First of Many

First of Many

Revelation 14: Then I looked, and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion; with him were 144,000 people who have his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. ² And I heard a voice from heaven that sounded like a roaring waterfall, like a loud peal of thunder. It sounded like the music made by musicians playing their harps. ³ The 144,000 people stood before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders; they were singing a new song, which only they could learn. Of the whole human race they are the only ones who have been redeemed. ⁴ They are the men who have kept themselves pure by not having sexual relations with women; they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from the rest of the human race and are the first ones to be offered to God and to the Lamb. ⁵ They have never been known to tell lies; they are faultless.

 

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Standing on the playground, I waited to be picked. I expected to be picked last because the jocks would win and I was not very coordinated. To my surprise, I was picked early. I had the best game of my kickball career! I not only kicked the ball and got on base, but I caught one during the game!

 

• I was one of the first chosen.
• There was nothing special about me, but I was chosen.
• Out of the whole playground, I was chosen early, but many followed.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw JESUS somewhere else, standing on Mount Zion. He also saw those who had received a special seal when the sixth seal was opened. They were not the only ones saved, rather the first in a point in time, who kept themselves pure and followed CHRIST without following the world.

 

My Observations:

• The special woman gave birth to a special child through a chosen people.
• The chosen people are called the bride of JESUS.
• Being the first of many required 12,000 from each tribe, chosen by GOD.

 

Numbers and gender can trip people up after reading this passage. I mean, only 144,000 men being redeemed, can seem like everyone else in the world is useless. BUT GOD is revealing something different.

 

HE is the one who gave the words to a writer “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our cursed mind and eyes can question GOD’s sequence of events, missing out on the purity and not lying. I am glad JESUS redeemed all who believe in HIM.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to show how the group was “with” JESUS?
• Does any part of this passage trip you up?
• Will you look at GOD’s salvation of all humans differently and seek a great relationship with HIM today by believing in JESUS as the Savior?

Roles Identified

Roles Identified

Revelation 7: After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds so that no wind should blow on the earth or the sea or against any tree. ² And I saw another angel coming up from the east with the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels to whom God had given the power to damage the earth and the sea. ³ The angel said, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees, until we mark the servants of our God with a seal on their foreheads.” ⁴ And I was told that the number of those who were marked with God's seal on their foreheads was 144,000. They were from the twelve tribes of Israel, ^5-8 twelve thousand from each tribe: Judah, Reuben, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.

 

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At the event we were told to “Find your leader.” The instructions were clarified by having us find the person wearing a certain tee shirt color and carrying a pennant with the group name we were splitting up into.

 

• I found my leader easily.
• I was able to find my group easily.
• I was also able to separate from the larger crowd to form a smaller group.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, sees various roles identified for a special purpose. First he saw powerful angels who could damage the earth and the sea, but were told not to by another angel, who had an important role. This angel gave instructions to mark 12,000 people with GOD’s special seal that may be used for protection and as well as an identifier.

 

My Observations:

• It’s amazing that GOD kept HIS promise to never leave the twelve tribes, even though they did some terrible things, like trying to kill Joseph.
• GOD has a very specific plan with specific roles and specific numbers.
• Another part of dismantling Satan’s temporary kingdom is to damage the earth and sea.

 

GOD is methodical. I mean, HE orchestrates plans for you and me that are precise. HE knows the numbers HE wants to use and when HE wants to use them. GOD’s power is shown through HIS angels, who could hold back wind.

 

HE does things for a reason, many times we don’t understand. Fortunately for us, HIS plans are to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer list the tribes of Israel?
• Have you ever had a special role?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so you can be adopted into HIS family and given a role to play today?

Permanent Experience

Permanent Experience

2 Peter 1: ¹⁰ So then, my friends, try even harder to make God's call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith. ¹¹ In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

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Not sure that I wanted to be part of the organization, I went to the first meeting with skepticism. I sat through the presentation and they said I would need to meet twice a month, at night and sometimes on weekends. I could not commit the time.

 

• I wanted to simply be part of the organization without committing to it.
• I wanted to use the name of the organization but did not want to do all the work they wanted me to do.
• I wanted the temporary prestige of the organization without a permanent mindset.

 

Peter discussed something he failed at. He may have saw people wavering in their faith, so he provided a choice to follow GOD permanently or to stop faking it by being willing to abandon the faith. He denied JESUS and felt embarrassed. After JESUS restored Peter, he was able to preach about JESUS without abandoning his faith.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD chose to save me, it was eternal.
• GOD wants me to value my relationship with HIM and not be willing to leave HIM easily.
• Roadblocks, obstacles and hurdles will appear in life, BUT GOD wants me to keep my faith focused on HIM.

 

Many times I felt like giving up. I mean, it seems like trouble comes at inconvenient times when I am not ready. People get sick and hurt, stuff breaks and bank accounts dry up seemingly all at the same time. The first thought is to sin my way out of the trouble, but then I would end up in a worse situation. GOD has another way.

 

HE wants me to follow the example JESUS set. JESUS did not waver in HIS faith. HE stayed focus on HIS mission to die for the sins of mankind. HE wants me to live my life the same way as HE did. I have a choice to remain faithful to GOD or abandon HIM and follow my own path. I gladly choose GOD over my own choices.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer tell everyone to “try harder?”
• Have you ever felt like giving up because something did not happen in the time you expected?
• Have you considered abandoning your faith in GOD because things aren’t going as you expected?
• Will you consider making your relationship a “permanent experience” by letting go of this particular worry so you can praise GOD today?

No Chance Taken

No Chance Taken

Colossians 1: ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

 

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Wanting to get “my” way, I decided to “try” GOD. I had too many calamities going on and wanted some relief. I decided to act “good” so I took an inventory of what I thought was “bad.” I reduced my sin to no avail. More things were going wrong. “What do YOU want from me?” was my complaint.

 

• I was trying to manipulate GOD by being good.
• I thought I was in control of GOD.
• I used flawed logic by thinking GOD reacts to what I do.

 

Paul continues to explain why we should be thankful for GOD. By belief in JESUS, the FATHER rescued us from the power of darkness, brought us safe into the kingdom of JESUS and set us free by forgiving us of all our sins. GOD did it all.

 

My Observations

• When I think I have let GOD down by my sins, I must remember, HE forgave me of all my sins.
• When I think I can manipulate GOD by being “good” I must remember JESUS is the only one who is “good.”
• When I think GOD doesn’t love me or HE doesn’t care about this particular situation, I must remember, HE rescued me before I was even born.

 

We all want to be in control of our lives. I mean, I try hard to be “good” so things will go well with me. But what happens when I thought I was good and bad things happen anyway? I believe it means “bad things happen anyway and I am still supposed to believe that everything was taken care of for my salvation.

 

GOD did not leave it up to me to save me. HE knew I would not choose HIM, rather I would run after what the world thinks is right. HE made a way for me to be saved by giving us HIS one and only SON. I am glad I am forgiven for all my sins, even the sin of trying to manipulate GOD.

 

Challenge

• What are the things the writer is pointing out that are worthy of praise?
• Do you have to “feel” forgiven or know you are forgiven?
• What does “safe into the kingdom” mean to you?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and has not taken a chance on losing you today?

Committed

Committed

Galatians 4: ⁸ In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. ⁹ But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? ¹⁰ You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. ¹¹ I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing?

 

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Walking into the tryouts we listened to the orientation. We had run track in high school so we figured that we would try the college level. “You must get up for the 5 AM run, eat breakfast with the team, go to all classes and meet back here for practice followed by study each day.” We looked at each other, laughed and walked away.

 

• I was not committed to that much work.
• I wanted to try a little bit of everything that was supposed to be “good” for me without committing.
• I complained about anything early because I wanted to party late at night.

 

Paul expresses concerns over those who have turned back to the ways they had given up. Some people may have tried to follow JESUS for a little while, but saw the “ruling spirits” controlled comfort and false security, so they dropped JESUS and sought the weak and pitiful.

 

My Observations

• JESUS says to me “Once I will set you free, you are free indeed.”
• JESUS says to me “Remain in ME and I will remain in you.”
• JESUS says to me “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

 

It is so easy to leave JESUS. I mean, the structure of the world pulls us away from thinking of HIM. Whether it is being over-scheduled or ailments or addictions or insecurities that cause us to desire to fit in, we easily trade in what is eternal for something temporary. BUT GOD knows this too.

 

HE knows my weak moments and forgives me anyway. HE sees through plots of the enemy that will distract me away from HIM and provides me with comfort and joy. I am glad GOD cares enough to seek me and know me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer saying with the words “or, I should say, now that GOD knows you?”
• What do you think was going on with the people who wanted to turn back to something easier?
• Will you commit your life to JESUS little by little so you can grow strong enough to not turn away from HIM so you can bear fruit that will last eternally?

Start With It, Stay With It

Start With It, Stay With It

Galatians 3: You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! ² Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? ³ How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? ⁴ Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! ⁵ Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?

 

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With tears flowing down my face I accepted the invitation to believe in JESUS as my Savior and be baptized. While I was young, I could tell the difference between right and wrong. It was a relief that I was forgiven “forever.” But somewhere along the way, I doubted being eternally forgiven.

 

• I started thinking GOD was ready to punish me at the slightest mistake.
• I started believing that the “good” I did came from “me” and GOD would leave me for sinning.
• I started complaining about how GOD would allow “sinners” to get ahead in life, meanwhile those who were trying to follow HIM were getting pummeled.

 

Paul addresses an issue that remains today. He spoke about “belief” versus “works.” He noticed the people were favoring following the Law for redemption to GOD. He called them foolish for giving up on their “belief” in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• When GOD chose me, HE did it before HE created me.
• GOD is not the author of confusion and HE warns me that I have an adversary who spreads lies about HIM.
• Belief is the beginning of the relationship with JESUS and I need to also believe HE will never, ever leave me for making mistakes.

 

Getting to know JESUS can be confusing at times. I mean, one writer says “Faith without works is dead” another writer says “You began by GOD’s SPIRIT; do you now want to finish by your own power?” Both are correct, but how?

 

Faith leads me to want to serve others so they too can believe in JESUS. But is it the HOLY SPIRIT who sustains me, comforts me and begs for me before the FATHER in words I don’t understand. Belief needs to be total. JESUS saved me in the middle of my sins, not after I stopped sinning as Satan would have me believe. I am glad this is the Good News JESUS wants me to spread.

 

Challenge

• What is the trap the writer is trying to get the readers out of?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love or plan for you?
• Will you go all the way back to when you first believed in JESUS and celebrate the fact that HE took care of it all, especially the sins you are concerned about today?

Past is Passed

Past is Passed

Galatians 1: ¹³ You have been told how I used to live when I was devoted to the Jewish religion, how I persecuted without mercy the church of God and did my best to destroy it. ¹⁴ I was ahead of most other Jews of my age in my practice of the Jewish religion, and was much more devoted to the traditions of our ancestors.

¹⁵ But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided ¹⁶ to reveal his Son to me, so that I might preach the Good News about him to the Gentiles, I did not go to anyone for advice, ¹⁷ nor did I go to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me. Instead, I went at once to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. ¹⁸ It was three years later that I went to Jerusalem to obtain information from Peter, and I stayed with him for two weeks. ¹⁹ I did not see any other apostle except James, the Lord's brother.

 

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“You shouldn’t do that” were the warnings I did not heed. I thought the Bible toting hypocrites were missing out on “life.” They warned me about life’s traps so I had to try them. When I did, I noticed that no lightning came from heaven and I didn’t end up in a burning pot of sulfur. I then tried other things I was warned against. Soon I found myself in trouble with nowhere to turn.

 

• I regretted my decisions to walk away from GOD.
• I felt that HE could not forgive me when I fell.
• I thought that HE only loved those who acted perfect.

 

Being a felon was not easy for Paul. He was a mass murderer, involved with killing followers of JESUS. BUT GOD in HIS grace chose Paul and revealed HIS SON to him. The past did not guide his future.

 

My Observations

• In the middle of my sins, CHRIST died for me.
• JESUS saw I would never be perfect, so HE walked the earth in perfection for me.
• GOD wiped away my past before I was even born.

 

Dwelling on past mistakes is a hole I fall into often. I replay the past over and over, trying to figure out how to avoid the gaff in the future. This causes me to make other wrongful decisions because my basis is the past.

 

GOD saw everything I would do and forgave me anyway. HE knows my past, present and future. HE gives me the opportunity to give HIM the past and my future so I can live in the present with HIM in love. I am glad this moment right here is special to HIM for me and you.

 

Challenge

• Do you sense the regret of the writer?
• How does the writer use admittance?
• Will you let go of any past mistakes by giving them to JESUS who forgave you of all your sins and who has a wonderful plan for your life today?

Rejoicing Capabilities

Rejoicing Capabilities

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. ⁵ There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; ⁶ it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

 

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Pride had set in as I thought the promotion I received was merited. It turned out that the person on the rise needed someone he knew in the position rather than looking at my glorious accomplishments. In fact, some of the things I accomplished caused problems amongst the higher ups. I was chosen and deemed capable just because I knew the person.

 

• I was taught to be “self-made.”
• I was taught to “pull myself up.”
• I was taught to “self-promote”, “self-teach” and “self-praise” in order to get ahead.

 

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work” are shocking words from Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. In other words, he was the leader of church leaders. He knew his stuff! But he recognized that knowing doesn’t make a person capable of serving the SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that HE did “everything” for me.
• GOD wants me to let go of any pride I may have, thinking I deserve more or I am capable of achievements.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for giving me capabilities that only came from HIM.

 

After assessing my own capabilities, I see nothing worthy of speaking about GOD. I mean, years of sinful decisions does not quite make me the top of the list for a godly person award in my book. Who then is capable? No one.

 

BUT GOD made us capable! HE decided to do something about this huge problem and saw my flaws, and died for me anyway. HE saw that I would never choose HIM and volunteered to die and be raised from the dead. Yes, this is JESUS I am speaking of! HE chose me and gave me capabilities that only came from HIM and through HIM. I am thankful for what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt less than capable?
• Do you assess other people’s capabilities and reject them?
• What do you observe in the writer’s statement about capabilities and where they come from?
• Will you rejoice the capabilities you and other people have by seeing what GOD is doing in everyone’s life today?

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

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Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today? 

Real Grace

 

Real Grace

Romans 11: I ask, then: Did God reject his own people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected his people, whom he chose from the beginning. You know what the scripture says in the passage where Elijah pleads with God against Israel: ³ “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” ⁴ What answer did God give him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not worshiped the false god Baal.” ⁵ It is the same way now: there is a small number left of those whom God has chosen because of his grace. ⁶ His choice is based on his grace, not on what they have done. For if God's choice were based on what people do, then his grace would not be real grace.

 

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Tiptoeing through my career, I tried not to make any mistakes. For years, I practice every speech, worked long hours and denied family, just like I was supposed to. Every penny was accounted for on every expense report.

 

But this day was special, my parents were celebrating a milestone anniversary and I would have to miss an “important” meeting. I missed the meeting and things got tough at work. I found out later, it wasn’t the meeting I missed, I would have been “imperfect” somewhere else according to the new leader’s standards.

 

• There have been times when I needed grace but it was not to be found.
• There have been times when I wanted to be myself, but was chained to be what I was “supposed” to be.
• There have been times when I asked for grace and did not receive it.

 

Paul explains that GOD has not turned on HIS people. He goes into depth about his background of being from the Tribe of Benjamin. He knew he was part of the chosen people. But he also knew the chosen people had turned their backs on GOD by killing JESUS who they overlooked as being GOD. Paul also explains that GOD chose people because of HIS grace.

 

• GOD knows I am imperfect.
• GOD decided to save me even though I could not meet HIS standards.
• GOD poured out HIS mercy on me even though I truly did not deserve it.

 

GOD’s grace is a wonderful gift. I mean, HE has a standard that people take for granted. HE requires no sin. But we are born into sin, so all of HIS creations deserve eternal separation from HIM.

 

BUT GOD showed tremendous grace. HE decided to take on the punishment for my sins. HE knew every sin I would ever commit and died for me anyway. HIS standard is high and HIS grace is higher. O am grateful for HIS saving grace.

 

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you feel that person did something wrong and you want to see  “justice?”
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to pray for your enemies and provide grace to those who persecute you today?

 

 

Eager Longing

 

Eager Longing

Romans 8: ¹⁸ I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. ²⁰ For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope ²¹ that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 

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“Did the mail come?’ I asked. I checked the mailbox but it was empty. I had heard from a friend that he was accepted into the one college I applied to. “Yes, but there was no mail for you” was the disappointing reply. I had to keep waiting and hoping.

 

• Many times I waited on something I really wanted.
• Many times I hoped for the future.
• Many times I eagerly longed for the thing, I thought, would provide me with purpose.

 

Paul explains that glory from GOD is far better than the suffering humans face on earth. He then talks about all of creation waiting for GOD to reveal HIS children. The stars that shine so brightly above, wait on GOD to reveal who really love HIM. Even the planets are tired of decay and long for GOD to set them free. Human creations wait with this same longing.

 

• GOD wants me to understand that HE is worth waiting for.
• GOD wants me to know HE has a purpose for me.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has set me free.

 

“How long?” is the question to GOD. This question is a longing to be with HIM for eternity, yet accepting the current state of suffering through life. I mean, GOD still has a purpose for me even though I wait eagerly on JESUS to return.

 

GOD gave me hope by placing the HOLY SPIRIT inside me and inside those who believe in JESUS as Savior. HE will one day reveal, to all of creation, who chose HIM and HE chose. I eagerly wait and hope for GOD’s deliverance.

 

• Did GOD promise you something and you are waiting for HIM to deliver it?
• Does it seem like it is taking forever for GOD to fulfill HIS purpose in you?
• Will you gain peace today, knowing GOD loves you and has chosen you to be HIS child and will one day reveal you to all of creation?

Hope Face

Hope Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Choices

Three Choices

John 6: ⁶⁶ From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

⁶⁸ But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

⁷⁰ Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” ⁷¹ He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

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With unmet expectations, I said “I will not follow YOU anymore” to GOD. I mean my bills were still there, creditors were still calling, I had no car, and it was raining that day.

• There were times when I felt I could get away from GOD.
• There were times when I was so discouraged that it seemed like a good idea to “leave” GOD.
• There were times when I expected everything to go well and when it did not, I was ready to stop believing GOD.

Three choices were made in this section of the Bible. The first was a bad choice when eager followers of JESUS decided to stop following HIM because they felt it was too hard. The third was an even worse choice to betray the Living GOD in hopes of political and monetary gain. But the best choice was the second.

• GOD wants me to know there is no where I can go to get away from HIM.
• GOD wants me to know only HE has the words of eternal life.
• GOD wants me to believe and know JESUS is the CHRIST who came to same me and those who believe in HIM.

GOD did something confusing and amazing when HE created humans. HE created the freedom to choose HIM or not. Many times, if not all the time, I do not choose HIM. I mean HIS way may mean I do not get “my” way. BUT GOD intervened and chose me instead.

HE gave my life purpose to bring people to HIM. This supernatural choice was marvelous! HE opened my eyes to know this life is so temporary. My major focus should be on HIM. I choose JESUS because HE chose me.

• What choices are you making today?
• Do your plans exclude GOD?
• Will you include GOD in what you do and say today?

Learning

Learning

John 6: ⁴³ Jesus therefore answered and said to them,  “Do not murmur among yourselves. ⁴⁴ No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. ⁴⁶ Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father.

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Bored to tears, I studied the lesson given in history class. The only way I could get through it was to memorize the dates, names and places I thought were going to be on the test. But in my computer class it was different. I was fascinated with technology and asked more and more questions.

• When I was interested I seemed to learn more.
• When I was excited I seemed to be able to pay attention more.
• When I was fascinated I seemed to be willing to understand the information no matter how complex it was.

JESUS confronts the Jews who questioned HIS origin. Though HE fed thousands, they could not understand why HE claimed to be GOD by saying “I AM the bread of life.” JESUS explains something important. “No one can come ME unless the FATHER draws that person.”

• GOD says to me “I will give people the urge to follow JESUS.”
• GOD says to me “I will put your name in the Lambs Book of Life.”
• GOD says to me “I chose you before I made the foundations of the world.”

This complicated relationship with JESUS is easy for those who believe in HIM. The FATHER cleared the path for anyone to learn about HIS SON so they could believe. Those who listen to HIS lessons of love will be drawn to learn more and more.

GOD never forces the lessons, but knows who will reject HIS love. HE teaches lessons every day. All I have to do is open my eyes and learn of HIM because HE is meek and lowly at heart. I shall find rest, for HIS burdens are light.

• What lessons are you learning?
• What are you spending your time studying?
• Will you take some time out of your busy life to study who GOD really is so HE can give your life a great purpose?

Part of the Family

Mark 7: ²⁴ From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden. ²⁵ For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet. ²⁶ The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. ²⁷ But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

²⁸ And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

²⁹ Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

³⁰ And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

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“Aren’t you going to stay and eat?’ said one of my friend’s mother. The invitation came as a shock to me as I had not been invited to eat over anyone’s house before.

• It feels great to be invited.
• It feels wonderful to be taken in by someone.
• It feels positively delightful to be brought into someone else’s family.

I do not understand the cultural situation that was going on here. Was JESUS using her words against her when HE spoke of “little dogs” as a comparison to her upbringing? HE spoke of two cultures in analogous terms, one Jewish and the other hers, as if to say “I have a chosen people for whom I serve.” BUT HE does something incredible.

• GOD invited me into HIS family when HE did not have to.
• GOD brought me into HIS family when I did not ask.
• GOD adopted me into HIS family when I did not deserve to be adopted.

Humility is what I get from tis passage. JESUS heard her humble words and answered her request. She begged HIM knowing “No” could be the answer. She may have changed her heart towards insulting others as she took on the label of “little dog.”  A crumb of heaven is better than a feast towards hell.

• Are you insulting others?
• Have you labeled others in a bad way?
• Can you bring people into GOD’s family by serving them today?

Compassion in Anger

Ezekiel 6: ⁷ Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the Lord.

⁸ “‘But I will spare some, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the lands and nations.’”

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GOD spared a remnant when HE was highly upset at HIS people. I mean at one point HE wanted to wipe HIS humans off the face of the earth. Their claims that HE does not exist or that HIS efforts are futile angered HIM but not so much. It was the things they built with their own hands and worshipped that fueled the most anger in GOD. Not only had GOD been pushed out the picture, HIS people made idols to replace HIM.

• GOD wants me to be creative, yet give HIM the credit for my talents.
• GOD wants me to be innovative, yet praise HIM for my imagination.
• GOD wants me to be inspirational as long as I am inspiring others to follow HIM.

In the middle of GOD’s anger HE decided to show some compassion. HE allowed a few people to escape HIS wrath. HE expected them to tell the story of the difficult times so people would turn their blinded eyes back to HIM. I have no idea how HE chooses who would escape, but I am glad HE does. GOD chose me to escape HIS wrath and I have been grateful since!

• Are you building something that you worship?
• Do you fight to get heard and recognized?
• Will you step out of the limelight and allow GOD to be center-stage?
• Will you tell people about HIS story?