Ark of Salvation for Moses

 

Ark of Salvation for Moses

Exodus 2: And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. ² So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. ³ But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. ⁴ And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.

 

============

 

Moses begins his autobiography with the words given to him by GOD. He starts of with the tribe he is from. He then talks about his salvation:

 

My Observations:

• Moses was from the Tribe of Levi, which would later become the Levitical Priests.
• Amram is Moses’ father and Jochebed is his mother who made an ark to save Moses from being killed.
• Miriam is Moses’ sister who watched over him to make sure he was safe.

 

GOD made an ark to save Noah and his family. HE wanted to save the world by saving one family. GOD did the same for Moses. An ark was built by his mother to save him from being found. She had no idea what would happen to him, but I am sure she prayed to GOD about this.

 

The midwives were followers of GOD and so was his mother. They would not obey Pharaoh’s order to kill all males because they feared the LORD. Jochebed was no exception. She feared the LORD and wanted to protect her son. Miriam followed GOD as well. GOD placed two women in Moses life who would pray and watch over HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD inspire Moses to write his autobiography, starting with his tribe and his ark ride?
• Has there ever been a time in your life that you knew you were being watched over?
• What is your ark of salvation that sustained you from trouble?

No Math Needed

No Math Needed

Revelation 22: 18 I, John, solemnly warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if any add anything to them, God will add to their punishment the plagues described in this book. 19 And if any take anything away from the prophetic words of this book, God will take away from them their share of the fruit of the tree of life and of the Holy City, which are described in this book.

20 He who gives his testimony to all this says, “Yes indeed! I am coming soon!”

So be it. Come, Lord Jesus!

21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone

============

Hearing the story about people enjoying themselves, I wanted to be included. I retold their story, implying that I was included. But when I was asked a question about the event, I could not answer.

• I felt embarrassed that I was not at the event, so I embellished the story.
• I added details to the story that were not true.
• I tried to make the story mine, when it wasn’t.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, concludes the book of amazing prophecies revealed to him by JESUS. He gave a stern warning to not add anything to the book or take anything away. No embellishments! He then gave a testimony of JESUS promising to return. John seemed to show value in this pending action and emphatically agreed.

My Observations:

• GOD had a reason for providing the prophesies and wants them to remain intact.
• JESUS seems to be preparing us for HIS imminent return, so HE gave us everything we need to know.
• I do not have to embellish something that is already amazing, so I place my full belief in what has been revealed.

Live life as if JESUS will return any moment, is what I get from reading this prophetic book. I mean, I still have to work to eat and do day to day things, BUT GOD wants me to be on the lookout for JESUS daily. What does that mean?

To me, it means seeing people HE wants me to serve for the purpose of bringing them back to HIM. HE also wants me to pray for those who seem to be rejecting HIM. GOD seems very serious about bringing the lost back to HIMSELF. I gladly join in on HIS plan.

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever embellished a story to make yourself look good or to make someone look bad?
• Will you read the Bible as a collection of books from GOD, written through humans, so HE could guide us to HIS love today?

Dead to Alive

Dead to Alive

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sits on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence and were seen no more. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small alike, standing before the throne. Books were opened, and then another book was opened, the book of the living. The dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ Then the sea gave up its dead. Death and the world of the dead also gave up the dead they held. And all were judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and the world of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire. (This lake of fire is the second death.) ¹⁵ Those who did not have their name written in the book of the living were thrown into the lake of fire.

 

============

 

Seeing what seemed to be an ocean of people without homes, I decided to go another route. I only had enough in “my” wallet for “my” lunch. After a while, I was good at avoiding poor people. And besides, they were just going to take my money and use it to get drunk or buy drugs, right?

 

• I had figured out ways to not help the poor.
• I had justified why it was important for me to keep “my” money.
• I had labeled people in ways that made “me” feel good for not helping.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the throne of JESUS. The sight was so incredible that Earth and heaven fled from HIS presence. John saw two sets of dead people, but only one set of books. The first set of dead were raised to “life” and the second set were raised to “death.”

 

My Observations:

• By believing in JESUS, all my deeds, will be replayed and I will be judged accordingly.
• For those who do not believe in JESUS as the Savior, even “good deeds” will be erased and counted against him or her.
• JESUS has a book of life that HE keeps and records the deeds we do that are precious to HIM.

 

“When did we feed YOU?” We will ask, JESUS will turn to a page and say “See, right here… When you gave that child a cup of water and some food.” “When did we clothe YOU?” we will ask. HE will flip to another page and say “See, its when you donated clothes.” JESUS cannot wait to show HIS people what they have done. Unfortunately HE also remembers what unbelievers have done.

 

HE will bring up all the deeds of those who manipulate, lie, cheat, harm and kill. These people will be thrown in the lake of fire with Satan, the beast and the false prophet. This “second death” will be an eternal death. I am glad you and me will be raised to an eternal life!

 

Challenge

• What deeds does the writer mention?
• Have you considered doing something good for someone, without desiring something in return?
• Have you given your life to CHRIST so your good deeds can be recorded as endearing to JESUS today?

Unamazed

Unamazed

Revelation 17: When I saw her, I was completely amazed. ⁷ “Why are you amazed?” the angel asked me. “I will tell you the secret meaning of the woman and of the beast that carries her, the beast with seven heads and ten horns. ⁸ That beast was once alive, but lives no longer; it is about to come up from the abyss and will go off to be destroyed. The people living on earth whose names have not been written before the creation of the world in the book of the living, will all be amazed as they look at the beast. It was once alive; now it no longer lives, but it will reappear.

 

============

 

Seeing the card trick performed in front of me, left me amazed. “How did you do that?” I asked. When I learned the secret, it didn’t seem so amazing, but I learned how to “amaze” other people.

 

• I was fooled into being amazed.
• I thought something amazing had happened, when it was only a trick.
• I learned the trick and wanted to “amaze” people.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the future which held a great city that was amazing. He also caught a glimpse of the beast who was from Satan. This being would act like JESUS and die and be raised from the dead. Everyone whose names have not been written before the creation of the world in the book of the living, will be fooled and amazed.

 

My Observations:

• Satan will try to mimic GOD, even by having a being die and be raised from the dead.
• GOD’s people have been saved, even before they were created.
• People who believe in JESUS will not be fooled by a being who is raised from the dead, who curses GOD.

 

People are amazed easily. I mean, there are videos that show people throwing a ball through tiny holes from great distances. But when people find out the video is fake, they quickly become unamazed. Same with the beast. When the angel explained that he will “reappear” it was to explain that nothing can mimic the resurrection of JESUS.

 

The Savior was and is GOD who became a human to die for the sins of humanity. HE lived a sinless life and was blamed and murdered by HIS own creation. HE was raised from the dead, giving everlasting life to those who believe in HIM for salvation. I will not be fooled.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was amazed at seeing a futuristic city?
• Would you be amazed if someone were raised from the dead today?
• Will you seek wisdom that comes from GOD to understand who JESUS is, to believe in  HIM for salvation and to be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Shhh

Shhh

Revelation 8: When the Lamb broke open the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. ² Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.

============

 

When the door opened, the laughter and playing stopped. Moments before, everyone was up chattering and doing the opposite of what we were told. “Stay in your seats” the teacher said before leaving. When she got back, we hurried to our seats. There was silence.

 

• Our silence could have been followed by someone saying “Uh-oh!”
• Our silence was to see what would happen.
• Our silence was not going to be broken by us, but by the one in authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the LAMB open the seventh and final seal. Every being in heaven stopped whatever they were doing to become silent for about thirty minutes. Then the seven angels were given seven trumpets. Something was about to happen.

 

My Observations:

• Silence in heaven showed a transition in tone.
• Silence meant something serious was about to happen.
• The seventh seal being opened meant the sentence was fully in affect.

Quieting down is sometimes hard to do. I mean, to escape the worries of the world, I use noisy things like movies, TV or music to drown out thoughts of problems and troubles. In fact, I was afraid of turning off music or talking when driving my car. BUT GOD enjoys when I can be silent with HIM.

Silence is important. There is a tone of serenity with silence, but in this case, it was to mark the start of the end of Satan’s full sentence. GOD’s people do not have to worry about this sentence, because JESUS has saved all who believe in HIM.

Challenge

• What do you think the writer was doing in that half an hour period?
• Have you ever been in a noisy crowd that suddenly got silent?
• Will you take some time to become silent before the LORD so you can hear what HE has in store for you today?

No Seconds

No Seconds

Revelation 2: ⁸ “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

 

“This is the message from the one who is the first and the last, who died and lived again. ⁹ I know your troubles; I know that you are poor—but really you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not; they are a group that belongs to Satan! ¹⁰ Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory.

 

¹¹ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death.

 

============

 

After going through the storm of life, I sat in a daze. This particular storm was pretty harsh. Wounded and exhausted I said “Please don’t let another storm happen right now.”

 

• Life had dished out difficult stretch.
• Wave one of problems was enough.
• I don’t know how I could have survived another wave of problems like that.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote his second warning of seven. This time it was to Smyrna. JESUS had no correction for this church. However, HE did say this church would suffer from religious persecution. John gave a perspective of death that is healthy for believers. There will be no “second” death to those who believe.

 

My Observations:

• Fearing death is natural, BUT GOD wants me to desire eternal life with HIM.
• Believers of JESUS will experience everlasting life if they die.
• Those who die without belief in JESUS as the Savior, will experience a second death that is eternal.

 

Eternal death is not only permanent, but never ending. Pain and suffering intensifies from one moment to the next. Meanwhile, those who have eternal life will experience no pain, no suffering and increasing reasons to praise!

 

GOD sees the suffering that you and I have gone through. HE stores up rewards in heaven where they cannot be stolen by the enemy. HE is excited to provide relief from life’s pressures, but HE wants us to remain until we find the last person to accept JESUS as the Savior.

 

Challenge

• What feeling does the writer write about?
• Have you ever felt oppressed or faced suffering for your belief in JESUS?
• Will you continue in your faith, even if persecution increases, knowing that GOD has you and you will not experience a second death, but will reap a wonderful harvest?

 

Finding the Source

Finding the Source

1 John 5: ¹⁰ So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. ¹¹ The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 

============

 

After returning from the hardware store for the third time, I was frustrated. I was trying to fix an electrical outlet, but my efforts were not working. I bought and returned two outlets, but neither of them were working. “Did you check to see if you are getting power to the outlet” the guy asked at the hardware store. While obvious, I just assumed it should have been connected. It wasn’t.

 

• My assumptions were wrong and would not fix the problem.
• My approach to the solution was wrong because it was based on a bad assumption.
• I was never going to make the outlet work, because it was not connected to the power source.

 

John clarifies eternal life. He makes it as plain as possible. “Whoever has the SON, has life; whoever does not have the SON of GOD does not have life.”

 

My Observations:

• Eternal life begins with this life.
• GOD made all beings eternal, however, some will eternally be separated from HIM and those who believe in HIS SON will eternally be inside of HIM.
• Eternal life is precious to GOD, so I must treat this life as special to HIM as well.

 

Scoffing at heaven or life after death or JESUS being the only way to have eternal life can be problematic. I mean, when I questioned the very existence of GOD, I was left without answered, only theories by, what humans called ‘smart people’, that could not be proven. BUT GOD had a clear way that made sense.

 

GOD, being made of pure love, not only created humans, HE became one and died for all sins so that those who believe in HIM may not perish, but have everlasting life. HIS actions were based on love for you and me. JESUS, who is GOD sis this out of love. The FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, painfully agreed so that you and I would not be lost. I gladly believe the JESUS loves me to this very day.

 

Challenge

• What is the testimony the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever wondered what happens to you and others when we die?
• Will you believe in JESUS as your Savior from being eternally separated from GOD and feeling pain, to being eternally with GOD and having no pain, no problems and no tears forever?

 

My Tribute to Preston Washington

 

My father taught us about the love of JESUS. In later years, he came up with the phrase “Adam Broke it, JESUS fixed it.”

 

Here is my thought on his phrase.

 

How many of you have heard of Adam and Eve? 

Both were innocent but the deceiver lied to Eve and Adam. He played on their desires to know more than they were supposed to know. 

Deception Deals. 

 

He made them question GOD by twisting words. 

Deception Deals. 

 

He made them make the biggest mistake, causing all of humanity to fall. 

Deception Deals. 

 

"Adam where are you?" asked the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent GOD. HE knew, but asked a rhetorical question. Adam blamed..., Eve tried to cover her tracks by not taking responsibility. 

Deception Deals.

 

They were thrown out of the garden. But the garden remained in plain sight.

They had two kids, Cain and Abel. Painful child birth, as promised. The lap of luxury in plain sight, but they had to work hard just to eat. Cain may have decided to try to build his own garden. Seeing his parents suffer and hearing them talk about how it used to be easy, he spent his time growing vegetables and probably had plenty.

 

Abel may have seen that GOD was sovereign in throwing his parents out. He may have had a heart of repentance and he sacrificed something precious, namely their food supply. He modeled what GOD did by mimicking HIM in the best way he knew. 

He was killed by his jealous brother.

Deception Deals. 

 

Cain where is your brother? Asked the omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent GOD. He took after his blaming, lack of responsibility parents by trying to cover things up.

Deception Deals.

 

But there is a better way. The TRUTH. 

Truth Heals. 

 

JESUS had to fix the mess that Adam and Eve caused. They believed in deception. HE lived a sinless life only to be killed by HIS own creation. 

Truth Heals.

 

HE was raised from the dead to overcome every lie and deception you live. 

Truth Heals.

 

HE became the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. 

Truth Heals.

 

Preston and Susie taught us about JESUS. But not the one you think of. In spite of racial hatred and gender inequality and deception of superiority that was going on at the time, they both taught us that loving GOD is the beginning of abundance. 

Truth Heals. 

 

Loving one another is more important than self-deception, self-protection and self-affection.

 

If you can seek GOD's truth and not your own, you will not fall for the deception the world has to offer. 

 

Do three things

1.                   Think of a lie you told yourself and how easy it was to lie to yourself.

2.                   Think of a lie you are living, or one that you will take to your grave 

3.                   Ask GOD to give you the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE today so you can be set free.

 

My Thanks

Thank you Preston and Susie for teaching us about JESUS. Thank you for working hard to feed us, clothes us and to provide for us the best way you could. Thank you for being the example by taking in your brothers, sisters and missionaries into your home. Thank you for providing for your parents when they couldn’t do for themselves. Thank you for overcoming extremely difficult situations by praying and persevering.

 

Thank you wife Gia, daughter Jasmine and son Samuel Preston, a name not given lightly, and is affectionately known as Percy by his sister. Named after his grandfathers but also after one of the most powerful prophets to encounter GOD.

Thank you big bro Chris, big sis Lisa and sis Linda who I call gull.

Permanent Experience

Permanent Experience

2 Peter 1: ¹⁰ So then, my friends, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. ¹¹ In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

============

 

Not sure that I wanted to be part of the organization, I went to the first meeting with skepticism. I sat through the presentation and they said I would need to meet twice a month, at night and sometimes on weekends. I could not commit the time.

 

• I wanted to simply be part of the organization without committing to it.
• I wanted to use the name of the organization but did not want to do all the work they wanted me to do.
• I wanted the temporary prestige of the organization without a permanent mindset.

 

Peter discussed something he failed at. He may have saw people wavering in their faith, so he provided a choice to follow GOD permanently or to stop faking it by being willing to abandon the faith. He denied JESUS and felt embarrassed. After JESUS restored Peter, he was able to preach about JESUS without abandoning his faith.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD chose to save me, it was eternal.
• GOD wants me to value my relationship with HIM and not be willing to leave HIM easily.
• Roadblocks, obstacles and hurdles will appear in life, BUT GOD wants me to keep my faith focused on HIM.

 

Many times I felt like giving up. I mean, it seems like trouble comes at inconvenient times when I am not ready. People get sick and hurt, stuff breaks and bank accounts dry up seemingly all at the same time. The first thought is to sin my way out of the trouble, but then I would end up in a worse situation. GOD has another way.

 

HE wants me to follow the example JESUS set. JESUS did not waver in HIS faith. HE stayed focus on HIS mission to die for the sins of mankind. HE wants me to live my life the same way as HE did. I have a choice to remain faithful to GOD or abandon HIM and follow my own path. I gladly choose GOD over my own choices.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer tell everyone to “try harder?”
• Have you ever felt like giving up because something did not happen in the time you expected?
• Have you considered abandoning your faith in GOD because things aren’t going as you expected?
• Will you consider making your relationship a “permanent experience” by letting go of this particular worry so you can praise GOD today?

Effective Forever

 

Effective Forever

Hebrews 10: ¹¹ Every Jewish priest performs his services every day and offers the same sacrifices many times; but these sacrifices can never take away sins. ¹² Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. ¹³ There he now waits until God puts his enemies as a footstool under his feet. ¹⁴ With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.

 

============

 

Rummaging through my parents garage, I found the perfect piece of wood to “repair” the seat of my car that would no longer stay upright. I figured I could shove this piece of wood in-between the upper and lower parts of the seat to keep the passenger from falling backwards. It worked! That is, until I hit a bump.

 

• My solution was temporary.
• My solution worked under certain conditions.
• My solution was not really a solution.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about the futility of the services of the priests. They would perform sacrifices that were symbolic and could never truly remove sins. People depended on this ritual with their lives, but it was ineffective.

 

My Observations:

• What JESUS did was effective forever.
• JESUS repaired the relationship between humans and GOD forever.
• GOD will one day put the enemy of sin under JESUS feet where it will do me no harm forever.

 

Satan’s pride of trying to be GOD caused major problems. I mean, he tried to tempt the first humans, Adam and Eve, into sinning. He enraged the Living GOD to the point where the earth was cursed and humans would struggle through life. BUT JESUS volunteered to do something about it.

 

HE sacrificed HIMSELF as the permanent solution. Sin no longer has the same effect of ripping me away from GOD forever. JESUS made it so I could be forgiven for my sins and to have a perfect loving relationship with HIM forever. I am glad JESUS’ solution was powerful enough to save me forever.

 

Challenge

• Can you sense the futility from the writer?
• Have you tried to please GOD by following the rules harder?
• Do you think GOD is harsh, mean and stubborn?
• Will you ask GOD to renew your mind and look at HIM in a different, caring and loving way today?

Purified Conscience

Purified Conscience

Hebrews 9: ¹¹ But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. ¹² When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. ¹⁴ Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

 

============

 

Wanting to serve the LORD was met with “Look at all the sinning you have been doing.” This battle was in my head and in my heart. I was trying to return to the LORD, but I felt my sins were too great.

 

• I did not feel “good” enough to serve the LORD.
• I did not feel “worthy” to serve the LORD in any way.
• I did not feel “secure” enough to know I am a sinner who is saved, therefore I let “my” sin get in the way.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives everyone some great news. “CHRIST has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here.” He then goes on to explain how JESUS was the perfect sacrifice, unlike “useless rituals” that would temporarily cleanse until the person sinned again.

 

My Observations:

• The Good News about JESUS has to remain “Good News” without the need for trying so hard.
• JESUS died for my sins and that makes my relationship with HIM permanent.
• By adding “useless rituals” onto JESUS’ death burial and resurrection, I am enslaving myself rather than being freed.

 

Feeling “not good enough” to serve the LORD is a major problem. I mean, believing that JESUS forgave me of all my sins should be enough, but sometimes I think there should be more. Perhaps I did something to make GOD mad or perhaps I said or did something wrong are the false thoughts that run through my mind. BUT GOD knows about this too.

 

HE took into account the fact that I would doubt HIS power to save me ultimately. HE knew I would try to jump in and start doing stuff to “prove” my worthiness to HIM. JESUS died for my doubt and for my trying to take control from HIM. HIS resurrection clears my conscience, knowing I am a sinner who serves the living GOD. I am glad JESUS took care of it “all!”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “useless rituals?”
• Have you ever felt not good enough to serve GOD or to ask HIM for something?
• Will you consider that you are being lied to and that JESUS was raised from the dead and that is all you and I need for a perfect relationship that is full of power and authority because JESUS has it today?

Different Than a Tantrum

 

Different Than a Tantrum

Hebrews 6: ⁴ For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again? They were once in God's light; they tasted heaven's gift and received their share of the Holy Spirit; ⁵ they knew from experience that God's word is good, and they had felt the powers of the coming age. ⁶ And then they abandoned their faith! It is impossible to bring them back to repent again, because they are again crucifying the Son of God and exposing him to public shame.

 

============

 

“I’m not going to serve YOU anymore” was my threat to GOD. I was tired of the hypocrites and saw no difference from those who were supposed to be “good” and those who were supposed to be “sinners.” And it didn’t seem like I was any better off trying this “GOD” stuff. I was still broke, alone and failing.

 

• I threw a tantrum and left GOD.
• I wanted to try “pleasure” as a way to cope with the burdens of life.
• I gave up following GOD to try something different and ended up worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, asks a very deep rhetorical question. “For how can those who abandon their faith be brought back to repent again?” He was not speaking about falling into temptation, rather walking away from believing in JESUS as the Savior for some other belief. It means there was a clear understanding of the faith in JESUS and a choice to not believe.

 

My Observations

• My salvation began before the beginning of the world.
• Once I accept CHRIST as my Savior, I am eternally saved.
• Even when I throw a tantrum and try to stop serving GOD, HE is still with me.

 

Abandoning the faith is different than throwing a tantrum. I mean, when I am not getting “my” way, I may try to force GOD’s hand to make thing happen the way I think they should. This is not a good practice, but HE gently guides me back to HIM. But what about those who pretend to be saved?

 

Whether it is for fitting in or it felt like the right thing to do at the time, but now this other thing feels like the right thing to do, these people publicly abandoned faith in JESUS. In pondering this, it could mean that the initial “belief” was not belief, rather a possible deception. GOD knows who is HIS and HE will never leave those who believe in HIM. I am glad GOD forgives my tantrums and brings me back to the faith.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by “Abandon the faith?”
• Have you ever wanted to stop following GOD because you were not getting your way?
• Will you check your relationship with GOD by understanding the foundation of JESUS as your Savior, so you can focus on HIS growth HE has for you today?

Preparing for Rest

 

Preparing for Rest

Hebrews 4: ⁸ If Joshua had given the people the rest that God had promised, God would not have spoken later about another day. ⁹ As it is, however, there still remains for God's people a rest like God's resting on the seventh day. ¹⁰ For those who receive that rest which God promised will rest from their own work, just as God rested from his. ¹¹ Let us, then, do our best to receive that rest, so that no one of us will fail as they did because of their lack of faith.

 

============

 

“There has got to be more to life than this” I thought to myself. I went to work, ran into a bunch of conversations that were exhausting, came back to my apartment and flopped on the couch. “Is this it?” “Am I going to do this the rest of my life?”

 

• I was living to work and working to live.
• I had fallen into a rut and could not see much purpose in what I was doing.
• I worked hard trying to live but I still ran into problems.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the old covenant to the new. He mentions Joshua as a representative to the old covenant. If Joshua provided the rest that GOD promised, then there would be no need for another covenant. BUT GOD spoke of a different rest.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my refuge in whom I place my trust.
• JESUS is who I can go to when I am not feeling rested.
• JESUS is my Savior and one day I will receive the rest promised to me.

 

After a trial, I feel relieved. I mean, I can breathe out and finally get rest from what I was worried about. This feeling also applies to following JESUS. As difficult as it is to live fore HIM, telling others about HIM and being an example for HIM, one day I will be with HIM to receive rest.

 

No more worries, no more troubles, no more fears, doubts or worries. Pure rest. This rest comes to those who believe that JESUS is the only one who can provide the rest. HE died for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead. HE went to prepare a place for us so we can rest from the work we do for HIM today. I look forward to this rest and will continue my “work” until then.

 

Challenge

• What work is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever wanted some rest but could not find it?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS so HE will give you what HE promised, namely rest from being weary?

What Is Right

What Is Right

2 Thessalonians 1: ⁵ All of this proves that God's judgment is just and as a result you will become worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God will do what is right: he will bring suffering on those who make you suffer, ⁷ and he will give relief to you who suffer and to us as well. He will do this when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ with a flaming fire, to punish those who reject God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from his glorious might, ¹⁰ when he comes on that Day to receive glory from all his people and honor from all who believe. You too will be among them, because you have believed the message that we told you.

 

============

 

“She hit me” I said in tears. When the teacher took away her toys, I felt vindicated. I began smiling. “What are you smiling about?” she asked as she took my toy away. “What did I do?” I asked. “Gloating over someone who is punished is not good either. Both of you need to make up.” was her answer. We made up and played together.

 

• I did not know I could be wrong while being “right.”
• I needed a higher power to intervene.
• I truly did not know what was “right.”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide solace to those who were suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Their words of hope was to provide everyone fuel to endure persecution for their beliefs in JESUS. They also presented the “just” side of GOD that is difficult to hear. Those who cause suffering would have to deal with GOD.  But this was not a point to gloat over, rather a time of concern.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants all to be redeemed, so HE wants me to seek HIS salvation for me and for those who cause me pain or I cause them pain.
• JESUS will return someday and wants me ready with HIS love.
• GOD defines what is “right” and is just in HIS decisions.

 

“What is right” is difficult to swallow sometimes. I mean, I may think I am right when I am really wrong. BUT GOD has a way to clear up my confusion over what is right and wrong. HE made it clear that belief in JESUS makes me and you right. All have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. We could never reach HIM by our actions and would be destined to be separated from HIM throughout eternity.

 

HE is just and “right” in HIS decision and structures. HIS love is a redemptive love that endures forever. I am glad GOD is right and makes you and me holy because of HIS declaration.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel about the writer’s comment “God will do what is right?”
• Do these words make you want to get to know GOD or be upset with HIM?
• Will you see HIS love differently and know HE feels your pain?
• Will you allow HIM to bring you through your suffering by opening up your heart to HIM today?

Encourage and Help

 

Encourage and Help

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁹ God did not choose us to suffer his anger, but to possess salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us in order that we might live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. ¹¹ And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.

 

============

 

Getting revenge was all I could think about. Various bullies had attacked me unprovoked. Being small and scrawny was no longer an option. “I will lift weights and become stronger so I can fight the bullies” I thought to myself.

 

• My plan was built out of hatred relabeled as hurt.
• I thought the only option was to fight or hurt.
• I figured that if I must suffer, someone else was going to suffer.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some great news! “GOD did not choose us to suffer HIS anger, but to possess salvation through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” They further explained  that JESUS died for us that we might live together with HIM.  They gave some great instructions, namely encourage and help one another.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult, so GOD wants me to get encouragement from others and give it to those HE sends me to.
• Pain and suffering are all around us, so GOD wants me to understand HIS love by accepting HIS SON as my Savior.
• GOD’s impending wrath is not meant for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, so HE wants me to accept JESUS so HE can change my heart to encourage people in times of struggle.

 

Encouragement and help seem like a better plan than attack and fight. I mean, festering over wrong and planning an attack and countering the attack is a huge waste of time and makes everyone tired and exhausted. No one wins. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE sent HIS SON to die for my sins. I should be encouraged by that, so much so, that I go out and encourage others to believe in HIM and live for HIM. When trouble comes, GOD wants me to help others so they can praise HIM. I am glad GOD cares for us enough to choose us for encouragement.

 

Challenge

• Who will suffer GOD’s anger that the writers mention?
• Have you ever thought of a plan that included revenge or rage?
• Will you change your plan to include encouragement to follow GOD and help those who do not know JESUS, understand HIS love and provision today?

No Chance Taken

No Chance Taken

Colossians 1: ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

 

============

 

Wanting to get “my” way, I decided to “try” GOD. I had too many calamities going on and wanted some relief. I decided to act “good” so I took an inventory of what I thought was “bad.” I reduced my sin to no avail. More things were going wrong. “What do YOU want from me?” was my complaint.

 

• I was trying to manipulate GOD by being good.
• I thought I was in control of GOD.
• I used flawed logic by thinking GOD reacts to what I do.

 

Paul continues to explain why we should be thankful for GOD. By belief in JESUS, the FATHER rescued us from the power of darkness, brought us safe into the kingdom of JESUS and set us free by forgiving us of all our sins. GOD did it all.

 

My Observations

• When I think I have let GOD down by my sins, I must remember, HE forgave me of all my sins.
• When I think I can manipulate GOD by being “good” I must remember JESUS is the only one who is “good.”
• When I think GOD doesn’t love me or HE doesn’t care about this particular situation, I must remember, HE rescued me before I was even born.

 

We all want to be in control of our lives. I mean, I try hard to be “good” so things will go well with me. But what happens when I thought I was good and bad things happen anyway? I believe it means “bad things happen anyway and I am still supposed to believe that everything was taken care of for my salvation.

 

GOD did not leave it up to me to save me. HE knew I would not choose HIM, rather I would run after what the world thinks is right. HE made a way for me to be saved by giving us HIS one and only SON. I am glad I am forgiven for all my sins, even the sin of trying to manipulate GOD.

 

Challenge

• What are the things the writer is pointing out that are worthy of praise?
• Do you have to “feel” forgiven or know you are forgiven?
• What does “safe into the kingdom” mean to you?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and has not taken a chance on losing you today?

Internal Matters

Internal Matters

Galatians 6: ¹¹ See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! ¹² The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. ¹⁴ As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. ¹⁵ It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. ¹⁶ As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people!

 

============

 

Hoping that he or she would act a certain way was making me lose sleep. I took classes on “working with different people” in hopes to make him or her do what “I” wanted. When this did not work, I became frustrated and thought something was wrong with “them.”

 

• I was busy looking at others and lost sight of myself.
• I thought other people were the problem and I was the solution.
• I believed the world had solutions that GOD did not.

 

Paul spoke sharply against those who were trying to get people to follow religious rituals versus simply believing JESUS took care of the consequences of the Law. He pointed out their guilt of murdering JESUS so they could keep their power, forcing people to do what the world expected.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart and knows it does not seek HIM.
• GOD chose me and when I believed in JESUS as my Savior, I was filled with HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD gave me the ability to examine myself, choose HIS way over mine and act like a new creature.

 

Worldly matters come and go. I mean, there will always be a problem that seems catastrophic. GOD sees how I respond to these matters and rewards me when I seek HIM for the solution. To the world, JESUS seems like a problem. BUT TO GOD JESUS is the only solution.

 

Becoming a new creature means I give myself to JESUS and follow HIM no matter the consequence of the world. When I live for HIM, HE gives me peace and mercy that I do not understand. I am thankful for HIS intervention in my life.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions how he wrote the letter?
• Can you feel the compassion and passion of the writer?
• If you are facing persecution over worldly matters, will you accept GOD’s gift of peace  and mercy today so you can sleep with a clean conscience?

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

============

 

Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today?