Alone With Favor

Alone With Favor

Genesis 6: ⁹ This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. ¹⁰ And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

 

¹¹ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. ¹² So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

 

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Generations had passed since the creation of Adam and Eve. Cain’s descendants were plentiful. They heard stories about GOD throwing humans out of the Garden of Eden. Cain was doubly cursed because he killed his brother over jealousy. No longer would the ground produce fruit for him. Cain possibly was trying to build his own Garden of Eden, which was not pleasing to the LORD.

 

Cain built an entire city. He showed that his ingenuity was a basis of not needing GOD. When GOD would walk with a few people, many would stay away, blaming HIM for being outcast. Noah’s great grandfather Enoch was taken by GOD because of his righteousness. Noah followed in his footsteps, but no one else on earth followed GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Noah walked with the LORD when it was not popular to do so.
• Noah’s siblings did not walk with the LORD and may have sought out the descendants of Cain to learn how to perform various industries.
• Humans stopped walking with GOD, possibly thinking they could overtake the Garden of Eden.

 

Searching all the earth, GOD saw that not one man or woman thought kindly of HIM, except Noah. They despised GOD and did not recognize that HE was the one who provided what little food they had. It was HIS building materials they used to engineer cities, cooking utensils and weapons.

 

The strong and mighty made people bow down to hierarchies that pointed to the rich and powerful. Corruption had reached its pinnacle and the way of life was to take instead of give. BUT GOD saw Noah and was pleased with him.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD repeat the genealogy of Noah to Moses?
• Have you ever tried to serve GOD around selfish people who could care less about HIM?
• If you are alone with your belief in JESUS, will you stand firm so HE can walk with you in unpopular decisions?

Sovereign Sorrow

Sovereign Sorrow

Genesis 6: ⁵ Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

 

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With GOD, there are no mistakes, yet GOD seems to have expressed a problem that HE had to deal with. HE created a perfect world. HE created man and woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Plants would grow themselves. Animals would come up to the man and woman to be named and cared for. There was harmony. But the Devil, who wanted to be GOD, caused humans to sin.

 

Every human was born with a sin nature. Only a few walked with the LORD and spoke with HIM. The rest ignored HIM. The descendants of Cain multiplied and so did evil. After a while, humans got tired of seeing the Garden of Eden that they could not get in. They too wanted to be GOD.

 

My Observations

• Because of our sin nature, humans have a difficult time relating to GOD’s timing and ways.
• Human thoughts and intentions can go wildly away from GOD if left unchecked.
• Insecurities about GOD causes humans to think of evil thoughts that seem innocent.

 

Justified thinking made people rationalize their evil behavior. Giants introduced the thought of “Only the strong will survive.” Humans fought over land that would produce food. Selfishness grew stronger within each human to the point of no return. They would someday storm the Garden of Eden and take it over! Or at least they may have thought. BUT GOD saw their heart and was sorry HE had to destroy them. All but one found grace.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the conversation HE held with HIMSELF?
• Are your thoughts on you or GOD?
• Will you get a hold of your thoughts and focus them on what GOD will have you do today?

Now What?

Now What?

Revelation 18: After this I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and his splendor brightened the whole earth. ² He cried out in a loud voice: “She has fallen! Great Babylon has fallen! She is now haunted by demons and unclean spirits; all kinds of filthy and hateful birds live in her. ³ For all the nations have drunk her wine—the strong wine of her immoral lust. The kings of the earth practiced sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the world grew rich from her unrestrained lust.”

 

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Waiting for my parents to overlook the keys to the car, I slid them out of sight. They were going on vacation and I planned on using the car without permission. They left and the keys were mine! I started the car and as I was driving, noticed the engine was getting hot. I checked the fluid levels and there was no coolant in the car. I spent all my money just trying to get the car to work.

 

• I got what I wanted but did not want what I got.
• I added problems by my sneakiness that I had not accounted for.
• I was in worse shape by doing something I should not have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard another angel, who had great authority, announce that the great city Babylon has fallen. This was the thing that tempted humans into fulfilling their lusts for sex, power and money. The evil plan to tempt people away from GOD failed and evil was turned against evil.

 

My Observations:

• My evil plans never work, BUT GOD’s loving plans always succeed.
• My plans that use the world’s methods may temporarily succeed, BUT GOD rewards me eternally for following HIS plans.
• It seems like every time I used evil as my plan, it backfired and then I ended up in worse shape.

 

“Now what?” is the question that I have to ask myself when I realize my sin put me in worse shape. I mean, do I keep going down the sinful path or do I stop, turn around and go towards the way that I know is right and would benefit me? Unfortunately, there have been times when I have chosen to be wrong and fall down with my sins. BUT GOD has that in HIS plans.

 

HE saw my sins and made a way for me to return to HIM. By confessing my sins, HE is faithful and just to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. HE restores my soul and leads me on the path of righteousness. I am glad GOD gives me another chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer was informed about the angel’s authority?
• Have you ever did something wrong and now you have to live with your mistake?
• Will you tell GOD about your mistake so HE can erase it and restore you and give you a better path to walk today?

Looking for Amazement

 

Looking for Amazement

Revelation 13: Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads; on each of its horns there was a crown, and on each of its heads there was a name that was insulting to God. ² The beast looked like a leopard, with feet like a bear's feet and a mouth like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave the beast his own power, his throne, and his vast authority. ³ One of the heads of the beast seemed to have been fatally wounded, but the wound had healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast. ⁴ Everyone worshiped the dragon because he had given his authority to the beast. They worshiped the beast also, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who can fight against it?”

 

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Hearing the smooth talker, I was amazed at what he said. I observed his style and noticed he said what people wanted to hear, no matter if it were true or not. “That’s it!” I thought to myself. Maybe I can “win” people over by saying whatever it took, even if were a lie, to get what “I” wanted.

 

• I was willing to walk away from the truth to manufacture a lie.
• I was willing to side up with people who seemed to be “winning” but were losing due to their harmful methods.
• I wanted to get “my” way so badly, that I was willing to do some things that I shouldn’t have been doing.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved saw the dragon, Satan, give his power to the beast. At this time, “everyone” worshiped the dragon, because of the ability to make the beast powerful, as if to say, Make me powerful too.” The whole earth was amazed and willing to follow Satan.

 

My Observations:

• People who belong to JESUS will never bow down to Satan.
• GOD’s people, who remained faithful, following HIS commands and pacing his or her trust in JESUS as the Savior, will never bow to Satan.
• Only those who remain in their unbelief can be deceived to follow Satan and worship him.

 

Why in the world did GOD give the most important message that could send people to heaven or hell, to unreliable humans? I mean, humans are inconsistent, hypocritical and selfish, all of us! GOD even said “No one is righteous.” BUT HE made a way that HE would not wipe out HIS creation. JESUS.

 

Believing in JESUS cleanses me of all unrighteousness. HE sends the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me in the way GOD wants me to live. HE gives me purpose to make HIM special, not myself. I am amazed at the grace of JESUS. HE is my hope.

 

Challenge

• Do you think the writer had a hard time describing what HE saw?
• Have you ever wanted to be in power so badly that you were willing to leave GOD to follow human “success?”
• Will you be amazed at GOD’s grace for you and HIS power and authority today?

Thrown Out

Thrown Out

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Heart Trapped

Heart Trapped

Revelation 9: ²⁰ The rest of the human race, all those who had not been killed by these plagues, did not turn away from what they themselves had made. They did not stop worshiping demons, nor the idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk. ²¹ Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic, their sexual immorality, or their stealing.

 

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“Do not pour grease in the sink” was the warning I received. For a while I heeded the warning. But one day, I questioned it. “Perhaps if I run some hot water with the grease, then it will be okay to pour it in the sink” was my rational thought. I did this for a while and not only clogged the sink, but I clogged the grease trap.

 

• I did not want to believe the warning.
• I could have avoided unnecessary problems.
• I had to look inside of a smelly disgusting grease trap that held months of rancid, foul looking grease that would not allow anything good to pass through it.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued his description of what he saw after the sixth angel blew his trumpet. Horrible plagues were shown and a third of humans died, yet the remaining inhabitants of the earth would not turn away from “what they themselves had made”, namely idols and blatant sin.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my blatant sin and warns me to “stop.”
• The heart is desperately wicked and makes me want to leave GOD and blame HIM for HIS strict ways.
• Knowing what GOD wants requires me to surrender my desires so I can be successful in GOD’s eyes, not human’s.

 

Being willing to let go of something that is bad for me is not easy. I mean, when my heart has rationalized that my sin should be justified or overlooked, then I find myself on the wrong side of GOD. HE literally cannot stand it when I take matters in my own hands versus allowing HIM to be GOD in my life.

 

GOD must be GOD. HE does not want me to place anything or anyone over HIM. HE wants me to surrender my life to HIM so I can relinquish the sin that stirs HIS anger. GOD is forgiving, and HE wants me to be forgiving too. Sin, blinds me from that forgiveness. I must turn to HIM so HE can heal my land.

 

Challenge

• What heart is the writer trying to convey?
• Have you ever blatantly did something wrong and were unwilling to change?
• Will you seek GOD’s love by being willing to let go of your ways and allow HIM to live inside your heart to guide you today?

Beyond Bitterness

 

Beyond Bitterness

Revelation 8: ¹⁰ Then the third angel blew his trumpet. A large star, burning like a torch, dropped from the sky and fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. ¹¹ (The name of the star is “Bitterness.”) A third of the water turned bitter, and many people died from drinking the water, because it had turned bitter.

 

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After the hike, I was thirsty. We got back to the campsite and there was a water pump. We gathered around it in delight! I cupped my hands under the pump as someone raised and lowered the handle. I got excited hearing the pump rumble, but when the water came out, it was brown and rusty!

 

• Initially the water was rusty.
• We could not drink the water until the pump lines were cleared.
• We had to boil the water to make it drinkable.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the third angel blow the trumpet. Then a star hit earth, contaminating a third of fresh water sources. This was the third of seven steps to continue to take down Satan’s kingdom.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will make the earth an uncomfortable place to live.
• Satan tempted JESUS with the things of this world, BUT GOD will tear down what he could offer.
• Believers in JESUS will not have to thirst, because GOD will supply living water.

 

Bitterness is a problem. I mean, when GOD uses bitterness to destroy something, it must be bad. I can have bitterness in my heart that isn’t good. I can see the injustice of a people group or remember what someone did or did not do to me or for me and react in a bitter way. Bitter is a sharp, pungent, taste or smell.  GOD has a remedy for bitterness.

 

JESUS died for my sins, even the bitter ones. HIS grace is sufficient to cover my sin of bitterness. HE is willing to reshape my heart instead of allowing it to be hardened towards any one person. HE can change any heart, and it starts with mine.

 

Challenge

• Are you surprised by what the writer saw?
• Have you ever tasted bitter water?
• Will you seek to understand GOD’s plan so you can remove any bitterness from your heart towards “that” person so you can allow GOD into your heart today?

Instinct Error

Instinct Error

Jude 1: ¹⁰ But these people attack with insults anything they do not understand; and those things that they know by instinct, like wild animals, are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹ How terrible for them! They have followed the way that Cain took. For the sake of money they have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed. They have rebelled as Korah rebelled, and like him they are destroyed.

 

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“That’s stupid!” I said when I heard of an action someone was taking. It did not make sense to me how someone could do or say what he or she did or said. I then told several people how “stupid” I felt the action was.

 

• I used insulting language because “I” felt I had a right to criticize.
• I looked down on the person because I did not understand his or her actions.
• I used my instinct to surmise their actions were “stupid” and my insults were not.

 

Jude continues to discuss the dangers of insulting the spiritual realm. He gave specific examples of people who used their instincts to murder, lie for money or to be rebellious. They were met with destruction.

 

My Observations:

• My instinct starts off sinfully so I need to give my plans to GOD for cleansing.
• My first thought is to sin, then ask for forgiveness, BUT GOD would rather that I consider asking HIM if I should do or say something before I take action.
• Understanding that I have a sin nature makes me aware that I am capable of committing sin at a moment’s notice, therefore, I need GOD to guide me.

 

Instincts can be very dangerous. I mean, when I see things with my human eyes, I take the fear, lusts and desire for affirmation that is inside me and twist what I see into something I can attack. I then use the same tactics as Satan by insulting versus giving him or her over to GOD.

 

JESUS took on many insults and was ridiculed for HIS actions. “Why would GOD become human and die?” scoff those who lust for power. BUT HE did not see that power was important enough to have you and me die because of sin. I do not understand what JESUS did, but instead of insulting HIM, I am grateful for HIS love for you and me.

 

Challenge

• What “error” does the writer mention?
• Have you ever considered that your instincts could be wrong at least part of the time?
• Will you consider taming your words and actions by asking GOD, “Is this pleasing to YOU?” so HE can guide you with better words or actions today?

In the Light

In the Light

1 John 2: ⁹ If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. ¹⁰ If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. ¹¹ But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind.

 

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Walking down the dorm hallway, a guy stuck his head out and yelled out a racial slur directed solely at me. This caused me to react, however I was scrawny. I needed help. I found a my 300 pound friend to “help” me with this situation. We pounded on the room door until they opened it.

 

• I had rage in my heart.
• I had retaliation in my heart.
• I wanted to fight to show people, you can’t do this to me or anyone else!

 

John does a masterful job at addressing hatred. He has been with JESUS and watched HIM love every race, age and gender. He saw love at its purest. He gives a reminder to self-examine in order to determine if there is hatred in wounded hearts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD loves people that I don’t like.
• GOD wants me to desire that all humans, even people I don’t like, go to heaven.
• GOD sees any hatred I may harbor in my heart, even if someone has cause me pain through his or her hatred.

 

Hatred brings on more hatred. I mean, when someone has performed an act of overt or passive hatred, I store it in my mind and plan my retaliation. This has never, ever worked! GOD wants me to “chose” a different way.

 

JESUS created humans. They wanted an earthly king who sounded and acted like them. When they found someone who was generous, kind and broke, they could not believe HE was the Messiah that would save the entire world, so they killed HIM out of hatred. HE was raised from the dead out of love. I am glad JESUS is my example and reminder that hatred is a choice. I choose love.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever been hurt by a person and wanted to get back at their entire race, age or gender?
• Will you examine your motives and see if there is even the smallest kernel of masked hatred so you can ask GOD to remove it and fill your heart with HIS love today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, our world is filled with hatred for one another today. Please help this reader self-examine any hatred he or she may harbor towards even one person so love can enter the heart and YOUR forgiveness can enter. amen

Heart Training

Heart Training

2 Peter 2: ¹⁴ They want to look for nothing but the chance to commit adultery; their appetite for sin is never satisfied. They lead weak people into a trap. Their hearts are trained to be greedy. They are under God's curse! ¹⁵ They have left the straight path and have lost their way; they have followed the path taken by Balaam son of Beor, who loved the money he would get for doing wrong ¹⁶ and was rebuked for his sin. His donkey spoke with a human voice and stopped the prophet's insane action.

 

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After trying out sex, I wanted more. My mind wandered thinking about it. After lying without getting caught, I lied some more. It was easy. After sneaking home while working as a janitor, I planned more “fun time” when I was supposed to be working.

 

• My heart was getting trained to lust.
• My heart was getting trained to lie.
• My heart was getting trained to be sneaky and unreliable.

 

Peter continued his warning against false teachers. He pointed out more of their motives they would use to get their way. He then gave an example of Balaam son of Beor who considered cursing GOD’s people for money. He was rebuked or reprimanded until he changed his heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will let me do what I want to do but eventually if I do what HE does not want me to do, HE will step in and rebuke or reprimand me.
• GOD wants me to turn my heart over to HIM so HE can live in it.
• GOD is willing to cleanse me of all unrighteousness if I am willing to confess my sins to HIM, wanting HIM to take away my appetite for the sin.

 

Hearts can be trained. I mean, I can learn to love or learn to hate people. When I learn to hate, I disguise it, justify it and use it often. “It’s their fault I am this way” would be my justification. BUT GOD wants me to see HIM without being blind.

 

GOD wants me to train my heart to follow HIS examples of grace, mercy and love. HE even did away with all the rules by giving one command, namely “Love one another.” This action fulfills all the rules. I am glad GOD loves me enough to guide me towards HIS way of thinking.

 

Challenge

• Why Is the writer so determined in the warning that is given?
• Have you ever done something you knew in your heart was wrong, yet you did it anyway?
• Will you turn your heart over to GOD and allow HIM to remove the things you know you should not be doing so HE can use you to grow the kingdom today?

Guarding “Ships”

Guarding “Ships”

2 Timothy 3: Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. ² People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious; ³ they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; ⁴ they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; ⁵ they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people. 

 

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Feeling lonely, I decided that being involved with any group was better than none. I decided to go out with coworkers. Maybe I can get used to doing some other things. “Let’s go out to the strip club!” was a suggestion “everyone” agreed to. “I guess so” I said reluctantly.

 

• I felt something was wrong with just going with the crowd, but I went.
• I knew I should not do what “everyone” else was doing, but I did.
• I joined in on stuff I later regretted joining in on.

 

Paul warns more than Timothy about the “last days.” He generally provides a stern warning about connecting to people who do not have JESUS in their hearts, but mimic the words. He prepared Timothy to not be naïve rather to know there will be some who will not follow GOD no matter how much he or she pretends.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my sin and forgave me through my belief in JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD is the only forgiver of sins.
• GOD wants the heart not the outward pretenses.

 

There are a few ships GOD wants me to guard. Friendships, relationships and partnerships. These are sacred to HIM because they affect how HIS Kingdom grows. GOD knows I cannot avoid the world or live in a bubble. In fact, HE wants me and you to infect the world.

 

BUT GOD also wants me to guard my heart and not allow the world to enter it with things that will take people away from HIS Kingdom. He wants my friendships, relationships and partnerships to be focused on HIS “real power” which is through JESUS. I am glad GOD protects me in this difficult world.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the list of the writer is so extensive?
• Have you ever been tempted to hang out with a crowd you knew was wrong for you, but you did it anyway?
• Will you seek the “real power” of GOD by allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to infect the world versus connecting with people you know will drag you down by the world today?

Rating Sermons

Rating Sermons

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁹ Do not restrain the Holy Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise inspired messages. ²¹ Put all things to the test: keep what is good ²² and avoid every kind of evil.

 

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It had been years since I set foot into a church. Something pulled me back. I don’t know if it was loneliness or regret for where I was in life, I just knew I had to go to church. I went to one and did not like the message or the way it was delivered. I tried others and ran into similar thoughts. “What good is church!?” I said in frustration.

 

• I felt all preachers were scammers trying to protect their salaries.
• I listened intently to messages to see if it was “wrong.”
• I noticed more flaws in the delivery person than the message.

 

Paul. Silas and Timothy provided a few urgent warnings to help the people grow. “Put all things to test” was said to probably provide the people with a filter versus a way to combat. They knew some people would say “things” that were inspired by GOD, yet their delivery may be too coarse or too soft or somewhere in between. Despite imperfect people, the message could be sound.

 

My Observations

• GOD provides the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and others who believe in JESUS so I can hear HIM trying to reach me with HIS love.
• GOD inspires men and women to speak about HIM and wants me to embrace HIS loving message, while avoiding evil from men, or women or myself.
• GOD wants me to hear from others and plant what is good in my heart.

 

Hearing the message that “GOD loves” is difficult to hear from imperfect humans. I mean, when I look at what he or she did or is doing, it is hard to hear the love GOD is intently trying to convey. Somehow, HE uses imperfect people to speak about HIS perfection.

 

HE desires that my heart become a malleable place that can be stretched to house the HOLY SPIRIT. When my heart is ready to be filled with HIS love, I can hear messages that are truly inspired by GOD. I can also discern and avoid all kinds of evil. I appreciate and welcome others to speak about GOD the way HE inspired him or her to do.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writers?
• Have you ever heard a sermon or read a message from someone who seems inconsistent with GOD or from a hypocrite?
• Will you overlook the sin of hypocrisy and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT so your heart can be softened to hear HIS message of love today?

Transposed Heart

Transposed Heart

Philippians 1: ⁷ You are always in my heart! And so it is only right for me to feel as I do about you. For you have all shared with me in this privilege that God has given me, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend the gospel and establish it firmly. ⁸ God is my witness that I tell the truth when I say that my deep feeling for you all comes from the heart of Christ Jesus himself.

 

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Speeding down the expressway, I was making “good” time. I prided myself on driving fast without endangering slowpokes around me. As traffic slowed up ahead, I did the same. But before I could get near to the car in front of me, another car darted in. This made me mad. The darter then took off on the shoulder and weaved dangerously through traffic with numerous near misses.

 

• I hoped to see him or her in an accident!
• I wanted the worst to happen to the driver to teach him or her a lesson.
• I looked intently to see if there was a wreck that included the darter and was slightly disappointed when I did not.

 

Paul expresses his deep gratitude for those who helped him spread the Gospel of JESUS. Their loyalty to GOD was shown whether Paul was in prison or free. This only came because Saul, now Paul, had a change of heart.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to give HIM my heart so HE can change it.
• Slow to anger, and quick to forgive are traits GOD has and wants me to mimic.
• Seeing someone else’s purpose in GOD is HIS desire for me.

 

Being excited about someone who is excited for GOD is what I am supposed to do. I mean, rather than complain about how he or she said something wrong or sang something out of tune or did not give, GOD wants me excited that he or she has accepted CHRIST as the Savior.

 

With this excitement, I should have no complaints. Unfortunately, like the darting driver, I wanted to see people “get theirs.” BUT GOD has way too much grace for that. HE allows him or her to sin, thinking they got away with it. HE also sees my calloused heart and forgives that too. HE says “MY grace is sufficient” and means it. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT gives me a new heart daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart of the writer?
• Have you ever been upset at someone and wanted him or her to fail?
• Will you ask GOD to change your heart versus trying to get HIM to change “that” person today?

Clear Example

 

Clear Example

1 Corinthians 10: I want you to remember, my friends, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. ² In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. ³ All ate the same spiritual bread ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself. ⁵ But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert.

 

⁶ Now, all of this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did, ⁷ nor to worship idols, as some of them did. As the scripture says, “The people sat down to a feast which turned into an orgy of drinking and sex.” ⁸ We must not be guilty of sexual immorality, as some of them were—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell dead. ⁹ We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did—and they were killed by snakes. ¹⁰ We must not complain, as some of them did—and they were destroyed by the Angel of Death.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I paid attention to the technique. I wanted to get the movement right for when I did it. The thug saw me looking and motioned a hush finger over his lips. When the unsuspecting guy was going to sit down, he would snatch the chair away. Unfortunately his prey hit his head on the desk behind.

 

• There have been many times when I saw bad examples and got straightened out.
• There have been many times when I saw someone else do the wrong thing and I stayed away from doing the same.
• There have been many times when I saw the consequences of doing the wrong thing, so I avoided it.

 

Paul points out that obedience is not enough. Many people did as they were told, but what was really in their heart was to fulfill their every lust and complain when things were not going as they wished. These people were killed and never made it into the promised land.

 

• GOD wants me to obey but also to do it with a heart given to HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS rules, but do it because I want to be with HIM versus manipulating HIM.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM versus complaining about where I am in the trial.

 

Sometimes the examples don’t seem fair. I mean, I can’t even complain? No. In fact, the more I look at GOD’s word, the more I realize I act like Satan when I complain. He was not satisfied with GOD being GOD so he vowed to take over and do things better.

 

GOD tossed him out of heaven for trying to get his way. GOD wants me to align my desires with HIS and put my trust in HIS hands. I am glad HE gives me mercy so I can praise HIM another day.

 

• Do you have a complaint against GOD?
• Are you going through a trial and are blaming GOD?
• Will you heed the warnings and turn your complaints to true praise for all HE has done for you today?

Dirty But Functional

 

Dirty But Functional

Romans 7: ⁴ So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. ⁵ For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. ⁶ But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

 

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Snow was coming down in the frigid temperatures. Salt was used to melt the snow on the roads in this region. Blowing winds and a sloppy mess caused my windshield to become so dirty, I used up all of the windshield washer fluid.

 

With a long way to drive, I had to pull over to wipe off the windshield. I opened the trunk and all I had was a dirty grimy towel that I sometimes used to wipe off oily stuff. I found one small corner of the towel that was clean enough to wipe away enough dirt to keep going.

 

• That dirty towel reminds me of the dirty stuff I do.
• That dirty towel was stained so much, that it seemed like it could never be used to clean anything.
• That dirty towel was resurrected from the trunk and was now made useful to make something clean.

 

Paul explains what JESUS did for humanity. He states that those who believe in JESUS have also died to the Law. In other words, the Law shows all humans are guilty and deserve death. All humans sin, which causes other humans to sin. BUT GOD took the dirt away.

 

• GOD saw my sins and cleaned my heart so HE could use me.
• GOD knows my righteousness is like a filthy rag, yet HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me anyway.
• GOD allowed JESUS to become the filthy, dirty, blamed thing to die just for me and HE raised HIM from the dead, clean, to have all authority.

 

When JESUS was raised from the dead, HE was given all power to clean those who believe in HIM. I mean, the Law no longer holds the sentence of death for me because JESUS freed me from my sins.

 

HE knows I still sin so HE takes the tiny corner of faith I have to wipe off some of the dirt from someone else’s eyes. HE then takes it one step further. HE opens my eyes and that persons’ eyes to see it was HIM that did all the cleaning. I am grateful JESUS can still use a dirty, but functional person like me.

 

• Do you think your sins are too big to be used by GOD?
• Are you being convicted for the sins you did last night or are planning to do today?
• Will you stop thinking you can clean yourself up and allow JESUS to clean your heart so HE can use your dirty story to help someone believe in HIM today?

 

Keep in Mind

Keep in Mind

Romans 1: ²⁸ Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. ²⁹ They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip ³⁰ and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. ³² They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.

 

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When I took the exam, I did well. I studied and memorized all the facts. Years later, after not having used the subject, I struggled to remember the content. When someone asked me questions, I could not help. I had forgotten everything.

 

• There have been many things I used to know that I have forgotten.
• There have been many practices I used to do that I no longer do.
• There have been many things that were good for me, and I did at one time that I stopped doing.

 

Paul continues explaining what GOD revealed to him. He says that some people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about GOD. Because of this, GOD allows those people to have a corrupt mind, doing anything evil that feels right to them.

 

• GOD wants me to keep HIM top of mind every day.
• GOD wants me to know I would choose evil every time if it weren’t for HIS guidance each day.
• GOD wants me to recognize I would choose greed, vice, jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, pride, boasting, disobedience and hatred unless I speak to HIM each day.

 

Having done many evil things on this list, I can testify that Paul’s writing is true. I mean, when he puts jealousy next to murder, it really makes me think that I am hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out of my mess.

 

Only GOD HIMSELF could save me from my sin. I would never choose HIS way, so HE chose me instead. HE died just for me and was raised from the dead. JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me back to HIM. I still want sin, but I keep in mind what GOD wants.

 

• Are you doing what you want, never asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Do you see things only from your perspective, justifying your actions along the way?
• Will you keep GOD in mind, knowing you could fall to the things HE does not want you to do, so you could be given your perfect purpose today?

Putting Spin On It

 

Putting Spin On It

Romans 1: ¹⁸ God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known.

 

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Knowing the system had problems, we sat in a room trying to think of ways to convince every owner operator spend lots of money on something that would not fix the problem. I was up for a promotion so I worked on the benefits of the system. I presented the benefits all around the nation. I got promoted.

 

• There were times when I hid the truth.
• There were times when I put “spin” on the problem to make it seem like it was not a problem.
• There were times when I was part of the coverup.

 

Paul explains that GOD is furious at anything that explains away HIS power and love. Any lie or made up story that confuses people about JESUS being GOD, dying for all sins and being raised from the dead; brings on GOD’s anger. The truth needs to be known.

 

• GOD wants me to know the truth, namely JESUS.
• GOD wants me to explain the truth, that JESUS became a human to suffer for my sins.
• GOD wants me to uncover my sins so people can see the power of HIS forgiveness.

 

Covering up the truth is easy to do. Insecurity or desiring power or fulfilling life’s lusts, make me cover up the truth to get my way. BUT GOD wants me to see that path is a dangerous and deadly one.

 

GOD sees my heart and knows every hidden thing in it. HE is available to forgive me of all my sin and clean my heart of all unrighteousness. I am grateful GOD uncovers sin to make the truth of JESUS known to me and countless others.

 

• Are you participating in a coverup that prevents someone from getting to know JESUS?
• Do you believe in an innocent story that points to humans as the answer to problems?
• Will you be bold enough to speak the truth about JESUS today?

Watched and Watched Over

 

Watched and Watched Over

Acts 23: ¹² The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. ¹³ More than forty men were involved in this plot. ¹⁴ They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

 

¹⁶ But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

 

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When the driver cut me off, rage filled my mind. I thought of a great idea. I would speed up, get in front of the reckless driver and slam on brakes to scare him or her straight. Brilliant! As I put my plan in motion, I moved to the passing lane, hit a pot hole and blew out a tire.

 

• There were times when my plots to harm someone, were being watched.
• There were times when my plots to get back at someone were being seen.
• There were times when my plots to take justice in my own hands, failed miserably.

 

A small group of forty or more Jews decided to take matters in their own hands. They thought it would be better to go against the law they strictly followed to rid themselves of their problem. They decided to kill Paul and went to the church leaders to bring them into the conspiracy. BUT GOD placed Paul’s nephew close by.

 

• GOD watches over those whom I plot against.
• GOD watches over me when people plot against me.
• GOD watches over the just and the unjust so HE would prefer that I make a choice to watch over people rather than harm them.

 

“MY grace is sufficient” says the LORD. This statement is mind boggling. I mean, HE has grace for those who harm me and for me wanting to harm them back. HE places the HOLY SPIRIT in me as a guide to drop my “rage” and replace it with “right.”

 

When I am guided by the HOLY SPIRIT, I am led to peaceful places. My rage subsides and peace prevails. I am grateful for GOD’s protection.

 

• Are you harboring bitterness towards someone?
• Do you think you would feel better if that person were harmed?
• Will you release your rage and receive peace that only comes from the HOLY SPIRIT today?