Caring

Caring

1 John 2: I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. ² And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.

 

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Renting a “wreck” was my best option at the time. I was still in school and had totaled my car, but really wanted to go to a party on another campus. After some reckless driving, I wondered if I could break my record for returning to the campus.

 

• I treated the car as if it was not mine.
• I could care less about the maintenance of the car or how clean it was.
• I did whatever I wanted to do in the car as long as it got me to and from “my” destinations.

 

John shows extreme endearment by calling us his “children.” He makes a gentle appeal to reduce, if not stop, sinning. He gives the warning with some good news, that JESUS would personally plead with the FATHER for even the tiniest of sins.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is perfect and devoid of sin of any kind.
• GOD requires atonement for each and every sin.
• JESUS became the payment for any and every sin the world has ever done by dying and being resurrected.

 

Sin makes me care less and less about what GOD wants. I mean, when I sin, I am usually thinking only about myself and what would happen to me. I care less and less about obedience, or giving something precious up that “I” want or serving others when I am blinded by sin. I treat life lie a rental, driving as reckless as I can. BUT GOD has another way.

 

HE is even more gentle than John. HE gently reminds me that HIS way is the best way. HE accepts me with open arms when I come back to HIM. HE then says to me “Go and sin no more”, knowing that sin breaks a great relationship with HIM, even though HE holds onto me. I am glad JESUS is my advocate and I want to do my part by reducing my sin.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer?
• Have you ever done something you felt bad about doing?
• Have you ever had someone who cared for you, who spoke on your behalf?
• Will you give your life over to JESUS so HE can become an advocate for you on your behalf today?

Fearless

Fearless

Galatians 3: ¹⁹ What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. ²⁰ But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one.

 

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Fearing the answer would be “No” I asked a sibling to “Ask mom and dad to let me go to the party.” “No way!” was the quick reply, not wanting to get caught up in the possible conflict. I tried this approach with difficult teachers, seeking the teacher’s pet as my advocate. I then tried the approach on jobs, wanting someone else to be the “go-between.”

 

• I feared I would get the words wrong.
• I needed an excuse, so if things did not go well for me I could blame the “go-between.”
• I was acting immature and wanted someone else to speak on my behalf so “I” could get what I wanted.

 

Paul continues to speak to those who believe the Law could save them. He explained that it was put in place temporarily until CHRIST became a human to fulfill GOD’s promise. Only the high priest could speak to GOD and a sacrifice was needed to atone for sin. This was no longer needed.

 

My Observations

• When JESUS rose from the dead after being murdered, I was able to go directly to the FATHR and ask for forgiveness.
• When JESUS became the sacrifice for all my sins, I no longer needed to ask someone else to speak to GOD on my behalf.
• When JESUS ascended to Heaven, HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me and now I have the HOLY SPIRIT as my advocate.

 

Fear makes me want to follow “The Law.” I mean, when I want my way, I follow “The Law” harder, hoping that GOD would see how “good” I am acting. BUT GOD sees through this temporary activity. HE sees my heart and knows I would leave HIM as soon as I get my way.

 

GOD wanted something permanent. JESUS volunteered to become the blame for my sins. I no longer have to fear if I upset GOD in some sinful way, because the answer is “Yes!” But that’s not all to the answer. HE also says “But I forgive you because you believe in MY SON.” I am glad I can walk without fear that GOD has left me, because JESUS loves me daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to say about a “go-between?”
• Have you ever felt insecure so you wanted someone else to speak on your behalf?
• Will you get over your fears by confessing your sins directly to GOD by believing you need a Savior, namely JESUS who will give you the HOLY SPIRIT as your advocate today?

An Appealing Plea

An Appealing Plea

2 Corinthians 5: ²⁰ Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf: let God change you from enemies into his friends! ²¹ Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.

 

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Speeding tickets seemed to be the norm for me until one day I got one too many. “You need a lawyer” was the suggestion of the judge. I was unable to speak on my behalf to overturn the latest violation.  I needed someone who could appeal to the judge in a way that could be heard. “How do you plea?” was the question The lawyer spoke for me and used words that could be heard by the judge.

 

• I was guilty but needed an advocate.
• I was clearly in the wrong but needed someone to make an appeal.
• I was on my way to being sentenced, but had someone make a plea to overturn the violation.

 

Paul is trying to make an appeal to overturn the thoughts of people who did not believe in JESUS. He spoke as though GOD HIMSELF were making an appeal. He then mentions how JESUS was without sin, but for our sake, HE was made sin so we could share in the righteousness of GOD.

 

My Observations

• An appeal was made to me to guide my thoughts to JESUS.
• When I believed that JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I became eternally saved.
• I plead with others to open their eyes to the one true Savior, which is CHRIST our LORD.

 

Usually a plea is seen as a way to get “my” way. BUT GOD sees it different. JESUS not only gave up HIS life, HE pursues each and every one of us, pleading to keep us from harm. The HOLY SPIRIT begs on our behalf and GOD sends people to plea to turn to HIS ways. I am grateful for the people who prayed for me and pleaded on my behalf.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the plea from the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and needed someone else to explain things on your behalf?
• Will you make a plea on someone else’s behalf to turn to JESUS for all answers today?

Provide a Recommendation

Provide a Recommendation

Romans 16: I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who serves the church at Cenchreae. ² Receive her in the Lord's name, as God's people should, and give her any help she may need from you; for she herself has been a good friend to many people and also to me.

 

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“Do you know someone who can fill this position?” someone asked me. I was out of work and wanted someone to ask me that very question. A name popped into my head. I told him about the position and he got the job. I remained out of work. “What about me?” I said.

 

• There have been times when I wanted a recommendation, but had to give one.
• There have been times when I knew a person who was a good fit, but I was too caught up in myself to recommend him or her.
• There have been times when I wanted a recommendation but it seemed elusive.

 

Paul highly recommends Phoebe because of her service to the LORD. Paul still needed help, but wanted to help someone who helped him. He was dedicated to ensuring her success because she was dedicated to serving the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to recommend others especially when I am in need.
• GOD wants me to help those who have helped me.
• GOD wants me to reserve my recommendation to those who can and will do HIS will.

 

Recommendations should not be thrown around lightly. I mean, my reputation is tied to the person I recommend. Yes, this will be an imperfect person, but I can count on this person to do what they have done with others and me.

 

Recommending people feels weird at first, but feeds the HOLY SPIRIT. When I cheer someone on, the HOLY SPIRIT gets a meal and makes me realize, it is not always about me. I gladly give my recommendation to those who serve the LORD.

 

• Are you too caught up in your problems to recommend someone you know is a great fit for a job or situation?
• Does jealousy win each time you are “overlooked”, causing you to withhold a recommendation GOD told you to make?
• Will you feed the HOLY SPIRIT today by being thankful for people and recommending “that” person for the job or situation?

Philosophically Speaking

Philosophically Speaking

Acts 17: ¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” ²¹ (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

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Having bought into the philosophy, I immersed myself deeply. I spoke day and night about the views and opinions that mattered most for the group. I found myself leaving my family to bow down to the group’s symbols. Work had become my god and prominent figures had become my idols.

• It was easy for me to fall into a philosophical hole.
• It was easy for me to follow a group that seemed to reward me.
• It was easy for me to become something that satisfied my need for pleasure, affirmation and assurance.

Paul faced a difficult group of philosophers in Athens. They followed prominent figures like Epicurus or aligned with stoic beliefs. Fighting against hedonistic, mental rating, knowledge seeking people would be a challenge. They laughed at Paul because he spoke about JESUS saying he was a babbler. But Paul spoke anyway.

• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON anyway.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way as the only philosophy.
• GOD wants me to value HIS word as the thing I need to worship.

So many human philosophies come and go. BUT GOD remains the same. HE wants me to value HIS love for humanity by telling people JESUS died for my sins and is now alive. I can place my trust in HIM to provide and protect. I am grateful for JESUS, in whom I place my trust.

• Are you fighting for a certain philosophy that comes from humans?
• Do you doubt certain aspects you hear about GOD?
• Will you seek GOD and learn about HIM so you will have an everlasting purpose?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 9: ²⁶ And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. ²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. ³⁰ When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

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When the reorganization was announced, I was shattered. I mean I spoke negatively about the department I left and was now told I had to go back, otherwise lose the job. I tried showing people how hard I worked, but was met with disbelief that I could ever be sincere. I needed an advocate.

• There were times when I could not push my way into a group.
• There were times when my past caused problems for the present.
• There were times when I was not accepted because of the things I said and did.

Saul persecuted anyone who spoke in the name of JESUS, or at least he was in charge of those who did the killing. When he was confronted by JESUS HIMSELF, he changed wholeheartedly and became a strong force for GOD. But the persecuted did not believe in Saul.

GOD did not zap their minds so they could see the sincerity in Saul. He needed an advocate to speak on his behalf. Fortunately Barnabas must have gotten word from Ananias, the one sent by the LORD. Barnabas became an advocate for Saul and the disciples believed.

• JESUS is my advocate and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf, begging for my forgiveness to the FATHER.
• The FATHER is my forgiver and pours out HIS grace because I believe JESUS is my advocate.

Being accepted into GOD’s family felt great. I mean even though I messed up time after time, GOD saw me and said “Come to ME and I will give you rest.” I could finally rest from what I was searching for. I may not be accepted by humans, BUT GOD always accepts me. I believe in the love of JESUS.

• Are you searching for a group to accept you?
• Do you seek love and are willing to accept something that may be a lie or even harmful to you?
• Will you turn your life to true love, which is JESUS, who is your advocate?

Shining Light on the Subject

Mark 4: ²¹ Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? ²² For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. ²³ If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

²⁴ Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. ²⁵ For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

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“Ooo… I’m telling” were the words I dreaded to hear. It meant that I was caught in the act and this person was going straight to the top, namely the teacher or the parents. “Wait, don’t tell!” were my begging words. “I could get in trouble.” They told and I got in trouble.

• Sometimes I try to hide my sins.
• Sometimes I try to pretend I am good when I really am a sinner.
• Sometimes I want to keep my sins to myself and let others think more highly of me.

My sins had come into the light and I received the consequence for them, but what about the person who told on me? I mean, they just wanted to get me in trouble so they could gloat. GOD has an answer for that.

• JESUS says to me “With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
• JESUS says to me “Judge not lest you be judged.”
• JESUS says to me “Pray for your enemies.”

All of my sins will be brought into the light, so it is better for “me” to bring them into the light than for GOD to do it. By confessing my sins, I realize they actually do not have power over me. This enables me to have a tiny amount of grace that understands why others may hide their sins.

GOD wants me to be extremely careful when shining light on someone else’s sins. Instead of saying “This person has sinned” I can say “We have similar sins” this way GOD is placed as the judge and I am not the accuser rather I am an advocate for forgiveness.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD from others?
• Are you hiding sin so you can look good in front of the crowd?
• When you “tell on someone” do you desire to feel superior to “that” person?
• Can you stop talking about others so GOD will stop taking even what little you have from you?