Safe Position

Safe Position

2 Peter 3: ¹⁷ But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. ¹⁸ But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

 

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Being accused of being a “goody” I felt I needed to do something. The accusation made me feel like I didn’t fit in. I decided that sex, drunken parties and foul language as humor would make me fit in. When I got in trouble, the people who urged my change for the worse were not around.

 

• I was doing well then I fell.
• More problems came from trying to fit in that I thought.
• I was in worse shape when I fell, because now I had a reputation that did not look so good and I had problems.

 

Peter concludes his short letter with a warning. He tells everyone to “be on your guard” when it came to taking advice from people. There would be those who prescribe things that sound like “fun” on the surface but will ultimately cause problems in life and threaten a good relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD understands that I am a sinner saved by HIS grace.
• GOD also is perfect and loves when I follow HIS ways as best I can.
• Knowing GOD means I know what to stay away from and that I make my life about HIM.

 

People who seek pleasure as their only pursuit will look at the life of the followers of CHRIST as constraining. I mean, when trying to “do good” in life by not partaking in every indulgence that surfaces, people may complain about your life. BUT GOD sees your efforts.

 

HE loves when I can say “No” to the things that would distract me from serving HIM. There is nothing wrong with some of the stuff the world has to off as long as it does not interfere with GOD’s calling on your and my life or cause us to fall into a worse situation. I am glad GOD gives me freedom in HIS framework of love.

 

Challenge

• What “safe position” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen and wondered how did you get as low as you got?
• Will you question your own relationship with GOD to see if you and HIM are in “good” standings according to your own desires today so HE can keep you “safe”?

Seeking Good Times

 

Seeking Good Times

1 Peter 3: ⁸ To conclude: you must all have the same attitude and the same feelings; love one another, and be kind and humble with one another. ⁹ Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you. ¹⁰ As the scripture says,

“If you want to enjoy life
    and wish to see good times,
    you must keep from speaking evil
    and stop telling lies.
¹¹ You must turn away from evil and do good;
    you must strive for peace with all your heart.
¹² For the Lord watches over the righteous
    and listens to their prayers;
    but he opposes those who do evil.”

 

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Wanting a better assignment, I lied about my age. I said I was two years older than I was so that maybe my years of experience would seem like more than they were. I was still considered a rookie and I wanted to shake that perception.

 

• I lied to get ahead.
• I didn’t consider my lie as harmful.
• I showed my immaturity when I argued, fussed and fought instead of being above negative conversations.

 

Peter continues to provide some difficult lessons. He knew there would be some who would do evil to those who did good. His advice was to be above evil by paying back with good. He also used a Psalm from David to change the mindset. “Keep from speaking evil.”

 

My Observations

• Striving for “good times” must include me telling the truth.
• For me to “enjoy life” I must be able to rest, which means telling the truth.
• Doing “good” and striving for “peace” gives me the makings for a life filled with good times.

 

Evil, brings on more evil. I mean, when someone does or says something bad to me or about me, I want to retaliate. I get my argument ready and maybe even think of ways to tear “that” person down. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

HE wants me above petty arguments to focus on HIM. HE wants “good” and “peace” to flow from me. This means I have to make a decision. I have to slow down, step away from the evil and speak the truth in live when the time is right. I am glad GOD gives me courage to speak truth.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “pay back?”
• Have you ever been provoked by an evil attack and wanted to retaliate?
• Will you take the high road next time and seek “good times” by doing good in GOD’s sight today?

Special Emphasis

Special Emphasis

Titus 3: I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in God may be concerned with giving their time to doing good deeds, which are good and useful for everyone. ⁹ But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. ¹⁰ Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. ¹¹ You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.

 

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Doing research, I took time collecting facts to counter what someone said. It took a number of hours, but I collected “my” facts and was ready for the argument. I felt it was the right thing to do and I was ready for any “battle.”

 

• I was prepared to fight.
• I was looking to “win” the argument.
• I wanted to be declared the winner by my opponent.

 

Paul explains to Titus that arguing is “stupid.” He lists arguments, quarrels and fights as something to avoid. He labels this as a waste of time by saying “They are useless and worthless.” He does give the right thing to emphasize, namely doing good deeds.

 

My Observations

• Arguing over GOD’s word seems useless.
• Winning quarrels versus doing good seems worthless.
• Fighting over what is right is worthless and I should emphasize what is good and useful for everyone.

 

Arguing, quarreling and fighting takes precious time. I mean, when I fight, I lay awake thinking of my next move and the countermove from his or her next move. This time could have been spent doing something good for someone.

 

GOD has a plan that includes finding those who have been blinded from HIS love. HE wants all to return to HIM by leaving their selfish, combative ways. HE wants me to focus on doing what is right and leave useless, worthless arguments alone. I am glad GOD gives me the right path, namely to serve those HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer give these warnings?
• Have you ever wasted your time trying to convince someone about something versus simply living the example?
• Will you focus your time on doing good for others so you will be pleasing to GOD and remain on HIS path, seeking HIS kingdom today?

Reliability

Reliability

Titus 2: ⁹ Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them ¹⁰ or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.

 

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Ugh! I thought as I saw the word “slaves” again. But then I realized this was a term used by the writer as a voluntary action to repay debt or to gain payment. With that context of being an “employee” I remember stealing copies at work for doing my personal stuff. I also remember taking other office supplies and saying “This company makes billions. They won’t miss a couple of rubber bands and paperclips.” I then talked bad about several bosses I felt were underperforming.

 

• I justified my theft.
• I was taking their stuff and making it mine.
• I was involved in slander when I talked about other people.

 

Paul urged “slaves” to be reliable. He urged Titus to convince everyone to do the work as prescribed to be an example of our LORD and Savior in all they do.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give my all when I work for someone.
• Whether I am employed or have my own business, I should be an example of GOD.
• Other employees or my customers need CHRIST too.

 

Being reliable is a mindset. I mean, jobs expect me to show up on time, do the work and manage stuff that is not mine in exchange for a paycheck. Sounds reasonable. But some people have taken advantage of other humans and not paid him or her fairly or at all. In this passage, I believe the writer was speaking about a job where pay was fair.

 

It helps me to understand the problem given to me to solve and to work to the best of my ability to solve that problem, reliably. Character is necessary because those who I work for cannot always be present. I gladly work for GOD in all I do.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s words?
• Have you ever worked on a job and justified your stealing or slander?
• Will you consider your work as an effort GOD sees and loves and rewards you for?

Fit to Do Good

Fit to Do Good

Titus 1: ¹⁵ Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. ¹⁶ They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.

 

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Testing the waters, I said a “bad” word. I had not done so before. It felt strange, but nothing happened. No lightning bold from the sky. Soon “bad” words were part of my language amongst “friends.” Peeping in the girls locker room felt weird. But soon I joined in with the guys and we talked about what we saw. Lying about results felt wrong. But when I learned how to “spin” the conversation to make myself look good, it didn’t feel like I was lying.

 

• I gave myself permission to do what “I” wanted to do.
• I was opposed to doing wrong at first, but got used to it quickly.
• I did not know that other parts of my life were being affected by my degrading character.

 

Paul warns Titus to remain pure in all he does. He spoke to Titus about keeping his mind and conscience pure and focused on GOD, otherwise it they could become defiled, hateful and disobedient.

 

My Observations

• GOD forgives me for my sins, BUT HE wants me to have more than forgiveness.
• GOD has a plan for me which includes an abundant life with HIM.
• It takes effort on my part to choose GOD’s ways over the slippery slope of sin.

 

Doing sin and justifying what I’ve done is not good for anything. I mean, when I fall into the hole of temptation, I forsake GOD and leave HIM to do what I want to do. Then I crawl back to HIM, asking forgiveness, especially when things are going wrong. There has to be a better way! GOD has one.

 

HE preempts my thinking by providing me with the HOLY SPIRIT who guides me away from the sins of my youth. HE then gives me purpose to stay on HIS path rather than falling away easily. HE knows I will still sin, BUT HE also knows I am growing up to handle more responsibility. I am glad GOD has a wonderful plan for me.

 

Challenge

• What lifestyle is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever decided that GOD is too harsh?
• Are you too tough on yourself?
• Will you accept the LORD’s forgiveness and seek HIS ways so HE can use you in a mighty way today?

People Pleasing

People Pleasing

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹³ But you, friends, must not become tired of doing good. ¹⁴ It may be that some there will not obey the message we send you in this letter. If so, take note of them and have nothing to do with them, so that they will be ashamed. ¹⁵ But do not treat them as enemies; instead, warn them as believers.

 

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“I am bored” I complained. I was on my first job out of college and wanted some action and excitement. Instead, all I was doing was supporting the first project I was on. No phone calls would come in, so I had nothing to do. Meanwhile other support roles were suggested to me that I quickly shot down. After a while, the suggestions stopped, but other people were assigned to new projects. “Hey, what about me?” I thought.

 

• I wanted to be pleased.
• I had specific hopes in mind that were not being met.
• I was not willing to be pleased by the suggestions made.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave advice to keep those who believe in CHRIST from getting tired of serving and “doing good.” They knew that some people would keep accepting service and never serve or lift a finger to help grow GOD’s kingdom. Their suggestion was to leave those who were leading “lazy lives” alone until willingness to help  came into play.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be willing toserve people and not get tired of doing so.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to when I am being served and be thankful.
• If I am trying to please people, I will get tired and disappointed, BUT GOD wants me to pace myself and not try to please everyone.

 

People pleasing is dangerous. I mean, I may be doing it for the wrong reasons or I may never see the results “I” want to see. BUT GOD sees the situation differently. HE wants me to serve people and not grow weary. But how?

 

HE wants me to serve those who I was made for and pray for those I am not. I can only reach certain people, and I need to have faith that GOD will send someone who is made for those I cannot reach. I have to pace myself so I do not become tired and trust GOD that HE has a plan to reach those I cannot. I am glad GOD made each of us unique to reach people.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the people were becoming tired of doing good?
• Have you ever wanted your way and tried to be “good” for a while and still did not get your way?
• Have you ever served people who did not seem like they appreciated your service and demanded more and more?
• Will you pace yourself and let go of those who cannot be pleased and serve people for GOD versus serving for your own motives today?

Rating Sermons

Rating Sermons

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁹ Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise inspired messages. ²¹ Put all things to the test: keep what is good ²² and avoid every kind of evil.

 

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It had been years since I set foot into a church. Something pulled me back. I don’t know if it was loneliness or regret for where I was in life, I just knew I had to go to church. I went to one and did not like the message or the way it was delivered. I tried others and ran into similar thoughts. “What good is church!?” I said in frustration.

 

• I felt all preachers were scammers trying to protect their salaries.
• I listened intently to messages to see if it was “wrong.”
• I noticed more flaws in the delivery person than the message.

 

Paul. Silas and Timothy provided a few urgent warnings to help the people grow. “Put all things to test” was said to probably provide the people with a filter versus a way to combat. They knew some people would say “things” that were inspired by GOD, yet their delivery may be too coarse or too soft or somewhere in between. Despite imperfect people, the message could be sound.

 

My Observations

• GOD provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and others who believe in JESUS so I can hear HIM trying to reach me with HIS love.
• GOD inspires men and women to speak about HIM and wants me to embrace HIS loving message, while avoiding evil from men, or women or myself.
• GOD wants me to hear from others and plant what is good in my heart.

 

Hearing the message that “GOD loves” is difficult to hear from imperfect humans. I mean, when I look at what he or she did or is doing, it is hard to hear the love GOD is intently trying to convey. Somehow, HE uses imperfect people to speak about HIS perfection.

 

HE desires that my heart become a malleable place that can be stretched to house the HOLY SPIRIT. When my heart is ready to be filled with HIS love, I can hear messages that are truly inspired by GOD. I can also discern and avoid all kinds of evil. I appreciate and welcome others to speak about GOD the way HE inspired him or her to do.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writers?
• Have you ever heard a sermon or read a message from someone who seems inconsistent with GOD or from a hypocrite?
• Will you overlook the sin of hypocrisy and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT so your heart can be softened to hear HIS message of love today?

Idle, Timid and Weak

Idle, Timid and Weak

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁴ We urge you, our friends, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

 

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Sitting in the corner, alone, a teacher noticed me, took my hand and brought me over to other people. I wanted to interact, but did not know how. I was shy, frail and did not know what to say. “you want to play?” were the words of others.

 

• That was an enjoyable day.
• I did not know how to get myself into the crowd.
• I felt that I would not be accepted.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy give another stern warning, but on a much lighter note. They urged everyone to “warn the idle, encourage the timid and help the weak.” Instead of seeking the rich and powerful, they urged everyone to seek those who are in need.

 

My Observations

• My patience is required when seeking those who are idle about speaking about the LORD.
• I must overlook wrong and do what is right according to the LORD.
• Doing good is the aim for me and GOD provides those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF.

 

Idle, timid and weak people seem like a strange audience to seek. I mean, to get ahead, don’t you have to be connected to the powerful and noisy? No. GOD has a vast harvest, but the laborers are few. HE know there are plenty of people who sit idle, waiting on HIM.

 

HE wants those in wait to get up and use their gifts and talents for HIM. HE also wants those who have been discouraged to be encouraged that HE is with you. Lastly, HE desires those who have tried and tired and failed, to be strengthened to get up and try again, knowing it’s not your power, but HIS love that will overcome all. I am glad GOD cares more than I ever could.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers are so urgent?
• Have you ever been overlooked, misunderstood or shy?
• Will you seek those who need to speak about GOD, but they are idle and those who are discouraged and need encouragement and those who are weak and strengthen him or her with GOD’s unchanging love today?

Good Power

 Good Power

Romans 12: ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

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After working hard for months, I sat for my evaluation. I received a “Good” as the performance rating. I was furious. ‘After all that hard work, you mean to tell me that it was ‘good’” I said. Good meant “doing as expected” and I felt I exceeded expectations by staying late and doing more. I wanted better than “good.”

 

• There were times when I felt “Good” was not powerful.
• There were times when I felt good people finish last.
• There were times when I felt great was better than good.

 

Paul continues with his radical words given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. He speaks about not taking revenge. This was strange because the law said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In other words if someone does something bad to you, it is your right to do something bad to them. But GOD wants a different way.

 

• GOD wants me to leave vengeance up to HIM.
• GOD wants me to feel sorry for my enemies because HE felt sorry for me.
• GOD wants me to use good as a powerful weapon that overcomes evil.

 

“Great” is not suggested to be used to overcome evil, but “good” is. Being good when there is a chance or even the right to do evil, puts me in a better place with GOD. HE sees my “good” effort and rewards me.

 

Meanwhile, HE says “Let ME handle the evil this person has done to you.” GOD’s wrath on enemies is nothing to gloat at, but to be feared by all. I accept the powerful weapon of good to fight against those who purposefully do evil.

 

• Has someone done something evil against you?
• Do you want to take revenge out on “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on who HE chooses, meanwhile keep doing what “everyone” considers good so HE will be please with your actions?

Community

 

Community

Romans 12: ⁹ Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. ¹⁰ Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another. ¹¹ Work hard and do not be lazy. Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion. ¹² Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. ¹³ Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians, and open your homes to strangers.

 

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“Leave him alone!” someone shouted at the bully who was about to attack me. I had taken a shortcut through an unfamiliar neighborhood and was just about to enter familiar territory when I ran into this guy. I did not know the person who came to my rescue, but it was welcome. I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked through my community.

 

• There were places I lived where I felt at home.
• There were places I lived where I felt safe and secure.
• There were places I lived where I felt I was being watched over versus picked over.

 

Paul provides an overlooked definition of love, namely community. This act of love is quite different because it requires an explosion of energy towards a group of people. The act of love must be completely sincere.

 

• GOD wants me to hate what is evil and hold onto what is good so I can protect others.
• GOD wants me to be eager to show respect to others to help them grow.
• GOD wants me to work hard in my community, serving HIM with full devotion, remaining patient in troubled times, praying, sharing and opening my home to strangers.

 

Community can start where I live. I mean, I can serve those who live in my apartment, dorm or block. If anyone wants to do evil to those around me, I can stand in the gap for the injustice. GOD is very serious about how HIS creations is treated. HE sees when each person has been wronged.

 

HE wants me to bring community to people who may not have experienced HIS love. I can take community to work, social gatherings and relatives. GOD wants my community to grow and I can do it with love.

 

• Are you around a group pf people yet you feel lonely?
• Do you expect people to show you love first?
• Will you start small by showing people respect and serving those in need with your talents and treasures today?

 

Good Reputation

Good Reputation

Acts 28: ²¹ They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. ²² But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

 

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Excited about the new boss, I looked forward to meeting her. Too many times I had run into those who would stretch the truth for their own convenience. Here reputation was that of an honest firm leader. Other people spoke well about her, and so did I.

 

• I have met many people who had good reputations.
• I have met many people with character.
• I have met many people who lead by example.

 

The church leaders whom Paul brought together told him they had not received any bad reports about him. Paul had been very vocal about JESUS wherever he went. Now, the group he faced was curious and Paul could speak to them about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to openly admit I am a sinner so HIS reputation will shine.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM as the answer instead of looking at me.

 

Building a good reputation amongst humans can be dangerous. I mean, not everyone will like me no matter what I do. I may build a crowd I am comfortable with and never cross over to those I am uncomfortable speaking to. What if they misunderstand “my” reputation? BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to speak about HIS reputation as the answer. GOD knows the human heart and is the only one who can show true love. JESUS did so by dying for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. HIS reputation is the only one that can save me. I am grateful HE led by example.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Would people have a good report about you if they saw the hidden things?
• Will you stop trying to manage a good reputation and point to the only one who is sinless, namely JESUS?

Good is Not Good Enough

Psalm 53: ¹ The fool says in his heart,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
    there is no one who does good.

² God looks down from heaven
    on all mankind
to see if there are any who understand,
    any who seek God.
³ Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt;
    there is no one who does good,
    not even one.

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⁶ Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion!
    When God restores his people,
    let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!

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In a bind I had nowhere to turn. “Side with the thief or the liar” were my choices. I had to become one or the other in order to get what I needed. I chose siding with the thief. I mean lying seems too extreme and the thief was admired.

• When I look at someone else’s righteousness I forget I am a sinner.
• When I look at someone else’s downfalls I forget I have issues.
• When I look at someone else’s sin I forget I have sin.

It’s easy to look at “that” person and say ‘Tsk, tsk, tsk, look at what they are doing.” I mean whatever “they” are doing is much worse than what I’m doing, right? Wrong! What I’m doing may be viler to GOD than what “they” are doing.

• GOD says to me “Do not compare yourself to anyone or you will be judged.”
• GOD says to me “Your righteousness is like filthy rags.”
• GOD says to me “MY grace is sufficient.”

We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other saying “you have mud on you.” When I try to be “good’ to get my way with GOD and then get mad at HIM for not getting my way, I show just how evil my heart is. GOD knew that I would turn away from HIM and HE loved me anyway. HIS SON volunteered to restore my sinful life by dying for me. I am eternally grateful.

• Are you comparing yourself to others, even in the tiniest way?
• Do you talk about other folk’s mistakes or sins?
• Can you praise GOD instead of thinking bad or talking about someone?
• Will you allow GOD to save you, HIS way and in HIS time?