Free Will Taken Seriously

Free Will Taken Seriously

Exodus 4: ¹³ But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.”

 

¹⁴ So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. ¹⁵ Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. ¹⁶ So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. ¹⁷ And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

 

============

 

Seeing the miracles of the rod becoming a serpent and his hand becoming leprous may have convinced Moses that he was talking to GOD. He even was talking to a bush on fire but it was not consumed. But Moses declined GOD’s calling.

 

My Observations:

• GOD tries to include humans in HIS plan to save people and has strong feelings when HE is rejected.
• GOD was still gentle with Moses and HE provided him with an alternative.
• When Moses left Egypt, he must have told Aaron and Miriam which direction he would go so he could be found.

 

Being called into GOD’s plan is not what we want as humans. Moses just wanted to live a content life. He did not want to be rich or famous or powerful. He was speaking to GOD and turned down HIS offer. BUT GOD wanted Moses.

 

GOD shows us something strange. HE did not force Moses to do what HE wanted. HE also showed us that HE will not step in to make us do anything. HE takes the free will HE gave us seriously. HE gave Moses an alternative to consider. Moses could have said “No” again but this time he didn’t. GOD asked Moses to help HIM rescue HIS people. I believe HE is doing the same for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS anger HE had in the response?
• Have you ever turned down GOD because HE asked you to do something difficult?
• Do you want GOD to do everything and not expect HIM to want you to do something for HIM?

Thirsty

Thirsty

Revelation 21: ⁵ Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!” He also said to me, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” ⁶ And he said, “It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. ⁷ Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. ⁸ But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars—the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

 

============

 

Becoming part of a group was new to me. I was handed a book that showed skills to learn. But then I was told that that I could earn merit badges if I could prove that I learned the skill! I tried it and earned my first merit badge.

 

• I got so excited that I read more of the book.
• I planned out what my next badge would be.
• I spent time learning more and more and then became good at what I learned.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard JESUS speak a declaration that could be trusted and was going to happen. JESUS spoke about two kinds of people. One was “thirsty” and the other was not.

 

My Observations:

• My thirst for JESUS would cause me to want to learn more about HIM.
• My thirst for JESUS would make me want to practice what HE said.
• My thirst for JESUS would open my eyes to what HE wants versus trying to get “my” way.

 

Thirsty means really, really wanting something. I mean, when I want something the world has to offer, I may spend time learning it from reading or watching someone. I then take the initiative to put what I learned into practice. JESUS says HIS “words are true and can be trusted.” In other words, it’s going to happen.

 

If I thirst for JESUS, then my learning will be easy and so will putting what I learned into practice. HIS message of love also came with a price, namely free! If anyone is thirsty for JESUS, HE will give him or her life without paying for it. All my sins have been paid for by JESUS. I am eternally grateful!

 

Challenge

• Why was the writer told to write down what was said?
• Have you ever wanted something so much, that you were willing to learn it and do it?
• When JESUS says “It is done!” does that give you confidence?
• Can you become thirsty to learn about JESUS and put HIS words into practice today?

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

Philippians 4: ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

============

 

Looking in my mailbox, I received a note that was unusual for me. “Pick up your package at the front desk” it said. It did not have a return address so it was from someone in the dorm. It had gifts in it.

 

• I was delighted.
• I felt great receiving something unexpected.
• I did not know I needed what was in the package.

 

Paul received many care packages from the people in Philippi. While he was spreading the Gospel, they supported his needs with many packages. Epaphroditus was the delivery person who spent time keeping the packages safe.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my heart open to become a supplier of needs.
• GOD sends me to deliver packages from others when I cannot provide them myself.
• GOD has plenty to give and HE wants me to be a distributor.

 

For many years I thought this passage was about getting stuff. I mean, GOD supplying all “Y” needs sounds cool. But it seems like the sweet aroma to GOD was from those who gave or supported people who were spreading the Gospel. Giving is often overlooked in this passage because I usually want more.

 

Having enough is a strange concept. It means I am thankful for the little I have. It also means I can give someone some of what I have and GOD will be pleased. I gladly will become a delivery person when I don’t have much to give but when I  do, I will give to those in need.

 

Challenge

• What aroma does the writer speak of?
• What needs do you have?
• Will you supply someone’s needs today or become a delivery person if you have nothing to give?

Alignment

Alignment

Ephesians 1: ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers ¹⁷ and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

 

============

 

Complaints about the preaching became the norm for me. I went to sleep on one set of sermons and others I tried to escape by being “busy” during the discourse. And what was it with the uniforms people wore? And why don’t they update the music?  And why was church service so long? And…

 

• I was blind to what people were doing for GOD.
• I could not value how people were serving GOD because I was too busy complaining.
• I saw myself as being right and “they” were serving GOD wrong because “I” did not hear what I wanted to hear.

 

Paul compliments the people on their faith in JESUS. He heard about their faith and had to do something special. He gave thanks. He also asked GOD for them to receive wisdom as given only by the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul aligned to GOD’s will.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to seek and admire those who put their faith in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to value what people are doing for HIM and give thanks for them by remembering them in prayer.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to provide wisdom from the HOLY SPIRIT so they may know HIM.

 

Recognizing other people is important to GOD. I mean, seeing what people ”are” doing for HIM rather than harboring a complaint is wonderful to HIM. Unfortunately, I look at things from my selfish perspective and wonder what is in this for me? GOD sees my complaint and knows my justification attempts for acting foul.

 

HE forgives me, opens my eyes to HIS servants and cleans my heart to see HE has a multitude of servants who love HIM. HE wants me to see that HE has placed many people around the world who show love for all HIS people. I give thanks for those who serve GOD because of their faith in JESUS and I align to GOD’s will.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers heart for the people?
• Are there people you can think of who have been faithful and could use your prayers?
• Will you take a moment and remember those who serve GOD and ask that HE provide the HOLY SPIRIT to open eyes and reveal who HE is today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for his or her faith in YOUR SON, JESUS. Please open our eyes and reveal who YOU are today. amen

Ask For, Get or Provide

 

Ask For, Get or Provide

Romans 15: ²² And so I have been prevented many times from coming to you. ²³ But now that I have finished my work in these regions and since I have been wanting for so many years to come to see you, ²⁴ I hope to do so now. I would like to see you on my way to Spain, and be helped by you to go there, after I have enjoyed visiting you for a while. ²⁵ Right now, however, I am going to Jerusalem in the service of God's people there. ²⁶ For the churches in Macedonia and Achaia have freely decided to give an offering to help the poor among God's people in Jerusalem. ²⁷ That decision was their own; but, as a matter of fact, they have an obligation to help them. Since the Jews shared their spiritual blessings with the Gentiles, the Gentiles ought to use their material blessings to help the Jews.

 

============

 

When I grew up, I was taught not to ask for help. Maybe not by words, but it seemed like everyone around me was basically on their own. One day, I asked for help with something. “Gladly” was the surprising response. On a number of occasions I did it again and people were willing to help. “Maybe I should ask for help more often” I thought to myself.

 

• Many times I was afraid to ask for help because I didn’t know what to ask.
• Many times I was too proud to ask for help because I had the money and I simply paid my way.
• Many times I was deeply in need and did not have the strength to even ask for help.

 

Paul wanted to go help, so he asked for help to help those in need. He also explained that other churches decided on their own, to give help to the poor in a certain area. He impressed on everyone that it was an “obligation” for those who have heard preaching to provide monetary support.

 

• GOD wants me to ask for help when I need help.
• GOD wants me to get help when I am going to help others.
• GOD wants me to look for people who need help, especially those who are too weak and decimated to ask.

 

Help is always a difficult topic. I mean, I usually need it at an inconvenient time, or people around me are not willing, possibly because I have not helped them. BUT GOD knows my needs and wants me to ask for anything. HE opens up HIS generosity and provides unimaginable help. I am grateful GOD sees me, hears me and loves me so much that HE will always provide help.

 

• Are you in need and it seems like there is no one available to help?
• Does it seem like you are alone in this journey?
• Will you rest your mind and know GOD will provide you with the help you need at the right time?

Decide and Supplied

 

Decide and Supplied

Acts 28: ⁷ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. ⁸ His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 

============

 

With a car that no longer worked and creditors calling, I was at wits end. I got a little angry that I was in a small town and did not have anyone to call for help. As I sat in my apartment, I decided to turn back to GOD.

 

Maybe I’m going about things wrong. I went to a place where I could learn about GOD. After months of focusing on HIM, I noticed my entire life had changed. Not only were bills paid, I was able to purchase my first new car. But that wasn’t all. I was able to teach people about GOD.

 

• There were times in my life when I felt empty.
• There were times in my life when I felt worried.
• There were times in my life when I felt like I had no help.

 

The chief official of the island invited everyone over his estate. Paul noticed the official’s father was sick in bed and went in to see him. GOD healed the father through Paul. Everyone on the island brought their sick to Paul and were cured. Afterwards, the crew and Paul were supplied with all they needed to sail to Rome by the thankful islanders.

 

• GOD wants me to decide to follow HIM without expecting things to change.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM because of our loving relationship.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE supplies my needs when I am obedient to HIM.

 

When GOD gives purpose, HE supplies the means to carry it out. I mean, when HE tells me HE is going to do something in my life, it may not happen as fast as I think, but it will happen. GOD sees the moment I decide to sincerely follow HIM. HE supplies me with everything I need to carry out HIS great plan HE has for me. I am glad HE sees me in the time of need.

 

• Are you in need right now?
• Have you been worrying for a long time?
• Will you decide to follow GOD anyway and praise HIM for supplying your needs before you get them?

Wanting

Wanting

John 20: ¹¹ But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. ¹² And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ¹³ Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”

============

Turning over in the warm bed, I woke up with a strange thought. “Why am I so rested?” I glanced at the clock and realized I had overslept. “ now had ten minutes to get dressed and run to the bus. I grabbed my stuff and ran, hoping along the way. With only a few houses to pass, I could see the bus pull off. I would be late. It was raining.

• Sometimes I really want something.
• Sometimes I really desire to get what I want.
• Sometimes I really get upset when I do not get what I want, especially if it is not something “bad” for me.

Mary stood at the tomb weeping. She came to the tomb wanting to see a dead body. Maybe if she saw the dead body enough, she could let go. But there was a problem. JESUS was gone. Two angels asked Mary “Why are you weeping?” as if to say “What do you want?” Mary wanted a dead body.

• GOD wants me to want HIM.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS mighty power.
• GOD wants me to place “my” wants in HIS hands so I can remain calm and get excited over HIS timing and the way HE does things.

Not knowing the big picture, sometimes “my wants” may be misguided. Let’s get back to the bus story. I decided to walk to catch my next connection, one mile away. When I arrived, someone who was driving to the school recognized me and gave me a ride. I arrived early.

Not every problem is a problem. Yes I do not like going through problems, but I have come to understand that something good comes on the other side. Mary would soon find out that she should not want a dead body, rather a risen Savior. I do not know what today brings but I want what GOD wants.

• What do you want?
• Do you desire for everything in your life to be smooth and without problems?
• Will you give your “wants” over to GOD and allow HIM to show you HIS plan HE has for you today?

Stands For

Stands For

John 16: ²³ “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

============

“Make us look good” was the statement posed to me. I was at a career fair, recruiting students from my alma mater. “What great stories can I tell?” I thought to myself. I came up with some of the facts and statistics that made the company look great.

• I really wanted people to come work for the company I worked for.
• I desired to show the benefits of working at “my” company.
• I wanted to show people what the company stood for.

JESUS says a familiar statement again. HE said “Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name HE will give you.” So does this mean I can ask for “anything” I want? Maybe not.

• JESUS wants me to ask for things that represent HIM well.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE wants.
• JESUS wants me to ask the FATHER for salvation of family, friends, neighbors and those who hate me.

“In MY name” doesn’t just mean mouthing the words “In JESUS name.” I believe it means “Represent ME well.” If what I am asking for involves anger, lust, envy, hatred, malice, slander, or greed, then more than likely I may not get it. Or even worse, maybe GOD will give it to me and let me fall away from HIM.

GOD wants all humans to be saved. That’s what HE stands for. Getting a new phone may be nice, BUT GOD wants “that” person in your life saved. All of heaven rejoices when one person stops rejecting GOD and accepts JESUS as their Savior. FATHER, I ask for those who are my family, friends and neighbors to know JESUS in a saving way. In JESUS name, amen.

• What are you asking for deep down in your heart?
• At the core of your thinking, which GOD can see, are you asking for things for you or for HIM?
• Will you ask for things that represent JESUS well?