In the Family

In the Family

1 John 3: ⁹ Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. ¹⁰ Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: those who do not do what is right or do not love others are not God's children.

 

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After playing over a friend’s house I was invited to stay for dinner. Same thing happened at another house. Soon that blossomed into bowling, movies and other events.

 

• I felt I was part of multiple families.
• I felt I belonged.
• I felt I could hear when I was corrected by my adopted parents.

 

John compares two families, GOD’s versus the Devil’s. He gives the criteria for being in GOD’s family first. He says that GOD place HIS very nature inside HIS children. On the other hand, he mentions that those who do not love other people and who do not do what is right are the Devil’s children.

 

My Observations:

• It is valuable to be in GOD’s family.
• GOD’s family gives me joy and peace that are in abundant supply.
• GOD guides me because HE wants me to act like JESUS, who was the ultimate example of love.

 

Being part of a true loving family feels great! I mean, realizing that GOD loves me and wants the best for me really makes me want to do what is right in HIS eyes. Unfortunately, I don’t always want to remain in HIS family.

 

I run away, thinking “I” know what is best for me. Then I face difficulties and have no where to turn. BUT GOD says to me “Turn from your wicked ways and I will hear you and heal your land.” I am glad HE always welcomes me back with open arms.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer only gives two family types?
• Have you ever felt part of an adopted family?
• Will you join GOD’s family and follow the ways of JESUS so you can be sure you have a solid relationship HIM today?

Full of Courage

Full of Courage

1 John 2: ²⁸ Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. ²⁹ You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

 

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Having told the lie, I did not feel confident in answering any questions. I could be tripped up easily because I made up a convenient story that was not consistent with what I was doing at the time.

 

• My mind raced as I tried to think of other lies to support the current lie.
• Blame entered my mind as a possible way out of “my” current lie.
• After a while, I gave up and said “lying is just too hard too hard to keep up.”

 

John wraps up his discussion about remaining in union with CHRIST. He implies that if we remain in union with JESUS, then when HE returns, we will not be ashamed, but full of courage.

 

My Observations:

• Confidence comes from staying with GOD, even when things look terrible.
• Assurance comes from following GOD instead of trying to create my own security blanket.
• Courage comes from doing “what is right” as GOD has defined it, not humans.

 

Sin makes me question GOD’s love for me. I mean, when I sin and something goes terribly wrong, I wonder if it was the sin that caused the pain. Even though I know I am forgiven, I still feel unstable in my relationship with GOD when blatant sin is in the picture. GOD has another way.

 

HE is not placing extreme pressure on us to be perfect. In fact, HE knew we would not follow HIM, yet JESUS died for humanity anyway. But there are times when GOD sees when you and I do “what is right” and gets excited. I am glad GOD can use sinful people to do HIS marvelous works of love.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to make the message precious to everyone?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you?
• Wil you have courage in your relationship with GOD by doing “what is right” so HE can call you HIS child today?

Steps to Growth

Steps to Growth

1 Peter 2:  Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. ² Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. ³ As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.”

 

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Tired of my scrawny stature, I joined a gym. I didn’t know how to lift weights, but it couldn’t be that hard, right? I watched the brawny people pick up heavy objects and put them back down. I tried it myself and couldn’t. Some people approached me and showed me what I was doing wrong. They had me start over using the correct form and lighter weights.

 

• I was too embarrassed to ask for help, so I watched and tried to do things on my own.
• I knew I needed to do something different, but I did not know what to change.
• I needed to start off with what I could handle, then progress to something heavier.

 

Pater identified steps to spiritual growth. First he gave a list of symptoms that would keep a person from growing spiritually. He listed a small list of blockers that included, lying, hypocrisy, jealousy and insulting language. These were probably problems with those who wore masks and pretended to be holy. He then gave the true remedy, namely becoming thirsty for spiritual milk.

 

My Observations:

• Embarrassment leads me to seek the wisdom of the world, BUT GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom as the beginning of knowledge.
• Insecurity leads me to want to cover up my flaws, BUT GOD wants me to be secure in my faith with HIM so I can address issues versus covering them up.
• Starting over makes me think I will never arrive, BUT GOD wants me to tear down patterns of thinking that may have existed for decades.

 

Seeking GOD as a little baby means I can’t think about what I ingest, I should just eat it up. Unfortunately, there have been those who have presented the Gospel in a manipulative way, causing me to have pause. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to listen to other people and read the Bible for myself. HE wants me to understand the scriptures for myself and continue to seek HIS face with an insatiable thirst. Life can bring hard lessons. That is why GOD wants me to know HE is there with me at all times. I am grateful GOD has given the scriptures for all to be comforted.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start the list with what to get rid of?
• Have you ever tried to hide your flaws behind a goody, goody mask?
• Will you start over with a better foundation and seek GOD as a little child versus seeing HIM through the world’s hurts today?

Obedience School

Obedience School

Ephesians 6: Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. ² “Respect your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise added: ³ “so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.”

 

⁴ Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction.

 

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“Get up and finish the work I told you to do” were the words both of my parents had to use on several occasions. I wants to sit around and take it easy, but they ‘always” seemed to have something to pick up, clean up or tear up.

 

• I grumbled.
• I murmured.
• I tried to convince them that I did not feel like doing whatever work they wanted me to do but had no other reason than, “I don’t feel like it.”

 

Family dynamics was a difficult topic that GOD wanted Paul to address. Honor, respect and obedience seemed like words of control to those who wanted to be wild and free. Dishonor, disrespect and disobedience had become the norm and needed a remedy.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted me to learn how to obey as a child so I would later obey HIS strange, yet powerful ways.
• GOD wanted me to learn how to respect as a child so I would later respect HIS variety of creations that do not look or act like me.
• GOD wanted me to learn discipline from HIS word so I would have a basis from which I could make decisions.

 

Obedience, honor, respect, discipline and learning about GOD seem weak to those who want to be wild and free. I mean, I thought my parents just wanted workers versus children. I tried to manipulate the circumstance by thinking they weren’t expressing love by having me do chores. BUT GOD showed me my immaturity.

 

Looking back I can see how blessed I was to have parents who loved me enough to attempt to care for me, clothe me and feed me, all while trying to teach me about who GOD was to them. They also knew when to step back and allow me to with walk with GOD or choose “my” own way, even if it were destructive. I am grateful for my parents and understand more of what GOD is doing because of them.

 

Challenge

• What problems do you think the writer was trying to address?
• How can imperfect people provide instruction that works?
• Will you look at this passage from being a child or a parent so you can make adjustments that are pleasing to the LORD today?

Pseudo Parent

Pseudo Parent

2 Corinthians 12: ¹⁴ This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you—and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children. ¹⁵ I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much?

 

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“Come in and have some dinner” were the words I delighted ti hear. Many households invited me in to eat with them in the community I grew up. What was it about these people who took time out of their busy lives to help us kids? They did it from their heart.

 

• I was blessed to have many pseudo parents who cared for me.
• I was blessed to be watched over by those who had hearts large enough to care for others.
• I was blessed to have so many people who would take me places, feed me, and mostly teach me how to grow up.

 

Pau was about to visit. He explained that he was not coming there for their money. This may have been a selfish concern on their part that he wanted to ease. Instead, he was being a pseudo parent and wanted to show his love.

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t mind if I remain a child.
• GOD wants me to grow up to love others the way I can.
• GOD wants me to understand the purpose of having the HOLY SPIRIT live inside me is to stretch my heart to fit others.

 

When life is all about me, my words sound different. I mean, I have more complaints than solutions when I am a child. BUT GOD wants me to grow up and point others to HIM as the only solution to life’s problems.

 

HE allows fiery trials in my life to burn away the things that do not belong. HE then opens my eyes to other people HE wants me to reach. HE provides enough for me and her or him as I encounter each person. I am glad I have had great parents and pseudo parents to grow me in many ways.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the care of the writer?
• Have you ever been tempted to speak about GOD only for money?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to stretch your heart to fit other people and serve them so they can believe in JESUS in a saving way today?

Patient Hope

 

Patient Hope

Romans 8: ²² For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. ²³ But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. ²⁴ For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

 

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Standing out in the snow, I leaned my head in the street. There was a certain headlight I was looking for that would bring me comfort. I was waiting on a bus and it seemed like it would never come. I knew it was on its way, but I looked for those headlights, as if to will the bus to come faster. The snow came down harder and I simply had to wait.

 

• There have been many times when I hoped for something to arrive a little faster.
• There have been many times when I knew something was on its way, but I could not see it.
• There have been many times when I felt miserable waiting, yet I could not do anything else.

 

Paul switches from creation to humans in his explanation of how everyone and everything is waiting on GOD to reveal HIS children. He says “We who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free.” He then explains that it was hope that saved us and it is hope that will keep us waiting in patience.

 

• GOD gives me patience by believing HE has the situation taken care of.
• GOD provides for me when I cannot see what I am looking for.
• GOD delivers me out of the darkness, even though I sometimes feel like I am stumbling.

 

“Wait on the LORD” are some tough words to swallow. I mean, cant HE just come back and get all this over with? GOD wants the full number of those who will believe in JESUS to be accounted for. Since we are all still here, I have to patiently wait.

 

GOD is gracious in my waiting. HE gives me purpose to reach those who HE sends me to so they can be added to that number. I cannot make JESUS return any faster, but I can serve HIM with hope and patience until HE does.

 

• Are you weary from waiting?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS and stop looking at the current situation that GOD has already taken care of?

Tools of a Child

 

Tools of a Child

Romans 8: ¹² So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. ¹³ For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. ¹⁴ Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. ¹⁵ For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” ¹⁶ God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. ¹⁷ Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.

 

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Seeing another ride caught my attention. I left the group to feed my curiosity. When I looked around, I could not see any familiar faces. Immediately I whipped out the best tool I knew. I cried “I want my mommy and daddy!”

 

Unfortunately, they were not on this church trip to the amusement park. I was taken to an office where questions flew at me, but I had no answers. Shortly after, the bus returned.

 

• When I was a child I was not afraid to see something new.
• When I was a child I cried out for help as my only tool for fixing the situation.
• When I was a child I needed everything and possessed nothing.

 

Paul tells everyone of a serious obligation. Live by human sinful nature and die or live by the Spirit and live. He then explains that we are GOD’s children, not HIS adults or peers or pals. The HOLY SPIRIT caused our Spirits to be part of GOD’s family. GOD takes care of HIS children.

 

• GOD wants me to have the faith of a child.
• GOD wants me to have total dependence on HIM.
• GOD wants me to be freed from fear, doubt and worry so I can hear HIS leading.

 

Age brings pride. I mean, the older I got, the more I thought “I” was doing the things to get me in places or through situations. Soon I believed in “my” abilities to fix any situation. BUT GOD did not like that dead type of thinking.

 

GOD placed situations in front of me that seemed impossible to fix. All I could do was cry “FATHER! My FATHER.” When I surrendered to HIM, HE sent HIS rescue. I am grateful GOD watches over me, HIS child, every day.

 

• Are you desperately trying to fix your situation?
• Do you believe you have to be strong and not cry?
• Will you cry out to GOD who hears you because you are HIS child, so HE will enable you to see all who are suffering and raise you and them up to share in the glory of CHRIST?

 

Evidence

Evidence

John 20: ³ Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. ⁴ So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. ⁵ And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. ⁹ For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

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“Seek proof” was the bad advice I took to heart. I listened to a suspicious person and became suspicious. From that moment on, I asked more questions, trying to get to the bottom of “this”, whatever “this” was.

• There were many times I did not believe.
• There were many times I sought after evidence.
• There were many times that I wasted time in disbelief only to find out later I should have believed all the time.

Two zealous disciples heard the news about JESUS’ missing body. They ran to the tomb, one outrunning the other, and observed the heavy bandages laying all over the place. The handkerchief that was on JESUS’s head was folded. One disciple immediately believed that JESUS had arose.

• GOD wants me to believe as a child with immediacy and without question.
• GOD wants my faith to grow so I do not need evidence to know HE has what’s best in mind for me.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I do not know everything,  but HE definitely does.

Evidence of GOD can be seen just by using our senses. Every texture, odor, sound, flavor or observation screams GOD is right there with me. Unfortunately the world dullens my senses, stealing the glory from GOD, making me seek which human can get the trophy of discovery.

We seek evidence that GOD has already told us and reward humans for finding what is already there. BUT GOD enables pure belief and makes it available to anyone who wants it. HE rewards me for seeking HIM without the need for evidence. I drop my suspicions, little by little. One day I want pure belief.

• Are you a suspicious person?
• Do you thrive on evidence?
• Will you seek GOD today without needing as much evidence?

Seeking Greatness

Luke 22: ²¹ But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. ²² The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!’ ²³ They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

²⁴ A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. ²⁵ Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. ²⁷ For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. ²⁸ You are those who have stood by me in my trials. ²⁹ And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, ³⁰ so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

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Potato chip boxes, old coffee cans and a few bulbs from flashlights were the materials of my science project idea. I planned on building a robot. This idea would definitely “win” the science fair. “I could just see it now, they would give me the trophy or ribbon or some sort of prize”, I imagined as I jumped into my pursuit.

• Many times I wanted to be known as “great.”
• Many times I wanted to “win” something.
• Many times I wanted to be the one who was on “top” rather than being on the bottom of the junk pile.

JESUS had just told the disciples that one of them would betray HIM. After each disciple questioned whether it was them or not, they went into a familiar discussion amongst humans. The disciples argued over who would be greater. I imagine them remembering how they healed someone just by speaking, so of course they would be greater than someone else, right?

• GOD tells me to serve HIS people without thinking of becoming “great.”
• GOD tells me to be genuine with HIS people and hope for the best, even for my enemies.
• GOD tells me to humble myself and allow HIM to decide how high HE wants to raise me among humans and in heaven.

Pursuing human greatness has its flaws. Humans can flatter in order to become great within themselves. JESUS knows that worldly greatness cannot compare to HIS greatness. HE wants me to focus on HIS kingdom by becoming a servant to as many people I can while I am alive. GOD wants me to bear HIS fruit. I am grateful to be HIS servant.

• Are you stuck on trying to be great?
• Are you frustrated because your human plans have fallen apart?
• Will you allow GOD to declare how great you should be and allow HIM to deliver you to the right person to speak about HIM today?

Illogical Thankfulness

Luke 10: ²¹ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ²² All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

²³ Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; ²⁴ for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

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Driving down the road, I hit a huge patch of water. The car spun all the way around then wound up sideways to oncoming traffic. I corrected the car and was able to continue without any harm to me or my family. I thanked GOD for HIS protection.

• Sometimes I am tempted to give myself credit.
• Sometimes I think “I” performed all of “my” accomplishments.
• Sometimes I think “I” am in control.

JESUS did something extremely strange. HE thanks the FATHER for hiding things from the “wise and prudent.” HE then thanks the FATHER for revelation to “babes.” Afterwards HE turns to the disciples and says HE reveals who, HE and the FATHER is, to whom HE chooses.

• GOD says to me “I accept your thankfulness.”
• GOD says to me “I enjoy your thanksgiving.”
• GOD says to me “I know it is difficult sometimes but I AM there for you and I appreciate your praise and thanks.”

Sometimes it is all about GOD. HE deserves praise whenever I can. Sin makes me want to run and hide from GOD, but HE appreciates illogical thankfulness, even after sin. HE enjoys my confession that I need and want HIM to cleanse me of unrighteousness.

HE is pleased when I credit HIM for “everything”, large and small. GOD is my protection, HE is my strength, HE is my savior. I owe everything to HIM.

• Is your logic larger than GOD?
• Do you believe in “some” parts of the Bible and not others?
• Do you think GOD made you incorrectly and that humans have a better answer than HE does?
• Will you yield your life to HIM today and know HE made you, only HE can cure you?

Becoming Somebody

Mark 10: ¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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“One day you could be a programmer” a teacher told me. I had no idea what she was referring to. “Would you like to take my class?” she said. I took the class and a whole world opened up to me.

• There have been people who have given me wisdom.
• There have been people who have provided me with a direction.
• There have been people who have touched my mind and motivated me.

What intrigued me about this passage were the children. I mean, why were they there? What were they going to get? Were they sick? It does not say why they were there. I can only speculate that JESUS was blessing them to become something great.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall have peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Being blessed by JESUS means being blessed enough to follow HIM no matter the circumstance. HE has the power to lay hands on me and clear my paths to do HIS will. Only HE can touch my soul.

• Do you need help?
• Are you feeling low?
• Can you give JESUS a chance instead of trying to do everything under your own power?

Unseen Solution

Matthew 14: ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

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“LORD, please grant me my prayer” is what I asked. Days later I got exactly what I asked for but got nervous that I would mess up. “What If I don’t do well?” “What if I can’t handle this?” More questions flooded my mind and I began to falter.

• Sometimes GOD gives me exactly what I asked for.
• Sometimes GOD instantly grants me favor.
• Sometimes GOD does some amazing things in my life that I am not quite ready for.

“If you don’t really want it, don’t ask for it”, don’t ask it is what I learned. GOD has said “Okay” to some of my prayers and I found myself in over my head and overwhelmed. I looked around and suddenly began to sink. BUT GOD pulled me through.

• GOD hears me when I earnestly cry out to HIM.
• GOD knows I need saving even before I get into a mess.
• GOD saves me from the turmoil’s of life even when I ask for them.

Faith was the unseen solution to Peter’s problem and mine. When I place my faith in GOD I can face enormous challenges. I have to tell myself constantly, “Don’t look left, don’t look right, just keep looking straight towards CHRIST.” When I focus on GOD my worries diminish. GOD saves me from the waves.

• Are you sinking?
• Do you have worries and doubts?
• Can you stop looking around at your situation and look at CHRIST as your Savior?

Hidden Messages

Matthew 11: ²⁵ At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

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“You are so smart” was the compliment I loved to hear. This meant “I” was special. I worked hard to hear those words again and again. Finally, I reached a point where I was with the top people in my class. “Why are you hanging out with ‘those’ people?” they questioned me. “What people?” I replied. “The ones who will not get into college.” Hmm, is this the right crowd for me?

• There were some very smart people I admired.
• There were some very clever people I followed.
• There were some very intellectual people I tried to emulate only to find it was yet another class trying to exclude.

“Those people” meant it was them against “us.” It felt kind of good for a minute; I mean being hated by the troglodytes who slumped through the hallways. Unfortunately for me, GOD was hiding HIS message from me.

• GOD wanted me to see “People” not “Those people.”
• GOD wanted me to know “The smarter I got, the dumber I got spiritually.”
• GOD wanted me to understand that HIS power is infinite, confusing to humans and shown only to those HE chooses.

It took a while for me to stop worshipping the next genius that came along and start focusing on GOD’s power. Instead of trying to emulate them, I was bound to follow the examples of JESUS. The stuff that HE had me doing did not make sense. Soon I had gone to countries around the world, spreading HIS message of salvation.

While this did not make sense to the intellectual community, it made sense to GOD and that is what matters most!

• Are you trying to be noticed by your intellectual prowess?
• Have you lowered GOD into a thing “those” ignorant people worship?
• Can you open your eyes to GOD’s infinite power to create and sustain human life?
• Will you seek the hidden messages from GOD today?