Exhilaration!

Exhilaration!

Revelation 7: ⁹ After this I looked, and there was an enormous crowd—no one could count all the people! They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood in front of the throne and of the Lamb, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. ¹⁰ They called out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from our God, who sits on the throne, and from the Lamb!” ¹¹ All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. Then they threw themselves face downward in front of the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying, “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might belong to our God forever and ever! Amen!”

 

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Having only been to local carnivals, I was excited to go to one of the more famous amusement parks. I had never been at this park so I did not know what to expect. At a certain time, everyone stopped as a parade went through the crowd. There was singing, laughter and smiles!

 

• For a moment, I was excited!
• It seemed like everyone was excited with me.
• People from every race cheered and celebrated for a small moment.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is shown the throne of GOD one more time. This time he sees “an enormous crowd—no one could count all the people!” Everyone gathered to worship GOD voluntarily and without holding back!

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love allows me to choose HIM or not.
• When I choose GOD’s love, I am never be disappointed.
• I look forward to every race, tribe, nation and language celebrating together without holding back.

 

Celebrations are fun! I mean, when I celebrate, I forget all about the cares and worries I carry. But one day there will be no worries, only celebration!.

 

GOD wants us to be with HIM voluntarily. This provides a way to celebrate with choice. A number of people that cannot be counted will be celebrating. I cannot wait!

 

Challenge

• Can you see the excitement from the writer?
• Have you ever been part of a celebration?
• Will you give your life to GOD so you can me part of a family that is so vast that it cannot be counted?

Joy May Be Full

Joy May Be Full

2 John 1: ¹² Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

 

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Going through life’s trials, I wondered when I could have some peace. It seemed like everything was crashing around me. Something inside me said “Go to church”, but I ignored it. A neighbor who rarely spoke to me asked me if I had been to the church on Anthony street. “Why did she ask me that question?” I asked myself. I went and felt joy!

 

• My problems were still there, but I felt better.
• I felt all alone at first, but for a moment, I felt I was part of a family.
• I had a lot to learn about how to fill the empty space in my heart.

 

John concludes his second letter with anticipation. He expressed excitement by saying he has a lot to talk about, but he would rather do it face to face. He knew that by meeting together, he would bring good news and so would they. Joy would be made full.

 

My Observations:

• Joy is far greater than happiness, because it can be present when problems are there.
• Gathering with people who seek GOD’s SON can bring me joy, and I can bring joy to them.
• GOD enjoys when I seek HIS kingdom and HE fills my heart with joy.

 

Joy keeps my hope strong. I mean, when life deals out its vicious, poisonous blows, I can withstand them with joy. But where does joy come from? GOD! HE is the owner of joy and is ready to hand it out in plentiful portions. HE knows you and I have an adversary who wants to steal our joy and turn against GOD and one another. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to be the Comforter who resides in me. HE puts out the fire that I am facing with joy. HE leads me to calm places, similar to still waters and HE restores my emotional state so I can have clarity to not blame GOD and to love those around me who may be struggling too. I am glad GOD owns joy and is read to give it to you and me in full.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer is excited about?
• Have you ever felt better even though your problems remained?
• Will you ask GOD for joy over happiness so you can face many difficult situations life may throw at you today?

Keeping the Fire

Keeping the Fire

Hebrews 11: ²¹ It was faith that made Jacob bless each of the sons of Joseph just before he died. He leaned on the top of his walking stick and worshiped God.

 

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“Didn’t you try that years ago?” was the question posed to me in disbelief. I was asking some of the same people to get on board of something that took a long, long time to get ready. It took so long, that people forgot what I was working on.

 

• I felt embarrassed that it took so long to get started.
• I felt uneasy about asking the same people to be excited after so many years.
• I felt I needed to keep the same level of excitement as when I first started.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues the list of faith examples with Jacob, otherwise known as Israel. Jacob had been a liar and a sneak, but GOD changed his name to Israel, which means GOD preserves. At a very old age, Jacob remained loyal to GOD. He required a walking stick after wrestling GOD at a young age. He remained on fire until his death.

 

My Observations:

• Difficult times may make me want to leave GOD, BUT where would I go?
• Starting off with GOD can be exciting to me, but staying with HIM is more exciting to HIM.
• Being able to praise GOD at an old age is the goal HE wants me to have.

 

Remaining excited about GOD can be difficult. I mean, life can dish out some very rough circumstances. Loss of health, relationships and income, could leave people wondering “Where is GOD?” BUT GOD is there, always!

 

HE provides in ways I cannot see or understand. HE blesses me in spite of me. HE raises me up when I should be torn down. GOD and GOD alone should be praised all the time. I am glad HE cares for me!

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer choose someone sneaky as an example of faith?
• Have you ever gone through some rough times and wanted to give up on GOD?
• Will you examine your thinking about what HE really wants you to “be” and accept HIS love for you so you can praise HIM today and always?

Eagerness

 

Eagerness

Hebrews 6: ⁹ But even if we speak like this, dear friends, we feel sure about you. We know that you have the better blessings that belong to your salvation. ¹⁰ God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. ¹¹ Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true. ¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to be like those who believe and are patient, and so receive what God has promised.

 

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On the first day of my assignment, I could hardly sleep. I woke up before the alarm, and made my way in early. But after a while, I got used to the assignment. I woke up to the alarm and hit the snooze button a couple of times. I didn’t race to get there and when I arrived, I had to do my ritual of getting coffee and chatting with people.

 

• My eagerness had worn off.
• I was not as enthusiastic as I was in the beginning.
• I had become slow to jump into anything “new” because I was comfortable.

 

Paul, the assumed writer” spoke about “better blessings” that belonged to believers in JESUS for salvation. He tried to encourage everyone that GOD sees all actions and will not forget any work don for HIM or any love shown to another person for HIM. He urges everyone to remain “eager” to the end so hope can be achieved.

 

My Observations

• I have to remember that GOD is quite fair in HIS dealings with me.
• I also have to note that GOD sees my work and love I have shown and HE is pleased with it.
• Knowing HE is pleased with my actions makes me continue with my eagerness to serve HIM.

 

Giving up on unmet desires is tempting. I mean, when I have worked hard on something and have not realized the expected benefit, I may get discouraged and give up. BUT GOD saw my work and is pleased.

 

HE doesn’t just show up to tell me I did stuff wrong. In fact, quite the opposite. HE is excited that I try to serve HIM even though I have a sin nature to overcome. HE guides me to meet the desires of my heart that align to HIS will. I am grateful that GOD cares enough about me to give me what HE has promised.

 

Challenge

• What “better blessings” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever felt discouraged and thought GOD was mad at you?
• Will you understand that HE is excited about what you have done and are doing for HIM and wants you to continue with eagerness nd patience today?

Eagerness

Eagerness

2 Corinthians 8: ¹⁶ How we thank God for making Titus as eager as we are to help you! ¹⁷ Not only did he welcome our request; he was so eager to help that of his own free will he decided to go to you. ¹⁸ With him we are sending the brother who is highly respected in all the churches for his work in preaching the gospel. ¹⁹ And besides that, he has been chosen and appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this service of love for the sake of the Lord's glory and in order to show that we want to help.

 

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“Bring the groceries in from the car” was the directive. It was raining and cold outside and I was cozy and warm inside. I reluctantly obeyed. One of the bags tore, extending my discomfort.

 

On another day in another household a question was asked. “Would you like to go bowling with us?” “Yes!” was my enthusiastic reply. “Okay, but first unload the trunk to make room for the bowling balls.” I was eager to help even though it was raining and cold.

 

• I could not see the blessing of simply being fed, housed and clothed.
• I did not like being uncomfortable, so helping needed to be convenient.
• I could not see the purpose of helping unless I got something out of it.

 

Paul writes about eagerness to help. He explain about a certain type of eagerness that comes only from the HOLY SPIRIT inside those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. This eagerness was to carry out HIS service of love to many others.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be willing to serve others.
• GOD wants me to be sent.
• GOD wants me to accept the eagerness available to me to preach the Gospel of JESUS.

 

Eagerness to serve GOD is different. I mean, the “what’s in it for me?” turns into “What’s in it for GOD?” When it is cold and rainy and GOD says go and serve, HE loves when I am eager to be obedient. Unfortunately, I like the comfort and coziness of staying out of the rain and cold, so I sometimes act disobedient.

 

GOD understands. The great thing about HIS love is HE keeps coming after me, giving me another chance to get out of my comfort zone and seek to serve others. I am grateful HE is the beginning of eagerness and provides purpose for my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the writer’s excitement to serve?
• Have you ever seen someone excited to serve you?
• Has there ever been a contest, job or competition in which you were eager to work hard so you could get something out of it?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT fill you up with overflowing love for others so you can be eager to serve on your own free will today?

Hope Face

Hope Face

Acts 14: ⁸ In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. ⁹ He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed ¹⁰ and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

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When the teacher wrote the problem on the board, I felt excited. For once, I knew the answer. I smiled. The teacher looked at my face and said, would you like to answer the problem. I jumped out of my seat and solved the problem. In another class, I forgot to do my homework. When the same scenario happened, I looked away in shame, hoping I wouldn’t be called on.

• When I am upset, it shows on my face.
• When I am excited, it shows on my face.
• When I am scared, happy, angry, inquisitive or calm, it shows on my face.

A lame man, who had never walked, heard Paul speak. How he got to where Paul was is not written, but somehow he was there. Paul saw the man’s face and determined he had faith to be healed. Paul commanded him to stand. The man was healed.

• GOD wants me to have faith that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have peace that shows up on my face.
• GOD wants me to have hope that shows up on my face.

In spite of what is going on, GOD wants what is in my heart to show up on my face. Yes, I may be scared for a moment, BUT GOD fills my heart with peace which in turn, shows up on my face.

HE then helps me remember the many times HE has brought me through circumstances, filling me with hope. I am grateful GOD looks at what HE has already done for me so I can show hope on my face.

• Are you disillusioned?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you?
• Will you remember the many times HE has brought you out of circumstances so that you can continue to share your hope with many?

For or Against

For or Against

Acts 13: ⁶ Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, ⁷ who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. ⁹ Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰ and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? ¹¹ And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.”

And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. ¹² Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

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Wanting a certain person on my team, I reached out to meet. Instead of asking questions about my team, she inquired about another area of the company. Slightly hurt, I was tempted to suggest the benefits of my department. I had a decision to make. Tell the truth and say “Go pursue the other department” or slander the other department.

• There have been times when I really wanted my way.
• There have been times when I considered using slander as a tactic to get my way.
• There have been times when I wanted to overlook the truth in order to get my way.

Sergius Paulus sought to hear the truth about GOD and heard Barnabas and Saul were in town. Unfortunately, there were other people who wanted to remain in power and spread lies about them, trying to turn people from the faith they preached. Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and saw through his evil attempt.

• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me in truth.
• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT so I can speak love, not slander.
• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to fight the temptation of getting my way, instead of seeking the truth.

Listening to the HOLY SPIRIT and doing what HE says is highly important. When I choose to get my way over doing what the HOLY SPIRIT says, I am actually fighting GOD. Even when I do not seek to hear the HOLY SPIRIT, I am choosing a path that may be against GOD.

Everything I do is either for GOD or against GOD. That’s as plain as I can put it. This may only seem extreme when I am against GOD, trying to get my way. GOD wants to mature me to see HIM in everything, not just the things I want to put HIM in. I am grateful HE grows me at a pace I can handle.

• Are you trying to get your way?
• Do you have something in your heart that is causing you to lie or slander?
• Will you ask GOD to remove the thing that keeps you from telling the full truth and fill you with the HOLY SPIRIT so HE can use you in a mighty way today?

Relieved and Excited

Relieved and Excited

Acts 12: ¹¹ And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

¹² So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵ But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

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“At least it’s not raining anymore” I said to the other long-faced campers. Moments later, the van rolled back to the campsite with the injured child all bandaged up. They had been gone for hours. I was relieved that the person was alright. I was more relieved to have our leader back. I mean we couldn’t do anything without him and we were bored!

• When the trial is over, I get relieved.
• When the trial is over, I get excited.
• When the trial is over, I want to tell everyone.

Rhoda answered the door, heard Peter’s voice and became so excited that she forgot to open the door. Everyone at the house was mourning the death or Mary’s son, James brother of John. It seemed like the little excitement of seeing the power of the HOLY SPIRIT was lost. But Peter arrived under impossible odds. The excitement grew.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of mourning.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the trial.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the pain.

It is not easy to praise GOD when it seems like all is lost. I mean, just when I start living my life for GOD, it seems like more problems occur. GOD knows the persecution will increase when I give my life to HIM. BUT GOD does provide relief and excitement that keeps me going. Some things cannot be fixed, but I put my trust in GOD to use them for HIS good.

• Are you in mourning?
• Does it seem like all is lost?
• Will you understand that it is alright to be in mourning and GOD loves you even though it may be difficult to hear that right now?

Dear LORD, please heal those hurting right now. Bless them with peace that only comes from you. amen

Starstruck

Starstruck

John 5: ⁴¹ “I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

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Nervously awaiting my meeting, all kinds of thoughts raced through my mind. “What will I say?”, “Am I dressed properly?” and “Should I impress this person?” were just a few questions that races through my mind. I entered the president’s office and started our meeting with “What advice do you have for me?”

The reply made me know I asked the wrong question. “What do you do here at the company?” I felt I blew it after staying awake waiting on this 15 minute meeting.

• There were times when I placed people on higher levels.
• There were times when I was very concerned with titles.
• There were times when I looked for popular people to follow and believed their words implicitly.

JESUS tells the church leaders “You believe in famous people who tell their own stories, yet you do not believe in ME, who the FATHER has sent.” JESUS then explains that the words they cherish will be used against them because Moses wrote them about HIM.

• GOD wants me to be excited about JESUS more than any human.
• GOD wants me to lose sleep over meeting with JESUS more than losing sleep over meeting a famous human.
• GOD wants me to trust in the entirety of the Bible and know that it is all about JESUS.

Today, humans use words like “higher-being” or “universe” to speak of actions that come from the Living GOD. Even church leaders place the Bible over GOD HIMSELF by quoting its words without conveying the heart of bringing mankind to JESUS.

Instead of getting excited about what a human is doing or not doing, GOD wants me to pay close attention to the heart of JESUS. I am glad HE sends me to seek those who seek HIM.

• Do you spend a huge amount of time reading about famous humans thinking they could make your life better?
• Do you spend a large amount of time complaining about humans who think they are in charge?
• Will you spend a small amount of time speaking about JESUS and learn how to do so more and more each day?

Excited Curiosity

John 4: ²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

²⁸ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰ They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

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“Want some concert tickets?” the clerk asked. “Of course!”, I answered. After getting the tickets, I told several people about the music store. I went back more and more. “What else do you have?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I am curious about what I can get.
• Sometimes I get excited about something that has been done for me.
• Sometimes I tell other people what I am excited about.

The disciples found JESUS speaking to a woman. “What was she up to?” they thought suspiciously. They also thought, “Are you crazy?”, pointed their thoughts to JESUS. But something amazing happened.

• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM every day.
• JESUS wants me to tell people about HIM as often as I can.
• JESUS wants me to be bold about HIS goodness to whomever HE sends me.

“Could this be the Messiah?” the woman said to people. She was excited and so should I. When my excitement is met with doubtful questions, I am to remain excited and focus my efforts on HIM. The woman’s excitement and curiosity filled me up. I am glad JESUS went out of HIS way to meet with me the same way HE did for her.

• Are you excited about JESUS?
• Do you feel compelled to tell others about HIM?
• Will you live your life with purpose today and allow GOD to speak through you?

Frightened Excitedly

Mark 16: ⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

⁸ So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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Hearing my name called over the school intercom amongst others was a bit disturbing and intriguing at the same time. I recognized the names so I knew we weren’t in trouble. “You passed the test and got into the high tech high school” the principal said to us. I ran down the hall excited but now a bit disturbed as I had never been to a school this large before.

• Sometimes I get frightened by some exciting news.
• There were times when I heard some great news yet walked away frightened by the next steps.
• Sometimes I hear great things but get nervous about the future of that news.

An angel spoke casually to the two Mary’s. He tried to keep them as calm as possible but the news was just too overwhelming. He told them “You seek JESUS of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE is risen!” This bold statement was too much to comprehend so he tried to show the evidence by telling them to look at the rolled away stone and the empty tomb, but they were too excited and frightened.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is alive and in control of my situation.
• JESUS wants me to “Not be alarmed” but to be excited about HIS daily guidance.
• JESUS wants me to tell many people about HIM rather than focusing on the negatives around me.

Even though the strong military force who was looking for anyone associated with JESUS could find the two Mary’s, that was the least of their concern. They had a flood of emotions that included amazement and fright at the same time. GOD had blessed them with “first response” news that was a huge responsibility to tell. HE does the same with me and it is up to me to respond.

• Are you called by GOD to spread HIS great news?
• Have you gotten frightened by life that you feel paralyzed to speak about JESUS in an excited way?
• Can you get your focus back and begin speaking about CHRIST, who saved you, today?

Practice

Mark 14: ³⁷ Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? ³⁸ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

³⁹ Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. ⁴⁰ And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.

⁴¹ Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. ⁴² Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”

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“Run!” were the instructions of the track coach. “Do we have to?” was my thought. I mean we had already run miles and miles this very day. One teammate whispered to me “We can hide and pretend we practiced.” “I wonder if I should hide” was my thought.

• Sometimes I do not feel like practicing.
• Sometimes I want things to be handed to me.
• Sometimes I do not want to go through the difficulty of being ready.

JESUS brought Peter, James and John with HIM to pray for HIM as HE was about to face death. Not being used to praying on this magnitude, they fell asleep. They more than likely did not know what JESUS was going through. Even the stern warnings JESUS implored were of no use. Their senses were dull.

• GOD says to me “Do not follow the ways of this world for they distract you from MY kingdom.”
• GOD says to me “All are like sheep that go astray.”
• GOD says to me “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone opens the door, I will come in and sup with them.”

JESUS knows the world will dullen my senses. With a constant barrage of murder, sex and drugs on television, my compassion falls to zero and I cannot hear GOD’s small still voice.

BUT GOD knew this and has taken this into account. HE went to the cross for me anyway. HE knew I could not rescue the world so HE took care of it all. HE raises me up to notice HIS power.

• Are you fretting about something so much that you cannot see or hear GOD?
• Are your senses so dulled that you cannot feel for those who are hurting around you?
• Can you wake up to see GOD is guiding you today?

Check Marked

Mark 12: ⁴¹ Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. ⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. ⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

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When I stopped by the meeting, I saw faces I did not recognize. I said what I was supposed to say and left. I could not find my schedule so I called my administrative assistant. She told me what my next meeting was. “Who are these people?” I asked.

• There have been times when I went through the motions.
• There have been times when I did what I was supposed to do then left.
• There have been times when I got something over with, then check marked it done.

JESUS took an opportunity to watch “how” people were giving which many mistake for “what” was given. When HE called HIS disciples over, HE wanted to explain the difference between going through the motions versus true passion. HE says the same to me.

• GOD wants me to be passionate about what I am doing.
• GOD wants me to give my all to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to live my life with abundance instead of complaining that I don’t have enough.

For some reason I used to picture this poor widow as being hunched over and old, wearing the darkest clothing and some sort of hood covering her worn face. I pictured her slipping the money shamefully into the till.

BUT GOD says something different. She may have had a smile on her face that brightened up the room because of her excitement that she could give again! When I am stuck on money I see this story being about money. GOD wants me to have passion for prayer, serving others and being able to sing again. HE wants my all!

• Are you going through the motions with GOD?
• Do you look at “going to church” as just something you do weekly?
• Can you stop checking off GOD and live a life with passion and abundance with HIM?

Excited Compassion

Mark 6: ³⁰ Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. ³¹ And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. ³² So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

³³ But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. ³⁴ And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. 

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After long days of serving many, I returned from a mission’s trip. We had served hurricane victims not only with repairing homes but with prayer and teaching. Anguish was replaced with hope for a few people. While this was exciting, it was still overwhelming because thousands more needed help.

• Serving can be exciting to me
• Helping someone have hope is the most incredible feeling to me
• Seeing someone appreciate compassion is awesome to me.

When the apostles returned to JESUS they had wonderful stories to tell. They actually healed the sick, drove out demons and gave people hope like never before. For the first time in some folk’s lives, they could see a way out of their misery. One problem was the huge number of people.

• JESUS saw me and in my misery and had compassion for me.
• JESUS saw me without hope and filled me up with true hope.
• JESUS saw me wandering like sheep without a shepherd and decided to guide me to a better place.

Compassion needs hope and that is what JESUS taught. HE saw the crowds of people who needed help that wasn’t temporary. HE told them of a new kingdom that would surpass liars, thieves and manipulators of the Law. JESUS points me to hope.

• Are you out of hope?
• Do you need help in your journey?
• Can you move closer to JESUS in spite of those who manipulate the truth?

No Questions Asked

Matthew 15: ³³ His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

³⁴ “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked.

“Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.”

³⁵ He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. ³⁶ Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. ³⁷ They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ³⁸ The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. ³⁹ After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.

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Eight to ten thousand people were fed by seven loaves of bread and a few small, sardine like fish. I would imagine they had no idea a miracle was happening. They were probably too elated that their family and friends were now seeing and walking and healed of their ailment.

• GOD loves performing miracles around me that I do not notice.
• GOD loves when I am elated by what HE has done in my life.
• GOD loves showing me compassion even when I think I don’t deserve it.

What I noticed about this slice of history is JESUS never asked the crowd any questions. HE asked HIS disciples a question about the amount of food probably to make sure they knew what was about to happen was a miracle. But HE never asks the crowd what they would do with the bread or if they deserved it.

HE did not try to ration it to more needy families nor did HE hoard it for the rich and wealthy. JESUS simply gave thanks and then gave bread and fish to those who were delighted in HIM.

• JESUS wants me to delight in HIM daily.
• JESUS wants me to be fed on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to have abundance even when I do not notice it.

HE sent the crowd away and I never heard anyone saying “Thanks” to HIM for the food. They did praise HIM and acknowledged HIM as GOD and that was enough for JESUS. I praise HIM and acknowledge HIM as my savior and GOD today.

• Are you busy looking for a miracle?
• When is the last time your heart was filled with delight?
• Can you seek delight in GOD instead of looking for a miracle?
• When you are being generous, can you stop asking questions about how much they deserve what you are giving?

Sunny Warm Days

Malachi 4: ² But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

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Wet and cold were my toes from snow engulfing my boots. Dark was the day and it seemed like the word dismal was the only description for life at that time. As I stood waiting on the bus, a snowplow drove by and sloshed its slush on my cold feet.

• Sometimes it seemed like the sun would never shine again.
• Sometimes my mood felt like a cloud of grey.
• Sometimes multiple difficult situations made me think everything was wrong.

When new dirty slush hit my frozen toes I had reached my final straw. I officially declared that particular day the worse day of my life at the time. Nothing would cheer me up and I was ready to be grumpy, but lo and behold I saw the familiar lights of the bus shining in the darkness. My heart was filled with relief as the driver pulled directly in front of me for a change.

• GOD provides me with the sun of righteousness.
• GOD provides me with the warmth of HIS love.
• GOD provides me with the rays of HIS healing power.

I sat in a warm spot and noticed an extra bonus. Somehow I had even more heat than normal blowing towards me as I sat near the tire well. The bus was very old. I removed my boot and socks, emptied the excess water placed my socks and toes next to the vent. Such great relief! I got off the bus with warm toes and dry socks. Maybe the day wasn’t so bad after all, I thought.

• Have you reached your limit?
• Do you think the day is filled with nothing but grey clouds?
• Can you see GOD’s healing sunshine even when it is cloudy?
• Will you learn to take GOD’s warmth to people instead of cold bitter words?

Go Tell It

Isaiah 63: ⁷ I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord,
    the deeds for which he is to be praised,
    according to all the Lord has done for us—
yes, the many good things
    he has done for Israel,
    according to his compassion and many kindnesses.
⁸ He said, “Surely they are my people,
    children who will be true to me”;
    and so he became their Savior.
⁹ In all their distress he too was distressed,
    and the angel of his presence saved them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them;
    he lifted them up and carried them
    all the days of old.

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Hours and hours seemed to drag on and on. I took up pacing for a hobby while I waited. Finally the dealer came out and I had my new car. I immediately drove it to my friends and told them to get in. They enjoyed that new car smell as I took them for a ride. They enjoyed a mix tape I blasted as we zipped down the road.

• When I have good news I can’t keep it in.
• When I have good news I want to share it.
• When I have good news I want everyone around me to enjoy it.

Life, however, does not always make me want to shout from the mountain top. When problems creep in and the river of pain arises I sometimes want to slip back into the abyss of silence. BUT GOD wants me to do something different.

• GOD wants me to remember what HE has done for me by becoming my Savior.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE too is distressed when I go through issues.
• GOD wants me to reverberate HIS love, mercy and redemption especially when I am going through troubles.

Of course I will be challenged! Of course I will be tempted! GOD has a delusional enemy who was created and thinks he can take over. BUT GOD has already won! HE paved the way for many and has taken on ALL of my sins. HE picked me up even though I turned away from HIM. HE redeemed me and carried me back to HIM.

• Are you complaining about something to the LORD?
• Have your prayers turned into nothing but complaints about something else that is wrong?
• When is the last time you told someone the GOOD NEWS ABOUT CHRIST?
• Can you take a moment to recognize the depth and breadth of JESUS’ salvation of your soul? 

Makes Me Wanna Shout

Psalm 98: ⁴ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
⁵ make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
⁶ with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

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“There she goes again” I thought in my mind. “Now the guy will get up in Five, Four, Three, Two, oops my count was off this day, he got up early.” The same people would get up and dance at the end of the sermon like clockwork. What do they have to shout and dance about?

• When I’m mad I can’t see why others are happy.
• When I’m sad I can’t see why others aren’t crying.
• When I’m bad I think I must shrink back instead of standing up.

Not having gone through much, I questioned why some people would get up and shake wildly in church, screaming, dancing and crying. Then life hit me a little, then some more, then a little harder. One early trial that I went through, I cannot even remember thanking GOD or anyone else.

• GOD wants me to thank HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to be excited about having a relationship with HIM no matter what’s going on.
• GOD wants me to “want” to shout to HIM rather than doing it out of obligation.

GOD is jealous not arrogant. HE does not need my praise but gets excited when I do. GOD loves me unconditionally and HE knows I won’t choose HIM. HE made me with free will, no obligation. HE gets so excited when I turn to HIM, even in the slightest fashion. HE is not needy and HIS kindness should never be mistake for weakness.

GOD deserves my praise because HE loves me!

• Are you falling for your lying “feelings?”
• Do you think GOD has it out for you or is angry at you?
• Will you drop the lie and start believing that GOD loves you wildly and passionately?
• Will you gain the strength HE is trying to give you by turning off your negative thoughts?

Being Excited

Psalm 45: ¹ My heart is stirred by a noble theme
    as I recite my verses for the king;
    my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.

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“I am finished!” I declared as I ran down the hallway of my dorm. With my first set of finals under my belt, I was filled with elation. I could not hold the words inside. I gleefully galloped down the hall, slipped and hurt my shoulder! I went to the infirmary and they placed my arm in a sling.

The sling could not hold back my joy.  The semester was a difficult transition for me and the mystery was now complete.

• When I am excited I can face pain.
• When I am excited I can face problems.
• When I am excited I can face difficulty.

Discouragement is exactly what the enemy wants me to feel. There is no excitement on discouragement, in fact, discouragement leads to dragging everyone around me down to the ground. Soon, I look around and there are nothing but sad faces and pain for miles. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to wake up praising HIM for the things HE has done.
• GOD wants me to be excited about this new day rather than approaching it with dread.
• GOD wants me to focus on the fruit of the spirit rather than the waste that flies out of the body of pain.

Whatsoever is good, whatsoever is true whatsoever is pure; think on these things keeps my mind clear and sharp. Excitement about this new day makes my heart leap with joy as I look forward to what GOD has in store for me!

• Are you excited about life?
• Can you recognize that the ALMIGHTY GOD has a wonderful plan for you today?
• Can you stop thinking about how GOD is doing things and let HIM masterfully weave a tapestry of love in your life today?

Being Excited About GOD

2 Kings 10: ³⁰ The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.”

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I can’t point to any “cause and affect” to my success. In fact I really don’t see how I made it to where I made it. All I know is I remember a simple prayer… “LORD please make me successful.”  I didn’t know what “levels” meant to a company or what “corporate politics” meant to a career. I had no specific target or path to get there.

All I knew was... I had to change the mode in which I was operating and mature.

• When I was immature, I would instantly lie to cover myself.
• When I was immature, I would not take responsibility for my actions.
• When I was immature, I would not stand firm for what is right rather I would bend towards the crowd.

GOD wants me to “grow up.” Instead of blaming HIM for the ills of society or for the current situation, GOD wants me to admit I need HIM, ask for forgiveness and join HIM in HIS quest to bring people back to HIM. This WILL be against what the population believes.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM as much as I can.
• GOD wants me to trust HIM as much as I can.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM as much as I can.

Note I said “as much as I can” because HE truly wants me to love HIM with ALL my heart, but my heart and every humans’ heart is poisoned with sin at birth, so this takes effort. GOD knows that my righteousness is sometimes pure and sometimes tainted with trying to get my sinful way. BUT GOD’s grace is sufficient and HIS SON’s death and resurrection is complete. This makes me excited!

• Are you filled with fear?
• Do you blame others for your woes?
• Can you begin by taking responsibility for your actions?
• Will you ask GOD to fill you up with HIS might today?