Thirsty

Thirsty

Revelation 21: ⁵ Then the one who sits on the throne said, “And now I make all things new!” He also said to me, “Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted.” ⁶ And he said, “It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. ⁷ Those who win the victory will receive this from me: I will be their God, and they will be my children. ⁸ But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars—the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

 

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

 

Becoming part of a group was new to me. I was handed a book that showed skills to learn. But then I was told that that I could earn merit badges if I could prove that I learned the skill! I tried it and earned my first merit badge.

 

• I got so excited that I read more of the book.
• I planned out what my next badge would be.
• I spent time learning more and more and then became good at what I learned.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard JESUS speak a declaration that could be trusted and was going to happen. JESUS spoke about two kinds of people. One was “thirsty” and the other was not.

 

My Observations:

• My thirst for JESUS would cause me to want to learn more about HIM.
• My thirst for JESUS would make me want to practice what HE said.
• My thirst for JESUS would open my eyes to what HE wants versus trying to get “my” way.

 

Thirsty means really, really wanting something. I mean, when I want something the world has to offer, I may spend time learning it from reading or watching someone. I then take the initiative to put what I learned into practice. JESUS says HIS “words are true and can be trusted.” In other words, it’s going to happen.

 

If I thirst for JESUS, then my learning will be easy and so will putting what I learned into practice. HIS message of love also came with a price, namely free! If anyone is thirsty for JESUS, HE will give him or her life without paying for it. All my sins have been paid for by JESUS. I am eternally grateful!

 

Challenge

• Why was the writer told to write down what was said?
• Have you ever wanted something so much, that you were willing to learn it and do it?
• When JESUS says “It is done!” does that give you confidence?
• Can you become thirsty to learn about JESUS and put HIS words into practice today?

Unstuck on Titles

Unstuck on Titles

3 John 1: ⁹ I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. ¹⁰ When I come, then, I will bring up everything he has done: the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells! But that is not enough for him; he will not receive the Christians when they come, and even stops those who want to receive them and tries to drive them out of the church!

 

¹¹ My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God; whoever does what is bad has not seen God.

 

¹² Everyone speaks well of Demetrius; truth itself speaks well of him. And we add our testimony, and you know that what we say is true.

 

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

 

“Do you believe in JESUS?” someone laughingly asked me. “I am the head of the deacons and the chairman of the Trustees” I replied. “Yes, but do you believe in JESUS?” was the follow up question that I could have simply said “Yes” to.

 

• I was seeking a title in church without knowing it.
• I wanted to be known for “my” accomplishments.
• I wanted a resume versus GOD’s kingdom to grow.

 

John addressed church pride. He provided two opposing examples, namely Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first was the example of arrogance while the latter was the example of truth. One liked church titles, power and to be “heard” while the other built a reputation of serving people with the truth.

 

My Observations:

• Having  a title in church is okay as long as I use the title to help organize who does what.
• Recognizing JESUS as the only one who is the head of the church, makes me less prone to desire what should be HIS.
• My motive for serving in church should be based on the truth that JESUS rose from the dead and wants everyone to believe in HIS saving power.

 

Sometimes titles can trip me up. I mean, whether it is corporate or public or church, titles can make me think I am more special than others. If the title gets to my head, then my actions and words begin to leave GOD out and the focus becomes more on “my” title or the brand of the church. BUT GOD wants to be known.

 

HE wants my words to point to HIM constantly. The whole purpose of gathering together in the first place is to recognize JESUS as the Savior while addressing barriers to this belief. We sing, pray and acknowledge JESUS while not turning into the world. I gladly give up titles to be known for speaking GOD’s truth.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer warn not to imitate?
• Have you ever wanted a title or wanted to be recognized as a public figure?
• Will you point your life to CHRIST whether you have a title or not so HE can draw many people to HIMSELF through you today?

Words of Integrity

 

Words of Integrity

1 John 4: ⁴ But you belong to God, my children, and have defeated the false prophets, because the Spirit who is in you is more powerful than the spirit in those who belong to the world. ⁵ Those false prophets speak about matters of the world, and the world listens to them because they belong to the world. ⁶ But we belong to God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever does not belong to God does not listen to us. This, then, is how we can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

 

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

 

“Spin” was the word used in explaining a difficult situation in a way that made it look as if the company was not at fault or was not responsible. “You should learn how to spin things” was the statement made to me as advice in the new role I had.

 

• Something didn’t feel right about “spinning” words.
• Something inside me said “this is wrong” but “everyone” else said I should go with the new statement.
• I felt bad delivering the “spin” but eventually got used to it.

 

John attempted to address integrity. He may have seen people who were believers, willing to use the words of the world, instead of using the truth. He may have also seen that people may have been discouraged because some people were not listening to the words of love being presented. He gave believers of JESUS assurance.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s word is made with love for you and me.
• HE wants us to find HIS lost sheep, so we can bring HIS loving message to them.
• I have to realize that some people will not listen to the message of GOD because they do not know HIM.

 

When I say “JESUS loves and forgives you” I get a couple of different responses. I mean, one person will not say anything or may even say “get away from me”, while the other may burst into tears of joy and say “Thank YOU LORD.” GOD wants me to seek those who will hear HIS message.

 

This means I have to get used to people who may reject JESUS as their Savior, whether I like it or not. HE doesn’t need me to be heard, because HE is the one who draws people to HIM in the first place. I just need to be ready with HIS message. I am glad people spoke to me about JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What concern so you think the writer was addressing?
• Have you ever told someone about your belief in JESUS and got an unexpected response?
• Will you seek those who can hear GOD’s message of love by keeping your integrity, no matter what the world may think today?

Inward Truth

Inward Truth

1 John 1: ⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

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

 

On the way to the picnic, a motorcycle tried to pass me on the shoulder while I was making a sudden right turn. I was an inexperienced driver and I has begged for the car. “What will I tell my parents?” was the worry I felt all day. Arriving home, I found some spray paint that could possibly cover the dented area. Maybe they won’t notice.

 

• I was not at fault, yet I was nervous and I tried to protect myself.
• I tried to cover up the problem that was obvious and made the situation worse by using the wrong color.
• I took a deep breath, told the truth and was surprised that my worst fears were not met.

 

John seemed to be addressing insecure hidden sin. This sticky sin can be hidden from people well, especially if practiced over time. He even addressed the sin that allows us to fool ourselves into believing that we are justified in what we are doing.

 

My Observations:

• Sin has a power over me when I hide it or cover it up.
• When I confess my sin, it not only loses its power, but the desire diminishes.
• GOD is the only one who is faithful in the situation where I need my sins forgiven and cleansed.

 

Not seeing there is a problem is the problem. I mean, when I think I do not have a sin problem, I cannot confess that I have a problem and therefore will not make a change that could address the problem. Fooling myself into thinking I am “right” is a huge problem that GOD is willing to fix.

 

HE wants me to humbly come to HIM with the awareness of myself, so I can confess things in my life that need correcting. HE is faithful and just to correct me, heal me and clean me in HIS way and HIS time. I gladly confess my sins to GOD to diminish the power it has over me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “If we say” twice?
• Have you ever fooled yourself by comparing yourself to someone who is doing “worse” than you?
• Will you take an inward inventory and confess your sins to GOD so HE will cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Different Angle

Different Angle

Titus 2: ^1-6 Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.

 

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

 

Being steeped deeply in technology, I provided a solution in an all-department meeting. A problem was brought up and I provided my angle to the problem by giving what I knew. Others did the same and we worked on the problem as a team, but from different angles.

 

• I didn’t know there were other ways to look at the problem.
• I though my way was the only way, until I heard other ways.
• I needed someone to guide me to use my strengths to solve problems while remaining part of the team.

 

Paul gives sage advice to Titus regarding enlisting a variety of people to use sound doctrine. To address questions and clear up confusion, Paul provides suggestions for people to come from various angles to serving and following JESUS. These angles were meant to make everyone effective based on his or her concerns or, in some cases, areas they needed to grow in.

 

My Observations

• GOD does not limit me in terms of how well I treat people.
• Gender and age can provide me with a different angle of serving the LORD with joy.
• Appreciating other angles of serving JESUS should be something I pursue.

 

Sound doctrine includes people. I mean, GOD made male and female to serve HIM from different angles. Each stage of life also beings in a new way to serve HIM. HE wants my heart open enough to desire to use sound doctrine when speaking about JESUS.

 

This includes learning about HIM and modeling what I learned. If also does not preclude me from modeling what other people are modeling. If it says to “live disciplined lives” to young men, it doesn’t prevent me as an older man or it doesn’t prevent a young woman from doing the same. I gladly serve GOD from the angle HE has given me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer come from these angles?
• Have you ever been part of a successful team that had different roles?
• Will you do your part in serving GOD by the way HE made you so you can reach the people HE made you for today?

Not Like Everyone Else

Not Like Everyone Else

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in the truths that you were taught and firmly believe. You know who your teachers were, ¹⁵ and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, ¹⁷ so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.

 

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

 

Hearing the lie said in the smooth delivery made me mad. I watched people fall for the lie and was amazed! I got up and told the truth and was met with criticism. “You are just jealous” is what someone, who was brave enough, said to me. “I wonder if I should start lying” was my thought.

 

• I was tired of bad people getting ahead.
• I was tired of being nice and finishing “last.”
• I was tired of being ignored because I was trying to be “good.”

 

Paul finishes his warning to Timothy regarding conduct. He had mentioned that there would be some people who would persecute, derive evil and be deceitful. “But as for you” he says to Timothy. He tells Timothy there is another path.

 

My Observations

• When other people are acting deceitful or imposing persecution or manipulative, GOD wants me to “continue in the truth.”
• When it seems like everyone else is going one way that does not include JESUS as GOD and LORD of all, HE wants me to stand firm in the scriptures that HE inspired.
• When I need to make a decision to be popular with a lie or be unpopular with the truth in scripture, GOD wants me to choose the unpopular route.

 

Believing in JESUS does not make people popular. In fact it seems quite the opposite. People run in the other direction at the mention of scripture or JESUS. BUT GOD wants everyone to understand HIS love and HE inspires many writers to speak about JESUS.

 

GOD’s revelation of HIS SON equips me for life’s traps and trials. When times were difficult, I can look back and see that HE was with me and that following the scriptures was all I had during times of deep trouble. I am so glad GOD has given us the scripture to help me live a life pleasing to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What truths is the writer talking about?
• Does “relative truth” scare you?
• Will you continue in the truth of JESUS, our LORD and Savior, by studying HIS word and gaining useful wisdom that leads you to salvation and becoming fully qualified and equipped today?

Assurance

Assurance

Ephesians 1: ¹³ And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. ¹⁴ The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!

 

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

 

Startled by a loud noise I ran to my parents. I clung onto the leg of one then the other. After investigation, they said to me calmly, “There is nothing to worry about.” It took a little while, but I could go on playing.

 

• I get startled by troubles.
• I get shaken up by bad news.
• I get scared, worried and doubtful when things seem to be going “wrong.”

 

After facing major difficulties, Paul sensed the people needed a word of encouragement. He had face major opposition from the church leaders, regarding following GOD. The murderers of JESUS led the church, making people fear for their lives. Assurance was needed.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to know the truth.
• GOD wants me to praise HIS glory for setting me free.

 

Heard. Believed. Received. This three-step process gives me assurance that the promises of GOD are sealed up for me. I can do as I please. BUT GOD reigns me in because HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me away from things that may harm me.

 

I would choose the wrong path all the time. But the HOLY SPIRIT whispers, “Forgive” and “Love those who hate you” and “Serve ‘that’ person.” Recognizing that I am GOD’s possession, I surrender to the SPIRIT. I am glad I can have assurance in all of HIS promises for me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever questioned GOD’s existence or why JESUS had to die or some other doubt about HIM?
• Have you also feared something or worried?
• How do you feel when you read the writer’s words?
• Will you rest assured that GOD loves you dearly and has a great plan for you, full of HIS promises that completely give you freedom today?

Shown to be Right

 

Shown to be Right

Romans 3: Do the Jews then have any advantage over the Gentiles? Or is there any value in being circumcised? ² Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews. ³ But what if some of them were not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful? ⁴ Certainly not! God must be true, even though all human beings are liars. As the scripture says,

 

“You must be shown to be right when you speak;
    you must win your case when you are being tried.”

 

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

 

“Who broke this?” I was asked. “I don’t know” was my lying answer, knowing full well I broke it. “I promise I will never do that again” was my lying statement when I got caught speeding. “I believe GOD can do anything” was my lying statement when doubt filled me up so much that I took matters in my own hands.

 

• Many times I have lied out of convenience.
• Many times I have lied to protect myself.
• Many times I have lied for no reason at all.

 

Paul continues the explanation of GOD’s relationship with humanity. He speaks about GOD choosing the Jews to reveal HIS message to the world. Unfortunately, this all important message was not handled with the faith it deserved. Some were not faithful to the message and chose to lie, to keep a following versus pointing their lives to JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to grow up enough to speak the truth about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to recognize that I need HIM to open my eyes to my lies.
• GOD wants me to confess my lies because they stain any righteous acts I may do.

 

One prophet, Isaiah, was called to be a speaker for GOD. He confessed to GOD that he was a liar. GOD healed him of lying by giving him courage to speak the truth about JESUS. He then wrote this about JESUS, “But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM, And by HIS stripes we are healed.”

 

GOD can take a liar like me, forgive those lies and fill me with confidence in HIM that HE will be faithful because HE cannot and will not ever lie to me. When HE says “You are forgiven for all your sins because you believe in MY SON” HE means it. I believe I am forgiven for my lies.

 

• Are you a liar, even to yourself?
• Do you hide things to protect your image?
• Will you change your speech and be “shown to be right” so others can hear what JESUS has done by HIS forgiveness today?

Putting Spin On It

 

Putting Spin On It

Romans 1: ¹⁸ God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known.

 

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

 

Knowing the system had problems, we sat in a room trying to think of ways to convince every owner operator spend lots of money on something that would not fix the problem. I was up for a promotion so I worked on the benefits of the system. I presented the benefits all around the nation. I got promoted.

 

• There were times when I hid the truth.
• There were times when I put “spin” on the problem to make it seem like it was not a problem.
• There were times when I was part of the coverup.

 

Paul explains that GOD is furious at anything that explains away HIS power and love. Any lie or made up story that confuses people about JESUS being GOD, dying for all sins and being raised from the dead; brings on GOD’s anger. The truth needs to be known.

 

• GOD wants me to know the truth, namely JESUS.
• GOD wants me to explain the truth, that JESUS became a human to suffer for my sins.
• GOD wants me to uncover my sins so people can see the power of HIS forgiveness.

 

Covering up the truth is easy to do. Insecurity or desiring power or fulfilling life’s lusts, make me cover up the truth to get my way. BUT GOD wants me to see that path is a dangerous and deadly one.

 

GOD sees my heart and knows every hidden thing in it. HE is available to forgive me of all my sin and clean my heart of all unrighteousness. I am grateful GOD uncovers sin to make the truth of JESUS known to me and countless others.

 

• Are you participating in a coverup that prevents someone from getting to know JESUS?
• Do you believe in an innocent story that points to humans as the answer to problems?
• Will you be bold enough to speak the truth about JESUS today?

Truth is, no partiality

Truth is, no partiality

Acts 10 ³⁴ Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. ³⁵ But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. ³⁶ The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— ³⁷ that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 

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

Getting to the cafeteria when it opened was important this day. The tradition was to save a seat right at the front door for all who looked and acted like me. Though I was a freshman, I vowed to myself to keep this tradition going. Instead of waiting, I decided to get some food. When I returned to the table, someone who did not look like me sat there. I got ready for the fight.

• Many times I have acted “partial” to specific people.
• Many times I have given people I was “partial” to, a pass on their behavior.
• Many times I have been willing to start fights over people I was “partial” to.

Peter explains to Cornelius, a person of another race, that GOD is not partial to any nation. GOD will accept anyone who fears HIM and works righteousness. Peter then explains why.

• JESUS preached peace to me.
• JESUS was sent to me to save me.
• JESUS who is LORD of all, has received the HOLY SPIRIT, power and compassion to heal me and do good to me.

Part of the people is not enough for GOD. HE wants all of the people. One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD. Unfortunately, some who will confess this truth will realize the eternal mistake they made by not believing this when they were alive.

JESUS has allowed me into HIS family. HE appreciates when I see the variety of people HE gets excited over. HE made each person unique and says “All of heaven rejoices over one person who accepts ME as their Savior.” I am learning to appreciate the uniqueness of others.

• Are you showing partiality to certain people and trying to say you are telling the truth?
• Do you give, those you are partial to, the best and leave the leftovers, if any, to everyone else?
• Will you stop your “small” view and look at GOD’s “large” picture by seeking HIS “full” kingdom today?

Looking for you

John 4: ¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

¹⁹ “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. ²⁰ Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

²¹ “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. ²² You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ²³ Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴ God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

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

“Have you ever committed a misdemeanor?” was the scary question on the application. The reason it was scary to me was, I had. I had no money and a pile of parking tickets in a town that would suspend your license for lack of payment. I had to go to work, so I drove and got a huge ticket for driving on a suspended license. Back to the application. I had to answer, “yes.” I got the job anyway.

• Sometimes I want to tell people “It’s not my fault.”
• Sometimes I want to appear righteous in front of people when I really am not.
• Sometimes I want to hide the “truth” so I can appear good.

JESUS confronts the Samaritan woman about her marriage situation. HE may have seen some guy off in the distance, acting like a husband, however husbands act. “Call your husband over” HE said. She told the truth, as painful as it was. “I have no husband” she said. JESUS said “What you have said is quite true.” She was given the opportunity to lie or tell the truth.

• GOD is looking for me in the middle of my sinful state.
• GOD wants a relationship with me before I “clean myself up.”
• GOD is seeking me to have a special relationship with HIM even though I may have many sins.

Truth is hard to admit but worth it. Telling GOD how good  I have been, while complaining that HE hasn’t given me my way is usually a recipe for disaster. GOD wants the truth. HE wants me to worship HIM by telling HIM “I have sinned and need YOU.”

GOD doesn’t need me to be self-righteous. In fact, the more I admit my sins to others, the more others admit their sins to HIM. Truth has given me freedom.

• What sins are you hiding?
• Do you want to appear righteous in front of people so you can hold others to a standard higher than you hold yourself?
• Will you drop the façade and allow GOD to use you in a truthful way today?