What Matters

What Matters

Galatians 5: ² Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. ³ Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law. ⁴ Those of you who try to be put right with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace. ⁵ As for us, our hope is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith. ⁶ For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love.

 

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One more thing went wrong that day. “LORD, what!?” was my frustrated cry. “Aren’t I doing enough? I’m trying to live right and it seems like those who easily do wrong are getting ahead in life!”  When I calmed down, the situation remained the same but I could quiet down to listen to GOD.

 

• I thought I could live right to make everything go “”my” way.
• I was doing “good” for me versus serving GOD.
• I wanted something from the “deal” with GOD instead of simply living as HE wants.

 

Paul urges the Gentiles not to half-follow the Law by picking and choosing certain parts in efforts to feel closer to GOD. He warns everyone that by trying to depend on the Law to measure how “good” one can be brings judgment of the whole Law rather than freedom.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see that HIS grace is what saved me.
• GOD wants me to recognize that there is nothing in me that is worthy of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS wonderful gift, which is HIS only SON.

 

When things go wrong, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to pick me up. I mean, because I believe that JESUS died to save me eternally, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and anyone else who believes. Comfort, guidance, discernment and peace is what is given to all who believe.

 

Unfortunately there is a war inside me that tries to take over the situation, causing me to doubt GOD’s true love. I think “I” have to do something rather than simply having faith in HIS ways. I am glad JESUS forgives me for those weak moments and restores my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you think was going on with this group of people?
• What does it mean to be “put right” with GOD?
• Will you seek unity with CHRIST through faith versus trying to be “good” enough to please GOD who is already pleased with you?

Hour of Thanks

Hour of Thanks

2 Corinthians 6: In our work together with God, then, we beg you who have received God's grace not to let it be wasted. ² Hear what God says:

 

“When the time came for me to show you favor,
    I heard you;
when the day arrived for me to save you,
    I helped you.”

 

Listen! This is the hour to receive God's favor; today is the day to be saved!

 

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“Say thank you” were the words I did not want to hear. The server did not know I had dropped my drink, causing me embarrassment. The food was free and it was a celebration but I was distracted because I drew attention to my mistake.

 

• When I am worried or sad I forget about thankfulness.
• When I am angry or frustrated I do not feel thankful.
• When I am misguided, misinformed, embarrassed or sinning, being thankful seems to be the furthest thing from my mind.

 

Paul quotes what GOD told Isaiah to write. He mentions that GOD, in HS time, answered HIS promise and brought salvation. This very hour is the time to be thankful and accept HIS wonderful gift.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize what HE has done for me.
• GOD wants me to look beyond current circumstances to see just how much HE loves me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful this moment, instead of waiting for the perfect time.

 

“If then” statements can cause problems with my relationship with GOD. I mean, when I doubt that GOD loves me I may use “If then” statements like “If GOD loves people so much then why do people suffer/” My blindness does not recognize that the enemy is not GOD, rather Satan, who wants to blind me of GOD’s grace.

 

GOD’s grace is not to be wasted. No matter what is going on in my life, HE is always showing incredible grace. The HOLY SPIRIT opens my eyes to HIS grace in the middle of the storm. I am glad I can find peace that surpasses understanding by saying “Thank YOU LORD!”

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by not letting GOD’s grace be wasted?
• When calamity is striking, will you remember thankfulness as a weapon to fight it?
• Have you received the very valuable gift of GOD’s salvation through JESUS and thanked HIM for HIS favor and help?

Second Chance

Second Chance

1 Corinthians 15: ⁵⁶ Death gets its power to hurt from sin, and sin gets its power from the Law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

 

⁵⁸ So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.

 

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Cutting the tall bushes at our first house, I couldn’t quite reach the top. I didn’t have a ladder so standing on my toes was the best option. As I reached with the hedge trimmers, my arm gave way. My natural response kicked in and I tried to steady the moving blades with my other hand, which was bare. I only needed stitches, but the finger was not cut off.

 

• I have had many close calls.
• I have had situations that I could have really been hurt.
• I have been given a second chance to do things right many times.

 

Paul gives us the Good News again. He explains that JESUS gave us the victory over a situation that seemed lost. Everyone must die was the problem presented to GOD because of the first sin. “But thanks be to GOD who gives us victory through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to stand firm because of the victory JESUS did.
• GOD wants me to remain steady even though life may throw many obstacles in my way.
• GOD wants me to keep busy in my work for the LORD, for even the smallest service is useful to HIM.

 

Sin and death cause fear. I mean, who wants punishment and who wants the pain of death? No one. BUT JESUS overcame death and released us from the sentence that wasn’t even caused by us.

 

Being born into sin doesn’t seem fair. BUT JESUS dying because of my birth seems exponentially unfair to HIM. HE took on all my sins and I no longer have to die eternally. I can have peace as HE guides me in ways to serve HIM daily.

 

Challenge

• What victory is the writer speaking about?
• Does knowing that JESUS is not out to punish you but to save you give you any relief?
• When given a second chance to do things right, what would you do differently?

Influenced

Influenced

1 Corinthians 12: Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit.

I want you to know the truth about them, my friends. ² You know that while you were still heathen, you were led astray in many ways to the worship of lifeless idols. ³ I want you to know that no one who is led by God's Spirit can say “A curse on Jesus!” and no one can confess “Jesus is Lord,” without being guided by the Holy Spirit.

 

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Gutter after gutter, I bowled a 12 out of 300 on my first outing. You would think this was a disaster, but it was great to me! I was invited out by one of my fathers. Back in the day, the community had many influencers who wanted to see kids do something better with their lives. I just liked being there, no natter how bad I did.

 

• I would not say anything bad about this influencer even though I did not know his purpose.
• I would not say I had a terrible time bowling” because the influencer might not take me again.
• I would not say “Curse you” to the influencer, because this would show dissatisfaction.

 

Paul addressed a question about the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. “No one who is led by GOD’s SPIRIT can say ‘A curse on JESUS!’” Also,” No one can confess “JESUS is LORD,” without being guided by the HOLY SPIRIT” were the words Paul used as an opener. He recognized that it took being influenced by the HOLY SPIRIT to turn away from following a lifeless idol.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to follow the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to avoid anything that curses HIS holy name.
• GOD wants me to be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT so I can be comforted, guided and trained by HIS love, perseverance and wisdom.

 

There is a part of GOD who get’s little recognition, namely the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean, when I believe that JESUS died to save me and was raised from the dead, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.

 

Ever since then, the HOLY SPIRIT looks at every word I say, thought I think and desires I hide in my heart. Instead of beating me up, HE asks the FATHER “Will you please forgive HIM?” The FATHER agrees and erases my sin. I am grateful that GOD saved me in the middle of my sins and gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me even when I mess up.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about being led by the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Have you ever felt like blaming GOD or have gotten so mad at HIM that you felt like not serving HIM or even cursing HIM?
• Will you consider being influenced by the HOLY SPIRIT who will lead you to true peace and a strong sense of love today?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 15: ⁵ Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. ⁷ After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

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It felt like I grew overnight when I put on a pair of pants and they were too short. While I wanted to be taller, now my clothes did not fit. People were already laughing at me about my hair, now this was added. And, with the new height, I looked skinnier. “I’m never going to fin in” I said to myself.

• Many times I have been laughed at.
• Many times I have been on the outside of the crowd.
• Many times I have been the one who was outcast because I did not fit in.

Confusion erupted as some of the believers, who may have been going to church a long time, were part of the political party that had JESUS killed, namely the Pharisees. “Be circumcised to keep the law of Moses” was their stance because humans could easily see evidence of acceptance. Peter spoke against this prejudiced thinking.

• GOD wants me to tell people they are accepted.
• GOD wants me to let people know HE does not discriminate.
• GOD wants me to inform people that HE purifies the heart by faith.

Accepting people just as they are is important to GOD. HE looked at my sin and while I was in the middle of committing the act, HE died for me to take the blame. JESUS accepted my belief in HIM, knowing I would commit sin, over and over.

It is though grace of our LORD JESUS that we are saved. HE wants people to understand they too are accepted, just as they are. I am grateful to be accepted into the loving family of the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Are you outcast?
• Are you seeking to be understood and looking in the places, you know in your heart, that are wrong for you?
• Will you believe in JESUS and be accepted into HIS loving family so you will never be thrown out again?

Gladly Received

Gladly Received

Acts 2: ⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” ⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. ⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

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“Finally!” I said to myself. After this particular leadership class, I got it. I didn’t know if it was the right mix of instructors, or the information or whether I could simply hear the information, but something clicked that I took to heart. Afterwards I was promoted five times.

• When I hear good news I get excited.
• When I hear good news I take it to heart.
• When I hear good news I gladly receive it and take action.

Peter preached to church goers who were led astray by leaders who had their heart set on greed and power. He urged them to “Be saved from this perverse generation” turning them to eh One who truly saves, namely JESUS. They gladly received his message and acted on it.

• GOD wants me to gladly receive HIS message.
• GOD wants me to desire HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to accept the need for salvation so I can tell others about the great news of JESUS.

Heartfelt words are gladly received. Unfortunately some words can come from places opposing GOD. A heart that needs attention or wants something that GOD says “No” to, may choose to go their own way. BUT GOD loves hearts that gladly receive HIS message. HE enables true power and enables gladness and simplicity  of the heart. I am grateful GOD give me joy.

• Are you seeking happiness and think you will find it with superficial relationships?
• Do you think the void in your life can be filled with various philosophies?
• Will you remove yourself out of your own way and accept GOD’s love so HE can fill your heart today?

Ignoring Signs

Ignoring Signs

John 20: ³⁰ And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

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Making great time, I kept my foot on the pedal. I must have shaved three or four hours off of my trip. As I approached a local road I was met with signs that stated a twenty five mile per hour limit. “You have got to be kidding!” I said to myself. I looked around and all the other drivers were creeping along at this snail’s pace. Ignoring all the signs, I kept at my pace. The ticket was very expensive.

• I have ignored many signs in my life.
• I have closed my eyes to signs that I should have paid attention to.
• I have been told something, ignored what I was told and faced consequence.

JESUS did many supernatural things that cannot be comprehended. HE wasn’t doing slight of hand, nor was HE using some evil mysticism. JESUS healed the blind, cured the sick and opened the mouths of the mute so they could proclaim HIM as THE CHRIST, the one and only Savior.

• JESUS wants me to believe I need a Savior.
• JESUS wants me to believe I need HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE still does miracles every day, but it takes spiritual eyes to see them.

It takes more work to ignore GOD than to see HIM. In fact, the more humans ignore GOD, the worse humanity will get. Each human based solution to problems that are spiritual will only make matters worse. GOD centered solutions are different.

JESUS said “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of MY followers, you will surely be rewarded.” The solution isn’t the focus, rather “why” the problem is being solved. GOD wants me to give to people, pray for people, be with people so HE can be seen. JESUS did many signs in my life, I am grateful I can see them without ignoring them.

• Are you ignoring what GOD has done in your life?
• Are you busy giving credit to humans or seeking credit for yourself?
• Will you look at all the incredible signs in your life and believe JESUS is your Savior and you need HIM today?

Blamed or Believed

Blamed or Believed

John 11: ¹⁷ So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. ¹⁸ Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. ¹⁹ And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

²⁰ Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. ²¹ Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

²³ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

²⁴ Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

²⁷ She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

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As the car in front of me crept through the yellow light, I was forced to stop. “That car made me late for work!” I exclaimed. When finally I made it to the meeting, I noticed they got my breakfast order wrong. “They did this on purpose” I thought to myself. I really did not like the person who was hosting the meeting.

• There were situations out of my control that were easier to blame someone so I could make sense out of it.
• There were times when it was easier to blame someone else when I did not get “my” way.
• There were times when I blamed the benevolent, misunderstanding their motives because I could not see how someone would care for me.

Martha was hurt that JESUS did not come in time to “save” her brother. While JESUS told her what HE was about to do by saying “Your brother will rise again”, she replied “Yeah, yeah, yeah, resurrection” as if to say, “But what about now?” She blamed JESUS for not being there for her.

• GOD wants me to throw away my blame for others.
• GOD wants me to get rid of blaming HIM for difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS power to sustain, fix and grow me.

JESUS is “The resurrection AND the life.” HE is focused on this life as well as the afterlife. HE is not to be blamed, but praised. JESUS has a great plan for me that sometimes I do not understand. HE gives me the faith to know HE has no harm meant for me but a plan to prosper me.

• Who are you blaming for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD easily?
• Will you trade your easy “blame” for easy “belief” in JESUS today?

Successful Roles

John 6: ¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

¹⁵ Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.

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Desperate for a promotion, I asked leadership if I could take on the new role that was posted. I had no experience or even exposure to the new position, but I figured I could quickly learn and perhaps perform well. “Let’s put you in a role you can be successful in” they said.

• There were times when I misjudged the importance of roles.
• There were times when I could only see certain roles from my limited way I thought about them.
• There were times when I thought less of certain roles than I should have.

Seeing the miracle JESUS had just performed, the crowd got excited. They desired a leader who could defy all human knowledge and perform miracles “for” them on command. JESUS saw their hearts and slipped away, alone.

• GOD wants me to see HIM as GOD.
• GOD wants me to bow to HIM as the Most High.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS role as GOD who gave up HIS life to save me.

Becoming a limited political placeholder was not what JESUS had in mind when HE became a human. HE wanted to redeem all humans who would believe they needed saving. This was a difficult role as it required HIM to give up HIS own life and accept blame for all of my sins.

HE willingly did this and never once sinned against the rules HE gave to humans in the first place. JESUS did not want to become a political leader like small minded humans desired. JESUS wanted to be my Savior. I am grateful GOD had bigger plans for the world.

• What are you trying to make GOD into?
• Do you try to make HIM so small that HE is powerless?
• Will you allow GOD to be GOD in your life instead of a being you blame your problems on today?

It’s Not My Fault

It’s Not My Fault

John 5: ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. ¹⁰ The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.”

¹¹ He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”

¹² Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” ¹³ But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. ¹⁴ Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

¹⁵ The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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Sneaking off to the movies with someone I was amorous with seemed like a good idea. After my day of enjoyment I found myself having to make my way home. Unfortunately, the person lived in a tough neighborhood. I was chased. “How am I going to explain getting beat up and robbed when I wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place?” Then I questioned the strictness of dating when I made it to safety.

• There were times when I wanted to leave out information so I would not get in trouble.
• There were times when I made sure that I was not the person at fault rather it was someone else’s fault.
• There were times when I was caught in the act and quickly thought of ways of trying to not make it my fault.

The crippled man was healed by JESUS but it does not say that he thanked HIM or found out HIS name. He was so excited that he ran off. Unfortunately he ran into the church leaders who judged him for carrying his bed. “It’s not my fault… I was healed” said the man in a self-protecting way. I would have done the same.

• GOD wants me to take responsibility for my sin.
• GOD wants me to understand that I need HIM so I should approach HIM with my ugly hidden sin.
• GOD wants me to stop blaming everyone else and accept the fact that I can mess up and I need HIS help every day.

Being responsible for my actions may include accepting consequence for decisions that may have hurt me or others. GOD shows me grace beyond belief and this is the great news I can share. Back to the man in this slice of history.

JESUS found him in the temple and said “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” I supposed JESUS had a reason for saying this to the man. Probably the man did something sinful to get into the crippled situation in the first place. I can’t tell. But I do know GOD wants me to sin less and less to stay out of HIS trouble.

• Are you blaming others for where you are in life?
• Do you blame GOD for what is happening to you right now?
• Will you start accepting responsibility for your sin and allow GOD to use you today?

Something Inside

Luke 17: ²⁰ Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ²¹ nor will they say,  ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

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Wanting to be mad, I grabbed onto every negative thought and held on tight. I was furious and just wanted to stew in my anger.  The more I thought about the situation, the more furious I got. Soon I was enraged. This was the beginning of a very bad day.

• There are many emotions that I run through in a given day.
• There are many feelings I experience at a given time.
• There are many thoughts that run through my head for which I have a choice.

JESUS says something extremely important to the Pharisees, who were looking for a human “king” or “leader” that would allow them to get their way. HE speaks about the very complicated issue of “what sends a person to hell?”

• GOD says to me “I have written MY laws on your heart.”
• GOD says to me “I have made you for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “I have placed MY SPIRIT in you and those who believe in MY SON as their savior.”

There is a war inside of me that I cannot see with my physical eyes. The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life are forever causing me to think and act different than how GOD wants me to act. BUT GOD took care of all of my sin.

JESUS volunteered to become a human in order to physically be murdered by HIS own creation. By HIS own decree, all sinners would be separated from HIM for eternity. HE had to live a sinless life as a human, facing all temptations mankind could ever face.

JESUS died and rose back to life. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside of me even though my lusts and pride are still there to battle HIM. HE gave me a second chance by placing HIS entire kingdom in me. I can accept HIS kingdom or reject it. I choose to accept it.

• What war are you fighting?
• Do you think you are the ”captain of your ship?”
• Will you stop fighting GOD and allow what  is already inside of you to be focused on growing HIS kingdom today?