Beginning of the Change

Beginning of the Change

Genesis 28: ¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

 

¹⁸ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. ¹⁹ And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, ²¹ so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. ²² And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a ^]tenth to You.”

 

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GOD showed Jacob a gateway to heaven in a mysterious dream. Jacob got excited and wanted to mark the exact location that GOD showed him. He took the stone he used as a pillow and anointed it with oil so it would stand out, even if it rained.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob responded to the dream with excitement.
• Jacob must have realized that everything Isaac told him about GOD was true.
• Jacob vowed the the LORD shall be his GOD and that he would give a tenth back to HIM.

 

It is undetermined why Jacob chose to give a tenth of everything given to him from GOD. Perhaps he recalled what he was told about Abraham giving a tenth of all he recovered  of Sodom’s wealth, to Melchizedek. Or perhaps the HOLY SPIRIT led him to choose this number.

 

He did not say how he was going to give a tenth, only that he would do it. This was a change for Jacob. He was moving from scheming and sneaking around to being generous. GOD’s vision seemed to be the catalyst of change in Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Jacob’s vow?
• Have you ever been excited about what GOD told you or showed you?
• Are you excited by what GOD is doing and will you show HIM your excitement by being generous to someone today?

Nothing But Life

Nothing But Life

Revelation 22: The angel also showed me the river of the water of life, sparkling like crystal, and coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² and flowing down the middle of the city's street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bears fruit twelve times a year, once each month; and its leaves are for the healing of the nations. ³ Nothing that is under God's curse will be found in the city.

 

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Driving down the road, I ran over a skunk carcass. For miles I could smell the horrible powerful stench of the dead animal. I ran through a puddle, yet the smell still lingered.

 

• I wished that I had not experienced the dead skunk.
• I wished I had not run over something that was dead and decaying.
• I would have preferred for all things that were alive to remain alive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown three things that provided life. One river and two trees were described as things that provided life. He also mentioned that the leaves would be used to heal the nations. Any sickness or disease that was under GOD’s curse would be healed by the things that provided life.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made us with life in mind.
• Eternal life will contain no sickness, no disease and no death.
• GOD’s eternal curse will not apply to those who love the LORD.

 

When GOD heals eternally, it will be done for good! I mean, there will be no more crying over a lost loved one, no more pain that keeps people awake and no more disease that causes bodies to malfunction. Why? Because JESUS paid it all.

 

JESUS was took on our curse. CHRIST redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” HE was hung on a cross and gave us eternal life. I am grateful to receive living water that will make me never thirst again.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mention’s GOD’s curse?
• Have you ever gotten sick or hurt or experienced some sort of pain?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so you can have everlasting life today?

Help Along the Trip

Help Along the Trip

3 John 1: ⁵ My dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers. ⁶ They have spoken to the church here about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way that will please God. ⁷ For they set out on their trip in the service of Christ without accepting any help from unbelievers. ⁸ We Christians, then, must help these people, so that we may share in their work for the truth.

 

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Riding on a bus / van in another country, my expectations were minimal. We were not there as tourists, rather to work as missionaries. The bus broke down in a populated area. So this was an opportunity to get out and street-witness. We spoke to the people about CHRIST and some prayed to believe in HIM. Meanwhile, other people helped fix the bus for us.

 

• I did not know what to expect.
• Staying focused on doing what GOD wanted me to do helped me not focus on the broken down bus.
• We received help along the trip several other times.

 

John praises Gaius for his faithfulness. Gaius had created a good reputation that was known throughout the area. John encouraged Gaius to seek other believers who need help in their “trip” so all would share in the work for the truth.

 

My Observations:

• My life is a journey that could include GOD or not.
• The more I seek the world, the less I seek GOD.
• At some point in my life, I had to see that GOD wanted more out of HIS relationship with me.

 

Realizing that I am a creation that was made for GOD’s purpose was a surprise to me. I mean, at one point, I thought life was either a random collection of events or that life was a pleasure cruise and GOD was the waiter. In both cases I was wrong. GOD created you and me to be with HIM in a loving relationship.

 

HIS love is not tainted with sin, but yours and mine is. We can sometimes see GOD as a problem to our pleasure and want to get out of life’s tumultuous ocean and back on the pleasure cruise set up by the enemy. Meanwhile, GOD blesses those who remain in the ocean with boats of safety to help along this trip called life. I am glad GOD has plenty of people who believe and are eager to serve!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer hear about the reputation?
• Do you have a reputation that is associated helping believers in CHRIST to serve others?
• Will you give more of your life over to GOD so HE can help people believe in HIS SON as the answers to their struggles today?

Change

Change

James 4: ⁷ So then, submit yourselves to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. ⁸ Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! ⁹ Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

 

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Realizing that my life was not in a good place, I decided to try GOD as a last resort. I stopped doing the same things “everyone” was telling me to do for “fun” and focus on doing things differently. But it seemed hard because “everywhere” I turned, there were invitations to do the old stuff.

 

• I was trying to start living for GOD, but had the same old habits.
• I was trying to do things that would please GOD, but I had the same old ideas.
• I was trying to fit in with the world and fit in with GOD and it wasn’t working.

 

James provides the solution to the problem of being double-minded. He points to the path of GOD then says “change.” The things that used to be “fun” may not be as fun after all.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s path is not as hard as I think, but it is hard when I am far from it.
• GOD is willing to come near to me when I take steps towards HIS path.
• GOD wants me to change my view of “fun” so I can enjoy life but do it HIS way.

 

Pleasure is not the problem, the definition of what pleasure is can be. I mean, GOD defined a framework for me to choose how to live. I can be free to live as I please within HIS framework. But when I choose to go outside of what GOD defined, I get in trouble.

 

GOD knows I have an enemy that will make me challenge HIS very existence. I will then question everything that HE stands for and make up my own labels for HIM or even ignore HIS existence. I will then create my own definition of “fun” that does not include HIM and put myself and others in harm’s way. GOD wants me to “change” for HIS purpose. I am glad HE comes near to me when I come near to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so passionate about change?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation where you are resisting GOD so you can have “fun?”
• Will you assess your life so you can “change” for the good of GOD today?

Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

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Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

Return Experienced

 

Return Experienced

Philemon 1: ¹⁵ It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. ¹⁶ And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

 

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Anxious to grow up, I would not wait to be on my own. When I got out into the world, life was not quite as I expected. It had brutal turns and difficult situations. There were times when I had lost hope. But that’s when people reached out to me inviting me to church. A change was presented to me well enough for me to understand and take action.

 

• Things were not going well for me, so I had to change.
• My life was falling apart, so I needed something different.
• Life was more difficult than I thought, so I needed some help that was greater than any human could provide.

 

Paul sends the equivalent of a reference letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He tells Philemon that Onesimus has experienced life in CHRIST and is now a different “employee” because of his belief. Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus as more than an employee, rather someone who has experienced life and can help others by spreading the Gospel.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD is always the answer.
• Life can seem scary and present multiple troubles, BUT GOD is always there with me presenting solutions.
• Life can seem unfair because of my belief in CHRIST, BUT GOD explains to me that I will sometimes be persecuted because of JESUS.

 

Some situations caused by other humans are rotten. I mean, there are some situations that are out of my control that affect me and I feel helpless. BUT GOD is there to provide hope. HE picks me up and shows me that I am protected by HIM.

 

HE safely guides me through life’s experiences and grows my faith along the way. After I have gone through something, I can return to others and help guide him or her through that same thing. I am grateful GOD provides HIS plan for me and guides me through life’s experiences.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to the recipient?
• Have you ever had a difficult experience and came through it?
• What advice would you give people who are going through a similar situation?
• Will you take your life’s experiences and guide others to GOD today?

Useful Life

Useful Life

Titus 3: ¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos to get started on their travels, and see to it that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to spend their time doing good, in order to provide for real needs; they should not live useless lives.

 

¹⁵ All who are with me send you greetings. Give our greetings to our friends in the faith.

God's grace be with you all.

 

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Getting deeper and deeper into trouble, I found my life a mess. Even the parties and living it up seemed empty. When I looked around, I had helped no one but myself and even that was old.

 

• I tried “the good life” and that was getting old.
• I found my heart empty as I sought pleasure, but trouble outweighed my pursuits.
• I felt that there was more to life that seeking what others called “living the life.”

 

Paul sends final greetings to all believers of JESUS. In this greeting, he urges people to “do good” and “provide real needs.” He then drops a bombshell by saying “They should not live useless lives.”

 

My Observations

• GOD cursed the earth when sin entered it, but I still have to live here.
• Heaven is a destination, but earth is where I live
• Some of my life should be dedicated to serving the LORD.

 

Seeking pleasure as medicine can sometimes work, but not always. I mean, when I only seek the pleasures of life, I fond myself wanting more and more of them. Soon, I cannot discern from “needing” pleasure versus “wanting it.” When the waves of life hit, the world’s pleasures seem empty. BUT GOD’s path is full of life.

 

HE wants me to fill my heart with other people and seek HIS kingdom first. Sometimes the world’s pleasures will be included and sometimes difficulty will arise. HE opens my eyes to the fact that through it all, HE is there and walking strong with me. I am grateful for HIS constant love for me an you.

 

Challenge

• What life is the writer referring to?
• Have you been trying really hard to live life and it just does not seem to be working?
• Will you see GOD in all you do so HE can walk solidly with you through trouble and good times, so you can live a useful life for HIM without pressure today?

My Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with the fact that YOU love him or her dearly. Open eyes to servanthood and also bring servants into lives who need to be served today. Help us understand the true meaning of abundant life because the world has tried to change the definition. Guide us to YOUR plan today. amen

Impactful Change

Impactful Change

2 Timothy 2: ²⁰ In a large house there are dishes and bowls of all kinds: some are made of silver and gold, others of wood and clay; some are for special occasions, others for ordinary use. ²¹ Those who make themselves clean from all those evil things, will be used for special purposes, because they are dedicated and useful to their Master, ready to be used for every good deed. 

 

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Living in a “just enough” fashion had become the norm for me. I felt stuck doing insignificant dead end things. Something had to change, but what. I prayed for GOD to change my circumstances, but nothing was happening.

 

• I wanted GOD to raise me up, but I was not willing to make a change.
• I wanted circumstances to be different without me needing to do anything about it.
• I wanted life to be easy without having to make any sacrifices.

 

Paul gives Timothy some very wise advice. He told Timothy to live a clean life that is dedicated to the LORD, this way he could be used in a special way. Paul had made a significant change in his own life from being a murderer to becoming a preacher of the Gospel and knew what it took to serve the LORD in a
special” way.

 

My Observations

• Yes, I am saved, but my relationship with the LORD is ordinary unless I dedicate myself to HIM.
• Yes, GOD loves me, but there is a part of our relationship that I can choose so HE can use me in a special way.
• Yes, I have a purpose, BUT GOD wants to give me a “special” purpose which requires another level of dedication to following HIM.

 

Change happened when I accepted JESUS as my Savior. I mean, I believed HE forgave me of all my sins. That felt great, but that happened a long, long time ago. HE, however wants me to continue to change for HIS powerful purposes. This requires me to examine my life and ask HIM to rid me of sins that block HIS “special” use.

 

GOD wants “impactful change” from me. Not just ordinary going to church change, but a readiness to be used in a special way. This requires me to ask HIM to help me rid myself of “evil things” so I can be ready for “every good deed.” I will make myself available to GOD.

 

Challenge

• What “special purposes” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted things to change in a greater way, but have not looked at yourself to see what needs to change?
• Will you know that you are saved AND GOD wants to use you for something special, but it will take a change in you so you can be used by GOD in a “special purpose” today?

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?

Turning Back

 

Turning Back

1 Timothy 1: ⁶ Some people have turned away from these and have lost their way in foolish discussions. ⁷ They want to be teachers of God's law, but they do not understand their own words or the matters about which they speak with so much confidence.

 

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Host drunken parties and have sex afterwards seemed like a great idea. But after a while, something seemed missing. My life still felt empty. I slowly started praying, but tried to hold onto my party life. Something wasn’t working.

 

• I wanted to serve GOD and serve my lusts.
• I wanted to connect to the MODT HIGH with my sinful desires.
• I wanted to live with purity while being impure.

 

Paul tells Timothy, some people have turned away from a pure heart, clear conscience and genuine faith to pursue what felt right. They had turned away from GOD but wanted GOD’s promises.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to turn to HIM and drop the world’s philosophies.
• GOD sees my heart and is able to cleanse it of all unrighteousness.
• GOD always welcomes me back even when I turn away.

 

Trying to serve the world or myself causes problems with my relationship with GOD. I mean, GOD is love and HE is pure love. HE has no sin in HIM, I, on the other hand, have sin in me from birth. There is no way to get rid of my sin by my own power. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS decided to save me from my sins. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in my heart to keep me safe from my sins. HE begs on my behalf when I fall and keeps me strong when I am tempted to turn away from GOD. I owe all to GOD and I gladly serve HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “way” is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever known you were doing something wrong, yet tried to hold onto it and get GOD to do something for you?
• Will you serve GOD fully by turning back to HIM and allow HIM to help you with self-control today?

All the News

All the News

Colossians 4: ⁷ Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. ⁸ That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. ⁹ With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

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Blurting out “Didn’t we have a great time at the club last night?” seemed inappropriate in church, but that’s what the guy asked me. I was trying to live a double or triple life. One segment I appeared to be one way another segment I appeared a different way.

 

• I tried living a segmented life.
• I wanted to “have pleasure” and “have CHRIST” and “have money” even though sometimes they conflict with one another.
• I was embarrassed that one segment of my life was exposed to another.

 

Tychicus and Onesimus were dear friends of Paul. He mentions both in other letters in the highest regard. They observed his life and were witnesses to his actions in CHRIST. Paul had given up his life to follow CHRIST fully. To him, it was more profitable to follow the LORD.

 

My Observations

• My life was given to me by the LORD for HIS purpose.
• Any part of my life that I may be ashamed of will be exposed painfully or easily.
• GOD uses my life to be an example one way or another.

 

“All the news” is scary to me. I mean, it seems like a huge amount of pressure to be “good” when I am not. Only GOD is good and I could never live up to any expectation that others may place on me by following HIM. Fortunately GOD does not require “good” people to mention HIM.

 

GOD uses sinners like me to say “I am forgiven by JESUS for all my sins, past, present and future!” By believing in JESUS, I have hope. I can now bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how much I have messed up, GOD is there. I am glad “All the news” includes JESUS forgiving me.

 

Challenge

• What news do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Do you feel you do not measure up to other people or are not meeting the expectations of those who have given their life to the LORD?
• Will you let go of your life and place the burden of perfection on the only one who is, namely JESUS today?

Multiple Lives

Multiple Lives

Colossians 3: ¹⁴ And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

 

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“You have to be tough” is what people told me at work. This was the advice to be “successful.”  “You have to be smooth” is what my “friends” said as we entered bars and clubs. This was advice to get a “hook up.” “”You have to be friendly” or “You have to be punctual” were other words of advice that I tried to be.

 

• It was exhausting trying to be what everyone else expected me to be.
• It was hard trying to separate acting one way with one group and another way with the other.
• I was living multiple lives and at times they conflicted.

 

Paul addressed the conflict that resides in everyone. One part is sinful and the other is of GOD. People may have struggled with the “war within us” and did not know how to keep it together. One part of life would be solid while the other unraveled.  What was the solution?

 

My Observations

• Love is an eye-opening approach that GOD gave me to help me make better decisions.
• Adding love to my multiple lives reduces them into one life.
• GOD is love and wants me to use HIS way in all situations.

 

When my life is falling to pieces, love can keep it together. I mean, I can always depend on GOD loving me when the world does not. GOD’s love is unstoppable and it overcomes every situation I can face.

 

HE wants me to consider love as the glue that holds everything together. Instead of approaching situations with the way the world expects, GOD wants HIS love to be shown. If I “win” everyone else must “win” and the only way to do this is to show HIS love. I am glad HE loved me first.

 

Challenge

• What is the “perfect unity” the writer speaks about?
• Do you feel you are living multiple lives?
• Will you give all your actions, thoughts and concerns to GOD who is love and will provide love to you today?

Living It Up

 

Living It Up

Philippians 1: ²¹ For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. ²² But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. ²³ I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; ²⁴ but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. ²⁵ I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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“You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden our roller coaster” was the ad that made me curious. Up until then, my life was mundane, but this rollercoaster ride will solve everything. The same was said about vacation spots, cars and other experiences.

 

• I was told what living was all about from sales people.
• I was jealous over pictures of people who seemed to be having “fun.”
• I thought “living” was indulging in as much of what the world had to offer, with no limits.

 

Paul addresses “life” and “death” from the perspective of “purpose.” To the world, Paul would look like a failure. He was a criminal who was despised by churchy people. He dedicated his entire life to preach the message of CHRIST. This made life worth living.

 

My Observations

• Life with CHRIST as a purpose, leaves me not wanting or missing anything.
• Life to GOD is me having the pursuit of bringing HIS creations back to HIM.
• Life is more than what the world has to offer.

 

Having things or going places is not a problem when it is not the only pursuit in life, I mean, it is okay to go on a vacation or buy stuff, but when I get nervous that I cannot buy more stuff, or when most of my thinking is guided by living for more of the “world” I reduce living to see people come to the saving knowledge of JESUS.

 

My blinders cause worry which can lead to thinking no one loves me, not even GOD, when things are going wrong. Mental and physical pain can sometimes grow to the point where I cry out, “Just take me!” BUT GOD is merciful and wants me to stay for HIS purpose. I gladly serve GOD with vigor and determination.

 

Challenge

• What state of mind do you think the writer is in?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on life because things are not going your way?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and that you were made unique to reach specific people only you can reach for CHRIST?
• Will you live your life with purpose that extends beyond the things of this world today?

Transposed Heart

Transposed Heart

Philippians 1: ⁷ You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. ⁸ God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.

 

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Speeding down the expressway, I was making “good” time. I prided myself on driving fast without endangering slowpokes around me. As traffic slowed up ahead, I did the same. But before I could get near to the car in front of me, another car darted in. This made me mad. The darter then took off on the shoulder and weaved dangerously through traffic with numerous near misses.

 

• I hoped to see him or her in an accident!
• I wanted the worst to happen to the driver to teach him or her a lesson.
• I looked intently to see if there was a wreck that included the darter and was slightly disappointed when I did not.

 

Paul expresses his deep gratitude for those who helped him spread the Gospel of JESUS. Their loyalty to GOD was shown whether Paul was in prison or free. This only came because Saul, now Paul, had a change of heart.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give HIM my heart so HE can change it.
• Slow to anger, and quick to forgive are traits GOD has and wants me to mimic.
• Seeing someone else’s purpose in GOD is HIS desire for me.

 

Being excited about someone who is excited for GOD is what I am supposed to do. I mean, rather than complain about how he or she said something wrong or sang something out of tune or did not give, GOD wants me excited that he or she has accepted CHRIST as the Savior.

 

With this excitement, I should have no complaints. Unfortunately, like the darting driver, I wanted to see people “get theirs.” BUT GOD has way too much grace for that. HE allows him or her to sin, thinking they got away with it. HE also sees my calloused heart and forgives that too. HE says “MY grace is sufficient” and means it. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT gives me a new heart daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart of the writer?
• Have you ever been upset at someone and wanted him or her to fail?
• Will you ask GOD to change your heart versus trying to get HIM to change “that” person today?

Reputation Repaired

Reputation Repaired

Galatians 1: ²⁰ What I write is true. God knows that I am not lying!

 

²¹ Afterward I went to places in Syria and Cilicia. ²² At that time the members of the churches in Judea did not know me personally. ²³ They knew only what others were saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” ²⁴ And so they praised God because of me.

 

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It took time, but my reputation was repaired. I actually did not know what people were saying about me, but it did not seem pleasant. When I walked in the room, the conversation would change. “This stinks!” I said to myself. But I felt helpless to change the situation.

 

• I felt I had to convince people they had the wrong impression of me.
• I felt misunderstood.
• I felt shunned by people and could not do or say anything to make things right.

 

At one point Paul became known for being a murderer. What was worse was, he did the killing in the name of GOD. He thought he was doing what was right according to the Law. BUT GOD intervened. HE called Paul to be HIS servant. Now Paul’s reputation was repaired through much suffering he had to go through.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart where humans cannot.
• GOD has a different view of my reputation and HE loves me beyond my sins.
• GOD gave HIS SON so I could have a good reputation with HIM.

 

People are fickle and reputations come and go. I mean, one day I am in the in crowd, the next, I am looked at as a criminal. BUT GOD changes my reputation. When I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

This does not mean I will not face the consequence of my sins. It means GOD can still use me to grow HIS loving kingdom of redeemed sinners in spite of my sins. I am glad GOD loves me as a sinner and has given me a new name I cannot wait to hear.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine being the writer after having persecuted the people you now have to convince about GOD’s love for them?
• Have you ever been misunderstood or given a reputation that you know is not what is in your heart?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose on your life and allow HIM to clear your reputation HIS way?

Healthy Sorrow

Healthy Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7: ⁸ For even if that letter of mine made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. I could have been sorry when I saw that it made you sad for a while. ⁹ But now I am happy—not because I made you sad, but because your sadness made you change your ways. That sadness was used by God, and so we caused you no harm. ¹⁰ For the sadness that is used by God brings a change of heart that leads to salvation—and there is no regret in that! But sadness that is merely human causes death. ¹¹ See what God did with this sadness of yours: how earnest it has made you, how eager to prove your innocence! Such indignation, such alarm, such feelings, such devotion, such readiness to punish wrongdoing! You have shown yourselves to be without fault in the whole matter.

 

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“I’m sorry” I said to the officer. “You are sorry for speeding or are you sorry you got caught?” was the reply. Actually I was sorry I got caught because I loved speeding.

 

• I was going to speed again.
• I was actually angry rather than sorry.
• I was so fixed on speeding that after the ticket, I invested in a radar detector.

 

Paul speaks about two types of sadness, one that is repentant towards GOD and one that appeases humans. He focuses the believer, who wants to repent, on a sorrow that brings life.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to want HIM in my life.
• GOD wants me to see HIS ways are perfect and mine are not.
• GOD wants me to be sorry for my sinful ways and give them to HIM, for only HE can change my ways.

 

It is humbling to say “I am sorry to the LORD.” I mean, first I must recognize that I am the one in the wrong and need HIS mercy. If I think I am “good” or the one who needs the apology because HE created me, then I will not see HIS deliverance.

 

When I examine my life, I cannot be proud. I mishandle family, friends and situations all the time. I can say “Sorry” all day on a human level, and the faults will remain. BUT GOD is willing to forgive me and cleanse me of anything I have done or am doing or will do. JESUS death was perfection and my belief in HIS resurrection cleanses me of all unrighteousness. I owe my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the two types of sadness?
• What, if any, things in your life can you ask GOD for forgiveness?
• When you admit something to GOD, do you feel free?
• Can you help raise people up from their hurt so they can see GOD as a being of forgiveness? 

Secret Hope

 Secret Hope

1 Corinthians 15: ^51-52 Listen to this secret truth: we shall not all die, but when the last trumpet sounds, we shall all be changed in an instant, as quickly as the blinking of an eye. For when the trumpet sounds, the dead will be raised, never to die again, and we shall all be changed. ⁵³ For what is mortal must be changed into what is immortal; what will die must be changed into what cannot die. ⁵⁴ So when this takes place, and the mortal has been changed into the immortal, then the scripture will come true: “Death is destroyed; victory is complete!”

 

⁵⁵ “Where, Death, is your victory?
Where, Death, is your power to hurt?”

 

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After stepping off a porch, my foot landed strange and my Achilles tendon hurt. My first thought was “Man! Another trial!” This body has been bruised, sick and hurt many times over the decades. “I don’t have time for this!” I thought to myself.

 

• I really don’t like to be in pain.
• I also do not like being sick.
• I also despise being worried, scared, lonely, sad, or furious.

 

GOD revealed something secret to mankind through many writers, including Paul. This revelation is something the world has been waiting for since the first human was created. The major question is “When will all of this end?” Philosophers debate, but Paul makes it plain in a few words, “We shall all be changed in an instant.” But what does that mean?

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to know that JESUS overcame death by being raised to life first.
• GOD wants me to see that this act of love enables JESUS to judge the world.
• GOD wants me to understand that by believing JESUS has this authority, I can and will be changed into the immortal where death will not be able to hurt me.

 

Is there life after death? “Yes!” is my belief. I also believe that at some point GOD will say, “Enough” and all of life as we know it, will cease. Death will no longer be a worry, nor will trying to “extend” life or its comforts. The trumpet will sound and nothing will be the same.

 

Another writer, John, wrote about the seventh trumpet. This was the last huge announcement of judgement in which seven horrible things were about to happen. I am not sure when this will take place, but I am glad GOD gave me hope that HE is looking out for those HE chose.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever wished that the trials and tribulation would stop?
• Do you find yourself losing hope at times?
• Will you look beyond your current circumstances and know that GOD sees you and loves you and wants to spend eternity with you in a place that has no pain, sickness or worries?

Complete Change of Mind

Complete Change of Mind

Romans 12: So then, my friends, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. ² Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

 

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Let me review my life’s checklist. High pressured job chasing wealth? Check. Sleepless nights worrying instead of believing? Check. Hidden sin? Check. Overlooked homeless people? Check. Hiding my relationship with GOD to fit in? Check. Yep, I looked like the rest of the world. I wondered if they will give me a raise?

 

• There have been many times when I hid my relationship with GOD to fit in.
• There have been many times when I committed sin, but hid it to fit in.
• There have been many times when I made sure I knew about the world, dressed like the world and worried like the world so I could fit in.

 

Paul appeals to everyone to become a “living sacrifice.” He goes on to say this requires dedication to GOD’s service, seeking to please HIM in every way. He also urges everyone to stop trying to be like the rest of the world and allow GOD to “transform by a complete change of mind.”

 

• GOD wants me to have faith, so HE will put me in situations that require faith.
• GOD wants me to have pure thoughts about HIS creations, so HE wants me to look at all humans as someone HE loves.
• GOD wants me to have a higher standard, so HE gave HIS SON as the measure of perfection to compare my life to.

 

Becoming a living sacrifice is not easy. I mean, as a person born into sin, I crave what the world offers. When the world says it’s okay to have sex outside of marriage, I crave it. When the world says to medicate my problems away, I crave it.

 

When the world mislabels me, slanders me, and overlooks me based on seeing me, I react with the standard hate filled, argumentative,  validation seeking way. BUT GOD wants another way. GOD wants me to say to HIM, “Here I am, please open my eyes to how YOU want me to think.” I am grateful HE is willing to change my mind.

 

• What standard do you have for yourself or others?
• Are you trying to fit into the world and serve GOD at the same time?
• Will you allow GOD to change your mind on your worries, doubts, fears, lusts, and relationships, so HE can guide you and fill your heart with HIS perfect will today?

Okay, do your thing

 

Okay, do your thing

Romans 1: ²⁶ Because they do this, God has given them over to shameful passions. Even the women pervert the natural use of their sex by unnatural acts. ²⁷ In the same way the men give up natural sexual relations with women and burn with passion for each other. Men do shameful things with each other, and as a result they bring upon themselves the punishment they deserve for their wrongdoing.

 

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Thinking of another response I argued my point. The person, who was simply trying to give me advice said, “Okay, do your thing.” I kept on my path and ran into the problems he was trying to warn me about.

 

• There were times when I did not listen.
• There were times when I did what I wanted to do.
• There were times when I followed my heart, but inside was something bad.

 

Paul explains there would be some people who explain away GOD so they can do what they want to do. By doing this, some people would accept a path that was not defined by GOD. Some women would choose unnatural sex acts and men would choose men for sex.

 

• GOD wants me to ask “What do YOU want?”
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way, especially when I don’t want to.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE is the creator and knows the best way.

 

“Okay, do your thing” is a difficult sentence from GOD. I mean, HE has so much grace that HE allows me to sin as much as I want. The problem is, I can become so accustomed to the sin that I question HIS laws and HIS existence, simply because I do not like the rule. BUT GOD still has compassion.

 

HE allows anyone who believes in JESUS to be saved, no matter how deep in sin the person is. HE looks at any sin as the same. Lies, racism and sex outside of HIS definition are equally abysmal to HIM. That’s why HE chose to die for me instead of punishing me. Anyone who believes in JESUS surrenders sin little by little. I am glad HE gives me chance after chance.

 

• Are you arguing the existence of GOD because you do not like HIS rule?
• Do you push HIS love away to do sex your way?
• Will you believe in the truth, which is JESUS, and allow HIM to guide you to a life filled with purpose and abundance today?