Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

 

Song of Triumph Part 2 - Easy for GOD

Exodus 15: ⁶ “Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
⁷ And in the greatness of Your excellence
You have overthrown those who rose against You;
You sent forth Your wrath;
It consumed them like stubble.
⁸ And with the blast of Your nostrils
The waters were gathered together;
The floods stood upright like a heap;
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
⁹ The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
I will draw my sword,
My hand shall destroy them.’
¹⁰ You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

 

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Moses continues to lead the children of Israel in song after they saw the Egyptians defeated by GOD. This stanza seems to pay tribute to how easy it was for GOD to take down the Egyptians.

 

My Observations:

• Moses used many human attributes like “right hand,” “nostrils,” and “heart” to invoke human understanding and excitement.
• Moses remembered how stubborn and cruel the Egyptians were and placed their futile attempts of being gods in the song.
• Moses points out how easy it was for GOD to overthrow the Egyptians.

 

Scripture uses the “right hand” as a statement of true, right and just. I believe Moses was speaking about GOD’s power and sovereignty. Would you blow up a balloon with your nose? No. Moses may have simply been excited and used the weakest form of wind a human can produce to show how strong GOD is.

 

The “heart” of things is usually the center, but in humans, it represents the connection to GOD. The enemy is anything or anyone who opposes GOD. In this case the Egyptians were going against a promise GOD made when HE said HE would make Abraham a great nation. By trying to be the nation above GOD’s decree, they became HIS enemy. Their “hearts” became hardened by their belief that they could be above GOD. It was easy for GOD to wipe them out, according to the song.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song he sang regarding the greatness of GOD?
• Have you ever praised GOD for HIS might and HIS timing?
• Will you praise GOD even if your expectations are being met in a different way then you expect?

You Have Everything You Need

You Have Everything You Need

Exodus 4: Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”

 

² So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

 

He said, “A rod.”

 

³ And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. ⁴ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), ⁵ “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

 

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Moses, being unsure of himself, asked GOD “What if they don’t believe me?” GOD had just told Moses to go get HIS people out of Egypt. Moses needed some confirmation.

 

My Observations:

• Moses felt insignificant, inadequate and inferior to the Egyptians who had armies, wealth and power.
• GOD asked Moses a question that HE knew the answer to, but wanted Moses to self-discover what HE was about to do.
• GOD turned the rod into a serpent to convince Moses that HE can do anything and that serpents are under HIS authority.

 

“You have everything you need,” seems to be the message GOD was giving to Moses. “All you need is the stick you have in your hand and I will do the rest,” is what I’m getting from this demonstration of power. I believe you and I underestimate the true power of GOD.

 

When we try to steer GOD by telling HIM what we need, we miss the point that HE has already provided us with everything we need. GOD was about to use a rod to defeat the Egyptians who were mistreating other humans. When you have GOD you have all you need.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation HE had with him about the rod?
• Do you sometimes feel inadequate to take on large challenges GOD may want you to take on?
• Will you trust GOD and know you have everything you need to defeat the giant you are facing?

No False Barriers

No False Barriers

Genesis 24: ⁵⁴ And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”

 

⁵⁵ But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.”

 

⁵⁶ And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master.”

 

⁵⁷ So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.” ⁵⁸ Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?”

 

And she said, “I will go.”

 

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Ready to go back to Abraham, the servant asked to leave with Rebekah. But the brother and her mother asked for Rebekah to stay for “at least” ten days. Abraham’s servant reminded them of the supernatural agreement. They asked Rebekah if she wanted to go. She agreed.

 

My Observations:

• Laban and Rebekah’s mother may have gotten nervous overnight and wanted some time to talk to Rebekah to rationalize what was about to happen.
• Abraham’s servant was convinced that the LORD had orchestrated the circumstance.
• Rebekah spoke up and said she will go.

 

Everyone else seemed to have an opinion about Rebekah’s life, but Rebekah had the last word. She may have seen through her brother’s and mother’s concern and made a decision to not delay. GOD orchestrated a strange situation that suddenly came up.

 

One day Rebekah was doing chores as usual, then next day, she was about to leave forever. This would have been difficult to understand for any family. But Rebekah may have also known in her heart, that GOD would take care of her. She agreed, possibly because of her faith in the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this small conflict?
• Has GOD ever told you something and the next day, you second guess what HE said?
• Will you remain prayerful when someone puts up a false barrier to what GOD wants you to do?

Broader Belief

 

Broader Belief

Genesis 22: ³ So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. ⁴ Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. ⁵ And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”

 

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After hearing something from GOD that seemed strange, Abraham was at peace. He was able to sleep as he normally did and woke up the next morning ready to do what GOD said. HE communicated with the LORD that morning, so he knew GOD was guiding him. He took two witnesses with him and traveled three days to the place GOD told him to go.

 

My Observations:

• Three days is similar to JESUS’ death burial and resurrection timing.
• Abraham knew GOD’s promise of making a nation through Isaac, so he believed GOD would bring him back from the dead somehow.
• Abraham told the witnesses “we will come back to you”, showing he had total belief in GOD’s power to create life or raise his son from the dead.

 

Sacrifice your only son would be a strange request to you and me. But this was the only time GOD told any human to do this. It does not seem that GOD was testing Abraham to see what he would do, because HE knew what he would do. This strange request seemed more like an announcement of something greater to come.

 

“We will come back to you” shows Abraham’s total faith in GOD. Only one human needed to show this example, so GOD is not asking others to kill someone to show their allegiance with HIM. BUT GOD does seem to want us to believe in HIS plan to the point that we know HE will come through, even if the dream HE gave us looks like it would have to die.

 

It was not the willingness to sacrifice Isaac that is amazing, rather the belief that GOD would restore Isaac to fulfill HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Abraham’s preparation to sacrifice Isaac?
• Did GOD promise you something that has you thinking you know what HE is doing when you may not?
• Are you willing to believe broader than your thoughts, knowing GOD can and will do the impossible to reach HIS plan through you?

Still Acting with Immediacy

Still Acting with Immediacy

Genesis 17: ²³ So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him. ²⁴ Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁵ And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁶ That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael; ²⁷ and all the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

 

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Twenty-four years earlier, GOD promised Abraham that he would have children, making him a “great nation.” Abraham waited eleven years and listened to his wife Sarah by having a child with her handmaid. It wasn’t until Abraham turned ninety-nine that GOD appeared to him again to confirm that Abraham’s plan was not HIS plan.

 

GOD then instructed Abraham to circumcise himself and every male associated with him. Even Ishmael.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham acted with immediacy to perform circumcision even after waiting twenty-four years.
• Abraham presented Ishmael as his plan to fulfil GOD’s plan.
• Abraham surrendered his plan to GOD by circumcising Ishmael, himself and every male associated with him.

 

“That very same day” means Abraham still had faith in GOD’s plan. When GOD appeared to Abraham at ninety-nine, HE said for the first time “I AM almighty GOD.” “I AM” is significant showing GOD’s sovereignty. Abraham bowed to this strange request of cutting off foreskin, simply for the reason of publicly showing alliance with GOD.

 

Abraham was the beginning of a group of people who believed in GOD together, rather than being born into an inheritance. The nation would provide the lineage of the physical CHRIST, but CHRIST may have been the one who spoke to Abraham in the first place. “I will be their GOD” is what was said to Abraham earlier. FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT spoke as one.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention to Moses how old Abraham and Ismael were when they were circumcised?
• Has your patience with GOD’s power and plan worn thin?
• Do you still act with immediacy when GOD says for you to do or believe in something HE said?

Nations and People Groups 6 of 6

 

Nations and People Groups 6 of 6

Genesis 10:  ²¹ And children were born also to Shem, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder. ²² The sons of Shem were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. ²³ The sons of Aram were Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. ²⁴ Arphaxad begot Salah, and Salah begot Eber. ²⁵ To Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan. ²⁶ Joktan begot Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, ²⁷ Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, ²⁸ Obal, Abimael, Sheba, ²⁹ Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. ³⁰ And their dwelling place was from Mesha as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. ³¹ These were the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their languages, in their lands, according to their nations.

 

³² These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood.

 

 

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Shem was the youngest son of Noah. He seemed to be the one who watched Noah’s interactions with the LORD. When Canaan may have sent his father, Ham, into the tent of Noah in an act of defiance, it was Shem who came up with the idea that would preserve Noah. He and his older brother Japeth would walk into Noah’s tent backward and cover his nakedness.

 

My Observations:

• Shem respected GOD and did not scoff at HIS ways.
• Shem tried to mirror Noah by doing what pleased GOD.
• Noah’s curse included a blessing for Shem’s family.

 

Following GOD became complex early on. Satan had a great plan to steal humans and to protect himself from GOD’s judgment. He made the first humans’ sin, causing all humans to have a sin nature. The “seed of Adam” would be passed down with a nature that opposed GOD. BUT GOD had a plan.

 

GOD chose people who fought against this natural inclination to sin. While not perfect, Shem’s family preserved their love of GOD by fighting their sin nature. GOD blessed this family to the point that eventually JESUS would come as a human through this lineage. Salvation was in this plan!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the family of Shem to Moses?
• Have you ever wondered why GOD chooses imperfect people to do important things?
• Knowing that GOD wants ALL humans to believe in HIS SON, are your words defiant or reliant in HIS eyes?

Ready for Soon

Ready for Soon

Revelation 22: ⁶ Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.”

⁷ “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

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Waiting on the bus in the cold seemed like a bad idea to me. We were on the corner of a fast food restaurant. I heard someone say “The bus is coming soon.” But I figured I would go inside the restaurant to warm up. I got distracted and was not looking as attentively. The bus came and went and I was left waiting.

 

• I did not believe I would miss the bus.
• I figured that I had been miserable long enough, so I took matters in my own hands.
• I made a mistake by looking for temporary comfort when I should have remained ready.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard directly from HIM. “Listen!” JESUS said with urgency. “I AM coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS said HE will return soon so I should act like it could be any day now.
• JESUS said to obey the prophecies shown to John which should change my actions.
• JESUS wants me to have a blessing, so HE told all of us what HE is going to do.

 

Hatred makes me not ready. I mean, when I am busy hating other people, I miss the bus of serving GOD’s people with love. I may get distracted by trying to prove his or her wrong, justifying my sinful activity. BUT GOD wants me ready.

 

But what does ready look like? Ready means believing that I need a Savior to confess my sins to. HE will then give me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, to guide me to serve those HE is seeking to redeem. I look forward to JESUS return, but until then I will serve those HE sends me to or sends to me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the angel said “These words are true and can be trusted” to the writer?
• Have you ever missed out on something because you stopped waiting?
• Will you refocus your thinking so you can remain ready for CHRIST by serving those HE is seeking to redeem?

Protected All Along

Protected All Along

Revelation 21: ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates and with twelve angels in charge of the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the people of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on each side: three on the east, three on the south, three on the north, and three on the west. 

 

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When the tornado sirens went off, I was still outside trying to finish a home improvement project. I had worked all week on this project, and I was at the last part when the darkness came rolling in. This memorable sight of the dark olive green clouds was followed by strong wind sounds, like a fast train passing by.

 

• A tornado touched down two blocks from our house.
• I was no match for the storm, nor was the house.
• Our house was not touched by the devastating winds.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued describing what he was shown from a high mountain. He saw a wall around a marvelous, new, clean city. The wall had, what was probably, monumental gates on all sides. Imperfect human names were written on the gates.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have put the gates on the new city to show how HE was protecting us in this life.
• GOD is very methodical in providing you and me with assurance.
• One angel chained up Satan and GOD put twelve in charge of gates to protect you and me.

 

GOD’s protection is there when we cannot see it. I mean, HE protects us from dangers we cannot see each and every day! We take life for granted and pout when we are not getting our way. BUT GOD is fighting battles we are not aware of.

 

HE sees what we are going through and wants to not only provide, but protect. HIS wall of protection is impenetrable. The gates only let in those who belong and keeps out any harm. I am glad GOD protects you and me, even from ourselves!

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so descriptive of the gates and their placement directions?
• Have you ever thought about how many times GOD has brought you through trials of life?
• Will you take a moment to remember the difficult times GOD has brought you through instead of looking at your current circumstance today?

Weak and Overlooked

Weak and Overlooked

Revelation 19: ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He shouted in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair: “Come and gather together for God's great feast! ¹⁸ Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and soldiers, the flesh of horses and their riders, the flesh of all people, slave and free, great and small!”

 

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Trying to figure out how to see the boss of an area I wanted to get in, I thought of ways to “accidentally” run into the person. I lurked around to understand times for lunch and breaks, but nothing worked. The administrative assistant said, “You have to come through me.” “Nah, that can’t be the answer” I said to myself.

 

• I overlooked the administrative assistant’s position.
• I did not think the administrative assistant had power over my circumstance.
• I did not see it coming that the administrative assistant was watching me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an angel standing on something as powerful as the sun. He shouted in a loud voice, commanding one of the weakest creatures to eat strong and powerful people. Not just powerful eagles, but hummingbirds would be at the disposal of the Living GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful, that HE can use something weak to do something strong.
• GOD is so mighty, that HE can overtake those who think they are powerful.
• GOD is omnipotent, that HE can choose which way HE will overthrow HIS enemy and use what people would label as weak to do something powerful.

 

Weak things are overlooked. I mean, things like prayer, belief, trusting and fasting are viewed by humans as last resort items versus the starting point to strength. When things get bad, GOD is turned to, temporarily until the storm is over, then we turn back to our old ways. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

HE can use birds against an army of people equipped with the latest technology, to fight and conquer them. HE can also see you, who thinks of frailties and faults as obstacles, but HE sees you as the answer to HIS problem, namely reaching the lost. I am glad GOD trusts you and me even though we are weak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the angel was standing on the sun?
• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, thinking you cannot possibly overcome the difficulties you are facing?
• Will you look to GOD, who has all power, and believe HE is fighting the battles you are facing today?

Super Powers

Super Powers

Revelation 17: ⁹ “This calls for wisdom and understanding. The seven heads are seven hills, on which the woman sits. They are also seven kings: ¹⁰ five of them have fallen, one still rules, and the other one has not yet come; when he comes, he must rule only a little while. ¹¹ And the beast that was once alive, but lives no longer, is itself an eighth king who is one of the seven and is going off to be destroyed.

 

¹² “The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet begun to rule, but who will be given authority to rule as kings for one hour with the beast. ¹³ These ten all have the same purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. ¹⁴ They will fight against the Lamb; but the Lamb, together with his called, chosen, and faithful followers, will defeat them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.”

 

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Wanting to be a superhero, I grabbed a bath towel and tied it around my neck. The other kids did the same. We held our arms out in front of us and now, we were flying! We jumped, skipped, ran and made ray gun noises that had to be explained. “I just shot you with my ray powers!”

 

• We wanted to be superheroes.
• Even though there were a lot of us, our army was not strong.
• When each household said it was time to come in, we had to lay down our pretense and go inside.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given the meaning of the seven heads and ten horns of the beast. During this time, people will think they are in power and will gather together to form a futile fight against JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• I have no power, BUT JESUS, who has all authority, is my strength.
• I have no authority, BUT JESUS, who has been place above everything, shares HIS authority with me.
• I have no way to change situations, BUT JESUS, hears my cry and understands everything I can and will go through, and HE empathizes with me to provide the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me.

 

There is no power greater than JESUS. I mean, I cannot go anywhere the get away from HIS power, nor can I usurp HIS authority. Not height, depth or breadth can keep me away from HIS love. HE is worthy of all honor, praise and glory.

 

Humans rise to power temporarily, but if they do not bow to JESUS their efforts are futile. Their attempts to enslave or to take over the world will be met with the power and authority of JESUS who is LORD of lords and KING of kings! I place my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• How did the angel get the writer’s attention?
• Have you ever wanted to be in power?
• Will you surrender your power to JESUS so HE will guide you through the HOLY SPIRIT to a place of victory today?

Unprecedented

 Unprecedented

Revelation 6: ¹² And I saw the Lamb break open the sixth seal. There was a violent earthquake, and the sun became black like coarse black cloth, and the moon turned completely red like blood. ¹³ The stars fell down to the earth, like unripe figs falling from the tree when a strong wind shakes it. ¹⁴ The sky disappeared like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth, the rulers and the military chiefs, the rich and the powerful, and all other people, slave and free, hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains. ¹⁶ They called out to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the eyes of the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! ¹⁷ The terrible day of their anger is here, and who can stand up against it?”

 

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Asleep one night, we felt something. “Was that an earthquake?” I asked. I had never experienced an earthquake, so it was hard to describe the sensation of everything shaking without a storm being present. It was a small earthquake.

 

• I was somewhat curious about an earthquake.
• I wondered what an earthquake felt like.
• I went right back to sleep because nothing was disturbed in the house.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the LAMB open the sixth seal. Immediately there was an unprecedented violent earthquake. that shook the entire planet. As volcanos erupted, the sky would be filled with ash causing the sun to look dark and the moon to appear blood red. Possibly, fragments blown in the sky rained down like fiery stars. No one would mistake this Day.

 

My Observations:

• The Day of the LORD will not be mistaken.
• People will see GOD’s power unlike never before.
• No one will have to guess if GOD is angry, because HE will display it with unmatched fury!

 

Talking about the wrath of GOD is quite unpopular, but necessary. I mean, we want GOD to be nice, gentle and forgiving, which HE is. BUT HE also revealed what HE would do to Satan’s kingdom and that we should not ignore it like it will not happen.

 

In this sixth step of tearing down Satan’s temporary kingdom, GOD shows power that every nation would see and feel. No place would be spared. The Good News is, JESUS is not angry with those who believe in HIM. This HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Is the description the writer gives, frightening?
• Have you ever said “I wonder if this situation came from GOD?”
• Will you seek to understand why GOD showed us HIS wrath so you can be guided to be protected from it today?

Cannot Be Contained

Cannot Be Contained

Revelation 1: ⁹ I am John, your brother, and as a follower of Jesus I am your partner in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom. I was put on the island of Patmos because I had proclaimed God's word and the truth that Jesus revealed. ¹⁰ On the Lord's day the Spirit took control of me, and I heard a loud voice, that sounded like a trumpet, speaking behind me. ¹¹ It said, “Write down what you see, and send the book to the churches in these seven cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

 

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After putting on a refrigerator water filter, I went to work. When I returned home ten hours later, I heard a splash sound in a place that should not have that noise. I went into the basement and there was water everywhere!  The filter connection was faulty and sometime during the day, sprung a leak.

 

• I thought I had contained the water.
• When the water found a way out, it went into every opening it could find.
• There was so much water that no container I had would hold it.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was exiled to the island o Patmos for preaching about JESUS. This would be the equivalent to going to prison in today’s terms. The HOLY SPIRIT spoke loudly to get John’s attention. HE had John write down a vital revelation of JESUS that would be addressed to seven churches. Even in exile, John was still being used by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When I think I am stuck GOD can use me.
• When I feel helpless and hopeless, GOD is still there.
• When I am tossed into exile by the powers that be, GOD can take my words and spread them everywhere.

 

GOD cannot be contained. I mean, for centuries, the message of GOD’s love has been attempted to be silenced, but it has grown exponentially. The world may speak about believers of JESUS in a negative way, BUT GOD knows HIS servants and gives you and me a purpose.

 

Even when the world tries to steal JESUS by making HIM into their image, GOD sees the theft and spreads HIS true love anyway. GOD is the truth. JESUS is the Way the Truth and the Life. I am glad HIS Word cannot be contained!

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer partnering with?
• Have you ever felt stuck or isolated?
• Will you preach GOD’s message of love about JESUS anyway, knowing GOD’s message cannot be stopped or contained by humans?

Becoming Strong

Becoming Strong

Hebrews 11: ³² Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. ³³ Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. ³⁵ Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life.

 

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“You need some help?” was the welcome question that was posed to me. “Yes!” I quickly replied to the strangers who saw me struggling to move my furniture in by myself. What was taking me hours took minutes. I had no pay, but I said “Thank you!”

 

• I thought I could do this myself.
• I thought I did not need anyone, but I did.
• I thought I was strong enough, but really I was weak.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, had just presented a list of various types of faith examples. He then mentions something they all had in common, namely they were weak. None of the people mentioned, set out to accomplish anything, rather, they were used by GOD in an extraordinary way and were labeled as strong.

 

My Observations:

• Strength in GOD means I do ordinary things and HE does something extraordinary with it.
• GOD simply wants me to stay focused on HIM and allow HIM to show HIS strength.
• I have to recognize and appreciate how weak I am in order to gain the strength I need from GOD.

 

For when I am weak, then I am strong. I mean, when I recognize I need GOD and the people HE sends, then I can get strong. Human strength and bring on human results, which sometimes look tempting. I can remain in control when I do things with human effort. It makes me feel better, but the results won’t have GOD’s blessings, which makes any result poor.

 

When I include GOD in my plans and recognize it will only take HIS power to move the mountain, then I get a supernatural result that I cannot explain. My weak effort becomes something amazing that can only be attributed to GOD. I am glad to say I am weak, therefore I can get strong through faith in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine a time when the people the writer lists, were weak?
• Have you ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed or exhausted and wanted help from GOD?
• Will you recognize you are weak and need GOD to provide HIS strength in all your plans so HE can make them effective, HIS way and HIS time?

Powerful Belief

 

Powerful Belief

Philemon 1: ²¹ I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask—in fact I know that you will do even more. ²² At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you.

Final Greetings

²³ Epaphras, who is in prison with me for the sake of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, ²⁴ and so do my co-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke.

²⁵ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

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“Why didn’t you attend the meeting?” was the question posed to me. “I had to work” was my response. Cynicism had increased my skepticism of people who would make “change” happen. Yet another leader was paraded in front of us, boasting about the changes made at the last place he or she was at.

 

• I had become pessimistic.
• I had lost hope in other people.
• Little did I know, I had also lost hope in GOD.

 

Paul sends his final greeting to Philemon after appealing to him on Onesimus’ behalf. He mentions to “get a room ready” even though he had no idea if and when he would get out of prison. Paul based his command on hope.

 

My Observations

• Faith is the substance of things I hope for and the evidence of things I cannot see.
• Belief in something GOD promised me should result in acting like it is really going to happen.
• GOD has the right to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” and I should act like HE says “yes” until HE says “No.”

 

Believing in GOD like a child is powerful. I mean, when HE says HE will deliver me, heal me and be with me, I should believe it without a shadow of a doubt. I should act like HE will do as HE says. Unfortunately, I think GOD should do everything HE says HE will do right away, in my anxious timing.

 

HE takes HIS time when I want HIM to speed up. HE puts holes in my plan that I want solidified. HE then opens my eyes to see I need to place my total trust in HIM to truly see HIS power. I am glad GOD has the power to deliver me and to raise me up when I am down.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer hoping for?
• Have you ever needed or desired something, yet have lost your hope that it would ever happen?
• Will you renew your hope in GOD by placing true belief in HIS promises HE made to you today?

Opposition

Opposition

2 Timothy 3: ⁶ Some of them go into people's houses and gain control over weak women who are burdened by the guilt of their sins and driven by all kinds of desires, ⁷ women who are always trying to learn but who can never come to know the truth. ⁸ As Jannes and Jambres were opposed to Moses, so also these people are opposed to the truth—people whose minds do not function and who are failures in the faith. ⁹ But they will not get very far, because everyone will see how stupid they are. That is just what happened to Jannes and Jambres.

 

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Trying to live a life that followed JESUS was hard. I had built a reputation of being the “fun” person. I used to hold parties and spread “fun” wherever I went. But when I tried to turn my life over to the LORD, I went back to the people who loved me for my party prowess and was met with opposition.

 

• I was no longer part of the in crowd I longed to be part of.
• I no longer fit in the world I had put together for myself.
• I did not expect how difficult it would be to change my life for CHRIST.

 

Paul continues to warn Timothy about people who oppose the Gospel and prey on those who may have had difficult lives. He gives a specific spiritual example of Jannes and Jambres, magicians who tried to oppose Moses. While their attempt seem to work, GOD intervened and ultimately they failed.

 

My Observations

• Opposition to the LORD form other people is not something I should be worried about.
• If someone chooses to oppose the LORD for his or her own purpose, GOD wants me to remain near to HIM and know their opposition is noted by HIM.
• Opposers of the LORD will get somewhere, but not very far and will be exposed by GOD.

 

Siding with the LORD brings opposition. I mean, when I become a follower of CHRIST, the enemy throws all kinds of opposition at me that will make me question my faith, the company I keep and my direction. BUT GOD wants me to know HE has the upper hand.

 

Those who oppose GOD will be exposed and I do not need to see it happen. HIS plan for me is solid and supernatural. Those who slither and slide around like snakes, looking for complex ways to appear like the truth will ultimately “fail in the faith.” I am grateful GOD protects me from those who oppose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What opposition do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever tried to live for the LORD and was met with opposition?
• Will you let go of your worry about those who oppose the LORD and know HE can handle any opposition because HE is all powerful and HIS plan for you will not fail?

Finding Solid Ground

Finding Solid Ground

2 Timothy 2: ¹⁶ Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God. ¹⁷ Such teaching is like an open sore that eats away the flesh. Two men who have taught such things are Hymenaeus and Philetus. ¹⁸ They have left the way of truth and are upsetting the faith of some believers by saying that our resurrection has already taken place. ¹⁹ But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: “The Lord knows those who are his” and “Those who say that they belong to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing.”

 

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“There has to be another way” I thought to myself. “Everyone else” was doing better than me and I seemed to be “last.” I was getting tired of being a “goody-goody” and wanted to try some things the church people would call “bad.” I tried some things and lightning did not strike me like I thought. But after a while, I noticed things were getting worse and, on top of that I was not following GOD.

 

• I had lost hope in GOD and my life was a mess.
• I was trying different philosophies of the world but they were not working.
• I got to a point where I needed to return to a firm foundation and had to start over.

 

Paul gives Timothy some great advice. “Stay away from profane and foolish discussions.” The discussions would drive people, who were already away from GOD, further away from seeking HIM. He mentions two people who made up a human philosophy stating the resurrection of the LORD’s people had already happened as though everyone who was still living had missed out. This was false!

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return one day and wants me ready to be with HIM.
• GOD is the only one who knows the day and the hour of JESUS’ return.
• I need to continue life with full belief in JESUS, no matter the circumstance.

 

Seeking other philosophies that seem harmless can be quite detrimental to me. I mean, the lie of “everyone else is doing it” gets me in trouble almost every time. GOD has clear principles that HE wants me to follow. It is not just about being good and following the rules, HE wants me to really know HIM on a much deeper level.

 

HE wants to provide a “solid foundation” from which all my decisions can be made. This requires a change in my life that says “I will follow YOU LORD no matter what. I am glad GOD provides a solid foundation that I can always come back to and teach from.

 

Challenge

• What “profane and foolish” conversations do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted your way so much that you are willing to leave GOD for it?
• Will you review your pursuits and seek the “Solid Foundations” of the LORD today?

Better Than You Think

Better Than You Think

2 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our friends, we must thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the others is becoming greater. ⁴ That is why we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God. We boast about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you are experiencing.

 

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After a while, the trials I was going through could no longer be hidden. I would pretend everything was fine, but it really was not fine. When I told people what I was going through, they said “I was going through that same thing! I’m sorry you are going through this, but it’s good to know it’s not just me.”

 

• I just wanted the problem to be cleared up before I told people.
• I just wanted the trial to be over without people knowing.
• I did not want to be an example.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expresses their gratitude to the everyone who belonged to GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They knew this group of people would be persecuted and suffer many painful experiences. While no one likes trials, they spoke highly of this group because of how they kept their belief through the trials.

 

My Observations

• GOD does not make me suffer, but knows I will go through trials.
• GOD wants me to hold onto hope and belief in the middle of my persecution and suffering.
• GOD wants me to know that other people need to hear what I am going through so he or she can understand they are not alone.

 

Suffering stinks! Who wants to go through persecution? No one. BUT GOD seems to allow us to go through things, not around them. When I go through something, I find it amazing that many others are going through something similar.  The enemy, Satan, wants me to isolate, blame or fall into a hole of despair. BUT GOD has a different plan.

 

HE wants me to just simply be. I do  not have to be anything special or do anything courageous. HE wants me to know I am not alone and tell others about my trial. To some, it will fall on deaf ears, but to the right person, GOD will use the message to heal me and him or her. I just want you to know that you are doing better than you think.

 

Challenge

• Why are the writers thankful for a group of people who are enduring persecution?
• Have you ever suffered persecution and do not see it ending any time soon?
• Will you endure against Satan’s lies and know that you are doing better than you think because of your faith in JESUS, our LORD and Savior?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with YOUR protection during this trial. Open his or her heart to YOU so HE or she can hold fast to YOUR faith. Thank YOU for endurance, belief and hope. amen

Complete Conviction

Complete Conviction

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁴ Our friends, we know that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own. ⁵ For we brought the Good News to you, not with words only, but also with power and the Holy Spirit, and with complete conviction of its truth. You know how we lived when we were with you; it was for your own good. 

 

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“You could be jailed for proselytizing” was the stern warning given to us when entering a certain country. These words were a bit unnerving. About a week into the trip, someone from that country asked me about CHRIST, Do I pass up this opportunity?

 

• I could not pass up the opportunity.
• I had a lot at stake on earth, but more at stake in heaven.
• I had a strange sense of peace that no matter what happened, I was serving GOD.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy at one time, brought the Good News to the people and they accepted CHRIST as their Savior. They brought the message with words, power and the HOLY SPIRIT. But they did not stop there. They brought the Good News with “complete conviction of its truth.”

 

My Observations

• The Good News that JESUS died for my sins and was raised from the dead, just for me is important to tell to others.
• GOD wants me convinced that telling people about JESUS is the right thing to do.
• Each encounter of telling people about the Good News does not have to be confrontational, rather full of HIS power which is centered in love.

 

Love conquers all. I mean when I am convinced that CHRIST is the only answer, I act different. I do not worry about what humans think, say or do. GOD’s message is paramount and should not be stifled. Unfortunately, when I exchanged HIS powerful words for titles humans gave me, I found myself not able to reach people with HIS message, nor did I want to.

 

BUT GOD forgave me and gave me a second and third and fourth chance. HE did not beat me up for withholding HIS Good News, rather HE kept giving me opportunities to mention my beliefs. After a while I took the opportunity. I am glad GOD has given all of us the responsibility of spreading the Good News.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers were doing to be examples?
• Have you ever been completely convinced of something, so much so that you tell others about it?
• Will you have that same conviction, if not more, for telling people about JESUS and the Good News of HIS resurrection today?

Called to Hope

Called to Hope

Ephesians 1: ¹⁸ I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, ¹⁹ and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 

 

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Needing cash, I thought of a plan. I would buy a lottery ticket, win and all my troubles would be over. I bought one ticket and waited for the weekly numbers to be announced. All of the numbers I selected were either one number higher or lower than the chosen. What are the odds?

 

• I had lost hope and wanted a quick fix.
• I prayed over the lottery ticket and did not win.
• I was reminded that my hope should be greater than money.

 

Paul writes a request to the LORD on behalf of the people . He wants everyone to have their mind opened by the HOLY SPIRIT to be enlightened to the “hope” GOD has called us to.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s hope is far greater than me being rich and powerful.
• Spreading GOD’s hope is valuable to HIM.
• Believing in JESUS gives me access to the same power that raised HIM from the dead.

 

Hope can be fleeting when placed in money, jobs, people or something other than GOD. I mean, even when I get money or a job or a group of people, all of these things change and sometimes have issues. BUT GOD is still there.

 

GOD is far greater than coping or getting a few dollars. HE has promises that can never be taken away. HIS power is unmatched and blessings are rich. HE opens the eyes to those who believe, so they may see HIS light and hope HE has called them to. I am grateful for HIS power and place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things is the writer asking for?
• Have you ever lost your hope?
• Will you know that it is alright to acknowledge how hurt you have been and ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS rich and wonderful blessings for you that are far greater than anything the world has to offer?

Comfort of Belief

Comfort of Belief

Galatians 3: ⁶ Consider the experience of Abraham; as the scripture says, “He believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” ⁷ You should realize, then, that the real descendants of Abraham are the people who have faith. ⁸ The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: “Through you God will bless all people.” ⁹ Abraham believed and was blessed; so all who believe are blessed as he was.

 

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“Would you like to have a position leading a small team?” was the question that seemed too good to be true and I could not believe. In fact, I wanted to know the catch. Was I being set up for failure? “It’s not a hoax. Take the position” were the words of a boss that I, and many, did not like. I was suspicious, but took the position and it worked out well.

 

• Sometimes I want to protect myself so I withhold my belief.
• Sometimes I want evidence so I research until I feel comfortable.
• Sometimes I want a crowd or logical thinkers who have proven themselves time and time again, to provide answers so I will not make a mistake.

 

Abraham is known as the Father of faith. When GOD told him, he would be blessed because of his faith, he believed. This belief was simple. Abraham did not have to do anything but believe and GOD would do the rest. Abraham acted on this belief in ways that baffled many, but it worked out well.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to obey HIM, even when many doubt HIS path for me.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS SON as the answer, even when the crowd has agreed on another way.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the entire situation, all I have to do is believe.

 

Feeling blessed and being blessed seem to be two very different things. The world would have a definition of “blessed” that is vastly different than the way GOD sees it. HE is seeking the lot and wants HIS kingdom to flourish. The world wants humans to focus on self-indulgence, self—preservation and selfish behaviors.

 

Belief in JESUS breaks the chain of “self.” When I believed in JESUS, my life became HIS. It may not look successful to the world, but all of heaven rejoiced when I said “JESUS is my Savior.” I am glad GOD’s blessings for me can never be stolen.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about Abraham’s belief?
• Have you ever believed in something that is counterintuitive and it worked out?
• Will you be comforted that GOD sees your belief and will reward you greatly?