Humans Day 4

Humans Day 4

Genesis 1: ¹⁴ Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; ¹⁵ and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. ¹⁶ Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. ¹⁷ God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, ¹⁸ and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

 

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Instead of random events, GOD made everything with a purpose. On the first day, HE made light. Now on the fourth day, HE took a piece of light and made the sun. HE also made its qualities reflective off of the moon. HE took more pieces of light and made stars. Each star was hung in a specific place and could only be seen at certain times of the year.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made years and seasons specifically for humans.
• GOD made light to “rule” over darkness.
• GOD demonstrated the creative process by breaking up light into many purposes.

 

I am quite amazed that every star, every galaxy, every light that can be seen was made specifically to shine on the place GOD made for humans. This is a very loving action from GOD. HE set the stars in the heavens, or outer space, for the enjoyment of humans, yet to be created.

 

I can also see that GOD delights in the creative process. HE took light and made stars, reflection, refraction, color, energy, healing and warmth. HE did this all for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD gives this level of detail to Moses about light and darkness?
• What areas of your life do you think are hidden?
• Are you willing to surrender hidden things to GOD so HIS light will heal you and shine through you today?

Light and Feeling Good

Light and Feeling Good

Revelation 16: ¹⁰ Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast. Darkness fell over the beast's kingdom, and people bit their tongues because of their pain, ¹¹ and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not turn from their evil ways.

 

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After saying the words “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day” I looked outside to see if it worked. It seemed to rain harder. There would be no outside activity that day.

 

• I placed my hope in a song.
• I thought I could control the weather by saying some words.
• I really wanted “my” way so I placed my hope in something that I thought would get “my” way.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the fifth angel pour out the fifth bowl filled with GOD’s anger. The beast, who got his power from Satan, had established a throne and had claimed to take over the world. This bowl caused darkness, more pain and sores. The people knew this plague was from GOD, yet they refused to turn from their evil ways.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is light and wants me to take HIS light into a dark world.
• JESUS is life and wants me to be salt to spread HIS life.
• JESUS is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and wants me to bring people to HIS one and only path.

 

To avoid darkness, pain and sores, there is only one road, JESUS. I mean, I may have problems, pain and persecution right now, but they will not match what will come when GOD’s full anger is poured out. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

For those who believe in JESUS as the Savior from GOD’s anger, HE will provide light, no more pain and no more suffering. HE will keep every word HE has spoken and HE promises believers will live in light with HIM forever. This calls for endurance. I gladly endure!

 

Challenge

• What message was the writer conveying that was similar to the verses before this one?
• Have you ever been stubborn and refused to change your ways, knowing GOD would heal you?
• If you find yourself unable, or unwilling to change for GOD, will you ask HIM to help you in the areas of your life you refuse to surrender to HIM, so HE will guide you to light and no pain today?

Light Ownership

 

Light Ownership

Revelation 8: ¹² Then the fourth angel blew his trumpet. A third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that their light lost a third of its brightness; there was no light during a third of the day and a third of the night also.

 

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My favorite time of year is summer and my favorite time of summer is the beginning of the season because the amount of daylight is at its maximum. I remember once, getting up early and staying outside until the sun finally set. It was warm and people seemed to be ready to enjoy outdoor activities.

 

• I enjoyed summer picnics.
• I enjoyed outdoor activities.
• I enjoyed the abundance of food that seemed to be everywhere in the summer.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the fourth trumpet blown by the fourth angel. Natural light was affected, probably causing the earth to become dark and cold. Vegetation would struggle to grow and the Satan’s kingdom would become an uncomfortable place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD spoke light into existence.
• GOD owns light and life.
• GOD has a plan to remove the things HE created, like light, and provide a better place.

 

Light is necessary for life. I mean, without light, nothing can grow. GOD is not in the business of punishment, BUT HE will focus HIS judgment onto Satan, a created being who chose to challenge GOD by trying to become HIM and by trying to steal all humans.

 

Every problem that you and I faced has come from Satan’s prideful decision to challenge GOD. Something had to be done. JESUS chose to die for the sins of mankind, knowing some people would still not choose HIM. HE will become all the light we will ever need!

 

Challenge

• What “third” of things does the writer mention?
• Have you noticed that when the first four angels blew their trumpet, a third of things were destroyed?
• Will you focus your life on a third of the Holy Trinity, namely JESUS, who gave HIS life for you and wants you to not only believe for salvation, but wants you to surrender your life to HIM today?

Real Light

Real Light

1 John 2: ⁷ My dear friends, this command I am writing you is not new; it is the old command, the one you have had from the very beginning. The old command is the message you have already heard. ⁸ However, the command I now write you is new, because its truth is seen in Christ and also in you. For the darkness is passing away, and the real light is already shining.

 

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Chasing dreams of titles made me think I was heading in the right direction. I got promoted again and again, thinking I was on the right track. I was placed over the nation, but that wasn’t enough. I could see the “light” at the end of the tunnel to obtaining the title that ran the “world” at that company.

 

• I did not achieve the title and I lost my identity in the chase.
• I thought being on top was the “light.”
• I was in darkness, thinking I was chasing the light.

 

John begins a complicated explanation of “real light.” In passages to follow he will go into what JESUS revealed to him. He opens with the introduction of the contrast between fake light and “real light.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Way the Truth and the Life” so I should follow HIM with all my heart.
• Darkness equates to the ways of the world that cause me to lose sight of the “real light.”
• In spite of what I can see or cannot see, JESUS is already shining HIS light in the world.

 

The bad news is, darkness exists. I mean, unfortunately for humans, sin was introduced into the world that blinds us from seeing, hearing and loving GOD. The Good News is that JESUS overcame this breach in the relationship by dying for all of our sins.

 

HIS resurrection reopened the door of communication to GOD and humanity now has hope. HE is willing to open the eyes of the lost and wants the best for all who truly seek HIM. I am glad JESUS is the Light of the world and I gratefully will follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• What fake light does the writer imply?
• Have you ever tried some ways that were not above the level, like lying or doubting, or slandering?
• Will you seek the “real light” which is the way of JESUS, who showed HIS love for you and me?

Living Inside

Living Inside

1 John 1: ⁵ Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. ⁶ If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. ⁷ But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

 

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Wanting to live outside for a while, I grabbed a blanket from the house to fashion as my tent. I draped it over a clothesline and placed bricks on the edges. “That was easy!” I thought to myself. But then I got hungry and bored. I went back inside and grabbed food from the cabinet and took my favorite comic books outside. But then it threatened rain. I went inside.

 

• I thought I could live outside by using my wits.
• I thought I could live outside by my own effort.
• I thought that I thought of everything to live outside, but I was very mistaken.

 

John poetically describes GOD as light, as told by JESUS. He implies light as knowledge, love, holiness, purity and everything great about GOD. He also implies darkness as misinformed, full of lies, infused with hatred, prideful and everything evil brings. He gives the bad news that living in darkness while thinking we are living in light is a lie.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has revealed HIS SON JESUS who gave us one command to live by, namely love one another.
• GOD provides love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control to anyone who believes in the SON for salvation.
• GOD is the only one who can give our minds rest when all else is turbulent.

 

Living inside of GOD brings shelter from the storm. I mean, when the storms of life hit, GOD can grant me peace that doesn’t make sense. HE can also give me joy when others are looking for happiness and cannot find it. When I try to live outside of GOD I find myself in trouble.

 

“My” plans fail. “My” insecurities grow. “My” lies increase because I may pretend to live inside of GOD, but in fact may be living outside of HIM. Fortunately for me, GOD sees my heart because JESUS died to erase my sins. I am glad I can live inside of GOD because of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe GOD?
• Have you ever thought you knew something and were far, far from the truth?
• Have you ever tried to get your own way, knowing that it may bring trouble?
• Will you consider following GOD’s way by believing you need JESUS to guide you, protect you and grow you inside of HIM so HE can have fellowship with you today?

Called Out of Darkness

Called Out of Darkness

1 Peter 2: ⁹ But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. ¹⁰ At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

 

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Desiring to be “on my own”, I pursued “fun” the way others defined it. “Come on, it’s not so bad” was the statement before doing everything I tried. Soon I found myself in trouble because of the “fun” I was having. Everyone who was having “fun” did not provide any help.

 

• I did not know how I ended up where I was.
• I did not know that I was stepping into darkness a little step at a time.
• I did not know that when trouble hit, those who were in the dark would not help me.

 

Peter provides a pep talk to those chosen by GOD. HE stated that being called out of darkness is equivalent to being enlightened in the knowledge of JESUS and HIS wonderful acts. He also said the chosen were supposed to proclaim these wonderful acts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose us to come out of darkness so we can proclaim JESUS as the Savior.
• GOD chose us to have abundant life while we proclaim JESUS as LORD of the living.
• GOD chose us to follow HIS ways so others can be saved.

 

Darkness seems innocent. I mean, when I am asked why I did something people would consider “bad” or “wrong”. My childish response was usually “I don’t know.” This means I was doing things without knowing if there were any consequences to my actions. BUT GOD wanted me enlightened.

 

HE called me out of ways that seem innocent, yet carry consequences among humans and HIM. HE wanted me to see that I was on the wrong path and gently nudged me back to HIS path, namely following JESUS’s examples. I am glad JESUS called you and me out of darkness.

 

Challenge

• What darkness is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to do what “everyone else” is doing, yet felt there was something wrong with it?
• Have you lost your sense of consequence?
• Will you seek to follow GOD’s ways by learning what they are today?

When Life Gets Difficult

When Life Gets Difficult

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁷ It is at night when people sleep; it is at night when they get drunk. ⁸ But we belong to the day, and we should be sober. We must wear faith and love as a breastplate, and our hope of salvation as a helmet. 

 

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Life was particularly hard during a stretch of time. It seemed like trials were not ending before another would surface. “You have got to be kidding!” I exclaimed in frustration. To mask the pain, I went to places with loud music, dancing and drunkenness.

 

• I needed an escape.
• I wanted some temporary relief.
• I saw other people having ”fun” so I thought I would try what they were doing.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke about “night” or dark times. During these times, it is easy to be persuaded into getting “drunk” or to rely on something to ease the pain that may not be good for the soul. Putting on specific protective clothes was the recommendation.

 

My Observations

• To ease the pain of life, GOD provides faith in HIM as a solution.
• To face hurt, rage and anger, GOD gives me love as a way out.
• To calm the negative thoughts that could run through my mind, GOD provides hope as a cure for despair or helplessness.

 

Faith, love and hope as clothing provide protection for my heart and mind. I mean, when I dwell on all the pain and hurt I or others are going through, I start sinking into an abyss of sorrow. I then desire to slip into dark places and get “drunk” to temporarily ease the pain. Unfortunately the pain gets worse and more frequent. Is there a cure? Yes.

 

GOD tells me to place my faith in HIM to use HIS love as the protector of my heart. HE then tells me to place my hope in HIM and not on temporary things in life. This hope will keep my mind focused on HIS love versus the trial. I am glad faith, love and hope come from GOD versus any human.

 

Challenge

• What is the origination of faith and love spoken by the writers?
• Do you think humans can show unflawed faith or unflawed love?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS for salvation so HE can clothe you with HIS faith and HIS love which is unflawed and pure for your protection today?

Unhidden Strength

Unhidden Strength

Ephesians 5: ¹⁰ Try to learn what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the worthless things that people do, things that belong to the darkness. Instead, bring them out to the light. (¹² It is really too shameful even to talk about the things they do in secret.) ¹³ And when all things are brought out to the light, then their true nature is clearly revealed; ¹⁴ for anything that is clearly revealed becomes light That is why it is said,

 

“Wake up, sleeper,
    and rise from death,
and Christ will shine on you.”

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When confronted by what I did, I replied “He or she made me do it!” It was the only thing I could think of at the time that would absolve me of being part of whatever was going on. Blame got me nowhere.

 

• I was upset that I got caught.
• I enjoyed the fruits of hidden sin, but did not enjoy when the sin came to light.
• I was getting weaker and weaker, the more I hid things.

 

Paul continues his plea of everyone to turn from hidden sinful ways. He gives a solution that would seem worthless, but was quite valuable. “Try to learn what pleases GOD” was the advice that would provide a better path.

 

My Observations

• What I used to think was weakness is strength, according to GOD.
• What I used to think was “too long” was short, according to GOD.
• What I used to think was generous, powerful, loving or righteous was weak, prideful, stubborn and shameful, according to GOD.

 

Using people as my measure, I compared myself to what others were doing. I gave myself a passing grade because I wasn’t robbing or killing or blatantly trying to harm people. But I was still sinning and hiding it by participating in groups that accepted my sin. I was far from righteous.

 

The term “there is strength in numbers” is absolutely false when it comes to sin. I cannot use the excuse “they made me do it” when I am confronted by GOD. Instead, HE wants me to “Wake up” and get off any deadly path hidden sin can bring. HE wants my ways to “become” light. I am glad HE picks up my brokenness when I fall and makes me stronger “after” failure.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer talking about darkness and light?
• Have you ever paid attention to someone else’s life and pointed out their faults without admitting your own failures?
• Will you accept GOD’s strength and admit there may be some areas of your life that you have “fallen asleep” on so you can “Wake up” and learn what is pleasing to HIM today?

Living in the Light

Living in the Light

Ephesians 5: ⁶ Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him. ⁷ So have nothing at all to do with such people. ⁸ You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light, ⁹ for it is the light that brings a rich harvest of every kind of goodness, righteousness, and truth.

 

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Sneaking out the house under the cover of darkness, I was able to do what I wanted to do “without being detected.” In fact, many things I did that I did not want people to know, seemed to occur at night or in hidden moments.

 

• I was ashamed so I hid what I did.
• I was taught what was right and wanted to do wrong and hide it until I could figure out words to justify my actions.
• I did not want people to know the hidden side of me so I omitted the truth or ran with people who accepted what I was doing.

 

“Act like you belong to GOD” was the warning of Paul. He guided everyone to examine their old ways and to turn away from things that were not pleasing to GOD. This would come at a price. Some relationships would need to be severed and a new way of thinking needed to be pursued.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants to protect people from my dark ways.
• GOD wants me to turn from ways that are not pleasing to HIM so I can live for HIM without worry.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power to forgive and provide in the light.

 

Living in the light does not mean darkness goes away from my actions. I mean, I was born a sinner and this nature will remain until I am with CHRIST forever. But until then I have a choice that seems to fight each other.

 

People can easily fool me into believing something that is not pleasing to HIM or I can fool myself into falling away from GOD. BUT HE guides me back to HIM and gives me a better way to live. HE wants me to be brave enough expose my hidden sin so it will no longer have a hold on me. HIS light brings a rich harvest. I am glad HE brings goodness, righteousness and truth.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers warning to you?
• What does living in the light look like in your life?
• Will you examine yourself and see if there are ways that need to be brought to light so GOD can provide a rich harvest through you and in you today?

In the Light

In the Light

Acts 16: ³⁵ When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” ³⁶ The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

³⁷ But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

³⁸ The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. ³⁹ They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. ⁴⁰ After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

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“You won’t tell will you?’ I asked remorsefully. I had done something wrong and I did not want anyone to know I had made a mistake. I thought it would be easier to have the mistake hidden rather than facing up to the situation.

• There have been times when I wanted to cover up my mistakes.
• There have been times when I did not want to admit I did something wrong.
• There have been times when I tried to smooth over a situation with the “good” I was doing so the mistake could be overlooked.

The magistrates realized they had made a mistake and sent to have Paul and Silas released. But Paul and Silas saw through their sneaky attempt to conceal their mistake. To make matters worse, they mentioned their citizenship, implying the magistrates had overstepped their authority and could do it again to anyone.

• GOD wants me to act in the light.
• GOD wants me to take the sting out of the mistake by admitting it early.
• GOD wants me to tell people about my mistakes so they will not surface as a much larger problem.

Hidden sin is difficult to carry around. I mean, when I hide sin, then pretending nothing happened becomes more and more difficult. Eventually I look over my shoulder so much that I second guess if GOD loves me or not. BUT GOD wants something different.

GOD wants me to have confidence in my relationship with HIM. HE wants me to openly tell people about my sin so the sin becomes powerless. When someone says to me “You did this” or “You did that” I can say, “Yep, everyone knows I made that mistake.” I am grateful GOD gives me second and third and many other chances because HE gives me grace.

• Have you made a mistake?
• Do you feel like hiding your mistakes?
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to admit your mistakes?

Brightened House

Brightened House

Acts 16: ²⁹ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

³¹ They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” ³² Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. ³⁴ The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

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“Do you know where the candles are?” a family member asked. I searched and found several candles and stands that were given to us as a gift. Placing the lit candles around the house brightened the darkness. I felt at ease as the storm raged and the power outage persisted.

• There have been times when I was in the dark.
• There have been times when I worried about the safety of my family because of the storms.
• There have been times when I benefited from the gift someone gave our household.

The jailer knew something was different about Paul and Silas. While they were singing, an earthquake shook the doors and chains off the prisoners. The jailer asked “What must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas gave the answer “Believe in the LORD JESUS and you will be saved – you and your household.”

• GOD wants me to know HE cares for me.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about those who are in my household.
• GOD wants me to know HE cares about my neighbors, my coworkers, and the people I see when I walk around.

JESUS wants to include entire households in HIS plan of salvation. HE may enlighten one so everyone in the household can believe in HIS saving power. HE fills people with joy when the household is saved. I am grateful GOD wants me and my family to believe.

• Is your household in darkness?
• Do you think GOD has left you and your family?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior so you and your household will be saved 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?

Good News and Bad News

John 3: ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

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“I got some good news and some bad news for you. Which would you like to hear first?” said the mechanic. These words were never really comforting because I did not want to hear any “bad news.” I said, don’t tell me the bad news. Months later my car broke down for good.

• When I hear bad news, I sometimes forget the good news.
• When I hear bad news, I sometimes lose hope.
• When I hear bad news, my mood changes to the point where I cannot give any good news.

JESUS explains one of the most famous verses of the Bible. HE talks about the Great News of HIS arrival as a human sent to die for the rescue all of humanity.  It truly is great news! But there is some bad news. Whoever does not believe in JESUS will be condemned forever.

• GOD wants me to believe that JESUS became a human, was murdered for me and was raised from the dead, showing all power.
• GOD wants me to not be afraid of HIM exposing my sin because HE has forgiven me.
• GOD wants me to live by the truth and come into the light so all my deeds can be put in front of HIM.

Choosing GOD is easy and extremely hard. I mean HE made it so easy to accept HIM and also easy to not accept HIM. I can choose to not believe in HIM or consequences or condemnation. BUT GOD has promised great things for accepting HIM and horrible things for rejecting HIM. This is the total gospel that I believe.

• Have you accepted the need for a savior?
• Will you reject GOD and believe in yourself or other human teaching?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST today and allow HIM to speak good news through you today?