Given a Peek into the Plan

 

Given a Peek into the Plan

Genesis 18: ¹⁶ Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. ¹⁷ And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, ¹⁸ since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? ¹⁹ For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” ²⁰ And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, ²¹ I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

 

============

 

JESUS and the angels had another reason for showing up. While they told Abraham and Sarah, they would miraculously have a child, they also came to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

My Observations:

• GOD did not have to tell Abraham about the plan, but informed him, possibly as a warning to everyone.
• GOD gave Abraham directions on how to act by telling him to “keep the way of the LORD.”
• GOD made sure the future of Abraham’s children would continue if they did “righteousness and justice.”

 

GOD allowed people to freely sin, possibly showing grace that humans would question. HE does not mention the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in these words, but later Abraham knew that’s what was going to happen. GOD’s grace for sin seems strange to those who want to see HIM apply HIS judgement, but what’s missing in this blind view is maybe GOD is showing you, the reader, grace to give you time to turn to HIM.

 

The people in Sodom and Gomorrah had sinned enough. GOD’s ways are not our ways, so HE allowed the sin to reach a certain point, then HE said to Abraham, HE was going to put an end to it. This group of people were intelligent enough to create the human’s version of the Garden of Eden. Wells watered the plants so there was plenty.

 

But where there was plenty, there was sin. They had done everything without following GOD or listening to HIM. Eventually they had reached a level of depravity that was so great, GOD had to put an end to it. GOD intervened and included Abraham in on the plan.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waits to intervene when we sin?
• Are you busy questioning why GOD does things the way HE does without seeing if HE is giving you grace?
• Are you willing to surrender your thoughts, ways and actions to GOD, so JESUS can be LORD of your life today?

Mindset

Mindset

Genesis 11: Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. ² And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. ³ Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. ⁴ And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.”

 

============

 

After Noah’s curse, Ham’s sons became great leaders. Unfortunately, they chose to oppose GOD at every opportunity. “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”, is what GOD said. But the people unified to do the opposite by staying in one place.

 

My Observations:

• Some people had a mindset that united them against what GOD said.
• Even if people were speaking the same language, a different mindset would confuse the words.
• Unity is usually good, but if it is against GOD, it is terrible.

 

GOD seemed to focus on a period of time when great leaders like Nimrod, got together and agreed to stay in one place. Instead of tents, they agreed to create something permanent. This structure would defy GOD by being large enough to withstand any flood. This ignored the promise that GOD would not flood the earth.

 

Their defiance went further by making a permanent structure versus going out to all parts of the earth. A unified mindset against GOD was the problem that HE may have been pointing out. They did not know that their unity played right into the hands of Satan, who wanted humans to bow down to him. His plan seemed to be working. They wanted a name or power to rule GOD. BUT GOD had a solution. Scatter the people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD focus in on one city and one building to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted to fit in with the crowd without assessing if they were following GOD or not?
• Have you asked GOD for discernment so you can become brave enough to question your motives and crowds?

Message Heard

Message Heard

Genesis 9: ²⁴ So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. ²⁵ Then he said:

“Cursed be Canaan;
A servant of servants
He shall be to his brethren.”

²⁶ And he said:

“Blessed be the Lord,
The God of Shem,
And may Canaan be his servant.
²⁷ May God enlarge Japheth,
And may he dwell in the tents of Shem;
And may Canaan be his servant.”

²⁸ And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. ²⁹ So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died.

 

============

 

For a while, Noah may have ignored his grandson Canaan. It seemed that Canaan was power hungry and wanted to be known. He may have influenced his father into doing some sort of initiation by challenging Noah, walking into his tent and talking about Noah’s nakedness. When Noah awoke from his drunkenness, he may have heard about what had happened. Noah talked to GOD about it.

 

My Observations:

• GOD listened to Noah and agreed with the first curse that came from a human.
• Noah’s relationship with the LORD was so strong, that he placed his problem before HIM, knowing it would be done.
• Noah did not curse or bless Ham, rather he focused on the root cause of the power struggle, namely Canaan.

 

Obtaining many followers was probably Canaan’s desire. By making his father perform a sophomoric initiation act, he may have demonstrated his influential power. But he did not know GOD would listen to Noah. A curse was placed over Canaan and those who followed him.

 

This curse would not play out for decades, so people may have laughed, just like the people who scoffed at the need for an ark. BUT GOD also heard Noah’s cry to increase Japeth’s faith in HIM and to reward Shem for his faithfulness. This was the last notable thing Noah did for the LORD. He lived three hundred and fifty years after the flood, constantly communicating with the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD shares with Moses this conversation between HIM and Noah?
• Have you ever felt like someone, who clearly was against GOD, seemed to be holding you and others back from delightfully serving the LORD?
• Will you place your problem before the LORD today, knowing HE hears those who love HIM and HIS ways?

Followers

Followers

Revelation 19: ¹⁰ I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God!”

 

For the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophets.

 

============

 

As the other speakers finished, I noticed the audience gave the obligatory applause. I was next. I gave my presentation and got strong applause, due to the interest in the subject.

 

• I felt good getting the applause.
• I wanted to get that same applause again and again.
• I wanted more and more people to know “my” name, so “I” could get a promotion.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was filled with awe. He saw such great wonders, so he decided to do something. He fell down to worship the angel but was abruptly stopped. “Don’t do it!” was the exclamation from the angel.

 

My Observations:

• The angel saw Satan get kicked out of heaven for trying to be worshipped.
• GOD is a jealous GOD and deserves to be worshipped alone.
• Any following that I create should be pointed to JESUS.

 

Developing a kingdom on earth can be dangerous. I mean, when people follow me, they are following a flawed person. But when they follow JESUS, they follow perfection. Following flawed humans can possibly cause deeper flaws in my character because I could be subject to manipulation.

 

JESUS is the one all of us need to follow. John the Baptist, different than the disciple, pointed people to JESUS. He did not think it was important to hold onto followers when JESUS was the Way, the Truth and the Life. I gladly point people away from following me and onto the path of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer try to worship the angel?
• Have you ever become enamored over a certain human you thought had more capabilities than you?
• Have you considered following JESUS with your life so you can see what perfection looks like and share it with others today?

No Secrets

 

No Secrets

Revelation 17: ³ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a red beast that had names insulting to God written all over it; the beast had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus.

 

============

 

Wanting to be “successful” I took classes and obtained mentors to guide me to the top. Little did I know that in order to be in the “in” crowd”, I would be subject to secrets. One guy would use the company jet to bring prostitutes to private islands.

 

• I had to decide if the climb was worth keeping the secret.
• I had to decide to align with people who did things that were against my beliefs.
• I had to decide if I would join in, or look the other way or leave.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the HOLY SPIRIT take control of him and was allowed to be carried by the angel to a desert where he saw a great city that fooled people into their lustful actions. The woman (city) was drunk with the thought of GOD losing HIS power because of the death of HIS people.

 

My Observations:

• GOD can see my hidden motives to take control from HIM.
• GOD can see my innermost desires, not matter how disgusting they may be.
• GOD can see anything hidden, and HE will make it known, even the things that fool me.

 

There is nothing hidden from GOD. I mean, even when I try to fool myself, GOD sees the deep rooted hidden desire and exposes it. Since I can be fooled and I don’t know my motives, what hope is there for me? Plenty!

 

GOD wants me to know myself enough to confess where I fall short so I can confess this to HIM, so HE would cleanse me of the things I can so easily fall into. HE wants me to have HIS name on my forehead, carrying HIS message boldly so all can see it and return back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to show the writer this image?
• Have you ever been in a situation where if you kept a secret you would be paid, even if it went against your morals?
• Would you be willing to trade your morals to fit in or would you stand firm for what GOD wants from you today?

Safe Position

Safe Position

2 Peter 3: ¹⁷ But you, my friends, already know this. Be on your guard, then, so that you will not be led away by the errors of lawless people and fall from your safe position. ¹⁸ But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

 

============

 

Being accused of being a “goody” I felt I needed to do something. The accusation made me feel like I didn’t fit in. I decided that sex, drunken parties and foul language as humor would make me fit in. When I got in trouble, the people who urged my change for the worse were not around.

 

• I was doing well then I fell.
• More problems came from trying to fit in that I thought.
• I was in worse shape when I fell, because now I had a reputation that did not look so good and I had problems.

 

Peter concludes his short letter with a warning. He tells everyone to “be on your guard” when it came to taking advice from people. There would be those who prescribe things that sound like “fun” on the surface but will ultimately cause problems in life and threaten a good relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD understands that I am a sinner saved by HIS grace.
• GOD also is perfect and loves when I follow HIS ways as best I can.
• Knowing GOD means I know what to stay away from and that I make my life about HIM.

 

People who seek pleasure as their only pursuit will look at the life of the followers of CHRIST as constraining. I mean, when trying to “do good” in life by not partaking in every indulgence that surfaces, people may complain about your life. BUT GOD sees your efforts.

 

HE loves when I can say “No” to the things that would distract me from serving HIM. There is nothing wrong with some of the stuff the world has to off as long as it does not interfere with GOD’s calling on your and my life or cause us to fall into a worse situation. I am glad GOD gives me freedom in HIS framework of love.

 

Challenge

• What “safe position” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen and wondered how did you get as low as you got?
• Will you question your own relationship with GOD to see if you and HIM are in “good” standings according to your own desires today so HE can keep you “safe”?

Approved

Approved

2 Peter 1: ¹⁶ We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. ¹⁷ We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

 

============

 

“How will I know the person I am meeting?” I asked. The response was a description of the person followed by “he will be looking for you.” When I arrived, I could see a few people who could possibly fit the description, but he saw me looking and waved, as if to say “It’s me!”

 

• I needed to know the right person I was meeting.
• I needed a clear description of the one I was looking for.
• I needed someone to tell me “this is the one you are looking for.”

 

Peter, in his first letter, praises the people who sought after JESUS without ever seeing HIM. But in this letter he describes JESUS as the ONE everyone is looking for. He goes into detail about seeing JESUS and hearing GOD’s approval. He may have said this because he knew about false prophets who claimed to be the Messiah.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the only being who GOD approved in front of many witnesses.
• GOD revealed JESUS to many people so there would not be any confusion as to who to follow.
• Witnesses were at the scene to help other people know who to follow.

 

Knowing who to follow is hard these days. I mean, anyone with a camera and a mouth can develop a relative truth to gain followers. This action requires no verification and feels good to the individual when the “like” or “subscribe” button is pressed. BUT GOD did something different with JESUS.

 

HE approved JESUS in front of many witnesses, letting everyone know who to follow. HE approved what JESUS did so false prophets would be revealed and the truth be shown. I am glad JESUS was revealed and I give HIM all the glory!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer go to great lengths to explain being a witness to JESUS?
• Have you ever been an eyewitness to something that needed clarification?
• Will you increase your faith in JESUS by believing HE is the ONE you need to follow without any doubt today?

Running Up Behind Someone

Running Up Behind Someone

James 2: ⁵ Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him. ⁶ But you dishonor the poor! Who are the ones who oppress you and drag you before the judges? The rich! ⁷ They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you.

 

============

 

“Why are you running up behind him?” was the strange question posed to me. I had to decipher what was being asked. I was trying to be like a certain rich person. I studied the mannerisms, spending habits and even learned how to play a sport that was expensive and I did not really enjoy. Oh, “Why am I trying to follow the people who cause more problems than provide solutions?”

 

• I was secretly trying to be rich, so I followed the rich.
• I was unconsciously trying to act rich so I studied the rich.
• I was lustfully seeking what the rich had, so I spent enormous amounts of time thinking about what I did not have.

 

James tried to address a serious concern, namely overlooking the poor. He first explains the heart of GOD by saying the poor who love HIM will possess HIS kingdom. He then states that GOD made this a promise, so it will happen. He then tried to open everyone’s eyes to the problem of following the rich and overlooking the poor.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees my heart and knows when I serve HIS kingdom.
• GOD loves when I serve the poor and help people in need.
• GOD wants me to treat the poor with the same honor as the rich.

 

Overlooking the poor is dishonorable to GOD. I mean, HIS heart seems to be geared towards helping the poor and serving them, but when I “innocently” follow the rich, I may not make time to seek those in need. I may even make a statement that “I plan on helping once I become rich.” BUT GOD sees through my scheme.

 

HE wants me to serve my peers when I am poor. HE then wants me to keep serving the poor if HE gives me more to share. The more HE gives me the more HE expects me to give others. Following the rich should probably be done in small doses. I am glad GOD wants me to increase my appetite for seeking to serve the poor.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe the rich?
• Have you ever heard “There is not a problem being rich” from poor people?
• Will you seek to serve the poor with the material blessings GOD has given you so you can bring honor on someone today?

How To

How To

Colossians 2: ⁸ See to it, then, that no one enslaves you by means of the worthless deceit of human wisdom, which comes from the teachings handed down by human beings and from the ruling spirits of the universe, and not from Christ. ⁹ For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity, ¹⁰ and you have been given full life in union with him. He is supreme over every spiritual ruler and authority.

 

============

 

“Go in and ask for advice” were the words I dreaded. I did not like this particular boss, but somehow he had made it to the level he was. “Read this book” was his advice. I was the leadership book of the day that was useful, but not life changing.

 

• I got nothing from that experience.
• I was open to change my life based on a random philosophy.
• I was focused on “me”, so anything less than getting help for “me” was disappointing.

 

Paul gives a stern warning to avoid the “worthless deceit of human wisdom.” This sounds harsh, especially to those who study and receive degrees or fancy letters behind their name. Paul was not downplaying accomplishments, rather the focus of the philosophy. If a human is exalted and JESUS is not, then the philosophy is worthless.

 

My Observations

• There have been many times when I wanted to be exalted so I read books, watched videos and attended seminars on “how to” get better, BUT GOD is my only path to true health.
• I have sought advice on “how to” live better, BUT GOD wants my dependence to be on HIM.
• I have been in dire straits and would do almost anything to get out of my circumstance, BUT GOD shows me that HE is supreme and is in control of all.

 

“How To” videos are mesmerizing these days. I mean, anyone with a smart phone can record “how to” do something. Unfortunately, some of these recordings contain content that have an inferior philosophy to that of believing in JESUS.

 

Each human wants to be GOD and wants to be in control of his or her own life. GOD wants us to surrender our desires to HIM and allow HIS SON to be exalted amongst all humans. JESUS, lived, died and was raised from the dead. I gladly give all authority in my life to HIM and know HE is in control of all my circumstances.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever been so desperate that you would listen to an inferior philosophy from another human?
• Will you allow GOD to pick you back up so you can clearly hear HIM and follow the HOLY SPIRIT which draws all humans to the FATHER through CHRIST today?

One Place

One Place

1 Corinthians 8: ⁴ So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. ⁵ Even if there are so-called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these “gods” and “lords,” ⁶ yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

 

============

 

Saying “Everything has its place” to me was the wrong statement at this time. I had lost my keys for the hundredth time and was exhausted looking for them. “Look in between the wall and the bed” was a soft quiet voice that came to me. There they were. “I need to put everything in its place” I finally decided.

 

• There have been times when I put my “hope” in finances.
• There have been times when I put my “faith” in “my” abilities.
• There have been times when I put my “trust” in following a celebrity.

 

Paul addresses food offered to idols. He describes an idol as “standing for something that does not exist.” Many people were holding onto “things” as reminders of their desires. These people were willing to put the entirety of their hope in something that would never come.

 

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM.

 

Everything does have a place, one place, namely GOD. I mean, when I give GOD everything, I no longer have to worry about it. When I give GOD my family, friends, neighbors, worries, doubts, fears, excitement and praise; HE never disappoints.

 

Many humans try to be idols. The rich and the famous are followed by name. BUT GOD knows my name and that is all I need. Being known by GOD is far more important than being known by humans. I am glad I can place my everything in GOD as the one place I can trust.

 

• Are you looking for peace in your idols?
• Do you seek health from a famous idol?
• Will you turn your heart from following idols that stand for something and that do not really exist by putting your total trust in GOD who is the only one with true answers today?

Following the Fallen

 

Following the Fallen

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁰ By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. ¹¹ For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

 

============

 

Watching a “successful” person was my way of getting ahead. If I could just mimic a few characteristics of “that” person, then I could be a “successful” too. I read articles, books and listened to words from the person I followed. But then it happened. That person fell from the grace of the public. Oh well, on to the next person.

 

• There have been many people I have admired.
• There have been many people I have followed to get their advice.
• There have been many people I have sought after to try to be “successful.”

 

Paul addresses an issue in Corinth. Some people were following him, others Apollos, and others were following Peter. This caused quarrels that were brought to his attention. Paul could have said, “Just follow what I say”, but he knew that was not the answer.

 

• GOD wants me to build a following for HIM.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM rather than to me.
• GOD wants me to follow CHRIST and not the preacher of the day.

 

Humans rise and fall. I mean, one day I am preaching CHRIST, the next day I have fallen into sin. GOD knows the human heart. HE also knows how desperately wicked each human really is. HE supplied the only cure, namely HIMSELF.

 

JESUS volunteered to die for all humans and was raised from the dead. JESUS deserves the following for HE and HE alone never fell. I gladly follow JESUS over any human.

 

• Are you following a certain person?
• Do you admire their success?
• Will you take a moment to reassess who you are following and see if you are following JESUS with a personal relationship today?

Desire Backfire

Desire Backfire

Acts 14: ¹¹ When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹² Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³ The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

¹⁴ But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 

============

Twelve forty five AM, I wanted to get a nap, so I went out to empty ash trays and pick up empty drink glasses left by the midnight bowling league. My coworker went missing and I did not want to be disturbed so I did his side.

With child labor laws being overlooked, the cashier allowed me to sleep for 15 minutes when there was a chance. When the boss came by, he saw that I could handle everything by myself. He fired the other guy. Now I had more work. I could not even finish my homework.

• Sometimes my desire drives my effort.
• Sometimes my effort does not match the result.
• Sometimes the result causes a different desire.

Paul, seeing the lame man, told him to walk and he did. This amazed everyone so much, that they called Paul and Barnabas gods. They bowed to them and offered sacrifices to them. When Barnabas and Paul heard of this they felt horrible. This was not the desired outcome.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for everything that is done.
• GOD wants me to teach others to focus on HIM and not me.

Teaching someone about GOD is the best thing to do. But what happens when the person cannot stop looking at the teacher? GOD wants me to never desire a crowd following only me. HE wants me to show that they can go directly to the source if they believe in JESUS. I pray that many turn from me and follow JESUS who is the Savior.

• Do you desire followers?
• Are you trying to get attention?
• Will you stop trying to get the spotlight and allow GOD to be seen through your life so HE can get the glory today?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 19: ¹² From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. ¹⁴ Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

¹⁵ But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?”

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

¹⁶ Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

============

Admiring certain leaders, I mimicked the qualities I could understand. I dressed like them, talked like them and understood their concerns. After a while I was named a leader of many by those who I imitated.

• Some leaders got my attention.
• Some leaders had the qualities I was looking for so I imitated them.
• Some leaders carried themselves with true power that was genuine.

Pilate feared he would be put in the middle of a political battle. He feared the statement that JESUS was and is GOD. He tried to turn HIM over to the Jews, but they rejected HIM as their king. They chose to follow a man instead. They dedicated themselves to a human political figure.

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as KING of kings and LORD of lords.
• JESUS wants me to place HIM higher than any human.
• JESUS wants me to give HIM all power I am trying to get or hold onto.

Every situation, every solution, every word should fall under GOD. This is easy to say and hard to do. I mean what if I just want “my” way? GOD allows me to get “my” way, but I may not like what I get. “My” way may be conceived in selfish sin. What can I do about this?

GOD enables me to follow HIM by believing that I need a Savior. Admitting I need HIM is the first step. Believing that JESUS died for all my sins and that HE rose from the dead is the next step. Confessing that JESUS is alive and is above everything is the final step. I give my all to my KING, JESUS.

• Who are you following?
• Are you desperately trying to build a following?
• Will you take a moment to follow JESUS and build HIS following today and the rest of your life?

Lessons for Readiness

Lessons for Readiness

John 16: “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. ² They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. ³ And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. ⁴ But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

============

In the book it said to keep a few stick matches in a dry place. I remembered this when an emergency happened and the leader had to take one of us to the hospital. “Stay here and make a fire in the fire area to stay warm.” They sped off in the rain. I did not have any matches and besides, the wood was wet. I was not ready.

• There were times when I felt unprepared for life.
• There were times when I did not heed the words to get me prepared.
• There were times when I had to go through difficult circumstances in order to be prepared.

JESUS tells HIS disciples four “things” to prepare them. HE did not want HIS disciples to be unprepared for the difficulties they would face. HE does the same for me.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIS commands so I will not stumble.
• JESUS wants me to know that some church leaders will harm me, thinking they are following GOD, but really are not.
• JESUS wants me to understand the HOLY SPIRIT will bring to remembrance what JESUS taught me.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is with me always.

Growing up in belief of JESUS can be difficult. I mean sometimes I expect life to be easy, with no problems at all. BUT GOD warns me that problems will come from unexpected places, some that I expect to be safe. As humans try to make sense out of life, mislabeling the symptoms, GOD shines even brighter.

HE strengthens those who follows HIM and prepares us for life’s difficulties. This give me hope and dexterity that would otherwise cause me to crumble and give up. JESUS is my power and I am elated HE fights my battles.

• Do you try things on your own and find yourself in a mess?
• Have you looked at your life and see nothing but problems?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE can strengthen you to believe HE will handle your battles?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 12: ³⁰ Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

============

As I sat in the seat, I could feel it hug me. When I gripped the steering wheel, it felt different than the jalopy I was driving. I was influenced. I have got to have one of these. When I grew older, I noticed some of the owners of this brand of car would lie, cheat and steal regularly. “I wonder if the lifestyle is worth it”, I thought to myself.

• There were times when I felt that nice people finished last.
• There were times when I felt the rich and powerful were “winning.”
• There were times when I felt discouraged by following GOD because it seemed like most of HIS true followers were broke and powerless.

JESUS proclaimed victory over the battle over humanity. All of humanity could be lost “if” JESUS was not murdered on the cross. BUT humanity was not lost. JESUS knew what HE had to do and knew HE was the only one who could draw all peoples to HIMSELF.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look beyond the things of this world so I can see HIM.
• JESUS desires that I place HIM first then everything else will fall into place.

Being rich is not the problem. But when I gain the whole world and lose my soul, riches become the main problem. In other words, when I will do anything for money, it is the root of all kinds of evil. JESUS knows my needs and knows my limits.

HE knows exactly how much money and power I can handle before I get blinded and think “I” did everything without HIM. I am grateful for JESUS, for without HIM, I am nothing.

• What worldly thing are you chasing?
• Do you seek power, wealth or something else?
• Will you be a servant to those around you so JESUS can “be JESUS” by providing salvation and eternal life to them?

Entourage

John 1: ³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’

They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’

³⁹ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

============

“Your team did a great job” someone said to me. It felt great to hear that a plan “I” put together worked well. When one of my star employee’s requested to move on to bigger and better things, I was faced with the possibility of my team not performing as great as it always had. I said, “yes” because it was the right thing to do.

• There were times when I wanted to keep things the way they were.
• There were times when I wanted to hold onto certain people no matter what it cost them.
• There were times when I wanted to keep a successful team together even when people wanted to do something different.

John showed true leadership by pointing people to “The Lamb of GOD.” He knew his disciples should not be stuck following him rather they should put their eyes on GOD.

• GOD wants me to develop a following for HIM, not me.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM without thinking “I” need to be followed.
• GOD wants me to bring many disciples to HIM to increase HIS kingdom.

It’s all about the Lamb of GOD. Every action should not be done in the name of a brand of church, rather in the name of JESUS. HE wants me to build up HIS entourage so people will truly proclaim HIM as their savior. If people followed me and thanked me for my pitiful righteousness, they would be disappointed. JESUS is the one I want people to follow.

• Are you focused only on your brand of church?
• Do you think your brand of church has all the answers?
• Will you focus your life on building up people to surpass you in following GOD rather than holding them down to look at you?

Identity Meal

Luke 4: ³ And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

⁴ But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ”

============

“Aren’t you in charge?” questioned the salesperson trying to poke at my ego. The decision could cost the company millions so my answer had to be correct. “Being in charge is not what is in question right now” was my reply.

• Some people have questioned “my” authority and it made me furious.
• Some people have checked up on me even when I said who I was.
• Some people have doubted “my” role even when they knew what my role was.

“If YOU are the SON of GOD” were the words the devil used to question JESUS’s validity of being the CHRIST. His next ploy was to tempt JESUS into doing parlor tricks with HIS infinite power.  JESUS showed me extreme constraint.

• GOD wants me to grow in power to forgive those who are hard to forgive.
• GOD wants me to grow in strength to have mercy on those who get on my last nerve.
• GOD wants me to grow in courage to speak about HIM instead of easily conforming to what the world would say.

JESUS had the choice of eating a meal to prove HIS identity to the devil or possibly dying because HE had not eaten in forty days. JESUS chose to put HIS circumstance in the FATHER’s hands implying “I would rather die following what is right than to be comfortable for two seconds.”

GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to sometimes say “No” to the plot of the world. When the world says “Why don’t you work hard for moments of pleasure and stuff” GOD wants me to think about HIS kingdom and chose HIS way. 

Sometimes I choose pleasure, BUT GOD rewards me when I say “I will not live by bread alone, but by every word of GOD.”

• Are you caught up in trying to prove who you are to people?
• Do you think a title or a contract or a job will define you?
• Can you stop thinking about “what” defines you rather than “WHO” defines you, namely GOD?

Following

Mark 11: ⁷ Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. ⁸ And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:

“Hosanna!

‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’

¹⁰ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David

That comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!”

¹¹ And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.

============

TV celebrities never really excited me. When a star, athlete or someone else famous was in the same room, I may have gotten an autograph but did not care. “The CEO is coming to your meeting” someone told me one day. My heart raced and I stayed awake planning for days. I guess I was affected by famous people.

• There were times when I followed certain humans.
• There were times when I wished humans would follow me.
• There were times when I recognized powerful people and raised them up on a pedestal.

By this time the fame of JESUS has spread throughout the region. HE healed people with ailments that had lingered for decades. HIS humble, servant approach was quite different from the church leaders. HE had people following HIM that did not even know exactly why they were following HIM.

• JESUS says to me “Follow ME and I will guide you to eternal peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Follow ME and I will lead you beside still waters and restore you.”
• JESUS says to me “Follow ME for I will be with you always.”

One main reason to follow JESUS versus following a human is HE never falls and never fails. Humans will disappoint me constantly. I will disappoint someone in the next five minutes. BUT GOD never fails. HE is the highest and no one is greater! I follow JESUS because HE provides something no other can provide… hope.

• Are you trying to get people to follow you?
• Are you following a lot of people?
• Can you start follow JESUS by looking at HIS examples today?

Hardened Away

Mark 6: ⁴⁵ Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away. ⁴⁶ And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. ⁴⁹ And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; ⁵⁰ for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” ⁵¹ Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. ⁵² For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.

============

“Do you want to go over your friend’s house?” was the question. “No, he’s not my friend!”  pouted back. I cannot remember what had happened but all I know is he was no longer my friend. I think it was because he wouldn’t share his toy with me. When I saw other kids playing, I had to change my heart and visit.

• Sometimes I get mad at people.
• Sometimes I cannot hear good advice because I am angry.
• Sometimes I stick to principles when I should be listening to advice.

The disciples desired something different from JESUS. They may have possibly wanted HIM to be a king just like everyone else. While they were able to perform some miracles, they were still confused about who and what JESUS was and is.

Their hearts were hardened to the truth of JESUS being GOD and they could not understand HIS ability to walk on water or for them to feed 5000 or more people with nothing like HE did.

• JESUS says to me “Be of good cheer” when the winds of life blow my way.
• JESUS says to me “Do not be afraid” when challenges come against me.
• JESUS says to me “Believe” when things seem impossible.

Belief that GOD will handle everything in the right time and the right way is hard to do, so hard that my heart may be affected and become hardened to HIS way.  I may rely on “my” abilities instead of believing GOD understands the situation and loves me beyond measure. “My” power comes from HIS power when I believe.

• Are you going through something?
• Are the storms of life challenging your abilities right now?
• Can you stop trying to do things under your own power and seek GOD to provide HIS power?