Disaster Training

Disaster Training

Revelation 9: ⁷ The locusts looked like horses ready for battle; on their heads they had what seemed to be crowns of gold, and their faces were like human faces. ⁸ Their hair was like women's hair, their teeth were like lions' teeth. ⁹ Their chests were covered with what looked like iron breastplates, and the sound made by their wings was like the noise of many horse-drawn chariots rushing into battle. ¹⁰ They have tails and stings like those of a scorpion, and it is with their tails that they have the power to hurt people for five months. ¹¹ They have a king ruling over them, who is the angel in charge of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon; in Greek the name is Apollyon (meaning “The Destroyer”).

 

¹² The first horror is over; after this there are still two more horrors to come.

 

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Working in a building with several floors came with its challenges. One challenge was addressing “What would happen if a storm hit the building?” We were given instructions to follow by the disaster leaders.

 

• We had to understand what to do and where to go during a disaster.
• Somehow, the disaster leaders needed to recognize when a disaster hit and know what to do.
• Knowing how long the disaster drill would take, helped me plan the rest of my day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued his description of the horror that would take place after the fifth angel blew his trumpet. He went into detail, describing the locusts as best he could because he had never seen anything like it. He also was given the duration that the locusts would be able to cause pain.

 

My Observations:

• It seems like GOD is preparing the people HE gave a seal on their foreheads, to recognize a supernatural disaster and to also know how long it will last.
• It also seems like those who are sealed by GOD will have an important role during the supernatural disaster.
• As with all disasters, this supernatural disaster could not be averted, rather prepared for.

 

Preparation helps. I mean, when I can prepare for difficult times, it makes it easier for me to go through the unpleasant situation. GOD seems to love preparing you and me for what HE is going to do. The problem is believing HE will do what HE says.

 

GOD has told us HE loves faith. JESUS got excited when faith was shown, even in its smallest way. HE also said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” HE means these words to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior from the judgement HE “will” do on Satan’s kingdom. Those who believe can find comfort, knowing they will not have to experience GOD’s wrath.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem overwhelmed by what was shown?
• Have you ever been in a disaster drill?
• Have you ever been in a situation that was devastating and were not prepared for it?
• Will you read what GOD has revealed so you can be prepared for the remainder of your life by surrendering your life to JESUS today?

Internal Bootcamp

Internal Bootcamp

1 Timothy 3: ⁸ Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹ they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹ Their wives (or Women helpers) also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹² A church helper must have only one wife,(or married once) and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³ Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

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Seeing the issues management faced, I thought of things that could have been done better.  I voiced my suggestions, only to have them be met with “maybe later.” But then I was put into management and as the fires raced at me, someone had a suggestion that had nothing to do with my current blaze. “Maybe later” was my response.

 

• I was not prepared for the problems.
• I was not prepared for the responsibility.
• I was not prepared for the issues that would suddenly arise while maintaining the day to day.

 

Paul gives Timothy a list to help people get prepared versus being judged or graded. Since no one was perfect and many people would fail the list, it was easier to point people towards areas to work on internally. If people were willing to do this, they would “do their work well.”

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t need me to be perfect before I give my life to HIM.
• I have to recognize that I am not perfect and I need to prepare for larger responsibilities.
• Being prepared may take sincerity, good character, a sober mind, lack of greed, no gossip, honesty, family management and holding to the revealed truth of JESUS with faith.

 

Is this a long list? Yes! But I believe it is not a list for one to observe and judge a person on the worthiness of servanthood, rather “get ready!” Get ready for the things that the enemy will throw at you when you say “Yes” to GOD’s calling. The Devil will throw temptation after temptation after temptation and will not relent. Test yourselves in areas you can easily fall to be ready. I am glad GOD prepares you and me.

 

Challenge

• Are you prepared for the next level of service?
• Have you faced the same temptations, issues or problems over and over?
• Will you accept GOD’s calling to serve and become prepared so you can help others become prepared today?

Know It’s Coming

Ephesians 6: ¹⁰ Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. ¹² For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. ¹³ So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

 

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After moving in the house and getting all the furniture situated, we finally settled in. It was summer, so we planted flowers. I was given a lawnmower so I could cut the grass. But then winter hit. The snow came and I found myself without a shovel.

 

• I was unprepared for the season.
• I was focused only on one season, but ill prepared for another.
• I was caught off guard and found it difficult to react to the season.

 

“Build up your strength” is Paul’s warning to everyone. He had personally suffered for the purpose of spreading the love of CHRIST. People twisting his love and devaluing his motive led to extreme actions that stemmed from Satanic attacks. There was a remedy.

 

My Observations

• Unite with the LORD is the first thing GOD wants me to do.
• Put on GOD’s armor is a step HE wants me to take to become prepared for the “Devil’s evil tricks.”
• Resist the enemy’s attacks is the part of the battle GOD wants me to participate in.

 

Prepare yourself is a tough statement to hear. I mean, it’s easier to fight things and people we cannot see. We try to make sense out of the world through labels so we can understand. But life is messy because of one being, namely Satan. He wants to trick people who are not prepared and attacks those who have grown weary.

 

BUT GOD is there to help. HE provides peace in the middle of the storm. When the focus is on GOD, the waves of life die down because of HIS mighty power. All issues must bow to GOD’s authority. I gladly put on HIS armor now!

 

Challenge

• What is the true fight the writer is speaking of?
• Have you grown weary of all the battles you have faced in life?
• Will you stop fighting with your own strength, thinking you can come up with the answer and allow GOD to heal your situation, knowing you may be attacked, yet will emerge through the fire victoriously!?

Lessons for Readiness

Lessons for Readiness

John 16: “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. ² They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. ³ And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. ⁴ But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

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In the book it said to keep a few stick matches in a dry place. I remembered this when an emergency happened and the leader had to take one of us to the hospital. “Stay here and make a fire in the fire area to stay warm.” They sped off in the rain. I did not have any matches and besides, the wood was wet. I was not ready.

• There were times when I felt unprepared for life.
• There were times when I did not heed the words to get me prepared.
• There were times when I had to go through difficult circumstances in order to be prepared.

JESUS tells HIS disciples four “things” to prepare them. HE did not want HIS disciples to be unprepared for the difficulties they would face. HE does the same for me.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIS commands so I will not stumble.
• JESUS wants me to know that some church leaders will harm me, thinking they are following GOD, but really are not.
• JESUS wants me to understand the HOLY SPIRIT will bring to remembrance what JESUS taught me.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is with me always.

Growing up in belief of JESUS can be difficult. I mean sometimes I expect life to be easy, with no problems at all. BUT GOD warns me that problems will come from unexpected places, some that I expect to be safe. As humans try to make sense out of life, mislabeling the symptoms, GOD shines even brighter.

HE strengthens those who follows HIM and prepares us for life’s difficulties. This give me hope and dexterity that would otherwise cause me to crumble and give up. JESUS is my power and I am elated HE fights my battles.

• Do you try things on your own and find yourself in a mess?
• Have you looked at your life and see nothing but problems?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE can strengthen you to believe HE will handle your battles?

Being Prepared

Luke 22: ³⁵ Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’

‘Nothing,’ they answered.

³⁶ He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. ³⁷ It is written: “And he was numbered with the transgressors”; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.’

³⁸ The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’

‘That’s enough!’ he replied.

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“Who is in charge?” the person entered the room flustered. The people pointed at me and I had to handle the situation. This was my convention and I was responsible for whatever happened. Days prior to the convention, I only prepared for what would go right. I was mistaken.

• Many times I have not been prepared for problems.
• Many times I thought life would be smooth with no rough edges.
• Many times I thought everything should go my way, not the other way.

JESUS brings reality to the disciples by telling them the situation was about to change drastically. HE knew HE was about to be handed over to the church leaders and the government. JESUS would no longer be right there physically to protect them and HE implores them to be prepared.

• GOD wants me to be ready to face difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to understand that life’s situations can be difficult.
• GOD wants me to know HE is still with me through the pains and troubles of life.

Pain, torture and death was JESUS’ destiny and HE wanted HIS disciples to be prepared to take over the message HE easily spoke. HE wants me to do the same. GOD knows that I will face the difficulties of life BUT HE wants me to face them with HIM as my guide. GOD is my protection.

• Are you prepared to face difficulty and trouble?
• Do you easily cave in to the troubles of life?
• Will you ask GOD for strength to go through difficulty so you won’t turn away from HIM today?

It’s Gonna Rain

Luke 6: ⁴⁶ “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. ⁴⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

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“I think it’s going to rain” I said to my parents. “Can I please wear my new raincoat?” I begged. They said “Yes” so I ran outside and prepared for the downpour. It was a sunny hot day and I was the only one wearing a bright yellow raincoat on the schoolyard. I took embarrassingly took it off when I was teased.  

When school was over, I “forgot” the coat. The next day it rained. “Where is your coat?” my parents asked.

• There have been times when I tried to follow the rules.
• There were times when I tried to play it safe.
• There were times when I tried to be prepared but was not.

JESUS gives a lesson that sounds a bit harsh, but was actually done in love. HE talks about being prepared for difficult times by following HIS words. Those who put them into action will be able to endure tough times, but those who do not will fall to pieces when the storms of life blow.

• GOD says to me “Follow MY Son because I AM please with HIM.”
• GOD says to me “Be strong and place your faith in ME.”
• GOD says to me “Be like a tree planted by the water’s edge.”

I can question GOD’s intent for having storms, but will be met with more questions than answers. HE does, however, tell me to be prepared for the storms. HE wants me to put on prayer, peace, faith, righteousness, salvation and the SPIRIT as my protection. I may fall to sin, but I am lifted up by the ONE who forgives me.

• Are you ready for the storms of life?
• Are you being blown around by the problems life brings?
• Can you stop trying human tactics and look to GOD to strengthen you “through” the storm of life?