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?

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?

A B C’s Never Disappoints

 

A B C’s Never Disappoints

Romans 10: ⁹ If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved. ¹¹ The scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.” ¹² This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him. ¹³ As the scripture says, “Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.”

 

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After the ridicule of my kinky hair, I combed it so I could fit in. This was met with “Your clothes are too raggedy.” I got a job and bought some clothes. This was met with “Your glasses look funny.” I saved up and bought new glasses. This was met with “You are too skinny.” Too skinny for what I wondered. I was disappointed.

 

• There have been times when I did not feel like I fit in.
• There have been times when I did not feel like anyone cared.
• There have been times when I did not feel like I would ever be accepted.

 

Paul wrote the best news I could ever have heard. If I would confess that JESUS is LORD and  believe that GOD raised JESUS from being dead, I will be saved. He then states that it does not matter if I am a Jew or Gentile, GOD will include me, any sin, any length of time sinning.

 

• GOD wants me to acknowledge JESUS is LORD of all.
• GOD wants me to believe that HE raised JESUS from the dead.
• GOD wants me to confess that I am a sinner in need of JESUS as my Savior.

 

It is as simple as that. These wonderful words are met with even better words. “Whoever believes in HIM will not be disappointed.” You mean I don’t have to try to have the latest clothes, or hair style or wonder if my body shape would keep me out of the crowd? No.

 

GOD never disappoints. When I believe in JESUS, HE lovingly brings me into HIS family. HE then places the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me, comfort me and plea for me. I can call to HIM with any trouble and HE will always be there for me. I acknowledge I need JESUS and believe in HIS saving power and I confess I am a sinner.

 

• Are you weary from trying to fit in with that group, job or people?
• Do you think your sin has been going on too long and no one will help you?
• Will you acknowledge JESUS is LORD and believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead and confess you need HIM as your Savior so you will be saved 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?

Small reference, huge message

Small reference, huge message

Acts 2: ²⁵ For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

²⁷ For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

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In the department gathering, normal activities were discussed. This was a very large department so there was a lot to be said. In that meeting there was a tiny mention about my promotion. Reality sank in as I had already accepted the responsibilities but now others knew.

• One small mention about me meant a lot.
• One tiny mention about me was incredible.
• One miniscule mention about me showed others where confidence was placed.

David wrote some great things about his relationship with GOD. He speaks about the confidence he has because of the LORD. Excitement exudes from his words as he writes about joy and hope. He makes a tiny, but huge mention about JESUS, the HOLY ONE not being allowed to see corruption.

• GOD loves me and give me confidence.
• GOD loves me and fills my heart with joy.
• GOD loves me and has opened my eyes to the salvation of JESUS.

Only GOD can open the eyes mankind. JESUS has done all HE could to show HE loves us, even to the point of death. But death could not hold HIM. HE is alive and is building a place for those who believe in the need for HIS salvation. I am grateful HE never leaves me.

• What are you seeking?
• Are you looking for an existence with no consequence at the end of life?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and see HIS desire for you to turn back to HIM so HE can be with you eternally?

Ignorance of The Law

Ignorance of The Law

John 15: ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ He who hates Me hates My Father also. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. ²⁵ But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

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Before I stood in front of the judge, I wrote out my argument. As I watched others explain themselves, I listened intently to a similar case. “There was no sign posting the speed” said the person. I waited for the judges’ response. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse” said the judge. The person was fined more for pleading not guilty. I threw away my pitiful defense.

• “I didn’t know that was wrong” used to be my defense.
• ”I didn’t know I did anything bad” used to be my excuse.
• “Everyone else is doing it” used to be my rationale for doing something wrong but justifying it being right.

JESUS explains HE is the key to fulfilling all scripture. In other words, there are some extreme declarations about humanity that could only be fulfilled by one person. JESUS said “If HE had never come, then people could not be judged for their ignorance of the Law.” So why am I accused of sin?

• JESUS placed HIS Law in my heart when HE created me.
• GOD threw Satan out of heaven, who in turn made the first person sin, causing me to have sin.
• GOD declared that if anyone sins they would be eternally separated from HIM, which affected me.

Ignorance of GOD’s Law will be no excuse. JESUS placed The Word in every heart, so every human is capable of loving GOD. Unfortunately there will be some who fight the HOLY SPIRIT enough to reject HIM. GOD wants me to reach those who are rejecting HIS inherent love.

HE wants me to first admit I need HIM because all have sinned. Next, when I believe that JESUS is my Savior I can then confess HE is my only answer. Finally, HE sends me out with this belief to seek first HIS kingdom. It is all about JESUS. We hated HIM without a cause. I am grateful for HIS forgiveness.

• Are you ignorant of your sin?
• Do you think others are sinning and you are not?
• Will you confess to GOD you need HIM to clean your sin daily, so you can reach others the way HE wants you to?

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?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

Getting Back In

Getting Back In

John 8: ³⁷ “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. ³⁸ I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”

³⁹ They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. ⁴⁰ But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. ⁴¹ You do the deeds of your father.”

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

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Not knowing what I would do, I sat, staring in despair. I was thrown out and no longer had any thought of a bright future. What was I going to do now? My job stunk and I barely had any money to do something different. “Maybe you can get back in” someone said to me. I humbly went to the deans office the next morning to appeal the decision.

• It does not feel good to be thrown out.
• It felt terrible being on the outside, knowing what was on the inside.
• It made me feel like giving up when I was no longer part of the inside.

JESUS turned HIS conversation back to the church leaders. HE told them they may have been descendants of Abraham, but they sure were not acting like it. “If you were from Abraham” and “If GOD were your FATHER” was JESUS’s implication that they were no longer in the family.

• GOD wants me to act like I belong to HIM, not just talk about HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek the “heart” of HIS word so I can abide in HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask to get back in the family by confessing my sins to HIM.

Being on the outside of GOD’s will, without knowing it, is extremely dangerous and eternal life threatening. Church leaders who were driven by pleasing the crowds, did not speak of JESUS as the answer. They made up their own rules and used scripture to support what was truly in their heart.

GOD wants me to humble myself and act like I am in HIS family. HE wants me to believe that JESUS is the answer to my problems and to tell others to do the same. HE guides me in the little things so I can, one day, handle the large things of GOD. I need GOD’s forgiveness so I can remain in HIS family.

• Do you think you have the right to judge “that” person?
• When is the last time you confessed your sins to GOD instead of complaining to HIM about someone else?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to what is blinding you from having a great relationship with HIM today?

Invited

Invited

John 8: ²¹ Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”

²² So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?”

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Adorned with gifts, my boss made their last appearance. It was my boss’s last day, so the tradition was to have a last meal dinner. About a year and a half later I got in touch with the person. “Want to come over to this company?” was the question. “Absolutely” was my answer.

• It felt great to be invited.
• It felt great to be thought of in a positive way.
• It felt great to be part of someone’s group.

JESUS says to the church leaders, who did not believe in HIS position as GOD, “I AM going away, and you will seek ME, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.” HIS words were not inviting.

• GOD invites me to be in HIS family.
• GOD wants me to see with my heart that I need HIM.
• GOD seeks me especially when I sin so I can be forgiven.

Being invited gives me the option to say, “No, I do not want to attend.” Unfortunately, the church leaders of that time said just that. They held onto the Bible’s words so tightly, that they missed the heart of what was said. When JESUS, the Messiah showed up, they indignantly refused to believe in HIM.

JESUS invites everyone, even me, to believe they are sinners in need of salvation from eternal separation from GOD. Satan’s pride of trying to be GOD would not be tolerated by GOD. HE threw Satan out of heaven, along with his followers. HE seeks HIS creation who are being fooled. I am grateful HE invited me to seek HIS family members.

• Do you wander around aimlessly?
• Do you feel you are not part of a family even though you were born into one?
• Will you accept GOD’s invitation as HE knocks on the door of your heart today and seek those HE wants to find?

Arrival

John 1: ²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.’

³² Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.” ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.’

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After spending hours in an airport, my hopes of getting home that night were waning. It seemed like everything was going wrong that day and rain did not make it any better. Suddenly I heard these words “The flight has arrived.” Everyone, including myself, was filled with joy.

• Something as little as a flight arriving filled me with joy.
• Something as trivial as getting home hours earlier made me delighted.
• Something as small as a plane pulling up to a gate at an airport made my day much better.

John told everyone that the problem of sin was cured by JESUS. “The Messiah had arrived” John told everyone. John came to baptize, BUT JESUS cam to same with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

• JESUS wants me to tell HIS story.
• JESUS wants me to let people know that salvation has arrived and they can now be filled with joy.
• JESUS wants me to express to others that HE is GOD’s Chosen ONE, who already has the victory over all my sin.

What a relief it is to have a few things go “my” way. It should be even more of a relief when eternity is paved for me. GOD enables me to live with HIM and wants me to tell others about this great news!

• What little thing has brought you great joy?
• Have you forgotten where joy comes from?
• Will you reflect on what GOD has done and is doing in your life today?

Save Me

Luke 23: ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’

³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’

³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.

³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’

⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’

⁴² Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

⁴³ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

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One of the exercises was to hold hands and walk in a large circle in the swimming pool. This created a mild vortex and my hands could not hold onto my neighbors. As I tried to use some of the techniques the swim teacher showed me, I found myself being pulled into the deep. Moments later I felt an arm around my waist pulling me to safety.

• Many times I needed to be saved.
• Many times I have been helpless.
• Many times I have been in so much trouble that I felt like I was drowning.

The church leaders thought they had gotten rid of JESUS. They sneered at HIM and said “If YOU are who YOU say YOU are then save YOURSELF.” The guards mocked HIS title of being the King of the Jews. But one criminal said “Save me when YOU get home.”

• JESUS says to me “I will remember you and those who believe in ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not take MY name in vain or mock ME.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way to the kingdom of heaven.”

Acknowledging the fact that I need GOD is the primary condition of my sickness. Just like being in an ocean without knowing how to swim, sin tosses me around and drowns me. BUT GOD did something amazing. Without me asking for help HE saved me.

GOD pours out HIS amazing grace on me daily. How can I hold onto bitterness if GOD gives me grace? GOD deserves praise not “If” statements. HE is the Most High, all powerful, all seeing and all knowing. JESUS is my savior with whom I am grateful.

• Do you need a Savior?
• Do you think your plans will save yourself?
• Will you allow GOD to penetrate your heart so HE can work in your life today?

Busting into Heaven

Luke 16: ¹⁶ “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.¹⁷ And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

¹⁸ “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

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“Our FATHER, who art in heaven”, through “amen” was the prayer I mouthed, but in my mind I was saying, “I hope they don’t find out I stole from a store.” Or “I hope they don’t find my Playboy magazine I hid in the hamper of my room.” “I’m sure GOD won’t mind.”

• There were times when I made up my own rules.
• Three were times when I justified my sin.
• There were times when I recklessly plowed forward with what “I” wanted to do.

JESUS spoke bluntly to the church leaders who did whatever they wanted to do. HE saw through their “holy” act and said “Not one once of the law will go away.” The pharisees had figured out ways to justify the divorce of their wives so they could still be accepted in the community. JESUS sees through justification.

• GOD wants me to understand my sin cost JESUS HIS life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HIS law does not go away just because I say it does.
• GOD wants me to understand that my add on rules for “holiness” need to be examined with HIS law.

Justifying sin is something GOD opens my eyes to daily. HE doesn’t beat me up over and over about a single sin, however the HOLY SPIRIT does remind me that I did something wrong and I need forgiveness every day. GOD doesn’t want me to develop rules to get around HIS rules. HE wants me to embrace HIS law and praise JESUS for taking my eternal consequence away.

• Are you making your own rules?
• Do you think the rules you place on others align with the loving rules GOD gave?
• Will you drop your bitter, lustful, power grabbing rules and focus on GOD’s grace and mercy today?

Speaking With Purpose

Luke 12: ⁸ “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. ⁹ But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

¹⁰ “And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.

¹¹ “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. ¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

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Feeling lonely, I listened to how others spoke. I wanted to “fit in” so I began to mimic how others spoke to one another, no matter how different the words were from my values. Soon I was in the in-crowd enjoying life to its fullest. My calendar filled up with events. Funny, the in-crowd did not have much time for GOD.

• Life only has so many seconds for me to spend my time.
• Life only has a finite period for me to speak.
• Life only has so many moments for me to choose between what I want or what GOD wants.

JESUS says something truly exciting. “Whoever confesses ME before men, HIM the SON of Man also will confess before the angels of GOD.” I can only imagine the excitement on HIS face when HE says, “That’s one of MINE!”

• GOD wants me to spend some of my time speaking about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to confess to people that JESUS saves me.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIS SON, in word and in examples.

There is only a short period of time that I have on this earth and it is up to me to decide what to do with it. I can fill up my time with events, politics, hatred or just being foolish BUT GOD wants me to think about how I use my time. HE wants me to take only a short period out of my day to confess that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my savior.

This is not hard, nor does it prevent me from doing other things. HE simply wants me to enjoy my relationship with HIM by sharing it with others. JESUS is my LORD.

• Are you too busy to speak about JESUS?
• How much time do you spend speaking about things that repel people from GOD?
• Can you take only a short period of time this week to speak about GOD’s love?