Gathered to His People

Gathered to His People

Genesis 35: ²⁷ Then Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre, or Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had dwelt. ²⁸ Now the days of Isaac were one hundred and eighty years. ²⁹ So Isaac breathed his last and died, and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.

 

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After Simeon and Levi took revenge on the men of Shechem, GOD told Jacob to leave. He went to Bethel whiner his mother’s nurse died. Jacob mourned her death. He then continued to Ephrath, otherwise known as Bethlehem where Rachel, his beloved, died giving birth to Benjamin. Jacob mourned her death He then came home to see his father. Isaac breathed his last breath.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac died at one hundred eighty years of age.
• Jacob made it to Isaac to see his last breath.
• Isaac was gathered to his people or joined his ancestors.

 

This is the second mention of ancestors being someplace else other than alive on earth. The first mention was when Abraham died. Jacob and Esau buried Isaac’s body, but the words “gathered to his people” implies that they only buried Isaac’s corpse.

 

Isaac was no longer in the shell that was walking on this earth. He was back with his ancestors. But who are they? Isaac was a link in the lineage of CHRIST. Men and women who had conversations with the LORD were alive after death. Isaac was “full of his days”, meaning he reached a high number of years on this earth, but was alive after death.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Jacob being with his father to see him die?
• Do you believe in the afterlife?
• Do you know what will happen to you if you were to die today?

Nothing But Life

Nothing But Life

Revelation 22: The angel also showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, and coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² and flowing down the middle of the city's street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. ³ Nothing that is under God's curse will be found in the city.

 

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Driving down the road, I ran over a skunk carcass. For miles I could smell the horrible powerful stench of the dead animal. I ran through a puddle, yet the smell still lingered.

 

• I wished that I had not experienced the dead skunk.
• I wished I had not run over something that was dead and decaying.
• I would have preferred for all things that were alive to remain alive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown three things that provided life. One river and two trees were described as things that provided life. He also mentioned that the leaves would be used to heal the nations. Any sickness or disease that was under GOD’s curse would be healed by the things that provided life.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made us with life in mind.
• Eternal life will contain no sickness, no disease and no death.
• GOD’s eternal curse will not apply to those who love the LORD.

 

When GOD heals eternally, it will be done for good! I mean, there will be no more crying over a lost loved one, no more pain that keeps people awake and no more disease that causes bodies to malfunction. Why? Because JESUS paid it all.

 

JESUS was took on our curse. CHRIST redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” HE was hung on a cross and gave us eternal life. I am grateful to receive living water that will make me never thirst again.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mention’s GOD’s curse?
• Have you ever gotten sick or hurt or experienced some sort of pain?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so you can have everlasting life today?

Plans After the Problem

Plans After the Problem

Revelation 14: ¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!”

 

“Yes indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”

 

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Not knowing I could goof off, I kept working. I dumped ashtrays, wiped up spilled drinks, sprayed and arranged the bowling shoes and put away the bowling balls. I looked around and realized I was doing all the work and the other floor porters were outside, enjoying themselves.

 

• I wondered why I was working so hard when “everyone else” was having fun.
• I thought about not doing my job because “everyone else” was not doing theirs.
• I kept doing my job and was met with uncomfortable conversations like “You are making us look bad”, so I felt bad.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation. One voice told him to write down a blessing that was aimed at those who would die in service of the LORD. This statement would apply to those who were persecuted during the tribulation of GOD. The response to the statement to “Write this” was “Yes indeed!” by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

My Observations:

• Enjoyment was the plan after their death
• GOD sees hard work that is done in service of the LORD.
• Results of service of the LORD will be in the form of people who were the benefactors of the service.

 

Service of the LORD can seem lonely at times. I mean, if GOD sends you to a place that does not value HIM or any servant HE sends, it can seem lonely being the sent servant. BUT GOD sees every ounce of service done “of the LORD.”

 

In spite of how things may seem, “keep going” says GOD. HE has plans for this life and afterwards. Death has no power over those who reverence the LORD. Every word spoken for HIM and about HIM is accounted for. Every deed done in service of HIM will be blessed.

 

Challenge

• What is the mood of the conversation the writer records?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on the LORD?
• Will you persevere and remain faithful to the LORD even when it gets difficult or it may “seem” like you are the only one serving in an area?

Promised Life

Promised Life

2 Timothy 1: From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, sent to proclaim the promised life which we have in union with Christ Jesus—

 

² To Timothy, my dear son:

May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

 

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After telling GOD that I would return to HIM and serve HIM, I figured everything would be easy from that point on. I was tired of creditors calling me and low paying jobs that the public saw as degrading. I figured, that maybe GOD could help me get a better life. Things did go better for a while, but people around me got sick, hurt or even died. “I thought things would be better!” I cried out.

 

• I expected GOD to keep me from any and all harm.
• I expected that GOD would turn me into a sinless robot millionaire, who smiled every day.
• I expected that GOD would make everyone around me nicer than the nicest person we all knew and everyone would be healthy and without problems until JESUS came back.

 

Paul wrote another letter to Timothy. He begins the letter by explaining his calling to the LORD. Timothy knew this calling, so this letter was expected to be read by many others and to establish Timothy’s authority. Paul had been beaten, thrown out of synagogues and almost killed, yet he mentions “the promised life we have in union with CHRIST JESUS.’

 

My Observations

• Difficulties make me choose if I will proclaim JESUS or get mad at HIM for not meeting “my” expectations.
• Trials in life make me think that GOD isn’t listening to me or does not care.
• The HOLY SPIRIT in me, removes all doubt and shows me that GOD cares for me deeply in spite of what seems to be going on.

 

False expectations of GOD makes me set HIM up for failure in my mind. I mean, expecting everything to be easy because I have a relationship with HIM was never said by HIM. In fact, JESUS said I would be persecuted because of my relationship with HIM.

 

Things would not be easy. Satan, the enemy, wants to rob, steal and kill anyone who professes JESUS as the Savior. This is a fight versus a vacation. GOD knows I will face hard and difficult times, but provides comfort. HE does promise that after this difficult life, there will be no more difficulties. No bait and switch, there will be no more tears or pain. I am gladly continue following GOD, even when it is tough.

 

Challenge

• What promised life is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever been disappointed in this life?
• What false expectations do you have of GOD?
• Will you continue to seek GOD’s kingdom in spite of life’s difficulties today?

Life Focus

 

Life Focus

Colossians 3: You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

 

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Tired of broken down cars, raggedy clothing and cheap food, I sought a career that would afford me a “better” life. When I got into that career, I found myself working incredible hours and being sent wherever they wanted me to go. I could now afford plenty, but my time was dictated to me.

 

• I had no time for other people.
• I had no time to provide a cup of water to my relatives or neighbors.
• I had no time to speak about CHRIST or to show HIS generosity.

 

Paul provides a remedy to the problems of the world. He tells everyone to “set your hearts on the things that are in heaven.” He also says “Keep your minds fixed on the things there, not things here on earth.” Being raised with CHRIST means a “hidden life” that will be manifested later.

 

My Observations

• Focusing in on things here on earth can many times have me think there is no hope, BUT GOD wants me to focus on HIM.
• Seeing all the trouble that is around me can appear like crashing waves in an endless ocean, BUT GOD wants my eyes fixed on JESUS and HIS deliverance.
• Trying to address the current trial with my own power makes me want to give up, BUT GOD wants me to see HIS kingdom and me in it.

 

Seeing GOD is hard when life has trouble. I mean, when money is tight, jobs are scarce, and help is absent, it seems like the only question that is valid is “Where are YOU GOD?” “Don’t YOU see this mess?” BUT GOD remains calm in the middle of my cry.

 

HE knows humans are limited in their thinking and would easily fall into temptation to not follow HIM, so HE hid our lives from the enemy so we would not get stolen. This means our current view of life is fake. Our “real life is CHRIST”, who will one day appear and we will appear with HIM. I place my trust in GOD who raises my thinking above the current trial.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about the heart and the mind?
• Where are your biggest worries?
• Have you examined your heart to see what your largest focus is?
• Will you give what is in your heart to GOD and keep your mind focused on HIS kingdom so you can be raised above your current and future trials today?

Creator’s Choice

Creator’s Choice

1 Corinthians 15: ³⁵ Someone will ask, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” ³⁶ You fool! When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies. ³⁷ And what you plant is a bare seed, perhaps a grain of wheat or some other grain, not the full-bodied plant that will later grow up. ³⁸ God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body.

 

³⁹ And the flesh of living beings is not all the same kind of flesh; human beings have one kind of flesh, animals another, birds another, and fish another.

 

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Art was my favorite class. I could do something very different than the next person and my work would still be appreciated. I learned to color outside the lines in coloring books. Doodling helped me rest my mind and drawing cartoon style soon became a desire.

 

• I love creativity.
• I appreciate what people can come up with.
• I enjoy seeing other people’s talents.

 

Paul attempts to address questions people may have about the after-life. One question is “What kind of body will they have” in reference to being raised from the dead. He harshly points us to the Creator. He uses an analogy that humans can plant seeds but only GOD can make the seed that is planted.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to reduce my wondering “Why HE made me the way I am.”
• GOD wants me to be excited that HE created me with excitement.
• GOD wants me to appreciate that HE created me one of a kind and was pleased.

 

What I am and what I will become is up to GOD. I mean, HE is the one who shaped me in this body and when HE transforms me into the “proper body”, that too will be HIS choice. The exception will be I will have full appreciation of HIS artistry.

 

HE creates humans with unique nuances as well as animals and birds and fish. Not one thing is the same. GOD’s perfection is an art. I appreciate that GOD enjoys uniqueness.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever asked GOD “Why did you make me this way?”
• What is the writer’s reaction towards questioning the body type in the after-life?
• Which word comes to mind when recognizing GOD’s creation of you or other’s; appreciation, harmony or purpose?

Hope Actions

Hope Actions

1 Corinthians 15: ¹² Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? ¹³ If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised; ¹⁴ and if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe. ¹⁵ More than that, we are shown to be lying about God, because we said that he raised Christ from death—but if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. ¹⁸ It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost. ¹⁹ If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world.

 

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I used the term “I hope I get” a lot, for things I wanted. I said “I hope I get the dorm and my friend as a roommate” not knowing if I had even been accepted into the college. “I hope I get the job” or “I hope this will work out” has sometimes grated against my hope. When the answer was “No” or “Wait”, my hope tended to wane.

 

• I mistakenly placed hope in things I could see like bank accounts and material things.
• I have placed hope in my abilities or “capable” people.
• I tried to control situations rather than using hope as my foundation.

 

Paul spoke indirectly to a group of people known as the Sadducees. These people would be known as lawyers who studied the laws of Moses, given by GOD. Their unwritten motto was “Do everything right and you will have a good life.” One foundational belief that was problematic was, they did not believe in the resurrection of anyone, especially JESUS.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to know there is true life after this life.
• GOD wants me to believe that the same resurrection that happened to JESUS will happen to me, if I die.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE revealed enough of the afterlife to guide my actions in this life.

 

Belief in the afterlife is foundational to those who have a relationship with JESUS. I mean, saying “JESUS” is not enough. I must believe that JESUS died for a purpose and was raised from the dead for that same purpose, namely to save mankind.

 

The power that raised HIM from the dead is the same power that lives in me and will raise countless people to eternal life. Placing hope in this belief should guide my actions. But sometimes I place my hope in “me.” I think of a plan, act on that plan and get discouraged when the plan flops. GOD wants  my hope. I gladly place my hope in HIS power and love.

 

Challenge

• Have you pondered the afterlife?
• Do you think the actions you do daily only pertains to this life or the immediate situation?
• Have you ever acted impulsively and regretted it?
• Will you take time to ponder your existence and seek JESUS as a place to put your hope today?

Game of Life

Game of Life

John 5: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. ²⁵ Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. ²⁶ For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, ²⁷ and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 

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With a spouse and a car full of babies, I could see the finish line. After losing so many times, I finally could win this round. When I spun the spinner, I landed on the dreaded spot that takes money away from you, just before getting to millionaire acres, the game winning spot. My dreams of winning were crushed again.

• Sometimes I want life to go as other people have planned for me.
• Sometimes I want life to be without problems.
• Sometimes I want life to be just like the game of life where you can win a large prize just for playing.

JESUS further explains to the church leaders that HE is GOD and has all authority. HE explains that the FATHER has life and so does HE. “Life will be given to those who hear ME” JESUS says. Am I listening?

• JESUS wants me to accept HIS example HE gave me in HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to look to HIM for all of my answers rather than thinking I know it all.
• JESUS wants me to hear HIM when I need comforting, correction and guidance in all aspects of life.

Life is GOD and HE gives it to me abundantly. Sometimes the enemy tries to confuse me into thinking if I am experiencing problems, I must not be living “life.” This is a lie that JESUS wants me to overcome. HE wants me to see that “life” is more than problem free and pleasure filled time.

Life means being with people who struggle, as well as with those who laugh. JESUS wants me to cry with people, smile with people and grow with people. HE wants me to point to HIM who holds life in HIS hands. I am eternally saved because of JESUS.

• What does “life” mean to you?
• Do you think you are not living because things are not going your way?
• Will you stop waiting on things to be better and start celebrating eternal life, through JESUS, before it happens?

What’s Next

Luke 20: ²⁷ Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. ²⁸ ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. ²⁹ Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. ³⁰ The second ³¹ and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. ³² Finally, the woman died too. ³³ Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?’

³⁴ Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.³⁵ But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, ³⁶ and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.³⁷ But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”. ³⁸ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’

³⁹ Some of the teachers of the law responded, ‘Well said, teacher!’ ⁴⁰ And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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“Can I go to school too?” I asked as I saw my siblings leave the house day after day. I had no concept of what “school” was. I only knew they went somewhere for what seemed like an eternity. I was too young to understand where they went.

• Many times I have not known what was coming.
• Many times I have faced the unknown with excitement.
• Many times I have looked forward to something people told me about that I wanted to experience.

The Sadducees were church leaders who did not believe in heaven or a life after death. They studied the Law of Moses and knew it well but never placed the words in their hearts. JESUS saw through their unlikely question about marriage and knew they were trying to use it as a façade for disproving life after death.

• GOD says to me “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME, though he may die, he shall live.”
• GOD says to me “I will give eternal life to those who believe in ME.”

Only a few years are spent on this earth and the time should not be wasted. GOD protects me though difficult times and promises one day there will be no more pain. HE will wipe away all my tears as a forgiven sinner. What’s next for me is what I look forward to and have since I accepted JESUS as my savior.

• Do you think life stops when you die?
• Do you have purpose and hope in your life?
• Will you seek JESUS as the owner of your life and fulfill your purpose from now on?

Incredible Return

Mark 13: ²⁴ “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; ²⁵ the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. ²⁶ Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

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Not knowing who I was, a person took a picture of me, and then more started doing the same. A co-worker and I went to a professional football party and got a chance to walk on a red carpet. I was making a grand entrance and I was a “nobody” to this group.

• JESUS will one day return.
• JESUS will someday come back with great power.
• JESUS will reappear to gather HIS elect.

Without JESUS, no one would be saved. HE will return in a GOD-like fashion. Even the planets and the stars will be shaken. HIS return will definitely focus everyone on HIM.

• Are you trying to get attention?
• Do you think you are not special?
• Can you stop thinking poorly of yourself for moment and place your thoughts on how glorious JESUS really is today?

Crashing the Banquet

Matthew 22: ⁸ “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. ⁹ So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ ¹⁰ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

¹¹ “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ¹² He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

¹³ “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

¹⁴ “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

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Delicious food was just sitting there in the hallway. I was starving and headed towards the wonderful aroma. “Do you have your badge?” said the hotel attendant with a stern voice. “Um, no” was my pitiful reply. It seemed like everyone around could hear the conversation so they all looked at me.

• There were places I wanted to see but did not have a ticket.
• There were events I wanted to be involved in but I did not have a pass.
• There were concerts I wanted to hear but I did not get my ticket in time.

Embarrassed, disappointed and upset were my feelings when I had the chance to get a ticket or a pass but I waited and they were all gone, therefore I missed out. JESUS’s parable was about missing out. HE gave people a chance to come to HIS wedding but they rejected HIM as the Messiah.

One person who tried to crash the banquet was immediately noticed because they had no wedding clothes on. JESUS was illustrating how those who accept HIM will be given “new clothes.”

• JESUS wants me to answer HIM when HE calls me the first time.
• JESUS gives me many changes to follow HIM but some day those chances will run out.
• JESUS allows me to reject HIM over and over, but if my rejection persists, then HE will ultimately reject me.

GOD’s grace is limitless to those who “believe” in the SON. Unfortunately HE has no tolerance for those who do not. HE will toss them out of HIS presence forever, saying “I invited you over and over.”  I choose to live for JESUS daily so I can enjoy the official Wedding Feast.

• Are you rejecting JESUS?
• Do you feel there are many roads to heaven?
• Can you accept JESUS as the only name who can save you eternally?

Transformed into Greatness

Matthew 11: ¹¹ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. ¹⁵ Whoever has ears, let them hear.

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A box of awards from various companies sits in a box for non to see. Accolades telling me how “great” I was pale into comparison to what I am going to become.

• Humans declare me “great” because of their sinful lenses.
• Humans defined a measure of “greatness” that only the sinful can achieve.
• Humans have missed the mark in terms of what greatness really is.

Human worship still happens in everyday conversations. People are so stuck on the mishaps of those in the news that no conversation about GOD can pierce the noise. GOD wants something different from me.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS kingdom in the days where it is weird to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to prophecy about HIS SON, meaning telling people of HIS imminent return.
• GOD wants me to stop waiting for something else to happen and start getting HIS kingdom ready.

John the Baptist was the greatest human to live, next to JESUS, yet John would not even be considered “great” in the kingdom of heaven. When GOD transforms my body into a “kingdom” body, I will be “great.” All my earthly deeds will be checked and measured against how I served GOD by serving humans.

Greatness has a different definition to GOD. Pointing my life towards JESUS is the definition of great to HIM.

• Are you ready for greatness?
• Do you seek the accolades of humans or of GOD?
• Can you stop chasing human affirmation and seek GOD’s kingdom that is under fire around you?

Purpose

Revelation 5: ² And I saw a strong angel, who shouted with a loud voice: “Who is worthy to break the seals on this scroll and open it?” ³ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll and read it.

⁴ Then I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll and read it. ⁵ But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, “Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

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Scrawny, scraggly, and scared described me well. It seemed like everyone else “fit” and I didn't.  I mean my quirkiness and rough appearance did not draw a crowd.  I wondered “what good was I.” Do I even have a purpose? JESUS had a purpose.

• I’m not sure of the timing but I wonder if the scrolls were made when Satan wanted to be GOD.
• I’m not sure of the decree BUT GOD must have said only a sinless person can open the scroll.
• I’m not sure what was at stake BUT GOD placed HIS trust in HIS SON.

The scrolls written here are the judgments GOD has on the Earth and Satan. Only a sinless human could open the scrolls. JESUS volunteered to become that sinless human. I have no idea what HE gave up but HE sacrificed HIMSELF for me.

Satan thought he could prevent the scrolls from being opened so he tempted the first humans and ruined all of humanity. BUT JESUS was different. HE was born as a human through the SPIRIT and has no sin in HIM. HE is the only one worthy to open the scroll.

Now what does this have to do with me?  HIS salvation has given me purpose. Just as JESUS entire life had purpose to save humanity, HE has given me purpose to reach at least one person with my life if not more.  HE wants me to tell people they don’t have to work hard for their salvation because JESUS already took care of that.

Place your trust in HIM and that’s all you need!

• Are you wandering through life without a purpose?
• Do you believe GOD made you special with tasks that can only be completed by you?
• Can you follow JESUS’ lead and live your life with purpose?
• Do you understand GOD wants you to rest and let HIM take care of things?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

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Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?

A better place to live

Hebrews 11: ¹⁶ Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

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Graduation was finally here. I couldn’t wait to go to college for it had to be better than home, I thought.  Years later graduation came around again. I couldn’t wait to get away from college for working in a small town had to be better than college.

Years later I was being courted for a new job back in the city where I grew up. I couldn’t wait to move back because it had to be better than living in a small town.  Wait! Why aren’t these things getting better?

• Sometimes I get disenchanted with where I am.
• Sometimes I look around and see mostly bad and fail to see what is good.
• Sometimes I believe my situation is dismal and I need to move onto something new here on Earth.

It seems like “Utopia” has to be around here someplace. I mean can’t I find a perfect life where everything is easy, there is no fighting and I get my way while everyone else is getting their way? Not here on this planet!

• GOD wants me to remain focused on HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to know this life is extremely temporary.
• GOD wants me to hold on and persevere through difficult times knowing HE has a better place for me.

Admittedly I want the better place now, here on Earth.  I want treasures now and treasures later.  I guess it’s the greed in me. GOD says keep my eye on the prize and remain focused on telling the world about HIS SON. Countries will come and go but GOD’s kingdom remains forever! GOD is not ashamed of me and has prepared a city for me.

• Are you trying to make this world your permanent home?
• Are you frustrated with the way other people are acting?
• Can you focus your attention on helping others remain in GOD?
• Will you stop trying to eradicate sin, which only GOD can do, and focus your attention on loving people?

And after that…

Hebrews 9: ²⁷ Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

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“Put your pencils down” exclaimed the moderator. “Oh no” I thought in my mind for I had not finished the test. “This was my only chance to shine and I blew it” I fretted with my young naive mind. The test was over and I had to permanently accept my score forever. I’m doomed! I thought. Maybe I should have prepared.

• There are some actions I take in life that can cause permanent damage.
• There are some things I do that will leave permanent scars.
• There are some situations I face where my regrets will mount high.

We are all born as sinners on this great planet. We have an entire life that is given to us that includes “purpose.” It’s up to me to choose GOD’s purpose to make my life “abundant” for after I die then I will have to stand in front of HIM and give an account of each of my actions.

The most important action is believing that CHRIST was sacrificed once to take away my sins. After HIS death HE rose to life and will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but bring salvation to me. But until HE returns I have a life to live. What should I do?

• GOD wants my life to be full of the same grace HE shows me daily.
• GOD wants my life to include reaching out to those who feel like turning away from HIM.
• GOD wants my life to be abundant in relationships with people.

One day I will have to put my pencil down in life and face all that I have done. I am glad CHRIST took away my sins!

• What are you doing with your life?
• Are you just sitting or are you serving?
• Can you stop focusing on yourself and mend “that” relationship?