Live In

Live In

3 John 1: ¹ From the Elder—

To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love.

² My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health—as I know you are well in spirit. ³ I was so happy when some Christians arrived and told me how faithful you are to the truth—just as you always live in the truth. ⁴ Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children live in the truth.

 

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“You have to eat specific foods” said the personal trainer at the gym. I wanted to get into heavy weightlifting and found myself unable to get beyond where I was at. People surrounded me and had me start over with technique, food and rest advice.

 

• I knew what to do, but it was up to me to actually do something about it.
• I had to change my lifestyle to be part of this new world to me.
• I had to be presented with what to do so I could make the change.

 

John starts off his third letter with a greeting to Gaius. He had heard about the faith Gaius was showing. Gaius was living in “the truth.” John may have talked to him about CHRIST and heard word that Gaius was “living in the truth.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the Way “the Truth” and the Life, in which I can receive eternal life.
• GOD wants me to love my neighbors versus complaining about them and HE wants me to love HIM more than anything I have.
• Living in CHRIST provides me with all the protection that I need.

 

Knowing versus doing is a quandary we all face. I mean, GOD placed right from wrong inside all of us by writing HIS law on every heart, yet we choose not to follow HIS ways. BUT HE made a way back to HIM through JESUS.

 

By accepting CHRIST as my personal Savior, I can follow HIS ways without questioning them or fighting them. HE provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside my heart and to guide me  HE provides boundaries for me to live in and I am freed from the pressures of the world and can simply “be.” I gladly abide in what GOD has for me.

 

Challenge

• Do you sense the love from the writer?
• Have you ever known what was right to do, yet you did not or could not bring yourself to do it?
• Will you seek JESUS by asking HIM, “How do YOU want me to live? And let the HOLY SPIRIT guide you to “live in” HIS ways today?

 

Knowing How to Ask

Knowing How to Ask

1 John 5: ¹³ I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. ¹⁴ We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. ¹⁵ He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my innocent question “No, it’s about to rain” was the decline. “Can I use the car?” “No, you don’t have your driver’s license yet.” “Can I have time off?” was the question I asked my boss later in life. “No, the company is in a state of emergency and we need everyone.” “Why does ‘everybody’ tell me NO!?

 

• I was tired of hearing NO for an answer.
• I was tired of not getting “my” way.
• I was tired of having to ask for stuff!

 

John addressed those who had needs. He first provided comfort to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, by telling them they have eternal life. But what about life on earth? He addressed that to by saying “HE hears us if we ask HIM for anything that is according to HIS will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is sovereign and has the right to hear all of my requests and can say “Yes”, “No” or “Not Right Now.”
• GOD wants to help me be part of HIS plan.
• My requests work best when they align with GOD’s will.

 

Asking GOD for anything does not mean I will get everything. I mean, if I were to ask for something sinful, HE will say “No.” He will then guide me to grow up and ask HIM “What do YOU want?”

 

GOD gets excited when I try to align with HIS will. HE sees my efforts to do what pleases HIM, namely seeking the lost and serving my neighbors. HE cam to seek and to serve, so should I. I am glad GOD hears and answers my prayers with a “Yes” when I align to HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer mention courage?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was not good for you?
• Will you align your request to GOD’s will and seek what HE wants today?

Show It

 

Show It

1 John 3: ¹³ So do not be surprised, my friends, if the people of the world hate you. ¹⁴ We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love others. Those who do not love are still under the power of death. ¹⁵ Those who hate others are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life in them. ¹⁶ This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! ¹⁷ If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God? ¹⁸ My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

 

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“You are a brainiac!” was the insult hurled at me. The words could be a compliment, but they were said as the reason I was about to get beat up. “What did I do?” was my only defense. This question only made the thug madder. His reply “3:15!” meaning I was going to get beat up after school.

 

• I hated bullies.
• I hated those who laughed with the bullies and seemingly sided with them.
• I hoped something terrible would happen to the bullies!

 

John attempted to address hatred. But he did it in a different way. He explained that believers would be hated by the world so they should not be surprised. He then gives some great advice. Instead of returning evil for evil, show love.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was hated by the world, even though HE created them.
• JESUS allowed HIMSELF to be murdered so HE could be raised from the dead and become the forgiver of all sins.
• HIS act of love should make me want to show love to those who are kind and those who hate me.

 

It is not easy showing love to those who insult, slander or persecute. I mean, the world seems to get more and more coldhearted to those in need as if he or she were the problem. And if the person in need speaks about CHRIST, then more hate labels are placed on the believer. BUT GOD has a remedy for persecution.

 

HE knew that showing the love of CHRIST would cause some people to mislabel HIS followers. HE said “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This statement says that just because you and I show love, we will be persecuted by the world, but GOD will bless those who show love. I am glad GOD sees.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer say “do not be surprised?”
• Have you ever done something innocent and received anger, frustration and repercussion?
• Will you continue to show GOD’s love, expecting the world to respond in a hateful way, so you will not be surprised, and so your actions will speak louder than your words today?

Heart Training

Heart Training

2 Peter 2: ¹⁴ They want to look for nothing but the chance to commit adultery; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God's curse! ¹⁵ They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong ¹⁶ and was rebuked for his sin. His donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the prophet's insane action.

 

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After trying out sex, I wanted more. My mind wandered thinking about it. After lying without getting caught, I lied some more. It was easy. After sneaking home while working as a janitor, I planned more “fun time” when I was supposed to be working.

 

• My heart was getting trained to lust.
• My heart was getting trained to lie.
• My heart was getting trained to be sneaky and unreliable.

 

Peter continued his warning against false teachers. He pointed out more of their motives they would use to get their way. He then gave an example of Balaam son of Beor who considered cursing GOD’s people for money. He was rebuked or reprimanded until he changed his heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will let me do what I want to do but eventually if I do what HE does not want me to do, HE will step in and rebuke or reprimand me.
• GOD wants me to turn my heart over to HIM so HE can live in it.
• GOD is willing to cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I am willing to confess my sins to HIM, wanting HIM to take away my appetite for the sin.

 

Hearts can be trained. I mean, I can learn to love or learn to hate people. When I learn to hate, I disguise it, justify it and use it often. “It’s their fault I am this way” would be my justification. BUT GOD wants me to see HIM without being blind.

 

GOD wants me to train my heart to follow HIS examples of grace, mercy and love. HE even did away with all the rules by giving one command, namely “Love one another.” This action fulfills all the rules. I am glad GOD loves me enough to guide me towards HIS way of thinking.

 

Challenge

• Why Is the writer so determined in the warning that is given?
• Have you ever done something you knew in your heart was wrong, yet you did it anyway?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to remove the things you know you should not be doing so HE can use you to grow the kingdom today?

Domicile Preparation

Domicile Preparation

Colossians 3: ¹⁶ Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. ¹⁷ Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

 

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Excited about having my first guest over, I made sure everything was right. I cleaned, washed and got everything ready for my guest. I got rid of that embarrassing smell from rotting veggies left out. I did not have much furniture, but what I had would have to do.

 

• I was excited to open my doors and let someone in.
• I wanted to make sure that any guest who came over felt comfortable.
• I looked for ways to make my guest welcome.

 

After Paul speaks about “CHRIST’s message must live in your hearts” he gives ways to prepare. Teach, sing and give thanks! After doing these things, the heart will be prepared.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message must live in my heart.
• To prepare my heart for HIS message I can learn about HIM and teach what I’ve learned.
• I can also sing psalms, hymns and sacred songs with thanksgiving so HIS message can live comfortably in my heart.

 

GOD wants to come into my life. HE says “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” I don’t want HIM coming into my filthy heart, but HE doesn’t mind the garbage.

 

In fact, HE would rather I let HIM clean up the mess. Once there, HE makes room for me to hear HIM and learn of HIM. HE loves when I feed HIM songs that praise HIM and ask HIM for HIS protection. I am thankful HE wants to live in my heart and I gladly give HIS message to anyone HE desires.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer emphasizes CHRIST’s message living in your heart?
• Have you ever been so mad or distracted that you were singing a song and still thinking of the trial?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so HIS message can be top of mind in everything you do today?

Ambition

Ambition

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. ¹⁰ Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

 

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After a taste of “success” I wanted more. I figured I could “help” more people if I obtained a certain title. I worked day and night climbing the ladder of “success.” While I was working, I was too busy to help those who I intended to help.

 

• I was blinded by ambition.
• I thought the title was more important than my actions.
• I believed I knew what could help people.

 

Paul indirectly addressed the human will. He knew humans could be blinded by the world’s ambitions, justifying selfish actions along the way. There was only one way to please GOD, namely be filled.

 

My Observations

• Knowledge of GOD is important for me to seek.
• Wisdom from GOD helps me with discernment.
• Understanding from GOD provides me with better actions to help me grow.

 

Ambition is a very deceptive foe. I mean, on the surface it looks quite innocent and the world loves an ambitious hero. BUT GOD’s will speaks softly and will not compete with the human will. HE, unfortunately, allows us to try to reach our desires, which HE knows can take us off HIS path.

 

BUT GOD is forgiving and wants us to succeed. When I empty myself and allow HIM to “fill” me up, I can please HIM through HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I am glad GOD enables me to produce HIS fruit.

 

Challenge

• What good deeds is the writer speaking of?
• What does “growth in GOD” look like?
• Will you seek GOD’s will so HE can give you wisdom, knowledge and understanding to do “good deeds” that are pleasing to HIM today?

Heart Repair

Heart Repair

Philippians 1: From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus—

To all God's people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers:

 

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Just getting a job was my heart’s desire at one point. But after a period of working, it was not enough. I needed to move up in the company. The pay, while good at one point, was now not enough. The work seemed repetitive and the people wore me down. “Why do they always listen to that guy?” was my complaint.

 

• I was discontent
• I wanted more.
• I lost my thankfulness.

 

Paul and Timothy send greetings to everyone through a letter to the Philippians. The title they gave themselves was that of a “servant.”  Their desire was to bless everyone with grace and peace that only came from GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to trade in my need to be on top to that of being on the bottom.
• GOD wants me to desire more for others than myself.
• GOD wants me to value being a servant more than being served.

 

Serving people is GOD’s highest honor. I mean, when I serve someone, the hole in my heart gets filled. Unfortunately, when I am serving people for my own personal gain, then it can wear on me, causing me to be discontent. I long for something else “better” than the role I am playing at the moment.

 

BUT GOD has a remedy. HE makes me a servant wherever I am. HE guides my mindset to giving others the best, knowing I am adding to a huge “reward” account HE is storing up for me. HE changes my view of something negative into seeing that I  am serving others because HE wants me to. I am glad GOD guides me to those HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What stands out to you in this opening greeting from the writers?
• Have you ever felt discontent even when your prayers have been answered?
• Will you receive GOD’s grace and peace today by taking a deep breath and serving others without expectations so HE will fill your heart with overflowing thanksgiving?

Roomy Inside

Roomy Inside

Ephesians 3: ¹⁶ I ask God from the wealth of his glory to give you power through his Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, ¹⁷ and I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love, ¹⁸ so that you, together with all God's people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ's love. ¹⁹ Yes, may you come to know his love—although it can never be fully known—and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.

 

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After being mugged at a certain train stop, I thought of ways to avoid going back. When I absolutely had to go there, I thought of ways to be safe, so I walked in the middle of the crowd. I narrowed my routes to safe routes, or maybe not even going out at all.

 

• Fear made me narrow my thinking.
• Worry made me focus on “what bad could happen.”
• Doubt made me insecure.

 

Difficulties and hardship were the norm for Paul. He had been jailed, beaten and almost put to death because of his belief in JESUS. This unglamorous life required more than surface actions. It required faith. This was the only place large enough to hold GOD.

 

My Observations

• My heart is too small for GOD to live in so HE adds faith to stretch it so HE can fit.
• Circumstances attempt to make my heart small BUT GOD lives inside me to give me inner peace.
• Situations may tempt me to use hatred as the answer, BUT GOD provides the true foundation of love from which HE builds a home in my heart.

 

Trying to use GOD for personal gain is small heart thinking. I mean, when I think of my own desires, other people cannot fit in my heart. GOD wants me to align to HIS desires. HE wants all HIS flock to be saved through belief in JESUS.

 

HE spreads this perfect message of love and forgiveness through imperfect people. HE and HE alone provides inner peace. I may never know just how broad and long, how high and deep CHRIST’s love is for me, but I am willing to learn a little so HE can live in me.

 

Challenge

• Where does the writer say true power comes from?
• Have you ever had situations and circumstances that caused you to have fear, worry or doubt?
• Will you place your faith in JESUS who will provide the HOLY SPIRIT, giving you access to the FATHER who forgives, loves and fills you from emptiness today?

Being Sharp

 

Being Sharp

Romans 11: ⁷ What then? The people of Israel did not find what they were looking for. It was only the small group that God chose who found it; the rest grew deaf to God's call. ⁸ As the scripture says, “God made their minds and hearts dull; to this very day they cannot see or hear.” ⁹ And David says,

 

“May they be caught and trapped at their feasts;
    may they fall, may they be punished!
¹⁰ May their eyes be blinded so that they cannot see;
    and make them bend under their troubles at all times.”

 

 

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“OoWee! You look sharp!” someone told me as I donned my new suit. I felt pretty important walking around in a new suit. I heard the word “sharp” before but was never called it. Later in life, I met people who were moving up in the company. “That woman is sharp” they told me. I watched what she did and tried to emulate what I saw. I soon met other “sharp” people.

 

• I met many people who were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people whose minds were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people who led large crowds, who I thought were “sharp.”

 

The prophets and Paul talked about people who overlooked GOD. HIS chosen people denied JESUS being the Messiah so GOD made their minds and hearts dull. They can no longer see and hear GOD, so they follow who they label as “sharp.”

 

• GOD wants my heart so HE can keep it sharp.
• GOD wants my mind so HE can use it for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants my search to be over so HE provided JESUS.

 

Finding JESUS as the Savior keeps my mind and heart sharp. The news speaks of name after name. calling each person sharp or dull. BUT GOD is the only one who has the authority to do so.

 

HE blinds those who do not rely on HIS SON and sharpens the few who call on HIM for their troubles. I am glad JESUS entered into my life and ask that HE keeps my heart sharp for those HE wants me to bring to HIM.

 

• Are you trying to look good in front of people to gain their respect?
• Are you trying to mimic people who you think are “sharp?”
• Will you allow GOD to keep your heart and mind sharp by allowing JESUS to come into your life and  believe HE is the Savior of the world today?

Tiny Living Space

Tiny Living Space

Acts 7: ⁴⁴ “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, ⁴⁵ which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, ⁴⁶ who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. ⁴⁷ But Solomon built Him a house.

⁴⁸ “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?

⁵⁰ Has My hand not made all these things?’

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Moving out of the bunk bed room into the dorm seemed incredible. I mean there was so much space! Two beds and two desks could fit into the room comfortably. And I had my own closet. Years later I returned to the dorm room and thought “How did I ever fit in that tiny room?”

There were some places I lived in that seemed small.

There have been some places I lived in that only a few people could fit.

There were some places I lived in that could only fit me and my stuff.

Stephen continues explaining the Israelite history. He talked about the tents in the wilderness and then spoke of David’s desire to build a house for GOD since GOD had done so much for him. But Solomon was the one who build a temple for GOD, even though GOD could not be confined only to a place made by humans.

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in my heart when I believed in the need for salvation.

JESUS placed the COMFORTER in my heart to help me through difficult times.

JESUS offered the SPIRIT of counsel, truth and wisdom to help me make decisions.

Accepting JESUS as my Savior enabled GOD to live inside of me through the HOLY SPIRIT. HE dwells in me and I in HIM. But when my heart is small and I think only of myself, the living space is really cramped for the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD wants to stretch HIS living space by having me think of others. Serving others for the sake of GOD stretches my heart, making it bigger and bigger. Soon, many people can fit inside so I can pray for them, even when they wrong me. I am grateful GOD chose to live in me and hope I can give HIM more living space each day.

Do you think about yourself or your entertainment or your health a lot?

Are you concerned about you and a few other people?

Will you allow GOD to stretch your heart so you will desire more people to have a saving relationship with JESUS?

Gladly Received

Gladly Received

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full of Something

Full of Something

John 14: ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

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“Buying some clothes will make you happy” was one salesperson’s philosophy spoken to me. I went along with it and it did make me feel a little better. “Buying a new car will make you feel better” another salesperson said to me. I bought the car and did feel better.

Eventually the car needed maintenance. Then the cycle repeated. I still owed money on the car. I looked at my elbow and the clothes were getting frayed.

• One time I thought things would make me feel good.
• One time I followed the philosophy of getting more things.
• One time I felt great when I had things and miserable when I did not.

Judas, the believer, asked JESUS “How will you manifest YOURSELF to us and not to the world?” JESUS explains that if a person loves HIM, they would keep HIS Word. By keeping HIS Word, the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT would get excited enough to live inside of the person.

• JESUS made me similar to an empty vessel.
• JESUS wants to fill me up with HIS Word.
• JESUS desires that I open my heart to HIS guidance.

Keeping GOD’s Word is impossible for the world to do. With the emphasis on self and money and power, the world cannot listen to “Love one another.” GOD is not a philosophy, HE is GOD. HIS power, grace and love is beyond any human religion or attitude.

JESUS knows I will fill myself up with something. Will I fill myself up with HIS love and be hated by the world? Yes! Those who are blind will hate HIS love and complain about how HE guides me. I accept GOD’s guidance and will honor HIS home inside me.

• What philosophy are you filling yourself up with?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom daily?
• Will you stop listening to the world for a moment and listen to GOD so HE will guide you today?

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

John 14: ¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. ¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

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“LORD help me pass this test” I said quickly. “Oh, I forgot, in JESUS name” I added. Days later I received my failing grade. “LORD, please pay this stack of bills” I said frustrated. “Oh, yes, in JESUS name” I grunted. I got final notices that they were going to shut off my utilities if I did not pay. I gave HIM an honorable mention.

• When I get nervous, I simply want a quick way out of the problem.
• When I get in trouble, I simply want the fastest way out of the trouble.
• When I get frustrated, I simply want relief from my frustrations.

JESUS says some very profound words when HE tells the disciples they will do greater works than HE did. HE then goes on to say, “If you ask for anything ‘IN MY NAME’, I will do it. But why doesn’t this always work?

• JESUS wants me to ask for the things HE stands for.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE desires.
• JESUS wants me to bring HIS lost sheep back to HIM.

Asking a florist to fix my car will yield the same answer, namely “I cannot do that.” No matter how many times I ask, it would be out of character for the florist to do something that is outside of their “name.” GOD will not do something that is out of HIS will.

JESUS wants me to understand HIS desires, so when I ask, HE will give it to me in abundance. If someone is sick, it is not just about healing, it is about people giving their life back to GOD.

HE wants people to see HIS healing power, but only for the purpose of them, or those around them, to be excited enough to go out and tell others about HIM. I ask JESUS for the salvation of those HE has placed around me so they will be HIS disciples to reach others.

• What do you think you need?
• Is what you need part of GOD’s desire to bring mankind back to HIM?
• Will you seek first what GOD desires, so HE will bless your requests abundantly?

Temporarily Clean

Luke 11: ²⁴ “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ ²⁵ And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. ²⁶ Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

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Seeing the results of attending church, I decided to attend more often. Things were going well in my life and I started attributing this to my relationship with GOD. I was up for a promotion and really wanted the position. I took an inventory of the sins I was doing at the time. “Maybe I will stop this particular sin for a while. At least until I get the position.”

• There were times when I thought I could temporarily clean myself up.
• There were times when I thought I could control the outcome of my life by temporarily stopping sin.
• There were times when I thought I could accomplish more by temporarily “not” sinning.

JESUS continues HIS explanation of the spirit realm. HE had just chased an evil spirit out of a man, enabling him to speak once again. JESUS says spirits have a tendency to return after a person has been temporarily cleansed.

• GOD wants me to ask for HIS cleansing on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face daily.
• GOD wants me to ask for HIS eternal protection so I will not need to worry about HIS love.

JESUS is the answer to protection from the evil one. No one can snatch me from HIS mighty hand, not even myself. I am not in control of how GOD reacts to my sins and I am thankful. HE sees through my temporary “goodness” and counts it as dung. HE reacts with patience and grace, wanting me to grow up and bring many to HIM. HE is my salvation.

• Are you temporarily trying to act temporarily good so you can get your way?
• Do you think your temporary goodness is fooling GOD into allowing you to have what you want?
• Will you turn your life over to HIM and allow HIM to thoroughly cleanse you of all unrighteousness?

Simple Hard Instructions

Luke 10: ²⁵ And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

²⁶ He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”

²⁷ So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

²⁸ And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”

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Blindfolded, I sat in the chair in the middle of the room of a group of people. The first question was “If you wanted to kiss someone in the room, what would you take off first?” trying to bait me into removing my clothes. “The blindfold” was the answer to this ridiculous game.

There are times when I walk around blind.

There are times when my blindness keeps me from “hearing.”

There are times when something obvious is right in front of me yet my blindness keeps me from perceiving it.

A certain lawyer tried to catch JESUS off guard rather than seeking an answer. His blindness is not obvious in this conversation but was still present as he “tested” JESUS with the question of eternal life. JESUS spun the question back to him, specifically focusing in on “the law.” The lawyer could do nothing but answer exactly what was in the law.

• JESUS gave me simple instructions to follow.
• JESUS gave me simple instructions to maintain a strong relationship with HIM.
• JESUS gave me simple instructions for eternal life as well as peace in present days.

When JESUS wrote the law, HE placed love in it as the ultimate answer. HE simply wants me to “Love the Lord my GOD with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength, and with all my mind,’ and ‘my neighbor as myself”. Sounds easy, Right? Not really.

Sometimes I make excuses for not loving GOD with all my heart as I place impure things in it. My thoughts sometimes take over and I fall into traps that I am inadequate or worse yet, GOD is mad at me or constantly punishing me.

One mistake in this line of thinking is that GOD should act a certain way to show HIS love for me. GOD wants me to love how HE made me and accept me for who I am. If I love the gifts and talents HE has given me, as they are, then I can love HIM and others the way HE wants me to. GOD’s love is the right answer. I am no longer blind.

• Are you blind towards loving others?
• Does your world center only on you?
• Can you remove your spiritual blindfold and allow GOD to guide you with HIS love for others today?

Empty Hole

Luke 4: ⁴² Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; ⁴³ but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”⁴⁴ And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

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“What service project will we do?” was the question posed in a corporate meeting. “I know…” exclaimed a coworker. “Let’s help rehab a house of someone.” We chipped in our time, got some great photos and immediately posted them in the news as corporate heroes. Through all of the excitement, I felt empty.

• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with service projects.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with work.
• There were times when I tried to fill my empty heart with shallow relationships.

JESUS tried to escape from the crowd, yet they found HIM. HE explained to them that HE had a purpose. “I must preach the kingdom of GOD to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.” HE had healed this local crowd from all kinds of ailments and chased out demons but desired for them to understand HIS purpose so they would be whole.

• GOD wants me to live my life with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to preach the kingdom of GOD everywhere HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to proclaim JESUS as the Savior of the world who has already redeemed me.

When I spoke to someone about JESUS for the first time, I felt weird and nervous. With palpitating beats in my chest, I spoke about the kingdom of GOD and the conversation was not the best, but my heart did something strange, it was filled up.

Soon after, GOD gave me the courage to speak about my sins to people, especially the dark yucky ones. People who heard, believed that CHRIST could save them too. My heart was filled more and more to the point of overflowing. GOD gave me HIS purpose.

• Is your heart empty?
• Are you trying to fill your empty heart with service, business, empty relationships or self-medication to addiction?
• Will you seek GOD and allow HIM to guide you in preaching HIS kingdom to someone today?