Bringing Back

Bringing Back

James 5: ¹⁹ My friends, if any of you wander away from the truth and another one brings you back again, ²⁰ remember this: whoever turns a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner's soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

 

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Furious at hypocrite “Christians”, I decided to stop going to church. I went to parties and “enjoyed” my days as much as I could. A few people tried to reach me with the valuable words of JESUS, but I could not listen until things really started going wrong for me.

 

• I was hurt and angry.
• I was curious about what the world had to offer and found out it had nothing.
• I had no place to go so I turned back to GOD.

 

James provides some wise advice regarding those who try to walk away from GOD to fall into sin. He implies that everyone who sees a person walk away should keep trying to bring the person pack into the truth. He then explains the reward of forgiveness.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows the trouble I can get into and is always willing to take me back
• GOD knows I may go through periods when I do not feel like following HIM, BUT HE is so loving that HE welcomes me back.
• GOD knows I may choose the wrong way BUT HE wants me to choose HIS way which is the only way to life.

 

Choosing a destructive path seems foolish yet alluring. I mean, there may be times when I think GOD’s ways are not as important as the ways of the world. But when I fall deeper into trouble, I have nowhere to turn. I find myself without GOD and without help from the world. BUT GOD is gracious.

 

HE send people to me and sends HIS love through many other people. HE blesses me with HIS grace and wipes away my tears, heals my pain and guides me to the right path. I am glad GOD welcomes me back when I wander from HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer warn people about wandering?
• Have you ever gotten tired of hearing about GOD, or tired about someone else’s approach to GOD that you felt you should leave HIM and try some things that you know in your heart may be harmful?
• Will you allow GOD to speak to you through other people if you have turned away from GOD?
• Will you continue to pursue those who have walked away so he or she may turn back to GOD and be forgiven of many sins?

All Peoples

 

All Peoples

Colossians 1: ²⁷ God's plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. ²⁸ So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God's presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. ²⁹ To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me.

 

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Growing up in a neighborhood that was not diverse, I heard about GOD loving the entire world. But I could not imagine HE meant those who did not look like me or those who chased me out of their neighborhood because I did not look like them.

 

• I started thinking it would be easier to speak about GOD to those who looked like me.
• I made up excuses in my mind with reasons for not going to other races with GOD’s message of hope and love.
• I said to myself “one group of people have struggled so doesn’t that count for me to focus on that one group?”

 

Paul explains that GOD’s secret has been revealed through the resurrection of JESUS who now lives in all who believe. The Good news doesn’t stop there. It also means sharing in the glory of GOD!. So, he used all of his time and best thinking to reach any and every one he could reach.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message of love is not for exclusion rather to reach all peoples.
• Since the HOLY SPIRIT lives “inside” me, HE is not looking at the external rather what is in my heart.
• Whatever is important to GOD should be important to me.

 

Reaching “all peoples” is important to GOD. I mean, even though humans find many ways to show just how different we all are, GOD wants us to unite. But how? It seems like politically, socially and religiously humans are doomed to separation. Fortunately GOD took care of that too.

 

When JESUS died, HE said “It is finished” meaning nothing else is left to be done. All who seek salvation can be saved. The ability is now available for all peoples. It is now up to us to tell “everyone” about JESUS without hinderance. I am glad GOD cares about all races and wants “everyone” to know about HIS SON.

 

Challenge

• What valuable message is the writer speaking of?
• How much do you value the message of salvation?
• Will you examine what you say every day and check to see if you can add the Good News about JESUS to more of your conversations?
• Will you also drop any barriers to speaking to other races about JESUS today?

Code Words

Code Words

Acts 15: Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. ³ The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. ⁴ When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

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After getting the uneven sticks to protrude from the ground, we laid a blanket, I got from the house, on top. This was now a tent. We pondered, “What will be the password?” This was to keep all of the many people out who wanted in. I mean we had comic books and a box of snacks… who wouldn’t want in?

• In the past I joined exclusive clubs.
• In the past I enjoyed the perks of exclusionary travel.
• In the past I looked for ways to exclude people from meetings, email or important information.

Racial tension brewed as some people taught, “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” These words were hurtful to the other races around who had given their lives to JESUS. Paul and Barnabas confronted the malefactors with a protest. On their way to the protest, they explained to many how other races had accepted JESUS. The church was glad.

• GOD wants me to seek inclusion into HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek those who have pulled away from HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to seek people rather than exclude them.

Using code words to exclude is seen by GOD. I mean, when I say, “I’m going to TRY to do better”, I’m not really saying “I will do better and here is how.” The Jewish church leaders were trying to exclude others, including women, from having hope in being saved. GOD wants me to speak to men and women from all races, teaching them of HIS wonderful gift. I am grateful for JESUS’ salvation.

• Are you using words that exclude people?
• Do you want to belong to clubs or groups that use words that make people fit in?
• Will you stop trying to exclude people and invite them to receive JESUS as their Savior today?

Friendly

Friendly

John 15: ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 

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Sitting in the back seat of their car, the driver and passenger asked me questions “Do you know JESUS?” they asked. I said “Yes” and thanked them for the ride. My car had broken down and I had no idea how far the next exit was.

• Many strangers have been very friendly to me.
• Many strangers have shown friendliness towards me without being prompted.
• Many strangers have done friendly things to me, even when I did not ask.

JESUS calls HIS disciples “fiends.” HE goes a step further and says “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends.” This is what JESUS did. But what am I supposed to do?

• JESUS wants me to seek opportunities to be a friend to somebody.
• JESUS wants me to stop thinking about myself for a moment and be friendly to someone.
• JESUS wants me to change my mind about people and be friendly instead of combative.

There is nothing I can give GOD when HE gave it all to me. I mean HE died for me. I cannot die for HIM, or can I. HE wants me to think of others with love rather than being irritated with them. Instead of being “too busy” for them, HE wants me to sacrifice my “precious” time to be there for them.

Laying down my life for a moment takes sacrifice. I may have to lay aside my comfort, pet peeves and made up human beliefs to show GOD’s love. JESUS showed me how to be a friend. HE gave me HIS word and wants me to pass it on. I can do the same, little by little.

• Do you complain about people?
• Are you mad at “that’ person?
• Will you lay down your life for a moment and show the world how to be a friend to someone today?

Joy Connection

Joy Connection

John 15: ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

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During the aquarium school trip, I encountered a machine that made wax figurines. I was given an allowance but did not have enough. I had a talent for finding abandoned coins so I looked around.

I did find enough money to purchase my trophy. I was happy. I guarded it all the way home. After playing with it outside, I came in, leaving it on the grass. My neighbor’s dog ate it. I was not happy about that!

• Over the years I have lost a lot of trophies.
• Over the years I have had things that have broken.
• Over the years I have had  stuff stolen from me, lost stuff or missed out on getting stuff.

JESUS wanted HIS disciples to be whole. HE knew the things of this world would result in disappointment and sorrow. Not having enough would inspire a pursuit of getting more. BUT HE had another plan.

• GOD wants me to have joy even when I am not happy.
• GOD wants me to be filled with HIS joy even when things seem to go wrong.
• GOD wants me to have joy so I can overcome any issue that I face.

Joy is very different than happiness. Joy is permanent, whereas happiness is temporary and sometimes fleeting. The joy of CHRIST is to bring back those who have lost their way to HIM. HE wants me to show HIS love. But why were people lost in the first place?

One being decided he would be GOD. This being was thrown out of heaven to this world. After tempting the first human to sin, in an effort to destroy GOD’s prize, he thought he had won. All humans were lost. BUT JESUS lived a sinless life and took the punishment for humans. My fight is no longer against GOD. I have joy for HIS salvation!

• Are you sad, lonely and depressed?
• Does your outlook on life look bad?
• Will you seek the joy of JESUS to get through the unhappy times?

Ownership

Ownership

John 10: ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. ¹² But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. ¹³ The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. ¹⁴ I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. ¹⁵ As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

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Seeing the overflowing garbage can, I quickly turned my eyes. It was no longer my shift and it was two in the morning. This can was the furthest from the dumpster and besides, it was next to the door on my way home. I bypassed the garbage. “Let the next shift handle it.”

• Many times I overlooked things that I had a “right” to overlook.
• Many times I shirked away from things I felt were not “my” responsibility.
• Many times I avoided messy situations because I did not want to get messy.

JESUS healed a man born blind on the Sabbath and was accused of heresy by the church leaders. HE called them blind and implied they had no part in HIS kingdom. HE switches the conversation and talks about how much HE cares for humans. HE mentions how “HE gave HIS life for the sheep”, both Jews and Gentiles.

• JESUS wants me to share in HIS desire to bring all humans back to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to empathize with HIS goal of looking for those who have wandered away from HIM.
• JESUS wants me to own the problem of seeking the lost and being involved in messy lives.

Owning the problem of bringing people back to GOD seems huge and overwhelming. BUT GOD does not expect me to save the world. HE simply wants me to reach “that” person and then another and another. HE desires my testimony to be simple but sincere. I am a sinner with no solution to sin, BUT JESUS has all solutions. To HIM, I point my life.

• Do you know your neighbors?
• Have you prayed for them or for other people outside of your family?
• Will you own the lives of those around you, without trying to control them and allow GOD to speak about JESUS through you today?

Following the Example

Following the Example

John 8: ²⁸ Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. ²⁹ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” ³⁰ As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

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Frustrated, I stopped following the instructions. “What’s wrong?” said the expert. “I cannot understand what you are talking about and you are moving too fast” was my reply. He stopped speaking, came over to me and showed me how. After seeing how it was done, I could easily follow the example.

• It’s easier for me to see how something is done.
• It’s easier for me to see an example so I can mimic the teacher.
• It’s easier for me to see what needs to be done so I can come up with my own ideas and do them.

JESUS tells the church leaders they will kill HIM by crucifixion, then they would truly know HE is GOD. They had no idea HE would be raised from the dead. Many people believed in HIM as HIS words pierced their hearts. Could I do the same?

• JESUS gave me many examples that I can do in my power.
• JESUS showed me how to pray for “us” instead of only praying for “me.”
• JESUS taught me that all humans are worth seeking, even those I can easily hate.

I cannot “Be JESUS” to someone. I mean I cannot die for the sins of all humans, nor can I send the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort the hurt. But I can follow HIS example and care for people. HE showed massive compassion for the hungry, poor and lost. HE cried over those who had nowhere to go.

JESUS has so many examples that I can do right now that I wonder why I ask HIM the question “What do you want me to do?” He would probably say “Pick any example and do it today.” I am grateful HIS expectations of me are easy and HIS burdens are light.

• Who’s example are you following?
• Are you looking to GOD as your answer?
• Will you allow HIM to heal, comfort and grow while you simply serve?

Entourage

John 1: ³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’

They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’

³⁹ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

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“Your team did a great job” someone said to me. It felt great to hear that a plan “I” put together worked well. When one of my star employee’s requested to move on to bigger and better things, I was faced with the possibility of my team not performing as great as it always had. I said, “yes” because it was the right thing to do.

• There were times when I wanted to keep things the way they were.
• There were times when I wanted to hold onto certain people no matter what it cost them.
• There were times when I wanted to keep a successful team together even when people wanted to do something different.

John showed true leadership by pointing people to “The Lamb of GOD.” He knew his disciples should not be stuck following him rather they should put their eyes on GOD.

• GOD wants me to develop a following for HIM, not me.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM without thinking “I” need to be followed.
• GOD wants me to bring many disciples to HIM to increase HIS kingdom.

It’s all about the Lamb of GOD. Every action should not be done in the name of a brand of church, rather in the name of JESUS. HE wants me to build up HIS entourage so people will truly proclaim HIM as their savior. If people followed me and thanked me for my pitiful righteousness, they would be disappointed. JESUS is the one I want people to follow.

• Are you focused only on your brand of church?
• Do you think your brand of church has all the answers?
• Will you focus your life on building up people to surpass you in following GOD rather than holding them down to look at you?

Misread Ticket

Luke 14: ⁷ So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ⁸ “When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; ⁹ and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give place to this man,’ and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. ¹¹ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

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“Would you like something to drink” the flight attendant asked me. I was shocked because not only were we still on the ground, passengers were still boarding. “Sure” I replied thinking to myself, “First class is wonderful!”

This elation was followed by “Excuse me. You are in my seat.” I misread the ticket and was in the row just behind first class. Everyone on the plane seemed to watch me move.

• There were times when I wanted the best places.
• There were times when I felt I “deserved” fist class treatment.
• Three were times when I got upset at “those” people who did not know how to travel right.

JESUS spoke in a parable about choosing the lowest seat first otherwise the person may get embarrassed when told to move. HE wasn’t just speaking about chairs, HE was speaking to the church leaders who loved their titles, numbers of people in their congregation and most of all the amounts of money to be had. These leaders had overlooked the ONE who deserved the best.

• GOD wants me to seek true humility that resonates from HIM.
• GOD wants me to need JESUS to be first instead of “me” getting the credit.
• GOD wants me to accept being a servant seeking to bring people to HIM.

Having a title is not the problem, its needing the title that caused blindness, When I seek to be more and more, then GOD may say, “That seat is reserved for someone else” and tell me to sit somewhere outside of HIS kingdom.

GOD wants me to recognize HIS power and accept HIM as being GOD. HE is supreme and JESUS has the rightful seat above everyone. I seek to be less so HE can make me more. HE is my savior.

• Do you feel you deserve more?
• What are you seeking in your heart?
• Can you place GOD above all things and allow HIM to guide you to the place you need to be?

Patch it Up

Luke 12: ⁵⁷ “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?⁵⁸ When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

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“Ooo, you gonna get it!” I said to my sibling in anger. During my rage I wanted someone else to be mad at this person so I figured I would take matters to a higher authority. When I exclaimed my discontent the “judge” punished both of us. “Wait a minute. I didn’t do anything wrong” or so I thought.

• There were times when I wanted to be right and wound up being wrong.
• There were times when I wanted my adversary to be punished and I got punished instead.
• There were times when I poked out my lip and said “but they did it” and was told, “Yes but you know better.”

JESUS cuts through a litigious group who wanted “their” way at every turn. They went off to prove they were right instead of coming to an agreement. The person who dragged another to the judge could possibly wind up in trouble.

• GOD wants me to come to an agreement with those I oppose.
• GOD wants me to not be “right” all the time but be with people in an effort to have peace.
• GOD wants me to have peace with my neighbor without compromising my beliefs and values.

Sometimes by saying “You are right”, gives my adversary room to discover if they are truly right. Joining the person for the purpose of peace brings fruit that I could not imagine. GOD does not want me to violate HIS word so I can still work within my values.

HE simply wants me to review the argument and if it is not violating HIS word, then maybe I should drop the issue and not hold onto being right. Maybe the other person needs to be “right” in order to feel good that day. GOD wants me to drag people off in front of HIM for prayer, but the prayer should be for them to prosper.

• Are you seeking to be right or to be with “that” person?
• Do you want others on your side but maybe you are wrong?
• Will you stop trying to be “right” and seek peace that only comes from GOD today?