Steps to Growth

Steps to Growth

1 Peter 2:  Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. ² Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. ³ As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.”

 

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Tired of my scrawny stature, I joined a gym. I didn’t know how to lift weights, but it couldn’t be that hard, right? I watched the brawny people pick up heavy objects and put them back down. I tried it myself and couldn’t. Some people approached me and showed me what I was doing wrong. They had me start over using the correct form and lighter weights.

 

• I was too embarrassed to ask for help, so I watched and tried to do things on my own.
• I knew I needed to do something different, but I did not know what to change.
• I needed to start off with what I could handle, then progress to something heavier.

 

Pater identified steps to spiritual growth. First he gave a list of symptoms that would keep a person from growing spiritually. He listed a small list of blockers that included, lying, hypocrisy, jealousy and insulting language. These were probably problems with those who wore masks and pretended to be holy. He then gave the true remedy, namely becoming thirsty for spiritual milk.

 

My Observations:

• Embarrassment leads me to seek the wisdom of the world, BUT GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom as the beginning of knowledge.
• Insecurity leads me to want to cover up my flaws, BUT GOD wants me to be secure in my faith with HIM so I can address issues versus covering them up.
• Starting over makes me think I will never arrive, BUT GOD wants me to tear down patterns of thinking that may have existed for decades.

 

Seeking GOD as a little baby means I can’t think about what I ingest, I should just eat it up. Unfortunately, there have been those who have presented the Gospel in a manipulative way, causing me to have pause. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to listen to other people and read the Bible for myself. HE wants me to understand the scriptures for myself and continue to seek HIS face with an insatiable thirst. Life can bring hard lessons. That is why GOD wants me to know HE is there with me at all times. I am grateful GOD has given the scriptures for all to be comforted.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start the list with what to get rid of?
• Have you ever tried to hide your flaws behind a goody, goody mask?
• Will you start over with a better foundation and seek GOD as a little child versus seeing HIM through the world’s hurts today?

Trying Too Hard

 

Trying Too Hard

Hebrews 8: ⁷ If there had been nothing wrong with the first covenant, there would have been no need for a second one. ⁸ But God finds fault with his people when he says,

“The days are coming, says the Lord,
    when I will draw up a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.
⁹ It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors
    on the day I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt.
They were not faithful to the covenant I made with them,
    and so I paid no attention to them.
¹⁰ Now, this is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel
    in the days to come, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their minds
    and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
¹¹ None of them will have to teach their friends
    or tell their neighbors,
    ‘Know the Lord.’
For they will all know me,
    from the least to the greatest.
¹² I will forgive their sins
    and will no longer remember their wrongs.”

¹³ By speaking of a new covenant, God has made the first one old; and anything that becomes old and worn out will soon disappear.

 

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“Don’t set your alarm, but ask GOD to wake you up” were the instructions of someone who was well meaning. I tried it and overslept. After this exercise I questioned GOD. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

 

• I wanted to see if this GOD thing would work.
• I wanted to test whether or not GOD would do “as I say?”
• I wanted to have special powers that I didn’t possess.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, says some remarkable things about what GOD did for humanity. He mentions that GOD took care of the relationship that was broken and lost by a permanent repair through a second covenant.

 

My Observations:

• GOD did not leave anything up to chance when it came to having a relationship with me.
• GOD placed HIS laws in my mind and wrote them on my heart.
• GOD made me “know the LORD” and has forgiven me of my sins and does not remember any wrong I did.

 

It was all GOD! I mean, HE knew that I would not choose HIM, yet HE chose me. HE took it one step further. HE wrote HIS laws in my mind and in my heart. I do not have the responsibility to try to convince someone to “know the LORD.” But this seems confusing. What about the great commission?

 

You and I are part of the “I will.” HE never says how HE will put the laws in the minds of people or how HE will be their GOD. I am glad HE uses people to tell the Good News!

 

Challenge

• What words from the writer are shocking to you?
• Do you feel relieved that you do not have the responsibility of forcing people to accept JESUS?
• Will you simply “be” a follower of JESUS and be ready to explain your relationship with HIM to anyone HE places in front of you today?

 

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?

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?

Start With It, Stay With It

Start With It, Stay With It

Galatians 3: You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! ² Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? ³ How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? ⁴ Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! ⁵ Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?

 

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With tears flowing down my face I accepted the invitation to believe in JESUS as my Savior and be baptized. While I was young, I could tell the difference between right and wrong. It was a relief that I was forgiven “forever.” But somewhere along the way, I doubted being eternally forgiven.

 

• I started thinking GOD was ready to punish me at the slightest mistake.
• I started believing that the “good” I did came from “me” and GOD would leave me for sinning.
• I started complaining about how GOD would allow “sinners” to get ahead in life, meanwhile those who were trying to follow HIM were getting pummeled.

 

Paul addresses an issue that remains today. He spoke about “belief” versus “works.” He noticed the people were favoring following the Law for redemption to GOD. He called them foolish for giving up on their “belief” in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• When GOD chose me, HE did it before HE created me.
• GOD is not the author of confusion and HE warns me that I have an adversary who spreads lies about HIM.
• Belief is the beginning of the relationship with JESUS and I need to also believe HE will never, ever leave me for making mistakes.

 

Getting to know JESUS can be confusing at times. I mean, one writer says “Faith without works is dead” another writer says “You began by GOD’s SPIRIT; do you now want to finish by your own power?” Both are correct, but how?

 

Faith leads me to want to serve others so they too can believe in JESUS. But is it the HOLY SPIRIT who sustains me, comforts me and begs for me before the FATHER in words I don’t understand. Belief needs to be total. JESUS saved me in the middle of my sins, not after I stopped sinning as Satan would have me believe. I am glad this is the Good News JESUS wants me to spread.

 

Challenge

• What is the trap the writer is trying to get the readers out of?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love or plan for you?
• Will you go all the way back to when you first believed in JESUS and celebrate the fact that HE took care of it all, especially the sins you are concerned about today?

Tools of a Child

 

Tools of a Child

Romans 8: ¹² So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. ¹³ For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. ¹⁴ Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. ¹⁵ For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” ¹⁶ God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. ¹⁷ Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.

 

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Seeing another ride caught my attention. I left the group to feed my curiosity. When I looked around, I could not see any familiar faces. Immediately I whipped out the best tool I knew. I cried “I want my mommy and daddy!”

 

Unfortunately, they were not on this church trip to the amusement park. I was taken to an office where questions flew at me, but I had no answers. Shortly after, the bus returned.

 

• When I was a child I was not afraid to see something new.
• When I was a child I cried out for help as my only tool for fixing the situation.
• When I was a child I needed everything and possessed nothing.

 

Paul tells everyone of a serious obligation. Live by human sinful nature and die or live by the Spirit and live. He then explains that we are GOD’s children, not HIS adults or peers or pals. The HOLY SPIRIT caused our Spirits to be part of GOD’s family. GOD takes care of HIS children.

 

• GOD wants me to have the faith of a child.
• GOD wants me to have total dependence on HIM.
• GOD wants me to be freed from fear, doubt and worry so I can hear HIS leading.

 

Age brings pride. I mean, the older I got, the more I thought “I” was doing the things to get me in places or through situations. Soon I believed in “my” abilities to fix any situation. BUT GOD did not like that dead type of thinking.

 

GOD placed situations in front of me that seemed impossible to fix. All I could do was cry “FATHER! My FATHER.” When I surrendered to HIM, HE sent HIS rescue. I am grateful GOD watches over me, HIS child, every day.

 

• Are you desperately trying to fix your situation?
• Do you believe you have to be strong and not cry?
• Will you cry out to GOD who hears you because you are HIS child, so HE will enable you to see all who are suffering and raise you and them up to share in the glory of CHRIST?

 

All In

All In

John 20: ²⁴ Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

²⁶ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” ²⁷ Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

²⁸ And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

²⁹ Jesus said to him,  “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

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“Your turn” they said to me as they handed me the skateboard. I had barely been on one, let alone attempted what I was about to try. The makeshift ramp consisted of wobbly bricks, precariously placed under a board found in a field somewhere. I saw the others make it over the ramp, but I had doubts. I reserved energy by not skating fast to soften the fall. I did fall.

• Sometimes I get so scared that my solutions cause me to fail.
• Sometimes I think about my safety instead of thinking about the leap I need to take.
• Sometimes I remember getting hurt more than I remember being protected.

Thomas had doubts that everyone had seen the LORD. He may have been fooled before by others who claimed to be CHRIST and wasn’t going to fall for it again. BUT JESUS was merciful and returned specifically for Thomas. JESUS gave him the proof he needed and also gave a word on belief.

• GOD wants me to believe with my whole heart.
• GOD wants me to believe without doubt.
• GOD wants me to believe as a child but grow as a spiritual adult.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” are the words I get excited over. I mean believing in JESUS without having seen HIS miracles HE performed thousands of years ago is amazing. Only the HOLY SPIRIT can enable someone to believe in this day and age.

JESUS says to those who believe without seeing, “Your faith is something special.” That’s the “Blessed” part of HIS statement. When I believe JESUS will do exactly as HE said HE would do, without doubt, I am blessed. I am excited for GOD’s amazing plan HE has for me to reach others.

• Do you doubt GOD’s amazing plan HE has for you?
• Do you think you should hold back so you can protect yourself?
• Will you jump all the way in and thoroughly believe that GOD is excited about you today?

Evidence

Evidence

John 20: ³ Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. ⁴ So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. ⁵ And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. ⁹ For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

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“Seek proof” was the bad advice I took to heart. I listened to a suspicious person and became suspicious. From that moment on, I asked more questions, trying to get to the bottom of “this”, whatever “this” was.

• There were many times I did not believe.
• There were many times I sought after evidence.
• There were many times that I wasted time in disbelief only to find out later I should have believed all the time.

Two zealous disciples heard the news about JESUS’ missing body. They ran to the tomb, one outrunning the other, and observed the heavy bandages laying all over the place. The handkerchief that was on JESUS’s head was folded. One disciple immediately believed that JESUS had arose.

• GOD wants me to believe as a child with immediacy and without question.
• GOD wants my faith to grow so I do not need evidence to know HE has what’s best in mind for me.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I do not know everything,  but HE definitely does.

Evidence of GOD can be seen just by using our senses. Every texture, odor, sound, flavor or observation screams GOD is right there with me. Unfortunately the world dullens my senses, stealing the glory from GOD, making me seek which human can get the trophy of discovery.

We seek evidence that GOD has already told us and reward humans for finding what is already there. BUT GOD enables pure belief and makes it available to anyone who wants it. HE rewards me for seeking HIM without the need for evidence. I drop my suspicions, little by little. One day I want pure belief.

• Are you a suspicious person?
• Do you thrive on evidence?
• Will you seek GOD today without needing as much evidence?

Be Different

Be Different

John 10: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. ² But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵ Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them.

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Seeing the professor compliment one of the students made me glad I did not go first. I quickly adjusted my speech to sound like theirs. I figured that would get me extra points. I gave my speech and it seemed like the excitement went out of the room. “Thanks” was all I got. I asked for feedback. “You sounded like everyone else”, was the response.

• There were times when I wanted to be safe with what I said.
• There were times when I wanted everyone to agree with what I said.
• There were times when I wanted to fit in, so I said what “they” said.

JESUS had just told the church leaders they were blind. They taught what they felt the people wanted to hear. Eventually they got a large following that increased their power. They spoke about GOD, but not about JESUS being GOD. JESUS then says “But the sheep will know the Shepherd’s voice.”

• JESUS says to me “Speak about MY kingdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Bring people to ME and I will guide them.”
• JESUS says to me “Take MY yoke upon you and learn of ME.”

Loving yet offensive, is the message of JESUS. I mean HIS word offends everyone because they have to admit they are a sinner. It makes me say “I am wrong and need help that I cannot get from a human.” This offends those who love religions, programs and especially those who have all the answers.

GOD is the only answer and JESUS is the only way. HIS message is so simple that people walk away from it, thinking it has no power. BUT GOD says be different. HE wants me to tell people I am a weak sinner, but I have hope. This hope comes from JESUS. I am grateful for HIS vast power.

• What do you sound like in public?
• Do you sound and act like the world?
• Will you dare to be different and admit “your” sins to people so they will feel comfortable admitting their sins?
• Will you lift JESUS up to where HE should be when you talk about solutions today?

Prove It

Prove It

John 6: ⁸ One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ⁹ “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

¹⁰ Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. ¹¹ And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” ¹³ Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. ¹⁴ Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

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Expecting the answer to be “no”, I reluctantly asked anyway. “Can we have our event?” I asked those in charge. “Perhaps… let me look into it” was one of the leader’s response. Skeptically, I waited. “I’m sorry, we do not have the budget for the event” was the final reply. “See, I knew you didn’t have the power to do anything” I thought to myself about the leader.

• Many times I have been skeptical.
• Many times I have not believed.
• Many times I desired to see what “I” wanted to see so that I could believe.

Andrew told JESUS, “All we have is a boy’s lunch to feed thousands of people.” The boy may have been the only sole willing to give. JESUS saw the crowd had left their homes to follow HIM in order to be healed. Filled with compassion, HE performed a miracle by taking the donated items and stretching them to feed everyone, with much left over.

• GOD wants me to be willing to give what little talents I have.
• GOD wants me to share in making the miracle happen.
• GOD wants me to know HIS power is absolute and I can see HIM perform every day.

Childlike faith is something GOD wants me to have, but my desires sometimes get in the way. I mean, when I want GOD to fix the situation the way I want, at the time I want, I set HIM up for failure when it doesn’t happen. GOD wants me on the other side of the “prove it” kind of thinking.

HE desires that I say “Here is my tiny part, do with it what you will.” Meanwhile, I can expect HIM to do something amazing without having to see the result. GOD does not mind showing HIS power. HE is my source of strength.

• Are you pouting because GOD has not done what you wanted, the way you wanted?
• Do you think GOD is powerless because HE has not bowed down to your request?
• Will you drop your skepticism and believe in GOD as a child by giving HIM your talent today?

Admiration

Luke 18: ¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’

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When I finally found a good leader, I believed almost every word they said. I would schedule as much time as I could just to sit and listen to their words. Whatever they told me, I would do. I trusted that person implicitly.

• Many people have earned my trust.
• Many people have lowered my skepticism.
• Many people have said things that I instantly believe in.

JESUS stopped HIS disciples from forbidding children to approach HIM. I wonder if they thought JESUS was to politically important to deal with childish matters. HE summoned the children over and told the disciples to believe as a child believes.

• GOD wants me to mature to the point where I implicitly believe in HIM.
• GOD wants me to grow to the point where I have instant faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to increase my value of HIS words in my heart versus constantly proving HIM to be wrong by thinking HE is not meeting “my” expectations.

Admiring GOD in all that HE does is a lifelong journey. It means I have to drop my skepticism, doubt and know it all thinking. I should believe in the promises HE says instead of wavering. But sometimes I stammer. I am glad GOD said “MY grace is sufficient” for I truly need HIS grace. I do believe in HIM today, implicitly.

• Are you skeptical of GOD because HE has not answered your prayer at the exact moment and the exact way?
• Are you losing your trust in GOD?
• Can you return to your childlike belief and admire GOD again?

Illogical Thankfulness

Luke 10: ²¹ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ²² All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

²³ Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; ²⁴ for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

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Driving down the road, I hit a huge patch of water. The car spun all the way around then wound up sideways to oncoming traffic. I corrected the car and was able to continue without any harm to me or my family. I thanked GOD for HIS protection.

• Sometimes I am tempted to give myself credit.
• Sometimes I think “I” performed all of “my” accomplishments.
• Sometimes I think “I” am in control.

JESUS did something extremely strange. HE thanks the FATHER for hiding things from the “wise and prudent.” HE then thanks the FATHER for revelation to “babes.” Afterwards HE turns to the disciples and says HE reveals who, HE and the FATHER is, to whom HE chooses.

• GOD says to me “I accept your thankfulness.”
• GOD says to me “I enjoy your thanksgiving.”
• GOD says to me “I know it is difficult sometimes but I AM there for you and I appreciate your praise and thanks.”

Sometimes it is all about GOD. HE deserves praise whenever I can. Sin makes me want to run and hide from GOD, but HE appreciates illogical thankfulness, even after sin. HE enjoys my confession that I need and want HIM to cleanse me of unrighteousness.

HE is pleased when I credit HIM for “everything”, large and small. GOD is my protection, HE is my strength, HE is my savior. I owe everything to HIM.

• Is your logic larger than GOD?
• Do you believe in “some” parts of the Bible and not others?
• Do you think GOD made you incorrectly and that humans have a better answer than HE does?
• Will you yield your life to HIM today and know HE made you, only HE can cure you?

Already Done

Luke 8: ⁴⁹ While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

⁵⁰ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” ⁵¹ When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. ⁵² Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

⁵⁴ But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.” ⁵⁵ Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. ⁵⁶ And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.

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“Get on a plane to California on Monday” said one of the senior leaders to me. I could not believe the statement, as it was Friday and the decision that would change where I would live was already made. I had to stop thinking I was going to live where I lived and start looking forward to the place I was going.

• Sometimes it is difficult to wrap my mind around decisions that are already made.
• Sometimes it is hard for me to think of something new in my life.
• Sometimes it is scary to face something new.

“Do not be afraid; only believe” were the words of JESUS as HE spoke of, what looked like, a dead girl. How in the world could anyone muster up the belief that a person who is dead could come back to life? It had never happened before, why would it happen now? GOD wanted them to think differently.

• JESUS says to me “Do not be afraid” so HE can calm my repetitious thinking of the future.
• JESUS says to me “Only believe” so HE can rest my mind on the thing HE has already done for me.
• JESUS says to me “Arise” so HIS purpose may be made known to others around me and they may believe.

When GOD has decided something for me, nothing can change the decision. I mean HIS wonderful plan for me is irrevocable. HE has already put HIS plan into action and the great things HE has for me are already done. I must get my mind ready for HIS great decision and act like I am ready to receive the marvelous blessings HE pours out on me. HE prepares me.

• Are you grousing about your life?
• Do you spend an enormous amount of time complaining about where GOD has you?
• Can you believe HE has already blessed you and start acting like HIS blessings are already here?
• Will you believe HIS blessings are already done for you?

Belief Ingredient

Luke: ³⁴ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

³⁸ Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

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After playing with my trucks I returned to the kitchen. “Here… pour this teaspoon into the batter” were my instructions. I did and after a couple of hours the cake was done. “I baked a cake!” I boasted.

• Sometimes I think it is my actions that cause things to happen.
• Sometimes I think I have to add something in order to make life go right.
• Sometimes I think I have to try harder because if I don’t GOD will not grant me my wishes.

Instant belief was the only ingredient Mary had in this recipe of eternal salvation for mankind. She did not question if were possible, but what part she had in this miracle. “I do not know a man?” was probably a call to say, “What, am I supposed to stop being a virgin and have a baby? What would you like me to do?” GOD had everything planned out.

• GOD is the ONE who saved me before I sinned.
• GOD is the ONE who created me, knowing all my sins, even before I was born.
• GOD is the ONE who has a plan for me and has already seen it executed so HE can always keep the promise HE has for me.

When GOD puts a plan into action for me, HE has everything taken care of. HE knows I may forget something or mess up the plan by adding fear to it so HE does it all for me.

The problem is sometimes I don’t believe HE has taken care of everything, so I jump in with my spoon full of doubt and try to add that into HIS delicious cake of life. GOD has taken care of everything! All HE wants from me is instant belief.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you think you need to work harder because you feel HE doesn’t love you the way you want to be loved?
• Will you stop trying so hard to gain the love HE already has for you?
• Will you simply believe in HIS 100% plan today?

Becoming Somebody

Mark 10: ¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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“One day you could be a programmer” a teacher told me. I had no idea what she was referring to. “Would you like to take my class?” she said. I took the class and a whole world opened up to me.

• There have been people who have given me wisdom.
• There have been people who have provided me with a direction.
• There have been people who have touched my mind and motivated me.

What intrigued me about this passage were the children. I mean, why were they there? What were they going to get? Were they sick? It does not say why they were there. I can only speculate that JESUS was blessing them to become something great.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall have peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Being blessed by JESUS means being blessed enough to follow HIM no matter the circumstance. HE has the power to lay hands on me and clear my paths to do HIS will. Only HE can touch my soul.

• Do you need help?
• Are you feeling low?
• Can you give JESUS a chance instead of trying to do everything under your own power?

Where “Well” Comes From

Mark 5: ²⁵ Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶ and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. ²⁸ For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

²⁹ Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. ³⁰ And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

³¹ But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

³² And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. ³³ But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. ³⁴ And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

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“If I could study then I will pass the test.” “If I had a few more dollars then I could put a down payment on the car.” “If I could get the right job, then I could keep my stuff.” What I noticed about my “If/Then” statements is they were always elusive

• Sometimes I desire something that may be fleeting.
• Sometimes I want something so bad that it may blind me.
• Sometimes I put my hands in those whose solutions are temporary.

Doctors could not help the woman with the issue of blood. She was referred from one doctor to the next. They may have told her to do things with confidence to no avail. She no longer had money and was getting worse. “Then” she heard about JESUS and how HE healed people on command. She wanted to be part of that!

• JESUS shows me that HE can heal anyone who seeks HIS face.
• JESUS shows me that humans have temporary solutions but HIS are eternal.
• JESUS shows me a different meaning to the word “Well.”

What is being “Well?’ JESUS tells me that even the slightest belief in HIM makes me well. Even if my faith is faulty and I want to take control, I am made well by knowing JESUS can do anything if it pleases HIM. Even the difficult things I go through help me grow.

JESUS also knows when I touch HIM. When I reach out and ask HIM for help after I have nowhere to turn HE asks “Who touched MY clothes?” even though billions of prayers are being asked of HIM every second of every day. JESUS is the place and being I can get “Well.”

• Are you sick?
• Have you put your trust in humans and they are not helping you with the problem?
• Can you place even the tiniest bit of faith in JESUS so HE can heal you?