Addressing Struggles with Other Humans

 Addressing Struggles with Other Humans

Exodus 23: ²⁰ “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. ²¹ Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. ²² But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. ²³ For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. ²⁴ You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their works; but you shall utterly overthrow them and completely break down their sacred pillars.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE mentions the preincarnate JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• GOD mentions that an Angel would or would not pardon transgressions.
• JESUS is the only being given the authority to pardon transgressions.
• JESUS would go before the children of Israel to fight their battles.

 

Humans try to say GOD does not have conditions. HIS love stretches the bounds of sin, so HIS love is unconditional. BUT HIS protection and guidance seem to have conditions. “If you obey HIS voice,” is a condition that would provide the children of Israel protection against those who rebelled against GOD.

 

First it was the people of Canaan who hated GOD and HIS ways. They developed rocks and wood and gold as things to worship. They made sacred pillars that solidified their rebellion against GOD. Everything about the various groups mentioned pointed to a broken relationship with GOD.

 

JESUS would be the Angel who would go before the children of Israel. HE would guide them, but they would still need to be the ones who would drive the rebels out of the promised land. The condition of listening to JESUS was established. Those who rebelled would be cut off. I believe this is the eternal separation from GOD that we could face by not believing in JESUS.

 

The children of Israel would face struggles with other people that JESUS would take care of. All they had to do was obey HIM and not provoke HIM. HE was leading them to a better place. To provoke HIM would be an act of disbelief in HIS guidance.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the leading of “An Angel?”
• Have you examined yourself to see if you have any ways that may provoke the LORD?
• Do you realize that JESUS wants you to be successful in HIS plan and path?

 

First Two Commandments – No gods, No Idols

First Two Commandments – No gods, No Idols

Exodus 19: And God spoke all these words, saying:

 

² “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

 

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me.

 

⁴ “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

 

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Moses made it back to the people to warn them about staying away from the mountain, otherwise they would be killed. When Moses got back, GOD spoke.

 

My Observations:

• GOD begins the Ten Commandments by revealing how HE wants to relate to the people.
• GOD let’s the people know that it was no coincidence that they were delivered out of Egypt.
• GOD made it clear that he sees those who hate HIM and who make idols that mock HIS position and power.

 

These first two commandments are extremely important to GOD. HE could not stan it when Pharaoh was revered as a god, and HE does not like it when we raise politicians or other celebrities to godlike status.

 

GOD does explain that HE has mercy on those who love HIM and keep HIS commandments. After 430 years, the children of Israel needed to hear the mindset that GOD wanted them to take to heart. They had believed that a human could be a god. They also believed in idols. GOD made it clear that gods and idols were not to ever be worshipped. HE and HE alone is GOD.

HE said “I AM the LORD your GOD,” when HE began HIS speech.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that HE started off the Ten Commandments by telling the people about no gods and no idols?
• Have you made a politician or cither celebrity a god by speaking about him or her more than JESUS?
• Is GOD higher than any politician, celebrity or local leader to you so your actions can be guided by HIM?

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

 

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Exodus 12: ¹⁴ ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁵ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. ¹⁶ On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you. ¹⁷ So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. ¹⁹ For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. ²⁰ You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’ ”

 

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GOD continues with HIS instructions to Moses to give to the children of Israel. HE gives precise instructions regarding the Passover Feast of Unleavened Bread.

 

My Observations:

• GOD instituted the Feast of Unleavened Bread for the Israelites to follow until sin is abolished.
• GOD wanted the people to celebrate the start and finish of this week.
• GOD seems to equate leaven or yeast with false doctrine and the poisonous mindset of religious leaders who wanted followers versus making followers of GOD.

 

Ever since the garden of Edan, GOD was fighting a mindset that there is no need for HIM or no need to place faith in HIM. Even before religious leaders were established, GOD put together an annual feast that would help the leaders recognize that GOD needs to be followed, not man. Unfortunately, religious leaders focused people on activity versus heartfelt belief, causing people to think they could earn GOD.

 

JESUS would later say, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Their doctrine did not point to JESUS as the Messiah; rather, they were focused on building selfish kingdoms, misusing HIS name. For seven days, GOD wanted purity and to focus on HIM with no manipulation from human mindsets.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• Have you wanted something so badly, that you believed you could manipulate GOD by following a religious leader?
• Can you focus your mindset on GOD as your leader versus your favorite religious or political leader?

Nations and People Groups 4 of 6

Nations and People Groups 4 of 6

Genesis 10: ¹³ Mizraim begot Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, ¹⁴ Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines and Caphtorim).

 

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Returning back to the children of Ham, GOD mentions Mizraim to Noah. Mizraim is the founder of the Egyptian empire that would prove to be a challenge for a long period of time. Mizraim may have also tried to prove the curse of Noah was not valid, nor was the GOD he followed. One of his son’s, Casluhim, birthed the Philistine empire.

 

My Observations:

• Mizraim or Egypt eventually saw people as property.
• The Egyptian empire would enslave many people, which seems contrary to the curse of Canaan.
• People who seek power over one another may dominate for a season, but fall hard when the LORD says so.

 

Wow! Egyptians and Philistines! GOD allowed groups of people to be born and walk in disbelief on HIM. They were highly intelligent, strong and highly admired. They struggled with the concept of a higher power, thinking humans could become a god.

 

It is amazing that GOD allowed people to create false gods and turn their backs to HIM. No matter what GOD has done in the past or present, they would not turn to HIM. Great empires were developed with wild human sacrifices. GOD was not weak, HE waited.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the origin of Egypt and the Philistines to Moses?
• Has GOD made a promise to you that has not come to fruition?
• Will you allow GOD to work HIS plan through you as part of a greater plan for humanity?

Priorities Addressed

Priorities Addressed

Jude 1: ³ My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people. ⁴ For some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. Long ago the Scriptures predicted the condemnation they have received.

 

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After planning and making several trips back and forth to the hardware store, I finished installing my sprinkler / irrigation system. I was excited and as I began to program watering times, clouds gathered. These clouds were darker than usual. Suddenly, tornado sirens sounded! But instead of rushing into the house, I finished setting my sprinkler system. The tornado touched down two blocks over. I should have gone inside.

 

• Another priority came up that needed to be addressed immediately, but I ignored it.
• A danger that threatened life arose and I did not take heed.
• A warning was clearly given for me to take action, and I kept doing what I was doing.

 

Jude, human brother of JESUS, begins his letter with a strong warning. At first he was going to write about salvation. This topic, while extremely important, was put aside to address a more immediate problem, namely false teaching. He was aware of what people were saying about JESUS by those who pretended to be part of HIM but were not.

 

My Observations:

• Many people mention the name of JESUS who do not believe the HE is GOD who became a human to die for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead.
• Those who do not believe, provide solutions that keeps him or her doing things that do not please GOD, trying to justify their actions using GOD’s name.
• GOD sees my heart and wants me to fight for my faith to make sure I am not influenced by those who oppose HIM.

 

False teachers look like real teachers. I mean, when half truths are told and omissions take place, its hard to tell false teachers from real teachers. BUT GOD knows and HE is ready to point them out.

 

GOD sees the heart and know who is for HIM or against HIM.HE knew liars would talk about HIS SON in a negative way, yet HE allowed HIM to die on the cross for you and me. False teachers do not want to surrender their lives to this teaching, instead he or she add philosophies that may oppose CHRIST. I am glad GOD protects you and me form those who pretend to love GOD.

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer change the topic?
• Have you ever heard something that sounded true enough to be credible, like commercials, yet were false?
• Will you seek a relationship with JESUS by reading the Bible, HIS Word, today?

Knowing True Love

Knowing True Love

1 John 5: ¹⁸ We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

¹⁹ We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.

²⁰ We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

²¹ My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

 

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“I love this suit!” I exclaimed. But when it got too small and frayed, I wanted something else. “I love this car!” I said. But when years passed, the maintenance made me get less and less excited.

 

• Items I said “I loved” tended to wear out and so did my “love” for the item.
• When problems developed with the item, my love changed.
• I worried about losing, tearing or breaking the items and I bragged about them whenever I could.

 

John ends his letter with assurance. He wanted to make sure that believers would be taken care of. He said “We know” so that believers would place the love of GOD in their minds and in their hearts and to turn from seeking “false gods.”

 

My Observations:

• Any person, place or thing that I worship over GOD will become a false god to me.
• JESUS loved us and came to give us understanding so that we may know true love.
• Experiencing true love makes me change my desires for false love.

 

“I don’t want that anymore” is confusing to the world. I mean, when the world presents fame and fortune as a good thing, shouldn’t I join in? Maybe not if those things cause me to stop seeking GOD. Unfortunately, the more fortune I have and the more famous I become, the less “time” I have for GOD. Eventually HE is in none of my decisions until I face problems.

 

GOD wants me to be in union with HIM at all times. This means reducing sin so HE can keep me safe from the Evil One. It also means knowing that I belong to GOD versus HE belonging to me. I am glad HE has given us understanding to live in union with the true GOD.

 

Challenge

• What false gods is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever worshiped someone or something or a title or an action?
• Will you place loving GOD over all your actions and stuff so you can live in union with the true GOD, who loves you deeply, today?

Holding On

Colossians 2: ¹⁸ Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking ¹⁹ and have stopped holding on to Christ, who is the head of the body. Under Christ's control the whole body is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God wants it to grow.

 

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Seeking help when I was feeling pretty low, I sought advice from the rich and powerful. I had placed my entire identity in work and now I was no longer employed. “Follow this person” and “follow that person” was the confusing advice from well-meaning people. Nothing helped.

 

• I felt lost.
• I did not know who to turn to.
• I was feeling desperate so I was open to listening to anyone who could provide a path to “success.”

 

Paul continues with another warning. He cautions everyone not to be condemned by anyone who “claimed” to be superior. These people wanted a following so they made up their visions and even worse they pretended to be humble and finally they worshipped spiritual being lower tan GOD. Their smooth talk tore people away from following CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Following people can possibly drag me away from following CHRIST if I’m not careful.
• Acting like I’m superior or falsely humble or telling people I worship angels can bring on condemnation to others and myself.
• Being so desperate that I would follow “successful” people and let go of CHRIST can be my downfall.

 

Holding onto CHRIST is hard at times. I mean, when times are really, really difficult, it seems like someone pops up at the right time with the right solution that pulls me away from CHRIST. I ignore the warning signs of their celebrity status and place my hope in their “success.” BUT GOD wants me to act different.

 

CHRIST is the only one who is superior. HIS death, burial and resurrection gives HIM all authority over every situation. HE is the one I should seek when I am low. HE is also the one who requires praise when things go well for me. I point my life to HIM and hope you will follow JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever wanted to follow celebrities in hopes that your life would change?
• Are you willing to stop following CHRIST to obtain some temporary “success?”
• Will you seek JESUS as the head of your life and recognize HE feeds the body or church, holds it together and grows it for HIS purpose today?

Resolute

Resolute

Colossians 2: ⁴ I tell you, then, do not let anyone deceive you with false arguments, no matter how good they seem to be. ⁵ For even though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which you stand together in your faith in Christ.

 

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Wanting to grow, I listened to “successful” people. One person on the rise gave me some advice that seemed a little off, but what did I know. It turns out, this person ended up being fired for fraud.

 

• I did not know who to believe.
• I tried to go on instinct but wasn’t getting anywhere.
• I listened to people who I thought had it together, but it turned out that they had flaws.

 

Paul gives a stern warning about people who are deceivers. These people provided very convincing false arguments that seemed to be good at the time. Paul commends those who had “resolute firmness” as they decided to stand for CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• Seeking human wisdom can sometimes get me in trouble, but GOD never fails me.
• Getting advice from people who do not believe in JESUS may lead me away from HIM.
• GOD wants me to have absolute resolve in my belief in JESUS.

 

No turning back, is a term used to illustrate going down a path and not returning back to the beginning of the path. When I decided to believe in JESUS, this was a one way path. All troubles, trials and tribulations  I face on the path should not turn me away from JESUS. Unfortunately there have been many times when I felt like giving up on HIM.

 

My walk was not as firm when I fell into temptation or when another path seemed “greener.” I would go with the flow of human advice and wind up in worse shape than the path I was supposed to be on. Fortunately for me, GOD welcomes me back to HIS path. HE picks me up and gives me resolve to follow HIM no matter what.

 

Challenge

• What deception do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was “wrong”, yet you pursued it anyway?
• Will you seek the one and only truth from which you can base all your decisions, namely believing in JESUS today?

Bad Fruit

Bad Fruit

Galatians 5: ¹⁹ What human nature does is quite plain. It shows itself in immoral, filthy, and indecent actions; ²⁰ in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups; ²¹ they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.

 

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Continuing on yesterday’s thought, I remember being excited about going to college where I found “freedom” to do what “everybody” else was doing. When I joined in with the group I liked, I was able to get drunk, have as much sex as I wanted and join in on a few battles with malicious words. I found myself not attending classes, then I was kicked out. The “fun” group was not there to help.

 

• I was on a path to destroying myself and others.
• I cared so much about experiencing pleasure that I was blind to my own actions.
• I wanted to fit in with a group that was trying to use “fun” as a medication to life’s difficulties.

 

Paul provides a list that could be confusing. He lists actions that some would ask “what’s wrong with that?” He is warning people about their “purpose” in life. The list is not about a specific sin, it is about life’s pursuits. His warning is, if people pursue yielding to human nature too long, eventually he or she will not be able to hear GOD.

 

My Observations

• Recognizing that I am blinded by my own desires helps me see GOD.
• Asking GOD to give me strength to ignore the things that are barriers to hearing HIM puts me back on HIS path.
• Knowing that JESUS died for all my sins helps me when I fall.

 

Believing in JESUS enables me to possess the Kingdom of GOD. But what happens if I sin? If I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Getting back to the passage, it is about life’s pursuits that GOD is looking at.

 

HE knows when I am pursuing “my” own kingdom versus HIS. HE let’s be bear bad fruit, thinking my crowd can “support” me through life’s difficulties. HE allows my bad fruit to grow into horrible situations that may have affected many. Fortunately, HE always makes a way back to HIM. I am grateful I can run back to GOD and HE welcomes me with open forgiving arms.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of the list the writer brings that would concern you?
• Do you find yourself justifying your own actions with a group?
• Will you stop listening to your human nature and confess to GOD that your life may be on a dangerous path and you need HIS help to guide you back to HIM today?

Participate Anyway

Participate Anyway

Galatians 4:¹⁷ Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. ¹⁸ Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. ¹⁹ My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. ²⁰ How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you!

 

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After a long day I sat on the bus headed home. Traffic was thick so we creeped down the street. I looked out the window and saw people from my school taking an alternate route since the main one was filled. I could also see thugs waiting to rob them.

 

• I felt there was nothing I could do.
• I felt bad for the those who were about to be victimized.
• I felt angry at those who were trying to take advantage of others for their own gain.

 

Paul expresses his deep concern for those who have turned away from the saving message of JESUS to follow other messages that provided temporary hope. Thieves desiring attention were busy trying to steal love versus living it. All Paul could do is be concerned from a distance. It seemed hopeless.

 

My Observations

• When I see someone being wronged, I can ask GOD to intercede.
• GOD lets me know that prayer is more powerful than thieves, even though it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
• Vengeance is for the LORD so my participation is for all people involved to receive HIS mercy.

 

It is painful to watch someone try to steal people’s hearts. I mean, those who are hurt try their best to keep other people hurt because misery loves company. BUT GOD holds the key to that situation.

 

It takes faith to let go of the obvious trap you can see someone walking into. GOD sees the heart of those who are being victimized and those who are being predators. HE hears your prayers even though you may have to participate from a distance. I am glad GOD intervenes and intercedes for those HE is bringing back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “other people” is the writer speaking about?
• Can you feel the writers pain and passion for everyone he spoke the gospel to?
• If you see someone intentionally trying to hurt someone and you are not able to directly intervene, will you participate anyway by asking GOD for HIS protection and mercy?

Keeping It Real

Keeping It Real

2 Corinthians 11: ¹² I will go on doing what I am doing now, in order to keep those other “apostles” from having any reason for boasting and saying that they work in the same way that we do. ¹³ Those men are not true apostles—they are false apostles, who lie about their work and disguise themselves to look like real apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ Well, no wonder! Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light! ¹⁵ So it is no great thing if his servants disguise themselves to look like servants of righteousness. In the end they will get exactly what their actions deserve.

 

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Looking at the “mistakes” my peers made in other departments gave me a way to mention how “good” my department was doing. Competition was fierce over getting budget and I felt the pressure to survive. One day an issue did arise in my area. Suddenly, I was being scrutinized instead of praised.

 

• I was busy looking at someone else’s problems.
• I was focused on what other people were doing and not paying attention to what I was supposed to do.
• I was insecure about me so I took attention off of me and put it on someone else.

 

Paul said a mouthful when he wrote the words “I will go on doing what I am doing.” Instead of spending time telling people about every detail of how the false apostles were disguising themselves to look like angels of light, he had to do what GOD called him to do so he would not fall.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus my attention on my relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to see that I am the one who needs salvation, direction and encouragement.
• GOD wants me to be true to HIS word.

 

Keeping it real with GOD is important. I mean, HE does not want to hear “but he” or “but she” from me. HE may ask me “How did you respond in the situation?” or “Did you use the weapons of love and patience I gave you?” The only response I can say to HIM is “No.”

 

BUT HE gives me many other chances to grow up and try out HIS valuable weapons. He also wants me prepared for daily attacks from the enemy’s attacks. HE gives me truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the HIS word as my daily protection. I am glad JESUS forgives my mistakes and gives me another chance each day.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about the war between “good” and “evil” in this passage?
• Do you think you are responsible for fighting false messages said by others?
• Have you ever messed up and needed grace?
• Will you seek a solid relationship with JESUS and make HIM LORD of your life so you can have a “real” abundant life today?

False Facts

False Facts

Acts 19: ³⁵ The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? ³⁶ Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. ³⁷ You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. ³⁸ If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. ³⁹ If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. ⁴⁰ As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” ⁴¹ After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

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With passion, I quoted some information to a group. After many moments of arguing, someone pulled me to the side and said “The information you are quoting is wrong.” The person showed me the correct information and I was thoroughly embarrassed. I had to now, go and correct what I had passionately argued over.

• There were times when I wanted to be heard more than being right.
• There were times when I wanted to exert power, so I got into arguments.
• There were times when I quoted things as fact when they may not have been true.

An official of the city was finally able to quiet the rioting. But when he spoke, he told everyone about Ephesus being the guardian of the temple goddess Artemis and her relationship with heaven. He quoted this as an undeniable fact. The crowd dispersed, but what was heard?

• GOD wants me to learn about HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is the only GOD.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth about JESUS being the one and only SON of GOD.

Being part of a group can sometimes outweigh telling the truth. I mean, when I feel empowered to speak “a” truth, it feels good to be validated by a local group. BUT GOD wants me to be brave enough to speak “the” truth.

GOD is the only GOD. There is no other. HIS SON, JESUS, along with the HOLY SPIRIT are inseparable, all knowing, all seeing and all powerful. HE revealed facts that cannot be refuted and JESUS’ return cannot be stopped. I am grateful for these facts in which I live my life by.

• What facts are you willing to die over?
• Are the facts you live by worth losing eternal life?
• Will you place your passion on JESUS versus manmade facts that conveniently change often?

Blocked

Blocked

Acts 19: ²⁸ When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ²⁹ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. ³⁰ Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. ³¹ Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

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When I answered the door, my friends were outside asking if I could go to the party. “What party?” I asked nervously. It didn’t matter what their answer was, I knew I wouldn’t get permission to go. I thought of ways to escape the house, but there was no way out. I resorted to a tactic that never worked before. “Everyone else is going.”

• There have been times when I have been blocked from doing something.
• There have been times when I wanted to join the crowd but could not.
• There have been times when I simply wanted to be part of the group without knowing what was going on.

The crowd in Ephesus was not having a party. They wanted to worship the goddess Artemis so they could make money on idols. They became furious over Paul’s words of love stating JESUS was and is the only GOD. A mob formed and protests took to the street. Many people didn’t know who they were angry at, but some did and seized Paul’s companions. Paul was blocked.

• GOD wants me to have the heart to serve.
• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS protection.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom rather than emotion.

Rushing in when the situation is heated leads to hurt people and no resolution. Unfortunately, this fight had to happen. I mean, when everything was calm, the greedy people lulled others into following a false god. But the true GOD was being overlooked. GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS, not just say the word “GOD.” I am glad HE enables me to freely speak about HIM.

• Are you being blocked when it comes to speaking about JESUS?
• Is the situation too volatile to say the name of JESUS?
• Will you have patience because GOD hears you and will make a way for you to continue to speak on HIS behalf?

Spinning the Spinners

Mark 4: ¹⁰ But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. ¹¹ And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, ¹² so that

‘Seeing they may see and not perceive,
And hearing they may hear and not understand;
Lest they should turn,
And their sins be forgiven them.’”

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In an effort to make the situation better, my bosses told me to “Update the message to make it more palatable.” In other words they wanted me to put “spin” on the message. Instead of saying “This flat out does not work” they suggested “At this time, certain features are being reviewed.” I wonder if I try to “spin” the explanation of JESUS.

• There were times when I used “spin” to make the story easier.
• There were times when I used a more palatable story to explain things.
• There were times when I would take a lie and try to spin it to “a” truth that was close enough.

JESUS saw through the hearts of those who would never believe in HIM. HE spoke in parables because speaking in direct terms to someone who would never believe in HIM would be a waste of HIS time. HE wants me to believe in HIM whether HE speaks directly or indirectly to me.

• JESUS speaks to me through written history and letters compiled in a Bible.
• JESUS speaks to me through humans who speak highly of HIM.
• JESUS speaks to me through circumstances that only HE can orchestrate.

Amazement can happen on a daily basis if I allow it. I mean I could walk out my door and be absolutely amazed if I were to open my eyes and ears to what GOD is doing. Unfortunately the worries of the world blind me at times to the amazing things around me. GOD says “Relax. Let ME guide you with MY plan.” When I allow HIM to be GOD I can truly “perceive” and “understand.”

• Are you confused about something?
• Do you have a very specific answer for your problem that you are not getting no matter how hard you try?
• Will you open your eyes and ears to GOD so you can see what HE is doing in your life today?

But GOD

Jeremiah 10: ¹⁰ But the Lord is the true God;
    he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
    the nations cannot endure his wrath.

¹¹ “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’”

¹² But God made the earth by his power;
    he founded the world by his wisdom
    and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
¹³ When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
    he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
    and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

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Opening up a fortune cookie, I eagerly awaited the futuristic message. Disappointed by the vague contents, I shunned their predictive qualities. I turned to the newspaper where I would, on occasion, read my horoscope. Once it said “I would meet someone who traveled far.” I did! The person I met traveled all the way from 138th street. That was pretty far!

• There have been times in my life that I sought messages about my future.
• There have been times I wanted to know what would happen to me.
• There have been times when I sought any little message about what was going to happen next.

I have no idea why I was so curious about the future. I still am to this day. I love reading about what will happen next. The problem is, I was reading predictions made by those who have no idea about what will happen next. Vague empty words leave the masses guessing in their application. Some people make the words apply as if they had mystical qualities. But none of these match GOD.

• BUT the LORD is the true GOD; HE is the living GOD, the eternal King.
• BUT GOD made the earth by HIS power; HE founded the world by HIS wisdom.
• BUT GOD stretched out the heavens by HIS understanding.

No idol, trinket, bead, symbol or empty word can replace GOD. Anything made by human hands has no value when compared to GOD. HE is the only one who can make the earth tremble and the waters roar. No one can withstand HIS wrath, yet everyone is invited to HIS love. GOD’s immense power is peacefully controlled to love even me.

• What are you seeking as a sign?
• Do you put your trust in bank accounts, motivational speakers or some shrine you bow down to?
• Can you place your trust in the one living and true GOD today?