustrated and nervous. My car was approaching 300,000 miles and I still had bills. A position at work came with a car. I fixated my thinking on this position as my way out. I did not get the position at first so I complained to GOD.

 

• I looked at “everything” as being a mess.
• I was exhausted trying to keep up with expenses.
• I was not content with where I was with anything.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some extremely sound advice. He probably saw how society focused on the latest thing, causing people to have an insatiable desire for more and more. Discontent over food, living arrangements, clothes and amounts of money needed to be addressed. He said “be satisfied.”

 

My Observations:

• Discontentment makes me deaf to GOD, but when I am content, HE speaks softly to me.
• Thanklessness makes me look at my stuff as old, worn out and embarrassing, but when I am thankful, GOD provides what I need at the right time.
• Unhappiness makes me see GOD as the problem, but when I seek joy over happiness, I see problems differently and know I need GOD to fight my battles with the enemy.

 

Satisfaction can be a fleeting thing. I mean, the world presents satisfaction as receiving pleasure over seeking GOD’s kingdom. Each moment needs to be compared to someone else’s life with visual proof that life is great, when it isn’t. GOD has a remedy for this quandary.

 

Contentment, thankfulness and joy opens my eyes to a special part of GOD that is beyond salvation. Yes, JESUS died for my sins and I am eternally saved, but what about this life? GOD knows there will be trouble and wants me to use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attempt to rob my great relationship with GOD. I am satisfied with where, what and who I am in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention abandonment when it comes to money?
• Have you ever thought GOD was not with you because of your lack of funds or things or people were not acting like you wanted them to?
• Will you use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attack on you so you can be satisfied wherever GOD sends you today?

No Halfsies

No Halfsies

Hebrews 13: ⁴ Marriage is to be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

 

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After the convention, we all danced in relief. I remained sober, unlike my counterparts. A drunken stranger approached me on the dancefloor provocatively. The thought crossed my mind to reciprocate. A coworker called me over to the side and suggested we leave the party.

 

• I was tempted.
• I was glad I had someone there to keep me from doing what I was thinking.
• I did not think “people” would know, but GOD would.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about marriage from GOD’s perspective. He emphasized morality and commitment regarding marriage. He gave a stern warning that while other people may not know, GOD will know.

 

My Observations:

• There is something special to GOD regarding purity and commitment.
• GOD wants me to consider the consequences of my actions.
• It is not up to me to judge people, rather GOD will judge.

 

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD” is a state in which all humans suffer. I mean, I am born into sin and deserve eternal separation from GOD. JESUS died to same me from eternal separation. Now that I believe, I am eternally saved. But what about the sins I commit?

 

GOD will not remember my sins, but HE did not say my current sins will not have consequences. GOD corrects those who are HIS. HE does not spare the rod on any of HIS children. HIS expectation is that I live my life as best I can, knowing sometimes I may make mistakes. I am glad GOD gives me boundaries.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “immorality” and “adultery” as two separate but similar items?
• Have you ever been tempted to do something you know was wrong?
• Will you consider placing your actions under GOD’s authority today?

People Reminder

 

People Reminder

Hebrews 13: Keep on loving one another as Christians. ² Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.

 

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“Remember where you came from” was a suggestion given to me from a person who left his neighborhood in pursuit of “success.” I was trying to escape the neighborhood I grew up in, never to look back. But after a number of years, I looked at my old neighborhood with a different view.

 

• I cared only about myself when I left.
• I could not wait to leave and not help anyone else.
• I could not understand why it was important to help those who never once thought about me or helped me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some great advice. He mentions how to treat people. He may have given this advice to help people remember those who are in need.

 

My Observations:

• It is easy for me to forget that I was placed here for other people.
• It is easy for me to forget that other people have needs beyond mine.
• It is easy for me to forget that perhaps GOD may want me to serve others, even when it is inconvenient.

 

Helping people is sometimes hard. I mean, people need help when I need help. They may even need the same resources I need and desire. GOD loves when I remember to serve people and HE provides something extra when I am willing to serve strangers. HE may test my resolve of helping others by sending an angel I am not aware of.

 

This selfless act may translate to the angel reporting back to GOD what has been done. Not that GOD does not know anyway. Each selfless act turns into a reward in heaven that cannot be stolen and will never tarnish. I am glad HE gives me people to remember.

 

Challenge

• Do you hear empathy from the writer?
• Do you like being remembered or recognized by people?
• Will you remember to serve strangers, shut in, prisoners and people who are suffering today?

Reverence and Awe

Reverence and Awe

Hebrews 12: ²⁸ Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; ²⁹ because our God is indeed a destroying fire.

 

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Hearing the eloquent words pour out of the speaker’s mouth, I was engaged. I could not get enough of this particular speaker. I purchased recordings and distributed them to as many people as possible.

 

• I was enamored.
• I admired every word of the speaker.
• I took action to tell others about the speaker.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, provides the a very different view of GOD that is quite disturbing. He says GOD is a “Consuming fire” or in this version a “Destroying fire.” Because of this, we need to worship HIM in reverence and awe.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all seeing, all knowing and all-powerful.
• GOD is everywhere and I cannot escape HIM.
• GOD’s power should be revered and not taken lightly by me.

 

I should be a fan of GOD. I mean, I should like HIS style, HIS power and HIS timing. Unfortunately, I don’t like HIS style, the way HE uses HIS power or HIS timing. I easily get upset at GOD when HE doesn’t deliver me when and how I expect. Fortunately for me, HE is patient.

 

GOD deserves reverence and awe from me. HE can do anything, anytime and anywhere. By believing in JESUS, I have access to the Most High GOD. HE loves when I pray and rely on HIS power. I gladly surrender to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by calling GOD a “Destroying” or “Consuming” fire?
• Have you ever seen something so powerful that it memorized everyone?
• Will you look at GOD as the all-powerful being HE is and align your reverence to HIM today?

Not Shaken

 

Not Shaken

Hebrews 12: ²⁵ Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! ²⁶ His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” ²⁷ The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

 

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Over the course of years, I had amassed a a great selection of music. I had “taped” music from the “radio” and other places. It brought me joy to play my music loudly driving down the street. One day I walked out and noticed my window was broken out. All my tapes were stolen!

 

• I felt shaken.
• I felt a tremendous loss because each song was calculated in a specific order.
• I felt my car had lost its value because of a broken window.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns people to listen to promises of GOD. He compares the message from heaven as being greater than the message of humans. One promise mentioned is that GOD will shake all of creation and human made things will be removed.

 

My Observations:

• I may lose my stuff, BUT GOD promises to always be with me.
• I may have stuff broken into BUT GOD has a place where no thief can reside.
• I may wear out my clothes own things that rust and live in a place that contracts mold, BUT GOD’s love will always remain in my heart.

 

GOD cannot be stolen. I mean, some people have tried to make GOD in his or her image to get people to bow down to them so they can get more stuff. GOD sees this and tears down every kingdom that is not HIS. HE then fortifies HIS kingdom to protect it from anything that can harm it.

 

His primary message is to love HIS SON JESUS with all our hearts and minds. HE then says love one another. This love cannot be stolen or shaken when tough times arise. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I feel like letting go.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer talking about when mentioning “things that cannot be shaken?”
• Have you ever experienced a loss of something material but you came out of it alive?
• Will you focus on growing GOD’s kingdom and listen to HIS words of urgency regarding the return of JESUS?

Placed on a Better Mountain

Placed on a Better Mountain

Hebrews 12: ²² Instead, you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, with its thousands of angels. ²³ You have come to the joyful gathering of God's first-born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, who is the judge of all people, and to the spirits of good people made perfect. ²⁴ You have come to Jesus, who arranged the new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that promises much better things than does the blood of Abel.

 

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“Wow! This is so much better” I said to myself. For a long, long time, I fretted over a high paying job that gave me a title. When I no longer had that position, I felt bad about “myself” because I placed all my identity in the level “I” achieved. But when I let go of titles and salary, I found something I had lost years back… “me.!”

 

• I thought the old way was the best way.
• I could not see anything better because I was stuck
• I found myself and then I could see who GOD wanted me to be.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, switched over to a different mountain, namely Mount Zion. While the reader could get caught up looking at mountains, the writer emphasizes a new covenant where people are made perfect. This is a “better” mountain.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to manipulate GOD by following the law, BUT GOD responds to when I surrender my life to JESUS.
• I can feel bad about when I broke GOD’s Law by sinning, BUT GOD wants me to know I am forgiven because of the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS.
• I can be scared of GOD and frightened over HIS punishment, BUT JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me in times of trouble.

 

I don’t know a better place until I see it. I mean, I may be in a bad place, thinking I have to stay there. Abuse, and misuse are accepted as I think I am doing the right thing by staying in the fire of achievement towards fame and fortune. BUT GOD wants me to have a better life.

 

When I identify with HIM, I become a new person. My new identity is far better than any title or wealth status I think I have reached. GOD gets excited when I point people to HIS SON. HE then tells me “Well done” and places me on HIS mountain, above the problem-filled world. I am glad GOD raises me up to do HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer provide?
• Have you ever gotten stuck on “the rules” and notice your life is still falling apart?
• Will you seek the grace of JESUS and ask GOD to open your eyes to what HE is doing versus what you think you and others have to do, so you can accept how much HE loves you today?

Presence

Presence

Hebrews 12: ¹⁸ You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, ¹⁹ the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, ²⁰ because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” ²¹ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!”

 

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Music blared with a fast pace. Suddenly fireworks sizzled on stage. Then the speaker came out and delivered a riveting speech. “Wow!” I said to myself. At that point, I wanted to be like the speaker and started thinking of ways to mimic the style.

 

• I was impressed by the speaker’s presence.
• I was enamored by the fanfare.
• I got caught up in the show.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, attempted to explain the reaction of the Israelites when they were at mount Sinai.. They experienced the presence of GOD and were terrified! HIS holiness would not allow even a stray animal to touch the mountain.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s presences is awesome and terrifying.
• GOD is absolutely holy and cannot have sin in HIS presence.
• JESUS washed away all my sins, which allows me into GOD’s presence.

 

Being centuries removed from the encounter Moses had with GOD makes me take it lightly. I mean, GOD terrified those who saw what HE did to the mountain, yet I am not terrified to take HIM to my sinful places. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT, who also cannot stand sin, inside me.

 

GOD sees all, hears all and knows all I do. I should be terrified!. Fortunately for me, GOD understands and provides sufficient grace. HE withholds HIS wrath and provides for me every day. I am so glad GOD’s presence with me is gentle and forgiving, but I will someday see HIS true glory which is unimaginable.

 

Challenge

• What part of the writer’s illustration sticks out to you?
• Have you ever been impressed by someone with “presence?”
• Will you reflect on the power of GOD and imagine HIS presence, and make changes to how you approach today?