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?

Rest

Rest

2 Thessalonians 1: From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Thinking of the many problems life had thrown at me, I laid awake at night. Knowing I had to go to work made me more anxious as I saw the hours tick away. “Maybe if I do some work” was my thought to get whatever was bugging me off my mind. I found myself working almost twenty four hours a day.

 

• I could not rest.
• I could not stop thinking about the many problems I faced.
• I could not solve or resolve any of the problems, so rest seemed elusive.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy begin another letter to the Thessalonians with a miniature prayer. They knew times were difficult. They wished for all who belong to GOD our Father and the LORD JESUS CHRIST to be given grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD wants me to have peace which only comes from HIM.
• My sins may cause me to lose sleep, BUT GOD wants me to know HIS grace is sufficient.
• Worry, rage, doubt and disillusion may appear all around me, BUT GOD wants me to accept HIS grace and peace.

 

Knowing I am forgiven and that my troubles are temporary gives me grace and peace. I mean, I can confess my sins directly to GOD the FATHER because I believe JESUS died and rose for my sins. JESUS volunteered to die as a human because HE created them in the first place. HIS resurrection gives me the ability to be forgiven.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT was given to me as my Comforter. HE lives inside me and pleads on my behalf due to the many sins I commit. HE convicts me once, then guides me to peace versus harassment over the sin I commit over and over. I am glad GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT are one and agree to give me grace and peace.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers start with this miniature prayer?
• Have you ever lost sleep because of life’s circumstances?
• Will you give all of your circumstances to GOD who is willing to forgive you and give you grace and peace today?

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?

Peaceful Decisions

Peaceful Decisions

Colossians 3: ¹⁵ The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful. 

 

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“You can stay with a demotion or leave with severance” were the strange options placed before me. My performance was impeccable, yet I had two bad options placed in front of me. My entire identity had been placed in that position. Something in me said “I will take you to better places.”

 

• I was at peace when I heard I could let go.
• I felt a sense of peace towards those who placed two bad decisions before me.
• I released the turmoil I had, in exchange for peace.

 

Paul provides advice for those in need of making hard decisions. Tumultuous times and difficult situations, robbed people of peace and bad decisions that would cause more turmoil were the only options. What would be the answer?

 

My Observations

• True peace can only come from GOD.
• JESUS wants me to make better decisions so HE gives me peace in the middle of the storm.
• GOD called me to have and provide peace along with others who seek HIS kingdom.

 

Harassed, worried, sleep deprived minds do not make good decisions. I mean, when I replay the trial I am going through over and over and over, I cannot rest. I think the worst is going to happen and I may make a “snap decision” that brings further regret. I may even start blaming others, which worsens the situation.

 

Decisions made for CHRIST brings peace. Sometimes a peaceful decision is not the most comfortable. It is based on following JESUS, which could be a more difficult road, laced with trials and accolades that are few and far between, if at all. I am grateful for this strange peace that provides me with HIS purpose.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer speaks about “peace?”
• Have you ever had to make a hard decision that caused you to lose sleep or to spin, thinking about the situation over and over?
• Will you settle your mind and think on CHRIST who will gladly give you peace in all decisions by asking HIM for the direction you should take today?

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?

Hope for the Best

Hope for the Best

Ephesians 1: From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus—

To God's people in Ephesus, who are faithful in their life in union with Christ Jesus:

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Distracted, I answered “Fine” to the greeter’s greeting. I believe he said “Hello! How are you?” and I did not want to disclose that everything was on fire in my life at that time, so I responded simple.

 

• I had been through a lot.
• I was tired of problems, but that was all that was on my mind.
• I was walking around on auto-pilot, functioning versus thriving.

 

Paul opens up with a very warm greeting. He mentions how faithful this group had been in their union with CHRIST JESUS. He then wishes everyone the best by hoping GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST provide grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When life gets hard it is nice to hear the hope of GOD.
• I enjoy when someone gives me a greeting of grace and peace.
• GOD wants me to spread HIS grace and peace to as many as I can.

 

Recognizing that people may have been through something comes from going through something. I mean, the trials and troubles of the world shape me so I can empathize with others who may be going through similar battles. When I say “I hope for GOD to give you the best”, he or she may feel what I am going through and know I really mean it.

 

Giving people hope is necessary these days. Many have lost hope and need a simple greeting. My hope for you is that GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST give you grace and peace.

 

Challenge

• What do you feel when you read the writer’s opening?
• Have you been faithful to GOD, yet are facing many trials?
• Will you know you are not alone and accept this statement of hope for the best GOD can offer you today which is HIS grace and peace through the trial?

Leave with Peace

Leave with Peace

2 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ And now, my friends, good-bye! Strive for perfection; listen to my appeals; agree with one another; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

¹² Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

 

All of God's people send you their greetings.

 

¹³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

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As the argument escalated, I stormed out the room and slammed the door. This emotional theatrical outburst did not settle the argument at all. If anything, it ensued more rage on all parts.

 

• I was seeking to “win” the argument.
• I was seeking to “win” and someone else to “lose.”
• I was seeking to be “heard” while missing the opportunity of hearing.

 

Paul sends his farewell. In it, he emphasizes peace. He gives everyone the assurance that GOD is with them so peace can be obtained.

 

My Observations

• Peace can be a way of life that GOD wants me to strive for.
• Peace from GOD is something I can bring into opposing views.
• Peace of assurance is a gift I can give to anyone who needs CHRIST.

 

Leaving people with peace is a goal I did not know existed. I mean, it does not require that I acquiesce or be walked on, rather I look for opportunities to live peacefully together. Avoiding arguments is probably unhealthy and causes bitterness to fester.

 

GOD wants me to see that peace is a way of life and wants any bitter root to be given to HIM. HE also wants me to talk things out with one another so an “agreement” can happen. I can also provide assurance to those who are nervous, letting him or her know that JESUS provided grace, the HEAVENLY FATHER love and the HOLY SPIRIT fellowship. I am glad GOD gives me peace that many cannot understand.

 

Challenge

• Does peace jump out at you when reading this passage?
• Why do you think the writer emphasizes peace so much?
• What situations can you think of where you can diffuse the argument with peace?
• Will you accept the goal of living in assurance of the grace of JESUS, the love of GOD and the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT so you can give peace to many as a gift today?

It will be alright

 

It will be alright

Romans 7: ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

 

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“You have no skills” the recruiter said. “What do you mean?” I asked insulted. “Though you rose to a high level at your last company, you only have the skill for that company.” I found myself without a job, not being able to go back to the last one and seemingly, not being able to go to another. I felt despair.

 

• There have been times when there seemed like I had no answers.
• There have been times when the situation seemed difficult, no matter which way I turned.
• There have been times when I wondered if anyone cared.

 

Paul truly expresses the conflict that is inside of humans by getting personal. He cries out, “What a wretched man I am!” Paul, who used to be Saul, went around having people murdered, thinking he was eradicating those who were not “following” GOD. This horrible past would remain with him forever. How to move forward?

 

• GOD delivers me when the situation seems impossible.
• GOD shows me that HE cares for me no matter what my past looks like.
• GOD saved me from my past through JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

 

“Thanks be to GOD!” are words that brought me out of despair. I mean, when I listened to everyone else, things seemed impossible. But when I listened to GOD, all things were possible because I believe in JESUS. HE picked me up when no one else would. HE delivers me out of situations when it seems impossible. JESUS is my deliverer!

 

• Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?
• Do you place all of your trust in jobs or money and you have neither?
• Will you get hope by believing GOD loves you and JESUS will deliver you if you put your trust in HIM today?

Equipped with peace

Equipped with peace

John 20: ¹⁹ Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

²¹ So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” ²² And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

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Unsettled, I could not sleep. There were so many thing I had to worry about, I could not find rest. I mean, what am I to do about declining health, waning wealth, increased pressure and broken relationships? All attempts for me to “fix” them satisfactorily for all involved have failed.

• There have been many times when I have worried.
• There have been many times when I have been filled with fear about the future.
• There have been many times when I could not see any solution to the situations because there were too many.

Hidden from the Jews, the disciples did not know what to do next. JESUS, who performed all kinds of miracles, was dead in their minds. How can they protect themselves? JESUS appeared in the locked room and gave them some things that they needed.

• JESUS shows me HE cares for me by seeking me daily.
• JESUS gave me the HOLY SPIRIT so I do not have to rely on my own power.
• JESUS sends me out with a purpose to forgive those HE has forgiven.

Forgiveness brings peace. This can only come from the HOLY SPIRIT who reminds me about what JESUS did for me. I mean, if I am enraged or filled with fear or lost, the HOLY SPIRIT calms me down by saying “Peace to you.” This peace is actually equipment I can use versus something that is fleeting.

When I use peace as a tool, I can allow the situation to play itself out, knowing GOD has the best outcome already taken care of. The outcome may not be the one “I” choose, but I have noticed GOD’s choices are always the best choices. I receive HIS peace today.

• Are you losing sleep?
• Are you worried about the future?
• Will you stop dwelling in GOD’s realm, namely the future and focus on the present where HE gives you peace through the HOLY SPIRIT?

Worry

Matthew 6: ²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

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³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

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“Oh no, my life is ruined!” I thought to myself. I started calculating what would happen to my life now that I failed the class. “If  I don’t graduate in this particular major, then I won’t get good paying job, then I will be stuck being a janitor the rest of my life!” was my dramatic line of thinking.

• When I worry I think the worst will happen.
• When I worry I think of all kinds of bad things that could happen.
• When I worry I take it a step further and turn it into panic and start reacting to those who are worried around me.

Worry is an evil incessant foe. It rears its ugly head to distract, not only me, but many around me. It invites its friends “panic” and “fear” to join in on the party and soon I found myself blaming GOD for all my ills. “If YOU would have just given me the answers to the test, then I would not be in this mess!” was my immature thought after not studying.

• GOD says to me “You are more valuable than all the animals I feed daily.”
• GOD says to me “Seek MY kingdom first on a daily basis and MY righteousness and I will feed and clothe you.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

Tomorrow is GOD’s domain and I have not right to be in it at all. GOD wants me to stay in “today” where have an opportunity to praise HIM, serve HIM and be guided by HIM. A sigh of relief comes out of my mouth as I do not have to think about “tomorrow” for today I seek GOD.

• Are you worried?
• Do you think your worry can change things?
• Can you stop worrying for a few moments and praise GOD so HE can help you think straight?