Something to Focus On

Something to Focus On

Revelation 1: ⁴ From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first to be raised from death and who is also the ruler of the kings of the world.

He loves us, and by his sacrificial death he has freed us from our sins ⁶ and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God and Father. To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

⁷ Look, he is coming on the clouds! Everyone will see him, including those who pierced him. All peoples on earth will mourn over him. So shall it be!

⁸ “I am the first and the last,” says the Lord God Almighty, who is, who was, and who is to come.

 

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Worried about life, I felt like giving up. My “try harder” did not seem like it was getting “me” anywhere. As bills grew, so did my complaints. I could not find rest because the people I hung around also had many bills and complaints.

 

• My focus on life had turned into how much money I had or did not have.
• After complaining and worrying enough, I could only see problems.
• Victory was not even in my vocabulary because “I” did not feel victorious.

 

John starts his book by telling the believers that GOD, HIMSELF, sends HIS grace and peace. Not only HIM, but the seven SPIRITS and JESUS also send the message of grace and peace. All had seemed lost and humanity would belong to Satan. BUT JESUS, “the faithful witness” was “the first to be raised from death” and HE “freed us from our sins.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD, who is, who was and who is to come, is not worried about what is going to happen to me because HE has already seen me in a victorious state of being.
• JESUS freed me from death, pain and misery, so whatever I go through now is only temporary.
• GOD said, I AM the first and the last” meaning anything HE says can be counted on.

 

When life brings challenges, there is hope. I mean, human demands for unholy things can make anyone feel like all hope is lost, BUT when GOD tells me “everything turned out fine” I can believe it.

 

My focus needs to shift from the day to day worriers over to eternal victory. GOD may never say  “Did you work harder?” or “Did you get that gym shoe?”, or  “Did you accumulate as many earthly riches as you could?” Instead HE will ask “How many people did you serve the way I intended?” I am willing to change my focus over to the victory that has already happened!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer sends “grace and peace” from GOD?
• Have you ever worried about something and could only focus on your worries?
• Will you change your focus by believing that JESUS is already victorious over your temporary situations today?

Dangers and Troubles

Dangers and Troubles

Hebrews 11: ²⁷ It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. ²⁸ It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites.

 

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Driving in a neighborhood that was known for its dangers, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a dead end street, similar to those seen in movies. I panicked as I looked in my rear view mirror to see who was converging on me. No one was around. I simply backed up and drove away.

 

• I brought worry and fear into the situation.
• I worried about what could happen instead of seeing what was happening.
• I thought the worst, instead of thinking of the best.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his faith examples with another aspect from Moses. Danger would not stop Moses from doing what the LORD said to do. He boldly left Egypt after GOD sent plagues, making Pharoah desire to send the slaves away. GOD also protected those who believed in placing blood on their doors from the final plague, namely Angel of Death.

 

My Observations:

• My fears can diminish my faith in GOD.
• GOD loves when I face my fears by turning to HIM for the answers.
• GOD specializes in protection and deliverance, even when things seem bleak.

 

In the middle of danger and trouble, GOD wants me to take a deep breath and keep moving towards HIM. I mean, things may seem impossible with no way out and no solution at hand. GOD steps in and provides when I stay the course.

 

HE knows I am still afraid. BUT HE also knows how to provide for me when I get nervous and need HIM to show me the way. I am glad GOD takes care of my deepest fears and addresses all situations with HIS loving power.

 

Challenge

• How do the two examples of the writer relate to each other?
• Have you ever faced danger or trouble and panicked?
• Will you take faith into your next encounter with danger or trouble so you can calm down enough to hear GOD, and be delivered from evil that day?

From Worry to Wonder

 

From Worry to Wonder

1 Thessalonians 5: ²³ May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being—spirit, soul, and body—free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful.

²⁵ Pray also for us, friends.

²⁶ Greet all the believers with the kiss of peace.

²⁷ I urge you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 

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As I sat in the window, I noticed a distinction between the ray of sunlight and the cool of the shade. All of my cares and worries seem to melt away as I just sat there. Then I pondered what it would be like to have no worries, pain or sickness. It felt great just thinking of it.

 

• I felt freed just thinking about a time without worry.
• I felt lighter just thinking about a time when pain does not exist.
• I felt at peace just thinking about a time without ailments or sickness.

 

Paul closes the letter with input from Silas and Timothy. They closed this with a brief prayer all readers that GOD gives peace, make us holy and keep our whole being, spirit, soul and body, from every fault. They knew that one day the LORD JESUS would return.

 

My Observations

• GOD is willing to grant me peace when I seek HIM.
• GOD is willing to make me holy even when I have a mountain of sins.
• GOD is willing to keep my whole being – spirit, soul and body -- free from every fault.

 

Peace is possible in times of trouble. I mean, when I look at the waves and currents of this trial and that one, I can feel lost, worried and alone. BUT GOD has a remedy. JESUS.

 

One day JESUS will return with all power and authority. HE was placed above everything that causes pain, worry and sickness. HE will see only HIS grace HE has for me and for those who seek HIS mercy. HE is the ultimate forgiver and gives peace in the middle of the storm. I gladly accept HIS peace and wonder how great it will be when HE returns.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to convey through this mini prayer?
• Have you ever gotten overwhelmed with the worries of life?
• Will you receive GOD’s peace by letting go of everything you are trying to control and allowing HIM to make you holy and keep your whole being so you will be faultless at the coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST?

Finding Peace

Finding Peace

Philippians 4: ⁶ Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. ⁷ And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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“Can I please have a name brand shoe?” was my request. After years of trying, I realized I was not going to get the fashionable items from my parents. Their hard earned money was used for bills, or at least that’s what they said. When I was old enough I got a job. I bought name brand shoes. “LORD, please don’t have it rain today” was my ask.

 

• I wanted people to see my new shoes.
• I did not want “my” shoes to get dirty from rain or dirty places.
• I was proud that I was finally able to buy shoes without the oppression of a budget.

 

Paul provides some quick, yet sage advice to contentment. He knew that living in this world would bring on temptations to have nice things. He also knew people would become discontent by not having these things. He suggested a much better way of thinking about things, namely “be thankful.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS saving me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for all that HE has brought me through.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the people, places and things in my life so I can see that I am abundantly blessed.

 

Being thankful for people reduces rage over something he or she did. Also, being thankful for the places GOD has me in, opens my eyes to the ministry HE has given me to reap abundant rewards. When I am thankful for the old worn out thing, I reduce my being discontent.

 

GOD sees thankfulness as a sacred place. Kinda like an elevator reaching a floor. Once I reach the level of thankfulness, GOD says “Here, have peace.” HE then opens my mind and my heart to HIS safety that does not make sense to those who seek other people, places and things for their peace. I am grateful GOD reminds me that peace can be found by thankfulness of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things does the writer suggest you pray for?
• Have you ever been discontent with the things you have?
• Have you ever received something and wanted something else that is similar, later?
• Will you be thankful for who you are, what you have, the people in your life, the things you have and where GOD has you , so you can reach HIS peace HE wants you to have today?

Free From Worry

Free From Worry

1 Corinthians 7: ³² I would like you to be free from worry. An unmarried man concerns himself with the Lord's work, because he is trying to please the Lord. ³³ But a married man concerns himself with worldly matters, because he wants to please his wife; ³⁴ and so he is pulled in two directions. An unmarried woman or a virgin concerns herself with the Lord's work, because she wants to be dedicated both in body and spirit; but a married woman concerns herself with worldly matters, because she wants to please her husband.

 

³⁵ I am saying this because I want to help you. I am not trying to put restrictions on you. Instead, I want you to do what is right and proper, and to give yourselves completely to the Lord's service without any reservation.

 

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Worried about the test, I tried to study to no avail. The solution to my worry was clear, go to a party and search for drunken sex. Worried about the car, I tried to fix it myself to no avail. The solution to my worry was clear, go to a party and search for drunken sex.

 

• There have been many times that my worries got to me.
• There have been many times when I thought temporary relief would fix the problem.
• There have been many times when I searched for a way out of the problem with my own worldly solution.

 

Paul gives an odd statement. He says “I would like you to be free from worry.” This statement was about marriage and the problems people raised concerning the difficulty it brings with service to the LORD. Paul gives a solution to the married and unmarried.

 

• GOD wants me to do what is right and proper for HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants me to give myself to HIM without reservation.
• GOD wants me to serve HIM by giving myself to HIM completely.

 

Married or unmarried, every human belongs to the LORD. I mean, any service outside the LORD is a distraction from bearing HIS fruit. My desires should be on pleasing the LORD at all costs. This would include my family, friends and neighbors.

 

The world would rather silence any discussion about JESUS to make profit the primary message. BUT GOD wants and needs to be heard through HIS servants. I am grateful HE frees me to speak about HIM daily.

 

• Are you trapped?
• Do you feel like the world has you and there is no escape?
• Will you do what is right and proper and seek GOD wherever you are so you can serve HIM without reservation little by little each day?

Today’s Plan

Today’s Plan

John 12: Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. ² There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. ³ Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

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Ask, “What are you going to do today?”, to your team so they can become more productive. I thought this was a great question so I not only asked them, I asked myself. The answers I got were highly ambitious, yet productive. “I am going to get more done using this simple question” I thought to myself.

• Some days I filled the hours with “being productive.”
• Some days I woke up working all the way until I went to bed.
• Some days I had no time for anything else but work.

JESUS went back to see Lazarus. Martha served JESUS as this was one of her gifts. Lazarus, being GOD’s example, sat with HIM. Mary saw JESUS’s dirty feet again. She remembered HIS reaction to the Pharisee who did not offer any water. I supposed she said, “Not in this house” as she used expensive oil and her hair to wipe away the mud.

• JESUS wants my attention.
• JESUS wants me to serve HIM.
• JESUS wants my highest honor.

Since I am not omnipresent, I can only be in one place at one time. When I plan my day so full of “being productive” I sometimes miss out on doing what GOD called me to do. HE allows me to be busy, but there are times when HE wants me to quiet down and just be with HIM. I am glad part of GOD’s work is simply just being with HIM.

• What are you going to do today?
• Are you going to fill your day up so full that you cannot hear GOD?
• Will you add GOD to your plan today and quiet down to listen to what HE wants to say?

Giving Instructions

Giving Instructions

John 11: ¹² Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” ¹³ However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

¹⁴ Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. ¹⁵ And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”

¹⁶ Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”

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Pressure was building as the week’s end was getting closer. Not seeing the results I hoped for, I gave very specific instructions to everyone to follow, step by step. Too much was on the line and we had to be successful. When I stepped back, I noticed people were moving slower, because they were waiting on my next set of instructions.

• I made the mistake of managing every little step.
• I made the mistake of thinking I could control the situation by having everyone perform just like me.
• I made the mistake of making everyone feel nervous instead of inspired.

Thoroughly misunderstanding the situation, the disciples spoke up about Lazarus. Rationalizing what was said to them, they immediately thought he may be asleep. JESUS made it plain that he was, in fact, dead. Thomas braced himself for the situation. If Lazarus is dead, then we must be going there to die too. I mean, why go to a place where killers are lurking?

• JESUS wants me to believe that HIS ways are not my ways.
• JESUS wants me to know that HE clears things up in amazing ways, not the way I think.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HE can and will do anything, especially when I cannot see how the situation could possibly be resolved.

“Pray” is what people have told me when I am facing difficulty, so I do. But I find myself nervously giving GOD instructions to handle things the way “I” would like to see them resolved. Fortunately GOD doesn’t listen to the instructions but listens to my heart.

HE clears up the situation in HIS way and I always find HIS way was better than what I was thinking. HE tells me to let go of trying to control the situation so HIS power can be seen by many, so they can believe. I am glad HE is in control.

• Are you facing a difficult situation that you feel there is no way out?
• Do you pray for specific things to happen with your limited sight into the situation?
• Will you admit that you may not know why “this” is happening but allow GOD to work out the situation HIS way, in HIS time?

Worry Actions

Luke 12: ²² Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. ²³ Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.²⁴ Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? ²⁵ And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? ²⁶ If you then are not able to do the least, why ^[d]are you anxious for the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

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Three o’clock in the morning was not unfamiliar to me. I had woken up many nights facing the pressures of work. Some nights, sleep evaded me altogether. After several years of this, the company decided to get rid of an entire group, including me. No more pressures. Why was I awake in the middle of the night?

• My thoughts can sometimes get the best of me.
• My mind can sometimes overthink situations.
• My security can be shattered when I do not have answers to the questions my mind conjures up.

JESUS tells HIS disciples “Do not worry” as if they had a choice in the matter. But then HE explains “why” they should not worry, which kind of defies logic. HE explains that GOD’s raging river of a plan cannot be stopped. HE says GOD cares about feeding birds, HE can certainly care about feeding humans, who HE created in HIS image.

• GOD cares about my physical attributes.
• GOD cares about my mental wellbeing.
• GOD cares about my comfort, my health, my relationships and my spirit.

GOD does care for me so I must get a grip on the lies my mind can dream up and focus on the truth. HIS plan seems strange, especially when I feel I am in control of my life. HE puts me in situations that actually grow me and HE removes blind spots where fear was leading me.

HIS power is unstoppable and I have to ride HIS raging river to the quiet place HE has for me. I put my trust in GOD. HIS plan is always great for me!

• Are you worried about your future?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you or is punishing you?
• Will you stop thinking poorly about GOD’s love for you?
• Will you take the opportunity to grow instead of remaining a child and allow GOD’s strength to shine in your life today?

Decisions

Luke 8: ²² Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. ²³ But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. ²⁴ And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

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With sheets of rain pounding against the car I gripped the steering wheel in anguish. “LORD what should I do?” I said. Through the extremely poor visibility I could see the flashing lights of people who had pulled over. “Keep going” were the strange words I could hear. “YOU are kidding!” I thought, but I obeyed. About a five miles later it wasn’t raining at all.

• There were times when the storm seemed so big that I felt I would never make it out.
• There were times when the winds of life hit hard and it seemed like there would never ba an end.
• There were times when the torrents of problems flooded my life.

JESUS was asleep when a huge storm hit as they were crossing a lake. This was a big problem as it seemed like there was no escape. Water beneath and water falling from the sky meant there was no place to go. JESUS rebuked the wind, then asked “Where is your faith?”

• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on HIS protections.
• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on faith not on what I currently see.
• JESUS wants me to base my decisions on HIS promises to be with me always rather than what I am currently worried about.

Deciding to follow GOD seems difficult at times. I mean the problems of life can sometimes present themselves as huge and out of control. BUT GOD says something different. HE says “I AM in control of the largest storm, I can certainly handle any problem you face.” GOD wants me to go through the storm and come out the other side with faith.

• Does the storm you are facing seem huge and out of control?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of the storm?
• Can you place your trust in GOD and decide to have faith in HIS wonderful plan HE has for you today?

Bright Future

Luke 1: ⁸ So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, ⁹ according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. ¹⁰ And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ¹² And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. ¹⁴ And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. ¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. ¹⁶ And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

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“You will never grow in this industry” said my professor as he was prepared to give me a failing grade. “Maybe his words would come true” I thought to myself. “Maybe the words of the teacher who believed in me were just a fantasy and I could never amount to anything” I added.

• There were times when I doubted my future.
• There were times when I did not believe amazing things could happen to me.
• There were times when I believed what the negative people said.

Zacharias met an angel and feared for his life. The angel rested his mind by telling him the future of his one and only son to be. The angel did not speak of the hurt John would face, rather he said John would be “Great in the sight of the LORD.”

• GOD wants me to believe I have a special purpose in life.
• GOD wants me to use my special purpose to turn many people to the LORD their GOD.
• GOD wants me to make ready HIS people for HIS return.

By human measures my future sometimes seems bleak. I have tried and failed at numerous things in my life. BUT GOD sees something different in me. HE fills me with HIS SPIRIT and gives me the ability to tell people that JESUS is the CHRIST who is my LORD and SAVIOR.

• Do you feel awkward and left out?
• Do you think you are not special?
• Can you stop measuring yourself by the world’s standards and allow GOD to use the powerful gifts and talents HE has given you for HIS purpose today?

Hearing is Believing

Mark 9: ⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

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Stunned, I just sat there. I heard the store guard say “Listen to me” and I came out of my dazed stupor. I guess the shock of being chased by yet another gang got to me this time. I could now hear.

• Sometimes I am so shocked that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my world that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes things are so overwhelming that I cannot hear.

Stunned is what the disciples felt when they saw Elijah and Moses and knew who they were. Their minds could not grasp what was going on. Suddenly a voice out of the cloud spoke to them. “This is MY beloved SON. Hear HIM!” They could now focus.

• GOD says to me “Believe in MY one and only SON.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to the ONE who can save you and the rest of the world.”
• GOD says to me “HE is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

Hearing is truly believing. When I can hear with my “heart” then I can believe. Unfortunately my heart attacks truth when it is filled with anger, hatred, lust, envy or doubt. BUT GOD is faithful and just to clean my heart and clear my thoughts long enough to hear HIM. HIS SON is who I should listen to.

• Are you stuck?
• Are the ears to your heart closed and you cannot hear GOD?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and release what you are holding onto?

No Surprise

Matthew 24: ³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”

⁴ Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁷ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of birth pains.

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Walking down the crowded hallway, I felt excited. I was finally at my next school and this time things would be better. I was finally away from the thugs at my old school. When the day was over we were given warnings about the travel path home. “Take only these specific safe routes when walking through the neighborhood” they told us. “Aw man! This sounds worse than my old school!”

• At one time I panicked when I heard warnings.
• At one time I got nervous when I heard something could go wrong.
• At one time I was frightened at the mere sound of danger.

JESUS told HIS disciples what was to come and the future did not sound bright at all. There would be wars, famine and lying claims of the Messiah. Then HE said “such things must happen.”

• GOD wants me to know things will go wrong in my life but HE is there.
• GOD wants me to expect trouble so I will know to pray instead of falling apart.
• GOD wants me to be aware of my surroundings so I can rely on HIM instead of freezing out of fright.

Understanding that something could go wrong made me more prepared as I walked through the shadows of thugs. “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” enables me to go without fear through troubled times, not around them.

• Are you going through troubled times?
• Are you filled with fear?
• Can you ask GOD to lead you through the times, knowing these things have to happen?