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?

As You Are

As You Are

John 21: ¹¹ Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

¹⁴ This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

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Thinking I had to be just like other people, I mimicked several folk’s moves. I wore the styles of one person, talked like another, and discussed car desires of another. An observer, who knew me before I started mimicking, asked “What are you doing?” I said I wanted to be successful. They replied, “Just be yourself.”

• At one point I thought I did not have what it took to be successful.
• At one point I thought I had to be like someone else, because I felt the way I was could not possibly be successful.
• At one point I desired to be successful, but was scared that people would see my flaws.

Peter came to his senses and started helping drag the huge catch of fish to shore. Not only did they catch one hundred and fifty-three fish, something amazing happened. The net did not break. The net was just as it was before, but did amazing things.

• GOD wants to use me just as I am.
• GOD wants to do amazing things through me without needing me to be someone else.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIS power and only I can reach a certain group of people HE has given to me.

When JESUS called HIS disciples, HE never said, “Change for ME” rather HE said “Follow ME.” This bold statement enables me to remain who I am, yet follow HIS examples. HE also takes care of the miracles. The miracle of the net shows me HE can take my pitiful efforts and use them for miraculous things. I am glad GOD delivers, every time, in miraculous ways.

• Do you feel inadequate?
• Do you think you cannot possibly be used for something large?
• Will you stop thinking it is your power that makes you succeed rather GOD’s power?

Three Choices

Three Choices

John 6: ⁶⁶ From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

⁶⁸ But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

⁷⁰ Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” ⁷¹ He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

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With unmet expectations, I said “I will not follow YOU anymore” to GOD. I mean my bills were still there, creditors were still calling, I had no car, and it was raining that day.

• There were times when I felt I could get away from GOD.
• There were times when I was so discouraged that it seemed like a good idea to “leave” GOD.
• There were times when I expected everything to go well and when it did not, I was ready to stop believing GOD.

Three choices were made in this section of the Bible. The first was a bad choice when eager followers of JESUS decided to stop following HIM because they felt it was too hard. The third was an even worse choice to betray the Living GOD in hopes of political and monetary gain. But the best choice was the second.

• GOD wants me to know there is no where I can go to get away from HIM.
• GOD wants me to know only HE has the words of eternal life.
• GOD wants me to believe and know JESUS is the CHRIST who came to same me and those who believe in HIM.

GOD did something confusing and amazing when HE created humans. HE created the freedom to choose HIM or not. Many times, if not all the time, I do not choose HIM. I mean HIS way may mean I do not get “my” way. BUT GOD intervened and chose me instead.

HE gave my life purpose to bring people to HIM. This supernatural choice was marvelous! HE opened my eyes to know this life is so temporary. My major focus should be on HIM. I choose JESUS because HE chose me.

• What choices are you making today?
• Do your plans exclude GOD?
• Will you include GOD in what you do and say today?

Overlooking the Obvious

Overlooking the Obvious

John 5: ³⁷ And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. ³⁸ But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. ³⁹ You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

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“Our FATHER who art in heaven… whole bunch of words… amen!” was the summation of my quick recital of the LORD’s prayer. As soon as I finished mumbling the words I would then add “That means I need my bike fixed” or “That means I need more money.” I hoped I could get GOD to listen by saying some words HE would be familiar with first.

• There were times when I wanted to play by the rules so I could get GOD to do what I wanted.
• There were times when I looked at the scriptures as a level of achievement or a measure of my faith.
• There were times when I desired to be like specific people in the Bible, overlooking what the words were really about.

JESUS speaks to the church leaders saying “You do not have the FATHER’s word inside of you because you do not believe in ME, whom the scriptures are written about.” HE said they were overlooking HIM as they developed sermons about buildings, programs and family management. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to believe in all of the scriptures HE as reveled to mankind.
• GOD wants me to believe that every word in the Bible is about JESUS’s love for me.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS as my savior so others can do the same.

Overlooking JESUS is quite easy to do when I am focused on “my” problems. I mean I tear through the scripture trying to see whether it is right or wrong to cut off the person who “I” feel is driving crazy. Soon I make the entire Bible about me and I look at it as a manual to live.

GOD wants me to change my thinking. HE wants me to see a revelation of HIS overflowing love for me. Because of this love, HE wants me to follow HIS example to being those who are rejecting HIM back to HIM. I am grateful that every word is about JESUS.

• Are you making the Bible about you?
• Do you try to twist the words of the Bible to make others act different?
• Will you relook at the Bible and see JESUS’s love for you so HE can guide you by HIS grace?

Anyone is Welcome

Isaiah 56: ⁴ For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose what pleases me
    and hold fast to my covenant—
⁵ to them I will give within my temple and its walls
    a memorial and a name
    better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
    that will endure forever.

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Holes in my pants kept me from being best dressed, although I confidently wore them in college and fit in. When I arrived at a church with holey pants I did not fit in again. What was going on?

• There were times that I did not feel like I fit into “church.”
• There were some protocols of “church” I disagreed with.
• There were behaviors of “church” I did not feel comfortable with.

My suit was too small because I had not bought one nor had one bought for me since high school. I was appalled at the sneers at my clothing. Someone offered to buy me some clothes and that set me on a path that I stand on to this day. Anyone should be welcome, regardless of appearance.

• GOD says to me “Welcome everyone, no matter how different they appear to me.”
• GOD says to me “Love everyone I send to you.”
• GOD says to me “Go where I send you and give them MY word so I may bless them.”

Since then, I noticed people as being people. What clothes or skin they wear does not matter. GOD wants “all” humans to come back to HIM. HE wants me to be open to serving everyone, not just those who I feel comfortable with.

• Look around, are you serving people who are different than you?
• Have you been sent to a different group of people than yourself?
• Have you welcomed a person who dresses different into your circle?
• Can you allow GOD to send people to you who have differences but love HIM?

You are Doing Well

Isaiah 3: ¹⁰ Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
    for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

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Sometimes I just have to say to myself, “You are doing well” just to keep things into perspective. The world has a standard that is ever changing and a dream that is insatiable. In this world of “inadequacy labeling” and positioning for riches, power and fame, I sometimes feel lower than the low. Then someone said, “You are good at…” and that’s all I needed to hear.

• GOD says to me “I made you perfect for the plan I have for you.”
• GOD says to me “I will bring many to you if you would follow MY path.”
• GOD says to me “I love you more than anyone could.”

Living amongst greedy, power hungry people makes me want to do the same. BUT GOD says hold fast onto MY ways and I will reward you for it. Following GOD is easily shown by the fruit I have in my life. I praise GOD for blessing me!

Are you trying to change?

Do you think you are inadequate?

Can you focus on the purpose GOD has given you?

Will you see yourself as righteous only because GOD has done marvelous things for you?

Start Somewhere

2 Chronicles 29: ¹⁶ The priests went into the sanctuary of the Lord to purify it. They brought out to the courtyard of the Lord’s temple everything unclean that they found in the temple of the Lord. The Levites took it and carried it out to the Kidron Valley. 

¹⁷ They began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and by the eighth day of the month they reached the portico of the Lord. For eight more days they consecrated the temple of the Lord itself, finishing on the sixteenth day of the first month.

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“What should I wear?” was the first question in my mind as I had finally made up my mind to go to church. I hadn’t been there in years and I didn’t even know what time it started. I put on a new suit and drove around looking for a church. I had no destination in mind. Yes this was a very pitiful attempt.

I finally came to a church I remembered someone mentioning. There was a crowd standing outside talking with one another. I felt quite nervous about going in. I mean I don’t know these people and I really hadn’t been living a life worthy of church. “Should I go in?”

• There were times where I thought I was too unclean to meet with GOD’s people.
• There were times where I was too embarrassed to go to a place where GOD’s people met.
• There were times where I could not admit I needed to meet with GOD’s people.

I felt my life was a mess and I couldn’t turn back now so I entered the building. I heard the music and the people got up singing in unison to music I didn’t know the words to. I felt out of place and wondered if I should return. BUT GOD intervened.

• GOD said to me “Come as you are because I accept you.”
• GOD said to me “In the middle of your sins I saved you.”
• GOD said to me “MY grace is sufficient and I love you.”

I thought I was going to church to prove something to the people there and there were a few people who were there to measure my faith BUT GOD said ignore them. I started attending various churches regularly and my heart began seeking GOD.  I slowly began the longest journey of my life, the eternal walk with GOD.

• Are you feeling distant from GOD?
• Do you think you are too unclean for HIM?
• Are you trying to hide your true feelings from HIM?
• Can you seek HIM and let HIM guide you step by step to HIM?
• Can you stop looking at the mess and look at GOD?