Thrown Out

Thrown Out

Revelation 12: ⁷ Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, who fought back with his angels; ⁸ but the dragon was defeated, and he and his angels were not allowed to stay in heaven any longer. ⁹ The huge dragon was thrown out—that ancient serpent, named the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him.

 

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After a night of partying, I was tired. I went to bed in the wee hours of the morning, completely forgetting that I needed to open up the office. When I woke up, I remembered that I had to work, so I hurried downstairs to the dorm office. There I was met with a group of people who fired me, reminding me this had happened before.

 

• I did not take my responsibility seriously.
• I was not dependable.
• I was thrown out of my easy position and had no one to blame but myself.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, witnessed the recap of Satan being thrown out of heaven. This recap happens after the seventh trumpet was blown. JESUS showed that HE had zero tolerance for Satan’s ways.

 

My Observations:

• GOD hates my sin and yours.
• JESUS knew that I would not choose HIS love, BUT HE died for me in the middle of my sins.
• GOD’s tolerance for disbelief in the love JESUS showed is zero.

 

Being thrown out from GOD is quite final. I mean, once out with GOD, there is no return. Humans are given chances over and over and over again. We sin like it is no big deal and expect GOD to simply forgive. HE does, but only for those who believe that need forgiveness and salvation through JESUS and who repent.

 

GOD is willing to remove my sin as far as the east is from the west. HE is also willing to remember my sins no more. But for those who reject HIS act of love, GOD will take vengeance and repay. I choose to ask GOD for HIS forgiveness and guidance back to HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer repeat that Satan was thrown out?
• Have you considered if you are taking advantage of GOD’s love or are rejecting the change HE wants from you?
• If you have left GOD, will you seek HIM and ask HIM to change your ways so HE can guide you back to HIS path today?

Inward Truth

Inward Truth

1 John 1: ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

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On the way to the picnic, a motorcycle tried to pass me on the shoulder while I was making a sudden right turn. I was an inexperienced driver and I has begged for the car. “What will I tell my parents?” was the worry I felt all day. Arriving home, I found some spray paint that could possibly cover the dented area. Maybe they won’t notice.

 

• I was not at fault, yet I was nervous and I tried to protect myself.
• I tried to cover up the problem that was obvious and made the situation worse by using the wrong color.
• I took a deep breath, told the truth and was surprised that my worst fears were not met.

 

John seemed to be addressing insecure hidden sin. This sticky sin can be hidden from people well, especially if practiced over time. He even addressed the sin that allows us to fool ourselves into believing that we are justified in what we are doing.

 

My Observations:

• Sin has a power over me when I hide it or cover it up.
• When I confess my sin, it not only loses its power, but the desire diminishes.
• GOD is the only one who is faithful in the situation where I need my sins forgiven and cleansed.

 

Not seeing there is a problem is the problem. I mean, when I think I do not have a sin problem, I cannot confess that I have a problem and therefore will not make a change that could address the problem. Fooling myself into thinking I am “right” is a huge problem that GOD is willing to fix.

 

HE wants me to humbly come to HIM with the awareness of myself, so I can confess things in my life that need correcting. HE is faithful and just to correct me, heal me and clean me in HIS way and HIS time. I gladly confess my sins to GOD to diminish the power it has over me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “If we say” twice?
• Have you ever fooled yourself by comparing yourself to someone who is doing “worse” than you?
• Will you take an inward inventory and confess your sins to GOD so HE will cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

No Halfsies

No Halfsies

Hebrews 13: ⁴ Marriage is to be honored by all, and husbands and wives must be faithful to each other. God will judge those who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

 

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After the convention, we all danced in relief. I remained sober, unlike my counterparts. A drunken stranger approached me on the dancefloor provocatively. The thought crossed my mind to reciprocate. A coworker called me over to the side and suggested we leave the party.

 

• I was tempted.
• I was glad I had someone there to keep me from doing what I was thinking.
• I did not think “people” would know, but GOD would.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about marriage from GOD’s perspective. He emphasized morality and commitment regarding marriage. He gave a stern warning that while other people may not know, GOD will know.

 

My Observations:

• There is something special to GOD regarding purity and commitment.
• GOD wants me to consider the consequences of my actions.
• It is not up to me to judge people, rather GOD will judge.

 

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD” is a state in which all humans suffer. I mean, I am born into sin and deserve eternal separation from GOD. JESUS died to same me from eternal separation. Now that I believe, I am eternally saved. But what about the sins I commit?

 

GOD will not remember my sins, but HE did not say my current sins will not have consequences. GOD corrects those who are HIS. HE does not spare the rod on any of HIS children. HIS expectation is that I live my life as best I can, knowing sometimes I may make mistakes. I am glad GOD gives me boundaries.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “immorality” and “adultery” as two separate but similar items?
• Have you ever been tempted to do something you know was wrong?
• Will you consider placing your actions under GOD’s authority today?

Prepared for Imperfection

Prepared for Imperfection

Hebrews 10: ¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also gives us his witness. First he says,

¹⁶ “This is the covenant that I will make with them
    in the days to come, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts
    and write them on their minds.”

¹⁷ And then he says, “I will not remember their sins and evil deeds any longer.” ¹⁸ So when these have been forgiven, an offering to take away sins is no longer needed.

 

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Leaving for vacation, I hoped the keys to the car would be left behind. To my excitement, they were. I knew I didn’t have permission to drive it, but how would they know. I jumped in the car and drove every expressway. But then I noticed the car was running hot. I stopped and checked. It needed antifreeze. I bought some and continued. It needed oil. I spent all my money just trying to drive the car.

 

• I knew I wasn’t supposed to drive the car in the first place.
• I chose to drive the car anyway.
• I didn’t tell my parents that I had driven it until I was an adult.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, is revealed words from the HOLY SPIRIT. Laws have been written in the hearts and minds of everyone. This is to help people know right from wrong. But then the HOLY SPIRIT comes back and says “I will not remember their sins”, knowing people would disobey willingly.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew I would not obey the Law but HE forgives me anyway.
• The HOLY SPIRIT sympathizes with me and does not remember my sins and evil deeds.
• JESUS provides a way for me to be forgiven and wants me to confess my sins to HIM.

 

Imperfection is annoying. I mean, no matter how hard I try, I will not be perfect. I make mistakes constantly and even when I try my best, something out of my control comes along and messes things up. “When will there be true peace?” I cry out. GOD hears it.

 

HE was prepared for me to sin when HE didn’t want me to sin. HE knew I would doubt HIM or depend on my own thinking or fall into another popular hole of sin. HE picked me up and dusted me off and says, I forgive you because you recognize you need to be forgiven.” I am grateful GOD cares enough about me to forgive me in the middle of my sins.

 

Challenge

• What two sides are revealed to the writer?
• Have you ever done something you knew was wrong and tried to justify it?
• Will you ask GOD to protect you from sin that so easily harasses you so HE can provide clarity into HIS forgiveness today?

Exposed

Exposed

Hebrews 4: ¹² The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart. ¹³ There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves.

 

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After the night of drunken sex, I put on my best suit and went to church. Maybe this would erase the guilt, was my motive for going. As I transitioned from Sunday School to morning service, a guy called me out. “We had fun at the club last night!” “Why did he have to be there?” was my thought!

 

• I didn’t want anyone to know that I went to clubs and had drunken sex.
• I had plenty of sins that I was planning to take to my grave.
• I felt embarrassed when I was exposed, but it turned out to be a relief.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the power of the word of GOD. This is the revelation of how GOD interacts with humans, given through prophets, poets and priests. This revelation also includes the fact that everything in all creation is exposed to GOD.

 

My Observations

• There is nothing I can hide from GOD.
• The more I try to hide my sins, the harder it will be for me to confess them and to let go of them.
• GOD called the Pharisees “hypocrites” because they refused to expose their own sins.

 

It is real easy for me to tell others “You have sinned” but it is tougher for me to say in front of everyone “I have sinned and her is how I did it.” I mean, it just feels better when the spotlight is not on me when it comes to something yucky. But GOD sees my yuckiness and loves me anyway.

 

There is nothing I can hide from GOD. HE sees every thought that pops in my head and allows me to decide to choose HIS way or mine. HE gives me HIS word as a revelation to HIS love and I have, at my fingertips, a guide that brings me back to HIS love. I gladly expose my sins I still make mistakes on and believe they will not sting as much when I stand before HIM someday.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “Purpose” in this passage?
• Have you ever done something wrong and felt so insecure about it that you plan on taking the hidden sin to your grave?
• Are things going wrong in your life and you don’t know why?
• Will you expose your heart to GOD and confess everything directly to JESUS so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness 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?

Declared Clean

Declared Clean

Ephesians 5: ³ Since you are God's people, it is not right that any matters of sexual immorality or indecency or greed should even be mentioned among you. ⁴ Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God. ⁵ You may be sure that no one who is immoral, indecent, or greedy (for greed is a form of idolatry) will ever receive a share in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

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“How did I get here?” I asked myself. My “friends” were doing things that, at one point, I would have considered low down and underhanded. After a while, I was doing the same stuff or possibly worse. I was in trouble and had no one to help because they were in trouble too.

 

• I was afraid to turn to GOD because my sins were piling up.
• I was nervous of facing the consequences of my decisions.
• I felt unclean, broken and worthless.

 

“Act right!” was seemingly the plea of Paul as he addressed how people were behaving. He saw the people give themselves over to sexual immorality, indecent behavior and obscene, profane and vulgar language. Greed had permeated their every thought. The warning was stern.

 

My Observations

• If I confess my sins GOD is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.
• I need to repent or turn away from my sins to mature in CHRIST.
• Nothing vulgar, obscene or greedy in me will be useful to GOD.

 

“Impossible” was my first reaction to this list. I mean I had pretty much committed the whole list and felt I had no place in GOD’s kingdom. Then I reread the first part of the passage. “Since you ARE GOD’s people.” GOD is the one who declared me righteous, not because of me or any action I did, rather it was because of JESUS and HIS action for me.

 

When JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I was now able to be cleansed of all my sins, past present and future. I was declared clean. But those who refuse the wonderful gift GOD has to offer will remain declared unclean. Salvation gives me freedom to choose GOD’s way. I am grateful HE guides me to sometimes choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “share” is the writer speaking of?
• Whether you agree or disagree with the list, what does improving your own life look like?
• Have you ever had a complaint about your bank account being low or for not having enough?
• Will you give thanks to GOD for what you have and where HE has you so you can grow in the way HE wants you to grow today?

 

Bad Fruit

Bad Fruit

Galatians 5: ¹⁹ What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; ²⁰ in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; ²¹ they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.

 

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Continuing on yesterday’s thought, I remember being excited about going to college where I found “freedom” to do what “everybody” else was doing. When I joined in with the group I liked, I was able to get drunk, have as much sex as I wanted and join in on a few battles with malicious words. I found myself not attending classes, then I was kicked out. The “fun” group was not there to help.

 

• I was on a path to destroying myself and others.
• I cared so much about experiencing pleasure that I was blind to my own actions.
• I wanted to fit in with a group that was trying to use “fun” as a medication to life’s difficulties.

 

Paul provides a list that could be confusing. He lists actions that some would ask “what’s wrong with that?” He is warning people about their “purpose” in life. The list is not about a specific sin, it is about life’s pursuits. His warning is, if people pursue yielding to human nature too long, eventually he or she will not be able to hear GOD.

 

My Observations

• Recognizing that I am blinded by my own desires helps me see GOD.
• Asking GOD to give me strength to ignore the things that are barriers to hearing HIM puts me back on HIS path.
• Knowing that JESUS died for all my sins helps me when I fall.

 

Believing in JESUS enables me to possess the Kingdom of GOD. But what happens if I sin? If I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Getting back to the passage, it is about life’s pursuits that GOD is looking at.

 

HE knows when I am pursuing “my” own kingdom versus HIS. HE let’s be bear bad fruit, thinking my crowd can “support” me through life’s difficulties. HE allows my bad fruit to grow into horrible situations that may have affected many. Fortunately, HE always makes a way back to HIM. I am grateful I can run back to GOD and HE welcomes me with open forgiving arms.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of the list the writer brings that would concern you?
• Do you find yourself justifying your own actions with a group?
• Will you stop listening to your human nature and confess to GOD that your life may be on a dangerous path and you need HIS help to guide you back to HIM today?

Fearless

Fearless

Galatians 3: ¹⁹ What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. ²⁰ But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one.

 

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Fearing the answer would be “No” I asked a sibling to “Ask mom and dad to let me go to the party.” “No way!” was the quick reply, not wanting to get caught up in the possible conflict. I tried this approach with difficult teachers, seeking the teacher’s pet as my advocate. I then tried the approach on jobs, wanting someone else to be the “go-between.”

 

• I feared I would get the words wrong.
• I needed an excuse, so if things did not go well for me I could blame the “go-between.”
• I was acting immature and wanted someone else to speak on my behalf so “I” could get what I wanted.

 

Paul continues to speak to those who believe the Law could save them. He explained that it was put in place temporarily until CHRIST became a human to fulfill GOD’s promise. Only the high priest could speak to GOD and a sacrifice was needed to atone for sin. This was no longer needed.

 

My Observations

• When JESUS rose from the dead after being murdered, I was able to go directly to the FATHR and ask for forgiveness.
• When JESUS became the sacrifice for all my sins, I no longer needed to ask someone else to speak to GOD on my behalf.
• When JESUS ascended to Heaven, HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me and now I have the HOLY SPIRIT as my advocate.

 

Fear makes me want to follow “The Law.” I mean, when I want my way, I follow “The Law” harder, hoping that GOD would see how “good” I am acting. BUT GOD sees through this temporary activity. HE sees my heart and knows I would leave HIM as soon as I get my way.

 

GOD wanted something permanent. JESUS volunteered to become the blame for my sins. I no longer have to fear if I upset GOD in some sinful way, because the answer is “Yes!” But that’s not all to the answer. HE also says “But I forgive you because you believe in MY SON.” I am glad I can walk without fear that GOD has left me, because JESUS loves me daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to say about a “go-between?”
• Have you ever felt insecure so you wanted someone else to speak on your behalf?
• Will you get over your fears by confessing your sins directly to GOD by believing you need a Savior, namely JESUS who will give you the HOLY SPIRIT as your advocate today?

You ARE Special!

You ARE Special!

2 Corinthians 3: ¹² Because we have this hope, we are very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear. ¹⁴ Their minds, indeed, were closed; and to this very day their minds are covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. The veil is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. ¹⁵ Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers their minds. ¹⁶ But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: “His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord.” ¹⁷ Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. ¹⁸ All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

 

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“What makes her special?” I said with a grouse. I would say the exact words she said in meetings, but they would listen to this “show stealer!” I asked someone that very question. He replied, “I don’t know, there is just something about her.” That answer did not help me!

 

• I wanted to feel special.
• I wanted to be noticed, so I mimicked other people.
• I wanted to be someone else other than myself because I felt like a nobody.

 

Paul explains a structure that was put in place through Moses. The Law of Moses pointed out what everyone was doing wrong and created shackles to its readers who faced death because of it.

 

Those who were put in place as leaders desired to feel “special” just like Moses once did as he donned a veil to pretend his face was still glowing. The leaders tried to make people feel they needed to go through a hierarchy to get to GOD and become “freed from death.”.

 

My Observations

• Belief in JESUS’ death burial and resurrection frees me to speak directly to the FATHER.
• Receiving the HOLY SPIRIT frees me to be led by GOD each day.
• Exposing my sins uncovers my face so GOD’s glory shines all the brighter.

 

Trying to be special is the problem. I mean, when I look at other people with jealous lenses or look at myself as not so good, then I reduce the uniqueness GOD placed in me. GOD made me special and only I can fulfill the purpose HE gave me. The great news is HE did the same for all who believe in JESUS.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT is placed inside anyone who believes in the power of the resurrection. HE then transforms us into HIS likeness day by day to shine GOD’s glory on many others. I am glad GOD sees me as special so I don’t have to try so hard to be special.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever been jealous of someone’s abilities, or status or wealth or activities?
• Do you think you need a hierarchy to get to GOD through humans?
• Will you be freed by the HOLY SPIRIT and allow HIM to transform you into HIS likeness today?

Convinced, Judged and Opened

 

Convinced, Judged and Opened

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁰ Do not be like children in your thinking, my friends; be children so far as evil is concerned, but be grown up in your thinking. ²¹ In the Scriptures it is written,

 

“By means of people speaking strange languages
    I will speak to my people, says the Lord.
I will speak through lips of foreigners,
    but even then my people will not listen to me.”

 

²² So then, the gift of speaking in strange tongues is proof for unbelievers, not for believers, while the gift of proclaiming God's message is proof for believers, not for unbelievers.

²³ If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues—and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? ²⁴ But if everyone is proclaiming God's message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear, ²⁵ their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, “Truly God is here among you!”

 

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Walking into a church, I noticed everyone was dressed nicely, the place was neat and clean and everyone had a smile on their face. It felt weird, almost like a group of aliens from another planet had taken over. They spoke to each other in Bible verses that I was unfamiliar with and made me stand up and introduce myself, as if I wasn’t already uncomfortable enough.

 

• I felt like I was on the outside of the group.
• I felt like I was not “clean” enough for this group.
• I felt like I was more of a burden than a willing participant so I left and never came back.

 

Paul concludes addressing the use of speaking in tongues. He mentions this gift is valuable, but can be disruptive to those who are not believers. He tries to explain the purpose of saying anything needs to be for GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to share my testimony which includes my sins.
• GOD wants me to be free to share how I am forgiven for all my sins.
• GOD wants me to want others to be free to see JESUS as the solution, versus HIM being the problem.

 

Making JESUS the problem is usually not done on purpose. I mean, well-meaning people, who may have gone through a lot, try to explain that JESUS is the answer to every problem, and HE is. But sometimes this group can forget they are “still” sinners who need guidance by the HOLY SPIRIT daily.

 

GOD wants me to see people different. It is not “us” who are believers versus “them” who are unbelievers. It is “us” who are all sinners. No one sin is greater than another and anyone who confesses their sins and believes that JESUS is the one and only forgiver, will be saved eternally. I am convinced I am a sinner, judged by my wrongs and open to saying JESUS forgave me for my past, current and future sins.

 

Challenge

 

• How do you think salvation should be spoken to someone you know who may not believe in JESUS?
• If you attend church regularly, what do you notice about testimonies?
• Will you take baby steps in telling people about your deepest sins so they will be willing to turn their life to JESUS today?

Why Don’t You Be Perfect Trap

 

Why Don’t You Be Perfect Trap

Romans 2: ¹⁷ What about you? You call yourself a Jew; you depend on the Law and boast about God; ¹⁸ you know what God wants you to do, and you have learned from the Law to choose what is right; ¹⁹ you are sure that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in darkness, ²⁰ an instructor for the foolish, and a teacher for the ignorant. You are certain that in the Law you have the full content of knowledge and of truth. ²¹ You teach others—why don't you teach yourself? You preach, “Do not steal”—but do you yourself steal? ²² You say, “Do not commit adultery”—but do you commit adultery? You detest idols—but do you rob temples? ²³ You boast about having God's law—but do you bring shame on God by breaking his law? ²⁴ The scripture says, “Because of you Jews, the Gentiles speak evil of God.”

 

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Trying to fit in, I had several sets of “friends.” One set was for playing cards and games, the other for dancing and socializing and there was another who spoke about having sex with as many as they could. I tried to please all groups by indulging in the activities.

 

When I matured and GOD began to guide me, I went back to some of my “friends”, trying to get them to stop doing some of the things I had done. Not admitting my own wrongs, I showed verse after verse from the Bible. They turned a deaf ear.

 

• There were times when I wanted people to do what I said, not what I did.
• There were times when I wanted people to turn from their ways, while I conveniently hid my sin.
• There were times when I wanted people to “be good” so I told them to stop sinning but forgot to mention my sins.

 

Paul turns to the Jewish church leaders and speaks about how they boasted about depending on the Law of GOD. He also writes about how they elevated themselves to the title of “teacher” and “preacher.” Then he asks, “Why don’t you teach yourself?” He challenged their hidden sin.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways and the heart of HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to be able to admit my sin, giving power to HIS word.
• GOD wants me to point to HIM as the only good example so people will not become disappointed with my hypocrisy.

 

Saying “Do not steal” and taking even a paperclip from work is hypocrisy. The same with saying “Do not commit adultery” and watching porn or saying “I detest idols” and not giving to the poor but instead buying a huge TV.

 

Each Law GOD gave was to show how impossible it is to be perfect. The more a human tries to be perfect the more that person breaks all the laws. But there was one who was able to keep every Law, namely JESUS. HE became a human and never sinned. I am glad I can admit my sin to people and point to JESUS for my forgiveness.

 

• Are you trying to manipulate people into being perfect while you are being a hypocrite?
• Do you secretly break GOD’s law by taking credit for something you did not do?
• Will you get off the path of trying to make everyone else perfect and admit to them your sins so they can admit their sins to GOD and accept JESUS as their Savior today?

Good Reputation

Good Reputation

Acts 28: ²¹ They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. ²² But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

 

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Excited about the new boss, I looked forward to meeting her. Too many times I had run into those who would stretch the truth for their own convenience. Here reputation was that of an honest firm leader. Other people spoke well about her, and so did I.

 

• I have met many people who had good reputations.
• I have met many people with character.
• I have met many people who lead by example.

 

The church leaders whom Paul brought together told him they had not received any bad reports about him. Paul had been very vocal about JESUS wherever he went. Now, the group he faced was curious and Paul could speak to them about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to openly admit I am a sinner so HIS reputation will shine.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM as the answer instead of looking at me.

 

Building a good reputation amongst humans can be dangerous. I mean, not everyone will like me no matter what I do. I may build a crowd I am comfortable with and never cross over to those I am uncomfortable speaking to. What if they misunderstand “my” reputation? BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to speak about HIS reputation as the answer. GOD knows the human heart and is the only one who can show true love. JESUS did so by dying for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. HIS reputation is the only one that can save me. I am grateful HE led by example.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Would people have a good report about you if they saw the hidden things?
• Will you stop trying to manage a good reputation and point to the only one who is sinless, namely JESUS?

Innocent

 

Innocent

Acts 25: ²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

 

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

 

²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. ²⁴ Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. ²⁵ I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. ²⁷ For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

 

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After having sex outside of marriage, I wondered if the sky would open up with fire from heaven to punish me. It didn’t, so I pursued this often. After stealing and justifying the theft by saying “I was pledging a fraternity while being broke.” Again, I wondered if I would be super punished. I wasn’t. But when I got hurt or thieves stole from me, I questioned GOD’s very existence.

 

• There were times when I wanted my way and got it.
• There were times when I did wrong and there seemed to be no consequence.
• There were times when I deserved punishment but did not receive it.

 

King Agrippa and Bernice were well known. They came in town with a huge parade and celebration. They wanted to be amused by the situation Paul was in so they asked Festus to have him brought before them. Festus said, in so many words, he could not find anything Paul had done wrong. Yet Paul remained in jail.

 

• JESUS did nothing wrong, yet HE died because of my sins.
• JESUS was innocent, yet HE was blamed by me when things did not go my way.
• JESUS never committed a single sin, yet HE was punished for all of my sins.

 

Guilty people do not want the guilt, so it is easier to not believe in deserving punishment than to accept responsibility. Not accepting responsibility will have eternal consequence. GOD allowed HIS SON to voluntarily die for the sins of humanity.

 

The only term HE put in place is to believe JESUS died and was raised from the dead for my salvation. When I believed this, I gained eternal live. I am grateful an innocent man cared enough about me to die just for me.

 

• Do you feel you are innocent?
• Are you trying not to look at your sins to avoid feeling guilty?
• Will you take responsibility for your life and admit to GOD you need HIM for day to day problems as well as eternal salvation today?

Scared Straight

Scared Straight

Acts 19: ¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. ¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

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“Jackpot, I found a checkbook” a friend of mine said. Broke and hungry we thought of ways we could use this to our advantage, although I felt something say “this is wrong.” We didn’t want to “steal” so we simply went to the grocery store and bought goods that would last us a month. On the way home my car broke down. The cost to repair was almost exactly half of what we spent.

• There were times when I knew I was doing something wrong but did it anyway.
• There were times when I lied to myself, trying to justify what I knew was wrong.
• There were times when I thought I could get away with something only to find myself in a worse spot.

Some people who wanted notoriety, tried to cast out demons in the name of JESUS who Paul preached about. A demon responded to them through the possessed man and stripped them naked, beating them bloody in the process. The news of this scared many. They believed in JESUS, confessed what they had done and turned from their deep sin.

• GOD wants me to come to HIM when I am not scared.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS when things are going well.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS gift of love when I am not worried, afraid or hurt.

Love is shown by GOD all the time. Unfortunately, I ignore it until something goes wrong. Sometimes something major has to go wrong for me to turn my eyes to GOD. Fortunately for me, GOD is gentle, kind, peaceful and full of love.

Not only does HE allow me to choose a path of calamity, HE does not rub it in my face when I return to HIM, begging HIM for forgiveness. Instead, HE welcomes me back with open loving arms. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

• Are you hiding something?
• Do you think you are getting away with the thing you did?
• How long do you want to remain a prisoner to your hidden sin?
• Will you confess publicly what you have done and turn away from your sins by believing JESUS is your Savior today?

Assurance

Assurance

John 13: ²¹ When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” ²² Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke.

²³ Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. ²⁴ Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.

²⁵ Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”

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While trying to move my bike over the back porch, I lost my balance and broke the bottom window of the door. Immediately I wondered how I would stay out of trouble. Would it be possible to clean up all of the glass without anyone noticing? After carefully cleaning the glass I saw the gaping hole. I had to accept the fact that I was going to get killed.

• There have been times when I have been scared to confess.
• There have been times when I worried about The things I have done.
• There have been times when I spent more time thinking about my guilt than doing other things.

JESUS says something very unnerving to the disciples. “One of you will betray me.” Everyone got worried about this statement. If I were them, I probably would start recounting my recent sins and work my way back to try to account for each one. Peter was bold enough to ask “Who is it?”

• JESUS wants me to admit I need HIM.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is the only way to salvation.
• JESUS wants me to confess that I am a sinner and the only way to be forgiven is to believe that JESUS died for me and is now alive, placed over everything by the FATHER.

Sin will make me feel like I am not saved. I mean, shouldn’t I stop sinning now that I know that GOD abhors sin? Yes, but this is very difficult. GOD knew it would be difficult and made a way back to HIM that gives me assurance. HE simply says “believe.”

When I believe in JESUS, I do not have to worry if GOD loves me or not. HE does love me, so much so, that HE died for me. Does HE need to do more? No, but HE does anyway. HE guides me daily and protects me. I am grateful for HIS deliverance.

• Are you worried about your relationship with GOD?
• Do you question whether there is a GOD, because you don’t seem to be getting “your way?”
• Will you get total assurance about your future by believing that JESUS is your Savior and HIS plans are great for you?