Finding the Source

Finding the Source

1 John 5: ¹⁰ So those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their own heart; but those who do not believe God, have made a liar of him, because they have not believed what God has said about his Son. ¹¹ The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son. ¹² Whoever has the Son has this life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 

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After returning from the hardware store for the third time, I was frustrated. I was trying to fix an electrical outlet, but my efforts were not working. I bought and returned two outlets, but neither of them were working. “Did you check to see if you are getting power to the outlet” the guy asked at the hardware store. While obvious, I just assumed it should have been connected. It wasn’t.

 

• My assumptions were wrong and would not fix the problem.
• My approach to the solution was wrong because it was based on a bad assumption.
• I was never going to make the outlet work, because it was not connected to the power source.

 

John clarifies eternal life. He makes it as plain as possible. “Whoever has the SON, has life; whoever does not have the SON of GOD does not have life.”

 

My Observations:

• Eternal life begins with this life.
• GOD made all beings eternal, however, some will eternally be separated from HIM and those who believe in HIS SON will eternally be inside of HIM.
• Eternal life is precious to GOD, so I must treat this life as special to HIM as well.

 

Scoffing at heaven or life after death or JESUS being the only way to have eternal life can be problematic. I mean, when I questioned the very existence of GOD, I was left without answered, only theories by, what humans called ‘smart people’, that could not be proven. BUT GOD had a clear way that made sense.

 

GOD, being made of pure love, not only created humans, HE became one and died for all sins so that those who believe in HIM may not perish, but have everlasting life. HIS actions were based on love for you and me. JESUS, who is GOD sis this out of love. The FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, painfully agreed so that you and I would not be lost. I gladly believe the JESUS loves me to this very day.

 

Challenge

• What is the testimony the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever wondered what happens to you and others when we die?
• Will you believe in JESUS as your Savior from being eternally separated from GOD and feeling pain, to being eternally with GOD and having no pain, no problems and no tears forever?

 

Seeker Help

Seeker Help

Acts 17: ²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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“Ready or not here I come” I exclaimed. We were playing Hide and Go Seek, and I was the person seeking. I saw a pair of legs behind some bushes. I quietly caught the hider. Now I had some help. This was a fun day!

• I enjoyed looking for the hidden.
• I enjoyed seeking those who needed to be found.
• I enjoyed finding those who were hidden and getting some help to find others.

Paul explained that GOD does not live in manmade buildings, nor does HE need humans to ‘do’ anything for HIM. HE gives everyone life, breath and everything. HE did all of this so humans would seek HIM and perhaps reach out to HIM and find HIM. GOD is always easy to find.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for everything HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the life HE breaths through me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS who died for me and is alive providing salvation to those who believe in HIM.

When I complain that someone is not doing their part or are not serving enough, I may not be showing GOD enough appreciation. I mean, when I am thankful, praise comes from my lips. I realize how futile my service really is when I try to serve GOD who needs nothing from me or any human.

GOD is complete. I am thankful that HE takes care of everything. My belief in JESUS makes me complete. Since I am thankful for being complete I seek others who have a sense of emptiness only JESUS can fill. I am grateful GOD allows me to seek HIS sheep.

• What are you thankful for?
• Are you seeking inner peace through certain foods, rituals or buildings?
• Will you seek the Living GOD who provides everything you need to seek others who need HIM?

Finding

Finding

John 15: ⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

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When I “found” the new job, I was excited. I was making two dollars more than the last job and I could work twenty hours a week instead of twelve. I could finally fix my car! I told everyone about the job I “found.”

• One time I was searching for something and thought a job could fill it.
• One time I was seeking something and thought I could fill it with more money.
• One time I was longing for something and thought the problems would go away if I had more money.

JESUS says again “I AM the vine, you are the branches.” HE then tells them to “bear fruit.” If we bear fruit, it is only because JESUS lives in us. Those who do not bear fruit will be cast out. This scared me.

• JESUS says to me “do not worry for I AM with you always.”
• JESUS says to me “do not be afraid.”
• JESUS says to me “you live in me and I live in you. Go make disciples of all nations, and teaching them.”

GOD wants me to bear fruit. In other words, HE wants me to point my life to HIM, not towards more buildings that “will” get burned down. HE desires to be the only message and sadly, that message is dissipating. JESUS is the primary message that needs to be preached to the lost.

HE “found” me and HE wants me to “find” others. HE sends me to seek HIS kingdom first, and if anything gets in the way of finding HIS people, I can ask and it will be given to me. This message is about bearing GOD’s fruit, not fulfilling human ego and lusts. I am grateful GOD enables me to bear HIS fruit.

• What is your primary message?
• Have you mentioned programs, church names and buildings, but have not mentioned JESUS?
• Will you make JESUS your primary message without thinking people need to be “fixed” first?

An Incredible Find

Matthew 13: ⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

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Incredibly, JESUS uses money as an analogy to Heaven. I guess it’s because money presses against humans from all sides and is sometimes my highest worry. HE knew just how to get through to people to enable them to gain understanding.

• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is far more valuable than any currency in the world.
• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is extremely rich and well worth everything I have here on earth.
• GOD’s kingdom of heaven is a wonderful find.

Finding GOD is an indescribable feeling. It is like a weight lifted from my soul. I mean when I lose my way, I always have a way back. GOD provides in incredible abundance but sometimes in ways I cannot see.

I noticed the second parable discusses the person who was “looking” for fine pearls. Those who seek GOD shall find HIM.

• Are you looking for something else?
• What are you looking for?
• Can you seek GOD today and delight in HIM?

GOD’s plan may include a journey

Genesis 46: ² And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

³ “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

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“Is there someone who will go with me?” was the question posed to me that changed my life completely.  I had never been out of the country before and my thinking at that time was “why would I?” I mean we have nice beaches, mountains, scenery and sinners.  If I wanted to tell someone about CHRIST or vacation I could do it here!

I don’t know why, but I found myself getting up and volunteering. After the exhilarated feeling, fear consumed me. We were going to go to a country in Africa and all I could picture was dirty water and dirt sandwiches for dinner. I am glad I was thoroughly wrong as I went on the trip twenty years ago!

• The reason I don’t “go” is out of my fear and self-preservation.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I may not be informed.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I love my lifestyle and I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.

Not everyone is cut out for missions work but it truly has opened my eyes to a global gospel. Every word spoken in the Bible has to apply to all humans, not just a segment.

• When GOD told me to “GO” HE took away my fears.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE opened my eyes to global compassion.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE already had a plan for my protection.

I’m not saying everything went according to plan on all my trips, but HE has enabled me to meet people who will spread HIS message around the world and I truly feel blessed.

• Are you stuck in a rut?
• Is your life confined to the four walls of your home or job?
• Can you listen to GOD and see where HE is sending you?

I’m being pursued

John 5: ⁵ One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

 ⁷ “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

 ⁸ Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” ⁹ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

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Boredom was my accepted lifestyle. “I guess I’m sentenced to die here in this go nowhere job”, I thought to myself. Then the phone rang. It was a company who had “heard” about me. Suddenly life ran through my veins. I was once again excited and I could get out of this dump!

• Being pursued by humans feels great because it feeds my ego.
• Feeling wanted by humans is wonderful because it feeds my ego.
• Being needed by humans is magnificent because it feeds my ego.

It feels great getting my ego stroked! I mean when people pursue me for advice or pursue me for me, it makes me feel… I don’t know… better than I thought I was. Unfortunately once my ego is fed, I start thinking I’m better than I really am.

GOD, the creator of universes, the MOST HIGH, the greatest being, decided to pursue me because I turned my back on HIM. In fact the more I run from HIM, the more HE pursues me.

• GOD saw I would not accept HIS ways so HE took the penalty for my sin.
• GOD saw I would try to find my own way so HE placed obstacles in my way until I turned my eyes to HIM.
• GOD saw I would never remember what HE told me so HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me.

Even today HE pursues me. After years and years of walking with HIM, HE still molds my sinful heart towards HIS and guides me through this scary thing called life. HE asked the paralyzed man “do you want to get well?”

There was nothing the man could do to make himself well. GOD pursued him and healed him once the man admitted he needed help and was willing to be helped. GOD pursues me and HE wants me to pursue HIM.

Think of a baby. He/she has all the needs, yet when he/she reaches out and smiles at me, he/she makes me want to do more. The more I seek HIM the more HE pursues me and blesses me!

• Are you trying to pursue GOD?
• How often do you speak to HIM?
• Have you asked HIM “what do you want me to do?”