Necessary Reminder

Necessary Reminder

Hebrews 10: The Jewish Law is not a full and faithful model of the real things; it is only a faint outline of the good things to come. The same sacrifices are offered forever, year after year. How can the Law, then, by means of these sacrifices make perfect the people who come to God? ² If the people worshiping God had really been purified from their sins, they would not feel guilty of sin any more, and all sacrifices would stop. ³ As it is, however, the sacrifices serve year after year to remind people of their sins. ⁴ For the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sins.

 

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After realizing my life needed to change, I stopped hanging around certain “friends.” I also stopped doing some things that I felt were detrimental to my relationship with GOD. Things got much better. I attributed it to “my” cleansing efforts and felt others needed to do the same.

 

• I was “proud” of myself for turning “my” life around.
• I thought I had “arrived” at being holy.
• I judged those who were still struggling with sins “I” had overcome.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed piety and self-pride. While the Law was extremely useful, it is not the “full and faithful model of the real things.” In fact, the Law was to be used to show how futile our efforts are to be clean. Traditions, and following the rules, would never ever cleanse sin.

 

My Observations:

• My efforts to be clean are similar to a full diaper.
• Only JESUS can make me clean because my thoughts are never on HIM.
• When I remember what JESUS did, I am also reminded that I need HIM daily.

 

Sin doesn’t go away because I act good from time to time. I mean, if I think my “good” efforts merit GOD doing something different, I am in a world of trouble. HE says “Your righteousness are like filthy rags.” I can never do or say anything that is “clean” to HIM because the Law is not the “real thing.”

 

JESUS is the real thing. HE took away my sin and declared me holy. Only through HIM am I seen as clean. HE makes my pitiful efforts righteous and enhances my words to draw people to HIM. I am glad JESUS did it all so I do not have to think I need to save the world.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “faint outline?”
• Have you ever been proud of yourself for not doing the same sin on a particular day?
• Will you stop looking at your own efforts to please GOD and know HE loves you dearly as much as HE can and HE is willing to live inside you with full love today?

Playing with Shadows

Playing with Shadows

Hebrews 8: ³ Every high priest is appointed to present offerings and animal sacrifices to God, and so our High Priest must also have something to offer. ⁴ If he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer the gifts required by the Jewish Law. ⁵ The work they do as priests is really only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. It is the same as it was with Moses. When he was about to build the Sacred Tent, God told him, “Be sure to make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.” ⁶ But now, Jesus has been given priestly work which is superior to theirs, just as the covenant which he arranged between God and his people is a better one, because it is based on promises of better things.

 

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Bored waiting on whatever my parents were doing, I looked around and could not find anything to play with. The sun was shining, so when I raised my hands I noticed the shadow on the floor did the same thing. I decided to play with that. I lifted my foot and the shadow responded. Soon I was making all kinds of things happen with the shadow. But when I got home, I was able to play with real people. It was so much better!

 

• I played with my shadow, but it could not do what a real person could do.
• I was able to make the shadow do what I wanted, but it could not do what I needed.
• I pretended the shadow was enough, but when reality came I felt better.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the activity of human high priests to that of JESUS, the true High Priest. He says that what they do to atone for sins is only a “shadow” of the real thing. What Moses was told to do was only a pattern of the real thing.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is superior to anything I could ever do.
• JESUS is above any “good” act I could ever try.
• JESUS is where I can place all my trust because humans can fall.

 

Pastors, priests and preachers are nice to have, but are full of flaws and sometimes contradictions. I mean, it does not matter who is preaching, there is a part of him or her that is made up of sin. BUT JESUS has no sin. HE can speak worlds into existence because HE has no flaws.

 

JESUS is the “real deal!” What I do for HIM and what others do and say about HIM are only a shadow of the real thing. Shadows are weak and powerless, but they exists. My actions are weak and powerless, but they exist. GOD sees when I mimic HIM and is pleased. I am grateful, GOD turns my weak, shadowlike actions into treasures I can’t imagine.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer compare the actions of a high priest to a shadow?
•  Have you ever done something as a child, then done something similar as an adult and laughed at your childish actions?
• Will you seek JESUS as the real thing to come and keep going with the actions the HOLY SPIRIT leads you to do, knowing you will be rewarded by GOD someday?

Love is Exciting

Love is Exciting

1 Corinthians 13: ⁴ Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; ⁵ love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; ⁶ love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. ⁷ Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.

 

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After reading this list, I realized that I had not shown love to my family and friends. It made me feel bad. But replacing “love” with “JESUS” the list becomes less of a burden on me and more excitement in my relationship with HIM.

 

• Expecting humans to show this type of love will bring on disappointment.
• Expecting humans to show unconditional love is false.
• Expecting humans to show pure love that has no sin in it, is impossible.

 

“All have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory.” Paul said this and knows humans cannot produce the type of love needed to save humanity. BUT JESUS did. Paul writes about they type of love JESUS showed us. JESUS executed love flawlessly.

 

My Observations

• When GOD says to me “I love you”, HE means it.
• When GOD says to me “I will always be with you”, I can believe this to be true.
• When GOD says to me “I stand at the door and knock, if anyone opens the door I will come in and sup with you”, I can open my heart to HIM and know HE will fill it up with HIS love.

 

GOD never lies and is the only one who can show true love. But where does that leave humans? It leaves us with a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with GOD’s love. If I try to fill this hole with work or prestige or materials possessions or worldly lusts, the hole in my heart drains the actions onto the ground.

 

When I allow GOD to fill my heart, the HOLY SPIRIT guides me to an abundant life that the world may not understand. I am excited about the pure love JESUS has shown me and all who believe in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you observe when you compare this list to what JESUS did for you?
• How do you feel about this list when you look at other humans?
• How do you feel about this list when you look at JESUS?
• Will you rethink the source of love and allow GOD to place this source in your heart today?

For the Good of All

For the Good of All

1 Corinthians 10: ²⁷ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you decide to go, eat what is set before you, without asking any questions because of your conscience. ²⁸ But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat that food, for the sake of the one who told you and for conscience' sake— ²⁹ that is, not your own conscience, but the other person's conscience.

 

“Well, then,” someone asks, “why should my freedom to act be limited by another person's conscience? ³⁰ If I thank God for my food, why should anyone criticize me about food for which I give thanks?”

 

³¹ Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God's glory. ³² Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or to the church of God. ³³ Just do as I do; I try to please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own good, but of the good of all, so that they might be saved.

 

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“There is no ‘I’ in team” was a cliché thrown out at us from a boss. We giggled and someone replied, “But there is in ‘win!’” We went our individual ways trying to implement solutions each had come up with, and none of them stuck. We failed as a team.

 

• There have been many times when “I” did things on my own and received accolades for myself but not others..
• There have been many times when “I” tried to do what “I” felt was right but failed as a group.
• There have been many times when “I” thought of a solution from “my” point of view and presented it, only to receive resistance.

 

Paul goes into a difficult subject, namely relationships. He presents it from a perspective that, whether dealing with a person who believes in JESUS or not, think what is best for that person.

 

• GOD wants me to see people as HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to think of others so they might be saved.
• GOD wants me to put aside “me” so I can be with “them” to see “HIM.”

 

Seeing people is important. I mean, when I go “my” way, it is easy to not see people. I may be busy or getting beat up in the alley, but no one would know what is going on without unity. Thinking of “the good of all” means I bring the hope of GOD into a relationship without clobbering the relationship.

 

Yes, eternity is extremely important, but it takes time. You may say, but there is a sense of urgency that is needed. But the urgency needs to be tempered with the raw ingredients baked at the right temperature so the meal is not deadly, but can be eaten. I am grateful for all those who are in my life.

 

• Are you developing individual solutions, expecting others to follow “you?”
• Do you think “you” know what is best for “that” person?
• Will you think of solutions to bring people to GOD by being with “them” versus against them today?

Permanent Solution

Permanent Solution

1 Corinthians 6: ⁷ The very fact that you have legal disputes among yourselves shows that you have failed completely. Would it not be better for you to be wronged? Would it not be better for you to be robbed? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves wrong one another and rob one another, even other believers! ⁹ Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts ¹⁰ or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God's Kingdom. ¹¹ Some of you were like that. But you have been purified from sin; you have been dedicated to God; you have been put right with God by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

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“Maybe I can use a coat hanger” was my first thought in repairing the hatch back door on my jalopy of a car.  Of course the hanger did not fit properly. It was too thin to snugly connect the hatch to the car and if I doubled the hanger, it was too thick. I needed a permanent solution.

 

• There have been many times when I looked at temporary solutions as permanent.
• There have been many times when I declared something as “fixed” when it was still broken.
• There have been many times when I argued about my patch work, justifying why I repaired it the way I did.

 

Paul explains the reason it is frivolous to take legal action against another believer in JESUS. He, however, does it in a strange way. He explains that anyone who sins in any way, will not receive the kingdom of GOD. The sines he lists are temporary solutions to a deeper problem, namely the lack of a relationship with JESUS for salvation.

 

• GOD wants me to turn from temporary sin and replace it with a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD knows I cannot resist sin, so HE gave me a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD saw all the sins I would ever commit, and HE forgave me with HIS permanent solution, namely JESUS.

 

Trying to pick apart the list Paul writes, points to a deeper problem which is surrender. I mean, if I think “I” am not on the list he writes about and that I can tell someone else to straighten up because “their” actions are sinful, then I am the one with the serious problem. All have sinned and need a permanent solution to sin.

 

JESUS is that permanent solution. HE not only saves me eternally, HE guides me daily through the HOLY SPIRIT. When I want to use sin as my solution, the HOLY SPIRIT warns me and provides a way out. I don’t always take the way out, so HE pleads for me when I sin. I am grateful GOD’s grace is sufficient to cover my sins.

 

• Are you trying to fix your life with temporary sin?
• Do you think you were “born that way” and are unwilling to surrender your life to JESUS?
• Have you fallen for the lie that if you have committed a sin, GOD will not forgive you, or worse yet, you do not feel you need to be forgiven?
• Will you consider the love of JESUS and ask for forgiveness of any sin so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Have Been Versus Is

Have Been Versus Is

1 Corinthians 5: ⁹ In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. ¹⁰ Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. ¹¹ What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.

 

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Over the course of my life I looked exactly like everyone else. I tried to fit into the world, so I picked up its behaviors. I read this list which included immorality, greed, idol worship, slander, getting drunk and being a thief. Yes, I have been all of the above.

 

• There have been many times when I have looked just like the world.
• There have been many times when I just wanted to fit in so I acted like “everyone” else.
• There have been many times when my own lusts made me choose to act like the world.

 

Paul gives a very strong warning about “someone who calls himself a believer but…” The “But” in his statement is very strong. He implies the person does not really believe JESUS is the only answer but mouths the words of GOD by mentioning HIM on occasion to manipulate people in immoral, greedy, idol worshipping, slanderous, drunken and thieving ways.

 

• GOD wants me to be able to confess when I sin.
• GOD wants me to be ready to admit a fallen state in hopes that I can be restored.
• GOD wants me to use the fruit of the Spirit, especially “self-control” to keep from falling back into the ways GOD dislikes.

 

Restoration can happen to anyone. I mean if I fall to being immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderous, drunk or a thief, I should be removed from leading in any gathering of believers as a leader. Fortunately, GOD wants to use sinners to spread HIS message.

 

If I confess this behavior and truly repent or stay away from old behaviors, then I can be restored and useful to lead people to CHRIST. Yes, GOD takes sin seriously and so should I. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads on my behalf, who restores me and who leads me daily.

 

• Are you trying to stay away from people you have judged?
• Do you think you heart is perfect and other people have imperfect hearts?
• Will you stop applying this list to other people and examine yourself to see if there is something blocking you from speaking boldly and truthfully about JESUS today?

Exclusion Illusion

 

Exclusion Illusion

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

The Cure

 

The Cure

Romans 5: ¹⁶ And there is a difference between God's gift and the sin of one man. After the one sin, came the judgment of “Guilty”; but after so many sins, comes the undeserved gift of “Not guilty!” ¹⁷ It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ.

 

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It was a long week, but it was finally over. I boarded the plane and took my normal restful seat by the window. The flight was full so the middle seat was occupied next to me. The guy coughed and sneezed most of the trip.

 

I tried staving off a cold by drinking extra orange juice, but to no avail. I caught the cold. When I got home, I tried to stay away from the family, but they too caught the same cold. And probably many other kids at their school.

 

• I can remember when one person infected me with a cold or flu.
• I can remember when one person infected me with temptation.
• I can remember when one person infected me with rage, anger, doubt or fear.

 

Paul explains that Adam’s one tiny sinful act caused a disease amongst humans that was not supposed to be there. Any offspring he had would be born into sin and deserve death. This pandemic needed a cure.

 

• JESUS knew that I was born into sin and deserved death.
• JESUS knew that I would commit sin all my life and would never choose HIM.
• JESUS knew HE was the cure, so HE died for me and gave me a transfusion with HIS shed blood.

 

Sin is a disease that cannot be cured by a sinful human. Only a pure human’s blood could provide the right transfusion to erase all sin. JESUS became a human and was murdered for being innocent. HE did not sin, even though HE faced greater temptation than any human.

 

HIS bloody death on the cross was enough to erase all sins to those who receive HIS love. HIS grace was truly sufficient. HE provided the vaccination, namely to believe in HIS cure for death. I believe in JESUS and the sin of one man, or especially my sin, has no effect on me.

 

• Are you struggling with the “good” versus “evil” thinking?
• Are you weary because you cannot be “good” enough to please GOD?
• Will you stop looking at GOD through diseased, sinful lenses and know HE provided a cure for your sin by believing that JESUS took care of your sin today and forever?

Identified in the Line-Up

 

Identified in the Line-Up

Romans 3: ⁹ Well then, are we Jews in any better condition than the Gentiles? Not at all! I have already shown that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. ¹⁰ As the Scriptures say:

“There is no one who is righteous,
¹¹     no one who is wise
    or who worships God.
¹² All have turned away from God;
    they have all gone wrong;
    no one does what is right, not even one.
¹³ Their words are full of deadly deceit;
    wicked lies roll off their tongues,
    and dangerous threats, like snake's poison, from their lips;
¹⁴     their speech is filled with bitter curses.
¹⁵ They are quick to hurt and kill;
¹⁶     they leave ruin and destruction wherever they go.
¹⁷ They have not known the path of peace,
¹⁸     nor have they learned reverence for God.”

 

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Years of music gone. Someone broke the back window of my car and stole all my mix tapes. Yes I said tapes. How dare they! Having watched a lot of TV shows about cops, I thought “maybe they can dust for prints or pull up a book of usual suspects or put people in a line-up where my neighbors can point out the culprit.”

 

That did not deter me from going out that night, trying to “steal” someone’s girlfriend at the bar.

 

• There were times when I wanted justice when something happened to me.
• There were times when I wanted to point at what others were doing wrong.
• There were times when I wanted forgiveness for my wrong but justice for theirs.

 

Paul gets very real about this sin situation. He talks about those who think they are “good” but are not. He states a list that is harsh and when reading it, the tendency is to think of other people. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

• GOD wants me to see myself as a person who would never choose HIM.
• GOD wants me to know I need HIM by identifying with the sin that naturally flows from me.
• GOD wants me to understand that my heart needs daily cleaning.

 

“No one is righteous” when compared to JESUS. There are a lot of people who do nice things, but no one is sinless down to the motive. But there was one who remained sinless, namely JESUS. HE became a human, lived to adulthood and was murdered, all without committing a single sin. I identify with the list of sins and I am grateful JESUS forgave me.

 

• Are you mad at someone and think you are “righteous?”
• Do you see the faults in others and not your own?
• Will you ask GOD to look at your own heart to show you how much “you” need HIS grace today?

Shown to be Right

 

Shown to be Right

Romans 3: Do the Jews then have any advantage over the Gentiles? Or is there any value in being circumcised? ² Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews. ³ But what if some of them were not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful? ⁴ Certainly not! God must be true, even though all human beings are liars. As the scripture says,

 

“You must be shown to be right when you speak;
    you must win your case when you are being tried.”

 

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“Who broke this?” I was asked. “I don’t know” was my lying answer, knowing full well I broke it. “I promise I will never do that again” was my lying statement when I got caught speeding. “I believe GOD can do anything” was my lying statement when doubt filled me up so much that I took matters in my own hands.

 

• Many times I have lied out of convenience.
• Many times I have lied to protect myself.
• Many times I have lied for no reason at all.

 

Paul continues the explanation of GOD’s relationship with humanity. He speaks about GOD choosing the Jews to reveal HIS message to the world. Unfortunately, this all important message was not handled with the faith it deserved. Some were not faithful to the message and chose to lie, to keep a following versus pointing their lives to JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to grow up enough to speak the truth about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to recognize that I need HIM to open my eyes to my lies.
• GOD wants me to confess my lies because they stain any righteous acts I may do.

 

One prophet, Isaiah, was called to be a speaker for GOD. He confessed to GOD that he was a liar. GOD healed him of lying by giving him courage to speak the truth about JESUS. He then wrote this about JESUS, “But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM, And by HIS stripes we are healed.”

 

GOD can take a liar like me, forgive those lies and fill me with confidence in HIM that HE will be faithful because HE cannot and will not ever lie to me. When HE says “You are forgiven for all your sins because you believe in MY SON” HE means it. I believe I am forgiven for my lies.

 

• Are you a liar, even to yourself?
• Do you hide things to protect your image?
• Will you change your speech and be “shown to be right” so others can hear what JESUS has done by HIS forgiveness today?

Clean Defense

 

Clean Defense

Acts 21: ⁴⁰ After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic

 

Acts 22: ¹ “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

 

² When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Then Paul said: ³ “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. ⁴ I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, ⁵ as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

 

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“Why aren’t you going to the bachelor party?” I was asked. Following GOD was new to me and I wanted to get it right this time. After returning to praying to GOD and really listening to the HOLY SPIRIT, I didn’t want the old way anymore. I tried to explain why I didn’t want to attend, but felt they thought I was judging them.

 

There were times when I tried to defend my faith.

There were times when I explained the wrongs I did.

There were times when I let everyone know I am no better than anyone else.

 

Paul hushed the crowd by speaking in a different language. He explained where he came from and more importantly, how devious he was towards GOD’s people. He explained how zealous he was in persecuting those who followed JESUS in an ironic attempt to follow the Law of Moses, given by GOD. His defense was no longer that he was right, rather he was wrong.

 

GOD wants me to explain to people that I was and still am a sinner.

GOD wants me to tell people that all of my sins make me deserving of the place made only for Satan’s destruction.

GOD wants me to let people know that only the love of JESUS can save them, just as HE saved a sinner like me.

 

Admitting my sins of lying, lusting, lurking and laziness helps others do the same. I mean, who wants to try to be like perfect people? GOD made salvation easy, but humans make it hard by telling others to clean up their act before they come to GOD.

 

HE wants people to come to HIM just as they are. In fact, the more clean a person thinks they are, on their own power, the further away from the truth they become. I am glad GOD loves me in the middle of my sins and has forgiven me for all of them.

 

Have you stopped certain sins and think you are clean because you stopped?

Do you think you are better than “that” person?

Will you stop comparing yourself to others and start looking for those who need to hear how many sins GOD saved you from today?

Truth is, no partiality

Truth is, no partiality

Acts 10 ³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵ But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ³⁶ The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— ³⁷ that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

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Getting to the cafeteria when it opened was important this day. The tradition was to save a seat right at the front door for all who looked and acted like me. Though I was a freshman, I vowed to myself to keep this tradition going. Instead of waiting, I decided to get some food. When I returned to the table, someone who did not look like me sat there. I got ready for the fight.

• Many times I have acted “partial” to specific people.
• Many times I have given people I was “partial” to, a pass on their behavior.
• Many times I have been willing to start fights over people I was “partial” to.

Peter explains to Cornelius, a person of another race, that GOD is not partial to any nation. GOD will accept anyone who fears HIM and works righteousness. Peter then explains why.

• JESUS preached peace to me.
• JESUS was sent to me to save me.
• JESUS who is LORD of all, has received the HOLY SPIRIT, power and compassion to heal me and do good to me.

Part of the people is not enough for GOD. HE wants all of the people. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD. Unfortunately, some who will confess this truth will realize the eternal mistake they made by not believing this when they were alive.

JESUS has allowed me into HIS family. HE appreciates when I see the variety of people HE gets excited over. HE made each person unique and says “All of heaven rejoices over one person who accepts ME as their Savior.” I am learning to appreciate the uniqueness of others.

• Are you showing partiality to certain people and trying to say you are telling the truth?
• Do you give, those you are partial to, the best and leave the leftovers, if any, to everyone else?
• Will you stop your “small” view and look at GOD’s “large” picture by seeking HIS “full” kingdom today?

Subject Matter Expert

Subject Matter Expert

John 9: ²⁶ Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

²⁷ He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become His disciples?”

²⁸ Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”

³⁰ The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet He has opened my eyes! ³¹ Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him. ³² Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. ³³ If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

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Being deemed the subject matter expert was a hidden honor to me. I mean whenever someone had questions, they would come to me for the answers. I felt needed and wanted. One day, someone came up to me with a question that I could not answer. How dare they! “Why were they trying to trip me up?” I thought.

• There were times when I thought I could “know it all.”
• There were times when I believed I could be the one who had all the answers.
• There were times when I felt so great about being the subject matter expert that I would defend my title.

The church leaders kept interrogating the man healed of his blindness by JESUS. They repeated their questions, not seeking the truth but to see if they could catch the man in a lie. The man had enough and asked them, “How could HE heal me, the way HE healed me, if HE were not from GOD? This question stumped them so they threw him out of the community.

• GOD wants me to know he raises other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to accept that I am not the only one who follows HIM.
• GOD wants me to place HIM as the only one who is superior.

Superiority is a fatal flaw that GOD wants to get rid of. Bragging and boasting about being an “expert” in knowing GOD or HIS word can be a weakness. The Pharisees could not see GOD when HE arrived because of their blindness to their lust for power. They were supposed to be the experts.

JESUS wants me to be able to hear HIM speak even through the youngest child. HIS truth is true from the rich and learned as well as the poor and unlearned. HE can and will use unlikely people to spread HIS word. I am glad HE gives me grace to hear HIM.

• Do you consider yourself a subject matter expert?
• Do you give GOD any credit for what you know?
• Will you allow GOD to open your ears to hear from people who may not be an expert?

Not Knowing

Luke 23: ³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

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“Come up here and get your hand whacked” said the new teacher to me. Yes, this was allowed. “I didn’t do anything” I exclaimed. Because we were sitting alphabetically, I was parked next to a couple of people who caused trouble. The teacher could not discern who exactly did what.

• A few times I have been mistakenly lumped into the crowd.
• A few times I have been mislabeled.
• A few times I have been thrown in with those who did stuff that I did not do.

Innocent JESUS was convicted of crimes HE did not commit. HE was nailed to the cross between two criminals to be an example of what not to do. JESUS does something strange. HE prays to the FATHER and says “Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”

• JESUS forgives my many sins that I blatantly and inadvertently commit.
• JESUS knows that I do not know exactly what the penalty is for my sin.
• JESUS wants me to understand, just a little, that HE was blameless and took my penalty for my sins.

“Not knowing is no excuse” I was told when being convicted of a speeding ticket. The same applies to sin, but on a much larger scale. Not knowing JESUS will be no excuse, especially since HE wrote HIS laws on every human heart.

GOD gave me the ability to not choose HIM and HE will help me do just that. When I want to go my merry way, GOD has enough grace to allow me to mess things up and welcome me back when I come crying to HIM for help. GOD’s grace for me is truly amazing!

• Are you misunderstood?
• Are you mislabeling GOD?
• Do you get angry at HIS love because you do not know what HE is doing in your life?
• Will you allow GOD to take care of you even when others are blaming you?

Sick, Not Blind

Mark 2: ¹³ Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. ¹⁴ As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

¹⁵ Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. ¹⁶ And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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Broke and confused, I had no guidance from my counselors. I mean, how was I supposed to pay my rent, have my car fixed and pay for tuition? What good was school anyway? Seeing how I was stewing over my situation, someone invited me to church.

Maybe I can tell these people about my problem, I thought to myself. When I arrived, the church was so focused on some kind of celebration that I could not express what was going on in my life. I left distraught.

• There were times I wanted help from “churchy” people and was met with an invitation to give.
• There were times I desired to say “I’m hurt” to the “churchy” people but was met with “Come to our fashion show.”
• There were times when I longed to get sound advice from “churchy” people and was met with clap at this song a little harder.

JESUS sat with sinners who knew they were sinners. They were the outcasts of society and knew they needed help. They did not fit in with “churchy” people so they hung out with each other. HE was accepted by them yet criticized by the “churchy” people. GOD wants me to follow HIS lead.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost just like HE sought me.
• JESUS wants me to look for he hurt instead of gathering to feel comfortable.
• JESUS wants me to find those who need HIM rather than going to a club week after week.

Blind is what JESUS accused the Pharisees of being. HE challenged them to trade in their blindness for sickness but they refused to do so. They would never admit they were spiritually dying so they continued down their “churchy” blind path. JESUS wants me to open my eyes and admit “I am sick and I need JESUS today”, only then can HIS power be shown in me.

• Are you blinded by society?
• Do you think you are well when you are really spiritually sick?
• Will you admit to GOD you need HIS help and HIS help alone?
• Will you stop looking around at others and seek the lost for CHRIST?

No One Knows

Matthew 11: ²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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At one point I used to use “GOD” generically. I mean other people worship “god” aren’t they simply talking about the same GOD I’m talking about? No! This scripture caught my eye this morning.

• JESUS said “All things have been committed to me by MY FATHER” meaning HE is GOD.
• JESUS said “No one knows the SON except the FATHER” meaning HE is part of the holy trinity.
• JESUS said “HE chooses to reveal the FATHER to people.”

Knowing GOD is more than book knowledge. There is a supernatural gift of knowing who the FATHER is. JESUS gives anyone this gift if they believe in the need for the gift. What I’m saying is I must believe that I was on my way to being eternally separated from GOD at one point.

I had to acknowledge that I do not deserve a relationship with GOD but I could have one if I believe the SON became a man, was murdered for my sins, was raised from the dead and was given all power. This I truly believe and I could only believe this because the SON has given me the gift of salvation.

No one knows GOD except those GOD has revealed HIMSELF to.

• Are you lost?
• Are you trying to relate to GOD your own way?
• Can you stop trying to do things your way and follow GOD through JESUS who is GOD?

True Acknowledgement

Hosea 8: ² Israel cries out to me,
    ‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’
³ But Israel has rejected what is good;
    an enemy will pursue him.
⁴ They set up kings without my consent;
    they choose princes without my approval.
With their silver and gold
    they make idols for themselves
    to their own destruction.

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“Are you saved?” was the strange question posed to me. I was in a crowd and did not know what to say. “Yes I go to church” was my reply, as if to say “Shut up, I’m around my friends, I believe in CHRIST but I’m undercover right now.”

• There have been times when I was ashamed of my relationship with GOD.
• There have been times when I wanted to fit into the crowd rather than standing firm on my faith.
• There have been times when I acknowledged there is a GOD without saying I belong to HIM.

When the crowd wanted to say lust filled jokes I put away my relationship with HIM and joined in on the “fun.” That same crowd would disappear and I would run back to the box I stuffed GOD in and beg HIM to come out, but just for a moment. GOD had to tell me something.

• GOD said to me “If you are ashamed of ME I will be ashamed of you.”
• GOD said to me “There will be many who will say LORD, LORD did we not prophesy in your name? BUT I will say depart from ME, I never knew you.”
• GOD said to me “You cannot serve money and ME at the same time.”

As harsh as those words were, I understood where GOD was coming from. HE wanted me to acknowledge HIM in “all my ways”, not just some. HE wants me to boldly tell others about my relationship with HIS SON JESUS, who is the CHRIST. GOD desires that HIS name tops all others, even my job or bank account. HE wants me to praise HIM rather than pout that I do not have enough. GOD I am yours and YOU are my GOD!

• Are you acknowledging GOD on the surface?
• Do you attend church regularly without meeting someone new and telling them about the great news about JESUS?
• Can you start to acknowledge GOD with your heart today rather than trying to look good in front of humans?