More Prepared Than You Think

 

More Prepared Than You Think

1 Timothy 4: ¹¹ Give them these instructions and these teachings. ¹² Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. ¹³ Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. ¹⁶ Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

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Worried about my young age and lack of experience, I stayed awake at night preparing for the class I had to teach. I was going to be in front of experienced people and I only had training. The person who was training me must have seen the look of dread on my face. “Just be yourself” were the words used to help me calm down.

 

• I was nervous about what I would say.
• I didn’t want to mess up.
• I felt that everyone was “above” me and I was inexperienced.

 

Paul gives Timothy words of encouragement. Timothy may have felt nervous about his age or experience teaching. He was about to teach a very controversial subject and had a right to be nervous. Paul gives him advice to keep him focused on the primary goal, salvation.

 

My Observations

• I may get nervous when GOD calls me to do something new that I do not have experience in.
• I may get tempted to talk myself out of doing what GOD wants me to do even when HE has gifted me in doing so,
• I must stay focused on the ultimate goal, namely salvation because my life and others depend on it.

 

Feeling unprepared and unworthy seem to go with the territory of speaking about JESUS. I mean, if I were to compare myself to experienced people who speak, teach and preach about JESUS, I would shy away from doing so. BUT GOD wants me to reach specific people with my style.

 

Practice makes perfect so I need to get out and “be an example”, sometimes making mistakes. Careful attention needs to be had with GOD’s word so I must watch myself and align my thinking to GOD’s Word. I am glad HE stretches me and overlooks my mistakes as I grow.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Timothy felt?
• Do you think the writer was trying to encourage him to keep going?
• Have you ever felt unprepared or unworthy to speak about JESUS?
• Will you be yourself and use the gifts GOD has given you to express the love of CHRIST today?

Traveling Example

Traveling Example

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered much, you received the message with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For not only did the message about the Lord go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing, then, that we need to say.

 

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Ridiculing people had become my niche. After years of being the recipient of degrading nicknames, I decided to become the master of creating them. I quickly came up with a name for a guy and everyone laughed. Soon the name spread all over campus and back to my home town.

 

• I didn’t mean to humiliate him on that level.
• I didn’t know the nickname would affect him.
• I didn’t know people were listening to me on that scale.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were examples to many people. After a while the people started imitating them and suffered for their beliefs. Through joy, they expressed their faith in JESUS, no matter what was happening to them. Their faith became known “everywhere.”

 

My Observations

• My words should be an example that points people to GOD.
• My actions stem from things in my heart, so GOD chooses to live there and guide them.
• My thoughts can be controlled through use of joy when difficulties arise.

 

Serving GOD can sometimes be difficult. I mean when I can say, “everyone else is having fun”, or “everyone else is rich” or “everyone else is doing it” I could easily open myself up to fall into sin, shame and regret. I then isolate myself so no one can see me. BUT GOD wants me to be seen.

 

HE made me for HIS purpose and wants others to follow HIM. Whether I like it or not, people see me and I am providing an example with every word, action and thought. Fortunately for ma, GOD does not place pressure on me to live perfect, rather HE wants me to point to perfection, namely JESUS. I am grateful I do not have to be perfect, but provide an example which is the SON of GOD.

 

Challenge

• What examples do you imagine the writers provided?
• Have you ever thought that you are being an example to people through your words, actions and thoughts?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so your example can be guided with “joy” by the HOLY SPIRIT today even if you are going through a rough time?

Waiting for Change

Waiting for Change

Philippians 3: ¹⁷ Keep on imitating me, my friends. Pay attention to those who follow the right example that we have set for you. ¹⁸ I have told you this many times before, and now I repeat it with tears: there are many whose lives make them enemies of Christ's death on the cross. ¹⁹ They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world. ²⁰ We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. ²¹ He will change our weak mortal bodies and make them like his own glorious body, using that power by which he is able to bring all things under his rule.

 

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Things were not going as I expected so I decided to hang out with various people who seemed to be having “fun.” Weekends were spent prowling in the clubs, but soon that got old. I decided to go to church. I ran into a guy at church who recognized me and said loudly “We had a great time at the club last night!”

 

• I was trying to live two lives; one to fulfill my bodily desires and one that sought to do right.
• I was embarrassed that my hidden side had been exposed.
• I was upset that the example I pretended to set was now besmirched.

 

Paul makes a bold statement when he says “Keep on imitating me.” He also mentions to pay attention to those who follow the right example. Were they perfect and never made mistakes? No. They simply placed their hope in “eagerly” waiting on the LORD.

 

My Observations

• I am not a citizen of this world, rather a citizen of heaven through CHRIST JESUS.
• I must eagerly wait for our Savior, the LORD JEWSUS CHRIST to come from heaven.
• I look forward to having my earthly body changed into the same glorious body CHRIST has.

 

As I live and breathe, I will continue to make mistakes. I mean, I am a sinner who craves sin. BUT GOD has something better than me fulfilling my sinful desires. HE gives me purpose in HIS SON, JESUS our LORD and Savior.

 

I can now say “One day there will be no pain, no misery and no hurt.” I can also say “HE will wipe away my tears and I will one day be free from all sin and shame.” The ultimate example is not acting perfect, rather eagerly waiting on perfection to return. I am glad JESUS paid for all my sins and will one day return for me and you.

 

Challenge

• What enemy does the writer mention?
• Is there a part of your life that you may be fighting GOD?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to enter into your life and guide you to follow the right examples set forth by JESUS today?

Good Example

Good Example

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.

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 Going through life on my own, I had to figure things out by myself. When someone in my life did the wrong thing, I would seek another source to learn how to do the “right thing. The problem with that approach is people kept doing the “wrong” thing and I ran out of options.

 

• Many times I needed a good example and could not find one.
• Many times I needed some guidance, but could not find a guide.
• Many times I needed help, but was left helpless to figure it out on my own.

 Paul makes a huge statement when he says “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate CHRIST.” One could be fooled into thinking he thought more highly of himself and he was trying to build a following because he had it all together. This is quite the opposite. He was pointing to CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to tell people “I have a messed up life” BUT JESUS made me whole.
• GOD wants me to say to people “I am broken BUT JESUS made me whole.”
• GOD wants me to speak to people about CHRIST versus pointing to my actions.

 Saying that I am good will never work. I mean, I’m not “good” because JESUS is the only one who is. My righteousness is like used toilet paper. BUT JESUS cleaned me up and made me an ambassador for HIM.

 

HE saw through my sin and died for me anyway. What makes this special is, HE did this without blame. HE simply loved me. HE gets excited when I tell people about HIM. I can say “Imitate me only when I imitate CHRIST.”

 

• Do you need an example of CHRIST?
• Are you looking for humans to be the perfect example?
• Will you stop waiting for humans to fail and see the times when they imitate CHRIST as their example?

Living Example

Living Example

1 Corinthians 4: ¹⁴ I write this to you, not because I want to make you feel ashamed, but to instruct you as my own dear children. ¹⁵ For even if you have ten thousand guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you. ¹⁶ I beg you, then, to follow my example. ¹⁷ For this purpose I am sending to you Timothy, who is my own dear and faithful son in the Christian life. He will remind you of the principles which I follow in the new life in union with Christ Jesus and which I teach in all the churches everywhere.

 

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“How To” videos were not as accessible at the time. I was trying my hand at making furniture from scratch. I asked my uncle for advice. He had won many contests for making furniture and owned a thriving restoration business. I carefully listened to his advice and completed the furniture.

 

• There have been many people who have given me some great advice.
• There have been many people who have shown me how to do things right.
• There have been many people who have been great examples for what I wanted to do.

 

Paul likens himself to a “Father” who has given birth to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. He brought the Good News to many people and they believed. They became his children and he urged them to “follow his example” to do the same. Spread the “Good News” and become a living example.

 

• GOD wants me to spread the Good News of JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD wants me to go and make disciples out of many nations.
• GOD wants me to become a parent to many people who believe in JESUS.

 

Being an example of JESUS is great! I mean, I don’t have to be perfect because HE was and is. HE was the one who died for my sins and all I have to do is point people to HIM for forgiveness. My imperfection, flaws and failures draw people to HIM rather than repel.

 

When I admit I am a sinner versus trying to pretend I do not sin, I end up with children who believe in GOD. I am glad GOD put so many living examples of HIS followers in my life.

 

• Do you have an example of a follower of JESUS?
• Do you admire people because of how he or she follow JESUS?
• Will you become a living example of how to spread the Gospel of JESUS today so you may have many children in the Kingdom of GOD?

Demonstration

 

Demonstration

Acts 26: ¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

 

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Excited to learn a new skill, I watched intently. The person seemed to tie all kinds of knots with ease. “Okay, you try” he said. I tried and messed up. He showed me and I could finally tie a few knots. I put my skills to use in fishing, hauling things on a vehicle, and sending presents.

 

• There have been many people who have taught me life skills.
• There have been many people who guided me in the right direction.
• There have been many people who blessed me with good demonstrations.

 

Paul continues his explanation to king Agrippa. When JESUS blinded and healed Paul, he responded with obedience. Paul went everywhere preaching the gospel of JESUS. He taught people to demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

 

• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• GOD wants me to translate that belief into action.
• GOD wants me to demonstrate HIS love to others.

 

Demonstrating my repentance does not make me holier. In fact, the more holy I think I am, the more prideful my righteous acts become. GOD makes it simple. Give HIM the credit and I can have no ownership of the blessing HE bestows on another person through my deed. I am glad GOD demonstrated HIS love by forgiving me of all my sins.

 

• What are you demonstrating?
• What will people say about your actions today?
• Will you demonstrate to others the love GOD shown you today?

Wanna fight?

Hebrews 12: ¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵ See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

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Walking back to my dorm room I had a lot on my mind. As I was sorting things out someone opened their door and screamed out foul names directed at me. I immediately stopped thinking about class and thought about finding the biggest guy I knew.

We banged on the door until it almost broke. We threatened and intimidated them quite nicely I must say. I wonder if I could preach the message of CHRIST to them right after that incident.

• Living with the spirit of “fight” weakens my message of GOD’s love.
• Living with the spirit of “argue” closes off the ears of my opponent when I speak of GOD’s love.
• Living with the spirit of “anger” blinds those who are looking at me as an example of GOD’s love.
• Living with the spirit of “resentment” leaves others cold toward my message of GOD’s love.

Too many times sin has gotten in the way of GOD’s love and I choose to not be a good example. I’ll choose war over peace to teach “that” person a lesson. BUT GOD has another way.

• JESUS chose to die peacefully so that I may live.
• JESUS gave me a new commandment that I love others as I love myself.
• JESUS showed me the example of peaceful living so I have no excuse for not following HIS ways.

I have to admit peaceful living is difficult. When I see someone acting foolish then I feel it’s my duty to bring it to their attention! GOD says “I love them as much as I love you.” HE wants me to love those who are difficult to love so even they may accept GOD’s message of love.

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Are you ready to fight “those” people?
• Can you put your differences aside and live in peace specifically to show GOD’s love?

What are people saying about me?

Philemon 1: ⁴ I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, ⁵ because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

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As I stood back I observed guys who seemed to have crowds around them all the time. They always had something humorous to say so I started on the path of making people laugh. I did a marvelous job, maybe too marvelous for I was now deemed the “campus clown.”  Hey, that’s not what I was shooting for!

• When I act mean word gets around.
• When I act like a cheat word gets around.
• When I act like a scoundrel word gets around.

People are looking at me daily whether I like it or not. Unfortunately people label others as defense mechanisms. What kind of label does GOD want me to portray?

• GOD wants me to be graceful to many so HIS reputation can get around.
• GOD wants me to be truthful with people so HIS word will convict all.
• GOD wants me to be loving to people especially those who are difficult to love.

GOD’s reputation can never be tarnished. HE is supreme and has given up a lot just for HIS creation. HE desires that I act like HIM showing compassion, grace, love and mercy. HE is the only judge so HE will handle the punishment of those who disobey HIM. HE wants me to point people to HIS grace and the gift of HIS SON.

• What are people saying about you?
• Are you labeled as a scoundrel or compassionate for GOD?
• Do you mutter poisonous words or are your words full of grace and mercy?
• Is your life an example for GOD?

Is my life respectful?

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,

¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

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Feeling light headed I ordered another pitcher of beer. It was after work and we were blowing off steam. We stayed there for hours and we were blessed to make it back to our hotel. The desk manager said to us… “They have been trying to reach you for hours, the emergency system is not working correctly and they need you to come in.”

Again, we were blessed to make it there safely. It was hard to think but we managed to fix the problem. The county personnel could see us struggle. I vowed never to drink another drop of liquor again but I wonder what kind of impression I left.

• Whether I like it or not, someone is always watching what I do.
• Whether I like it or not, someone is paying attention to how I conduct myself.
• Whether I like it or not, someone is seeing how I act and react in difficult situations.

If I were to just withdraw from society, people would take note and if I were to make a spectacle of myself, someone would be right there soaking it in. This seems like a lot of pressure to live for other people. I mean can’t I just live for me?

• GOD allows me to make my own decisions but loves when I choose to follow HIS way.
• GOD allows me to choose to be HIS example or to be my own example outside of HIM.
• GOD allows me to be involved with others and it’s up to me to choose if I am going to show HIS way or my way.

Love is what GOD wants me to demonstrate.  HE wants me to add love more and more each day. When I show love it means I am going to get close to people. HE wants me to stay out of their “business” yet remain an example to them while demonstrating acts of kindness.

GOD wants me to work so that I won’t have to depend on others and HE desires that I set my goals on a “quiet” life that points at HIM instead of me. The purpose of my life is to be HIS example as much as I can even when I mess up.

• Is your life a good example of CHRIST?
• Are you judging others or loving others?
• Can you add a little love (action word) to your life today?

My strength may be my weakness

1 Corinthians 8: ⁹ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols?10 

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Some songs I listen to have catchy beats but their words are not always edifying to GOD. Some shows I watch have content that is not pleasing to GOD. We could argue about the pros and cons of isolating myself from these things but my concern is am I causing someone else to stumble by what I listen to or watch?

• When I do something that people may abstain from out of knowledge that I am forgiven I may be causing someone to stumble.
• When eat during a period of other folks fasting I may be causing someone to stumble.
• When I wave meat in front of a vegetarian I may be causing someone to stumble.

I never realized my actions may affect someone else. I mean aren’t they responsible for their own actions? GOD wants me to be aware that while I am forgiven and have freedom from my sins I should be careful to exercise my freedom around those who do not understand how free I am indeed.

• GOD wants me to appreciate the way someone is worshipping rather than being critical of their ways.
• GOD wants me to enjoy the various ways people see what HE is doing in their lives rather than pushing how I want them to see HIM.
• GOD wants me to be an example because actions speak louder than words.

Remaining calm in the storm, remaining faithful in darkness, remaining strong in the face of weakness is what GOD has called me to do but if my strength gets in the way of someone seeing GOD then I must prayerfully try to reduce myself and increase the person who is stumbling. In other words I have to do everything in my power to help them see GOD and not see me.

• Are you in the way of someone seeing GOD?
• Are your rules getting in the way of those who can’t seem to follow rules?
• Can you allow “that” person to grow in GOD their way and not your way?

I tried to disown GOD but it didn’t work.

Luke 15:  ¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

   ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

   ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.

   “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

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“Fun” was my goal and GOD was my barrier. HE had all these “rules” and it seemed like life was going to be miserable following HIM.  What boredom! The goody, goody two shoes people seemed to get trampled on while others seem to get away with whatever they wanted to. I know… I’ll just do what I want to do. I mean GOD won’t mind will HE?

• It’s easy to disown GOD until a real problem hits.
• It’s easy to tell GOD ‘I don’t need YOU’ when “I” think everything is going well.
• It’s easy to let sin creep into my life when my relationship with GOD is weak.            

Just like the son in this story, I blamed others for my situation and felt I deserved a little sin in my life. I mean look at what being good got “that” person. My selfishness said I didn’t want to end up broke, bored and bothered. But GOD said something different.

• When problems hit GOD had HIS arms wide open and showed me unimaginable grace.
• When I practiced my sad story I was going to tell HIM, HE already had forgiven me.
• When I realized I was guilty, HE showed me mercy.

GOD is always, always ready to forgive me when I realize I need to be forgiven.

• Are you blaming GOD for something?
• Can you accept the situation HE has you in so you can be an example for HIM?
• Will you recognize the grace HE is showing you right now?

Do what I say, not what I do!

James 1: ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

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“Clean up this mess!” “The clothes should be washed!” “Why is this pile on the floor?” These are statements I have barked at my family that have, at times, fallen on deaf ears. “Why aren’t they doing this” I wondered.

Well maybe it’s because I had never touched the washing machine, my pile while little, was still on the floor and the garage and office had junk piled to my chin. Maybe it was my bark or heavy hand. Maybe it was my example.

• People are always watching me and I am always an example.
• People notice when I do “opposite” of GOD more than what I do for HIM.
• People watch what I do “more” than listen to what I say.

“Doing” what GOD says is not always easy because I have a selfish nature that wants it my way. GOD has some difficult lessons that eradicate sin from my life and puts HIM in charge.  HIS lessons of grace and love are a hard pill to swallow when I want to “win” the argument or get revenge on “that” person.

GOD wants me to believe in HIM, learn HIS Bible, show love to everyone and sin less and less all while controlling the thought that I have control over GOD and circumstances. Whew! Just the thought of this gets me tired! But there is an easier way to think about it.

• GOD has declared me holy so my service is a celebration not a duty.
• GOD has blessed me daily so it’s up to me to recognize HIS blessings.
• GOD has given me clear directions on what to do so I must study “and” put HIS word into action.

I can tell when I’m not showing enough “faith,” “grace,” “mercy” and “love” to my family because arguments flare up, fear sets in and poisonous tongues lash out. By “doing” what GOD says, people can actually see the reality of GOD’s love through my life.

• Have you taken a good look at yourself?
• Are you following what GOD says or are you just merely spouting out scripture?
• Is there an area of your life that could be changed just for GOD?
• Can you make a “small” change in your life to become a better example of GOD today?

Am I a "good" example?

1 Timothy 4: ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

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“Hmm… there are no cars in front of me and the light is about to turn green.” I looked to my left and then to the right and behind me, “all clear.” When the light changed I took off as if I were in a drag race against a worthy opponent when suddenly I heard a small voice. “Daddy, how fast are you going? Are you doing the speed limit?”

• Whether people see me or not, I am always an example.
• When I do good things, I am an example.
• When I do wrong things, I am an example.
• When I sit back and do nothing, I am an example.

People are always looking at me whether I like it or not. Judgment calls are being made constantly by the current example I am setting.

• I have a choice to gossip about people or to speak encouraging words.
• I have a choice to get revenge and start fights or to show kindness and love even when it hurts.
• I have a choice to complain and tremble with fear or to pray for courage and believe GOD’s methods will work.
• I have a choice to flirt at work and in public or to focus my attention on my wife.

It’s quite amazing how GOD can use very young people to accomplish HIS plans. My children accepted CHRIST at a very young age and I didn’t know this could happen. I have seen kids on difficult mission’s trips telling people about JESUS’s salvation. I found their “example” to be better than mine.

The world can be cold and difficult which causes people to become jaded and lose their faith. GOD can use those who are young and zealous for HIM to rejuvenate broken people. HE can use my excitement as a “good” example.

• What kind of example are you setting?
• Who do you think is watching you?
• Would they say you are showing GOD’s love?
• Are your words, actions, thoughts and faith focused on GOD?
• Can you share the great news about JESUS with the reputation you have built for yourself?

Am I acting right?

2 Corinthians 1: 12Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.

 

One Sunday morning my students were putting their lesson away because it was time to assemble for the sermon. Sunday school was over and we had just finished a great discussion. As we walked down the stairs a person walked in the door of the church and recognized me. “Hey! We had a great time drinking at the club last night”, he shouted!

 

Okay, this is not a message on “drinking” or “clubbing”, but it did make me think about being an example. I wanted to live two lives, one with CHRIST and everything else.

• When I believed that JESUS is my SAVIOR I became one with HIM.
• When I accepted that I deserved to go to Hell but now I won’t, I now owe everything to HIM.
• When I was given the HOLY SPIRIT as my guide, I can discern right from wrong.

The HOLY SPIRIT lives inside and sees all the sins that I commit on a daily basis. This part of GOD has the most difficult job because GOD cannot stand sin and wants no part of it. HE sacrificed HIMSELF to make sure that I would be forgiven for even the least of my sins.

 

Now, as my act of love, I try my best to serve GOD with sincerity and holiness that only come from GOD.

•  When I serve others I do it according to the Bible, not from my own wisdom.
• When I serve my family I am serving GOD instead of my family.
• When I serve my neighbors I am serving GOD instead of my neighbors.
• When I work I work for GOD not my company.

Paul recognizes the change made in him is only because of GOD’s grace. GOD took pity on Paul and me so that we could write and teach about GOD and HIS mercy. Now I actually desire to do things HIS way.

• Are you doing things your way or GOD’s way?
• Are you busy judging others and not working on grace and mercy between you and GOD?
• Are you content with how you are serving GOD?
• Are you living as an example of GOD’s mercy or are you living on your own wisdom?

Who are you Hangin’ with?

1 Corinthians 15: 33Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 34Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

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Harsh! But I guess I needed it. The first convention was so exciting! There were people from all over the world convening in one location. Suppliers, employees and entertainers filled the center with pomp and fan fair. After the day ended I retreated to my room refusing to go out drinking with the “in” crowd. This didn’t seem to work so well.

After a number of mediocre evaluations I decided to go out with this group. I awkwardly sipped on my Coke while others laughed and joked about body parts. Some of the jokes were funny and I found myself giggling. After the fourth convention, I was in the group laughing and joking like the rest of them. Where was I? How did I get here?

• GOD has called me to be different.
• HE wants me helping the world not judging it.
• I am an example of HIM wherever I go so my behavior needs to reflect it.
• GOD’s light shining through me is the thing that draws people.

After I caught myself from being on the road to adultery I found a good friend who would keep me accountable and I did the same for him at conventions. We would laugh and joke over a late night meal.

Honestly, I can say I have never reached anyone for CHRIST in a bar. Paul writes "be everything to all people" to reach them for CHRIST. He didn’t mean stop following CHRIST to reach them for CHRIST. In this chapter he writes to those who were being misled to believe there is no resurrection.

• Read the Bible for yourself.
• Take your reading seriously.
• Ask GOD for understanding of HIS word.
• Change crowds (even churches) in order to grow and get fed.

I used to think I was having fun when I stopped following CHRIST and was just hangin’ out. Sometimes I see the rich and fabulously wealthy doing all kinds of wild and wrong things and it seems like their lifestyle is one to be envied. BUT GOD wants me to keep HIS ways whether I am rich or down and out.

• Who are you hanging around?
• Are you envious of someone’s sinful lifestyle?
• Are you an example of CHRIST to everyone?
• Does everyone know you are a Christian?
• Does “that” person know you are a sinner saved by JESUS?

What kind of example are you? by my Wife

John 3

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus 1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.[b] 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.[c] 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You[d] must be born again.’
8 The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” 9 “How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked. 10 Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things?
11 I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. 12 But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man[e] has come down from heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.[f]

16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.[g]”

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As a mother, I put a lot of time and energy into raising my children. I try to make sure their basic needs are met such as food and shelter, while also meeting their emotional needs. I want them to feel loved and valued. I want them to be educated and socially well-adjusted. I try my best to prepare them for any situation they might encounter in life. As they get older, however, I am more and more aware that ultimately, they will have to live their own lives.

As much as I try to teach them, they will be responsible for making their own decisions. Their spiritual life will be their own.In this chapter, Jesus is explaining to Nicodemus what he must do in order to see the kingdom of heaven. He tells him that no one can enter the kingdom unless he is born again. Humans can produce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. (vs. 3-5).

For those of us who are in contact with young people, whether as parents, teachers, neighbors or relatives, this does not mean we are free from responsibility for their spiritual development. Children learn by example. They are always watching us and to see if our words are consistent with our actions.

When we talk to them about the Lord, we must also SHOW them the Lord. They should see him in our interactions with them and with others. We should be patient, kind and loving as we put the Fruits of the Spirit into action. We should be able to live in the light instead of hiding our actions in the dark.