Sound of the Trumpet

Sound of the Trumpet

Exodus 19: ¹⁶ Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. ¹⁷ And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. ¹⁸ Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. ¹⁹ And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice. ²⁰ Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

 

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GOD told Moses to have the children of Israel prepare themselves by washing their clothes. He said HE would come down in three days. On the morning of the third day, GOD did as HE said. First there was thunder and lightning followed by a thick cloud on the mountain. Next a trumpet from heaven blew.

 

My Observations:

• Trumpets represent a musical instrument used to get the attention of the people when GOD is about to do something major.
• The blast of the trumpet seems similar to the prophetic return of JESUS that will also be preceded by a trumpet blast.
• GOD set the entire mountain on fire so HE could not be seen by the children of Israel.

 

What an amazing, yet horrifying sight this must have been. The people were so scared that they trembled in horror. The announcement that GOD was about to descend on the mountain was preceded by the blast of a trumpet. Jesus told Paul to tell the Thessalonians that HIS return would be preceded by a trumpet blast.

 

The rapture, or the snatching away of live believers, is also prophesied by the trumpet blast, in Matthew and in Corinthians. The trumpet sound got longer and louder. Then Moses spoke to GOD and GOD called Moses up to the mountain and he went up. GOD’s presence was awesome.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE descended on Mount Sinai?
• Have you ever wondered how JESUS will return?
• Are you prepared for the presence of GOD?

Another Song of Triumph – Unheard People Sing

Another Song of Triumph – Unheard People Sing

Exodus 15: ¹⁹ For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

The Song of Miriam

²⁰ Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. ²¹ And Miriam answered them:

“Sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!”

 

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After Moses sang, Miriam got up and sang a short song.

 

My Observations:

• The women possibly were not singing but wanted to sing.
• Miriam may have noticed the women were not singing, so she got her tambourine out and sang a short song.
• Miriam gave the reason why everyone should sing, namely they were rescued by the LORD.

 

GOD used Miriam as a leader. She is called a prophetess. Very few women in the Bible were called this title, so it shows she had a special anointing by GOD as a leader. Miriam seemed to be gifted to help out where there was a gap in the execution of a plan.

 

Jochebed, Miriam’s mother, made an ark to save Moses, Miriam's’ brother. Miriam watched over Moses and made sure he stayed safe. Miriam jumped into action again by seeing the women and making them join in on the celebration of GOD’s triumph. Her song may seem simple, but it symbolizes a leader who sees those who are unheard. GOD was praised by everyone.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Miriam’s song?
• Have you ever seen someone who wanted to join in, but were afraid to?
• Can you take a moment to help those who are unheard by guiding them in praise to the LORD?

Response to Darkness – Hard Heart

Response to Darkness – Hard Heart

Exodus 10: ²⁴ Then Pharaoh called to Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back. Let your little ones also go with you.”

 

²⁵ But Moses said, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. ²⁶ Our livestock also shall go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God, and even we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.”

 

²⁷ But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. ²⁸ Then Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!”

 

²⁹ So Moses said, “You have spoken well. I will never see your face again.”

 

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After the supernatural darkness was lifted, Pharaoh called for Moses to tell him that he would let the people go, but the flocks and herds had to stay. Moses told Pharaoh that the livestock had to go as well. Pharaoh hardened his heart and said “Get away from me! Take heed to yourself and see my face no more! For in the day you see my face you shall die!”

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was trying to steal the remainder of the livestock he had not already stolen.
• Pharaoh thought he was in control after the plague was over.
• Pharoah threatened Moses, proving that he would never open his heart up and never would bow down to GOD.

 

The limiting belief of thinking he was a god would be Pharaoh’s downfall. He was leading his nation into total spiritual disaster, all while thinking his abuse of power was justified. GOD was dismantling the limiting belief that any human can be looked at as a god.

 

We treat celebrities, politicians and religious leaders as people who we should temporarily worship. Our limiting beliefs give them power or make us look at ourselves as powerless. BUT GOD says something very different. HE took an eighty year old man with a stick and placed him in front of the most powerful man in the land, namely Pharaoh. HE methodically dismantled Egyptian limiting beliefs, one by one. GOD was not finished.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s threat?
• What limiting beliefs do you have about age, power, or titles?
• Is your secret pursuit of power worth battling GOD for HIS deserved spot?

Response to Lice – Hard Heart

Response to Lice – Hard Heart

Exodus 8: ¹⁸ Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast. ¹⁹ Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the Lord had said.

 

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Feeling confident that they could match what Aaron did, the magicians tried to make lice out of dust, but they could not. They told Pharaoh that what Aaron did had to be done by GOD’s power. This time Pharaoh hardened his heart without the evidence from his magicians.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh’s magicians tapped into supernatural evil abilities and were able to do two things Aaron could do.
• Pharaoh’s magicians could not perform this supernatural action.
• Pharaoh still believed he was a god and refused to let the people go.

 

Lice may have been symbolic of the mistreatment of people. Life came from dust for the second time. The first was Adam. GOD did not breathe a soul into the lice, making this act of the creation of life different.

 

The magicians recognized that their magic was no match for GOD’s power. They tried over and over to create life without GOD, and were unable to do so. This is still the pursuit of humans to this very day. From this plague on, the magicians could no longer perform any of the supernatural thing’s GOD did. Pharaoh’s response was to remain in the position where he thought he was in control. GOD was not dealing with Pharaoh’s actions directly, rather HE was taking down a belief system.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the magician’s inability to mimic HIS plague?
• Has there been clear evidence that GOD can do anything and you still do not believe HE can do it for you?
• Are you able to place your hope in GOD despite the odds?

When No One Agrees with the Plan

 

When No One Agrees with the Plan

Exodus 6: ¹⁰ And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹¹ “Go in, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

 

¹² And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?”

 

¹³ Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, and gave them a command^[j] for the children of Israel and for Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

 

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Moses took Aaron with him to meet GOD on Mount Horeb. GOD had to give them reassurance that HIS plan would work. Moses told GOD that things were getting worse after their first meeting with Pharaoh. He said the children of Israel were hurt and scared. He then said he does not speak eloquently.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh put his full resistance on letting the slaves go.
• The children of Israel were so scared that they resisted being let go.
• GOD said to Moses and Aaron with a command this time, that the children of Israel would be let go.

 

Once GOD puts a plan in place, there is no force, action or time that can prevent it from happening. Moses and Aaron were included in GOD’s plan and saw themselves as tiny, unspoken and powerless. BUT GOD was not going to use their strength or abilities.

 

We sometimes forget that GOD has the power and we have the obedience. When GOD says to do something regarding HIS plan of deliverance, our response needs to be with obedience. Moses was scared and rightfully so. He murdered an Egyptian year’s prior. He only had a stick and a brother. This looked impossible. BUT GOD knew HE was the master of the impossible.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him and his brother regarding the plan to free the slaves?
• Have you focused too much on your own abilities and deficits to believe that GOD is in control?
• Is today the day you will take your eyes off of your abilities and trust that GOD is the power and the glory, forever?

Switched Focus

Switched Focus

Genesis 18: ⁹ Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”

 

So he said, “Here, in the tent.”

 

¹⁰ And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”

 

(Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. ¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

 

¹³ And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

 

¹⁵ But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.

And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”

 

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Up to this point everything was about Abraham. GOD spoke to him directly and told him to leave his father’s house and go to a place where I will show you. Abraham immediately obeyed. GOD then spoke to Abraham a few more times. But this time was different. JESUS and the angels asked together, “Where is Sarah your wife/”

 

My Observations:

• Sarah had faith to go with Abraham to a place GOD told him to go, but she was not told by GOD.
• Sarah had faith to maintain the cattle and the property while Abraham went to rescue Lot and Sodom’s stuff.
• Sarah’s laughter was filled with mixed emotions possibly because up to this point it had been all about Abraham.

 

“Where is Sarah your wife” seems to be a question to Abraham that she should have been present at the dinner. GOD knew where she was physically. But why isn’t she here? Over the years, Abraham may have expressed “his” relationship with GOD, but did not express hers. Abraham had left out the most important component to the promise, namely his wife.

 

Sarah laughed inside herself when she overheard the news for herself. BUT GOD heard the laughter. I believe HE wasn’t scolding her when HE said “No, but you did laugh!”, rather HE was bringing her into the spotlight by speaking to both Abraham and Sarah. The focus was no longer only on Abraham, but on both of them. GOD would return "at the appointed time."

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD ask Abraham about Sarah’s laughter when providing this conversation to Moses?
• Have you ever felt left out of the promises of GOD while HE uses other people?
• Can you believe that GOD sees you and has a special part of HIS plan specifically for you?

Weak and Overlooked

Weak and Overlooked

Revelation 19: ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He shouted in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair: “Come and gather together for God's great feast! ¹⁸ Come and eat the flesh of kings, generals, and soldiers, the flesh of horses and their riders, the flesh of all people, slave and free, great and small!”

 

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Trying to figure out how to see the boss of an area I wanted to get in, I thought of ways to “accidentally” run into the person. I lurked around to understand times for lunch and breaks, but nothing worked. The administrative assistant said, “You have to come through me.” “Nah, that can’t be the answer” I said to myself.

 

• I overlooked the administrative assistant’s position.
• I did not think the administrative assistant had power over my circumstance.
• I did not see it coming that the administrative assistant was watching me.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an angel standing on something as powerful as the sun. He shouted in a loud voice, commanding one of the weakest creatures to eat strong and powerful people. Not just powerful eagles, but hummingbirds would be at the disposal of the Living GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful, that HE can use something weak to do something strong.
• GOD is so mighty, that HE can overtake those who think they are powerful.
• GOD is omnipotent, that HE can choose which way HE will overthrow HIS enemy and use what people would label as weak to do something powerful.

 

Weak things are overlooked. I mean, things like prayer, belief, trusting and fasting are viewed by humans as last resort items versus the starting point to strength. When things get bad, GOD is turned to, temporarily until the storm is over, then we turn back to our old ways. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

HE can use birds against an army of people equipped with the latest technology, to fight and conquer them. HE can also see you, who thinks of frailties and faults as obstacles, but HE sees you as the answer to HIS problem, namely reaching the lost. I am glad GOD trusts you and me even though we are weak.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the angel was standing on the sun?
• Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, thinking you cannot possibly overcome the difficulties you are facing?
• Will you look to GOD, who has all power, and believe HE is fighting the battles you are facing today?

Unprecedented

 Unprecedented

Revelation 6: ¹² And I saw the Lamb break open the sixth seal. There was a violent earthquake, and the sun became black like coarse black cloth, and the moon turned completely red like blood. ¹³ The stars fell down to the earth, like unripe figs falling from the tree when a strong wind shakes it. ¹⁴ The sky disappeared like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth, the rulers and the military chiefs, the rich and the powerful, and all other people, slave and free, hid themselves in caves and under rocks on the mountains. ¹⁶ They called out to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the eyes of the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb! ¹⁷ The terrible day of their anger is here, and who can stand up against it?”

 

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Asleep one night, we felt something. “Was that an earthquake?” I asked. I had never experienced an earthquake, so it was hard to describe the sensation of everything shaking without a storm being present. It was a small earthquake.

 

• I was somewhat curious about an earthquake.
• I wondered what an earthquake felt like.
• I went right back to sleep because nothing was disturbed in the house.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the LAMB open the sixth seal. Immediately there was an unprecedented violent earthquake. that shook the entire planet. As volcanos erupted, the sky would be filled with ash causing the sun to look dark and the moon to appear blood red. Possibly, fragments blown in the sky rained down like fiery stars. No one would mistake this Day.

 

My Observations:

• The Day of the LORD will not be mistaken.
• People will see GOD’s power unlike never before.
• No one will have to guess if GOD is angry, because HE will display it with unmatched fury!

 

Talking about the wrath of GOD is quite unpopular, but necessary. I mean, we want GOD to be nice, gentle and forgiving, which HE is. BUT HE also revealed what HE would do to Satan’s kingdom and that we should not ignore it like it will not happen.

 

In this sixth step of tearing down Satan’s temporary kingdom, GOD shows power that every nation would see and feel. No place would be spared. The Good News is, JESUS is not angry with those who believe in HIM. This HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Is the description the writer gives, frightening?
• Have you ever said “I wonder if this situation came from GOD?”
• Will you seek to understand why GOD showed us HIS wrath so you can be guided to be protected from it today?

Cannot Be Contained

Cannot Be Contained

Revelation 1: ⁹ I am John, your brother, and as a follower of Jesus I am your partner in patiently enduring the suffering that comes to those who belong to his Kingdom. I was put on the island of Patmos because I had proclaimed God's word and the truth that Jesus revealed. ¹⁰ On the Lord's day the Spirit took control of me, and I heard a loud voice, that sounded like a trumpet, speaking behind me. ¹¹ It said, “Write down what you see, and send the book to the churches in these seven cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

 

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After putting on a refrigerator water filter, I went to work. When I returned home ten hours later, I heard a splash sound in a place that should not have that noise. I went into the basement and there was water everywhere!  The filter connection was faulty and sometime during the day, sprung a leak.

 

• I thought I had contained the water.
• When the water found a way out, it went into every opening it could find.
• There was so much water that no container I had would hold it.

 

John, the disciple who JESUS loved, was exiled to the island o Patmos for preaching about JESUS. This would be the equivalent to going to prison in today’s terms. The HOLY SPIRIT spoke loudly to get John’s attention. HE had John write down a vital revelation of JESUS that would be addressed to seven churches. Even in exile, John was still being used by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• When I think I am stuck GOD can use me.
• When I feel helpless and hopeless, GOD is still there.
• When I am tossed into exile by the powers that be, GOD can take my words and spread them everywhere.

 

GOD cannot be contained. I mean, for centuries, the message of GOD’s love has been attempted to be silenced, but it has grown exponentially. The world may speak about believers of JESUS in a negative way, BUT GOD knows HIS servants and gives you and me a purpose.

 

Even when the world tries to steal JESUS by making HIM into their image, GOD sees the theft and spreads HIS true love anyway. GOD is the truth. JESUS is the Way the Truth and the Life. I am glad HIS Word cannot be contained!

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer partnering with?
• Have you ever felt stuck or isolated?
• Will you preach GOD’s message of love about JESUS anyway, knowing GOD’s message cannot be stopped or contained by humans?

Becoming Strong

Becoming Strong

Hebrews 11: ³² Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. ³³ Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. ³⁵ Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life.

 

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“You need some help?” was the welcome question that was posed to me. “Yes!” I quickly replied to the strangers who saw me struggling to move my furniture in by myself. What was taking me hours took minutes. I had no pay, but I said “Thank you!”

 

• I thought I could do this myself.
• I thought I did not need anyone, but I did.
• I thought I was strong enough, but really I was weak.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, had just presented a list of various types of faith examples. He then mentions something they all had in common, namely they were weak. None of the people mentioned, set out to accomplish anything, rather, they were used by GOD in an extraordinary way and were labeled as strong.

 

My Observations:

• Strength in GOD means I do ordinary things and HE does something extraordinary with it.
• GOD simply wants me to stay focused on HIM and allow HIM to show HIS strength.
• I have to recognize and appreciate how weak I am in order to gain the strength I need from GOD.

 

For when I am weak, then I am strong. I mean, when I recognize I need GOD and the people HE sends, then I can get strong. Human strength and bring on human results, which sometimes look tempting. I can remain in control when I do things with human effort. It makes me feel better, but the results won’t have GOD’s blessings, which makes any result poor.

 

When I include GOD in my plans and recognize it will only take HIS power to move the mountain, then I get a supernatural result that I cannot explain. My weak effort becomes something amazing that can only be attributed to GOD. I am glad to say I am weak, therefore I can get strong through faith in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine a time when the people the writer lists, were weak?
• Have you ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed or exhausted and wanted help from GOD?
• Will you recognize you are weak and need GOD to provide HIS strength in all your plans so HE can make them effective, HIS way and HIS time?

Opposition

Opposition

2 Timothy 3: ⁶ Some of them go into people's houses and gain control over weak women who are burdened by the guilt of their sins and driven by all kinds of desires, ⁷ women who are always trying to learn but who can never come to know the truth. ⁸ As Jannes and Jambres were opposed to Moses, so also these people are opposed to the truth—people whose minds do not function and who are failures in the faith. ⁹ But they will not get very far, because everyone will see how stupid they are. That is just what happened to Jannes and Jambres.

 

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Trying to live a life that followed JESUS was hard. I had built a reputation of being the “fun” person. I used to hold parties and spread “fun” wherever I went. But when I tried to turn my life over to the LORD, I went back to the people who loved me for my party prowess and was met with opposition.

 

• I was no longer part of the in crowd I longed to be part of.
• I no longer fit in the world I had put together for myself.
• I did not expect how difficult it would be to change my life for CHRIST.

 

Paul continues to warn Timothy about people who oppose the Gospel and prey on those who may have had difficult lives. He gives a specific spiritual example of Jannes and Jambres, magicians who tried to oppose Moses. While their attempt seem to work, GOD intervened and ultimately they failed.

 

My Observations

• Opposition to the LORD form other people is not something I should be worried about.
• If someone chooses to oppose the LORD for his or her own purpose, GOD wants me to remain near to HIM and know their opposition is noted by HIM.
• Opposers of the LORD will get somewhere, but not very far and will be exposed by GOD.

 

Siding with the LORD brings opposition. I mean, when I become a follower of CHRIST, the enemy throws all kinds of opposition at me that will make me question my faith, the company I keep and my direction. BUT GOD wants me to know HE has the upper hand.

 

Those who oppose GOD will be exposed and I do not need to see it happen. HIS plan for me is solid and supernatural. Those who slither and slide around like snakes, looking for complex ways to appear like the truth will ultimately “fail in the faith.” I am grateful GOD protects me from those who oppose HIM.

 

Challenge

• What opposition do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever tried to live for the LORD and was met with opposition?
• Will you let go of your worry about those who oppose the LORD and know HE can handle any opposition because HE is all powerful and HIS plan for you will not fail?

Boundless Freedom

Boundless Freedom

2 Timothy 2: ⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from death, who was a descendant of David, as is taught in the Good News I preach. ⁹ Because I preach the Good News, I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains, ¹⁰ and so I endure everything for the sake of God's chosen people, in order that they too may obtain the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus and brings eternal glory.

 

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“I will never get out of this” were the words I said many times when I felt “stuck.” I felt that way in entering High School, college and jobs that had become stale. I felt stagnant and needed a change, but change was elusive and far away.

 

• I felt imprisoned.
• I felt like I was stuck and there was no way out of being stuck.
• I felt trapped with no way out.

 

Paul brings Timothy back to the main purpose of life. “Remember JESUS CHRIST” was his statement He then explained that even though he was imprisoned because of speaking about JESUS, the “word of GOD” could never be chained. For this reason Paul was able to endure his imprisonment.

 

My Observations

• My situation may make me feel stuck, BUT GOD’s word gives me hope.
• My circumstance may not be ideal, BUT GOD’s plan includes me so I give HIM praise.
• My present condition may make me think I am stuck, BUT GOD has an amazing way to use me in the middle of my blindness.

 

Seeing life through my eyes may make the future seem scary. I mean, if I look at past performance and future trials, I can get nervous and want things to change. When the situations don’t change fast enough, I feel stuck. BUT GOD wants me to see things differently.

 

HE wants me to know that HE is still in control and doing amazing things I cannot see or fathom. HE orchestrates many situations that shows HIS power and HIS promise. HIS word goes out to the world with full power and cannot be stopped. I am glad HE calls me to speak on HIS behalf, just like every believer in JESUS, and I know there is always someone who is free, when I “feel” stuck.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer feel remorse for being imprisoned?
• Have you ever felt stuck?
• Why or why not?
• Will you base your freedom on how powerful GOD’s word is and how it cannot be stopped and also know GOD is working on your situation today?

Unfathomable

Unfathomable

1 Timothy 6: ¹³ Before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who firmly professed his faith before Pontius Pilate, I command you ¹⁴ to obey your orders and keep them faithfully until the Day when our Lord Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁵ His appearing will be brought about at the right time by God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. ¹⁶ He alone is immortal; he lives in the light that no one can approach. No one has ever seen him; no one can ever see him. To him be honor and eternal power! Amen.

 

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“How was GOD always three?” was one of my first questions I asked when I started my journey back to following HIM. This and many other questions led me to study to find out if GOD were a fable, myth or some made up story.

 

• I needed to know if I was being fooled.
• I saw hypocrites who spoke about JESUS and who lived like me, who wasn’t following JESUS.
• I questioned and questioned because I had little faith and needed answers.

 

 

Paul tells Timothy to obey until the “Day when our LORD JESUS CHRIST will appear.” This Day is not an ordinary day, rather the final erasure of all sin and the beginning of everlasting life, for some and everlasting separation for others. Paul explains the JESUS is unfathomable, no one has truly seen what and who HE is and never will.

 

My Observations

• I may not understand what and who GOD is, but I do know HE loves me dearly.
• I may not be able to explain “why” to every question but I do know JESUS died for me and is alive.
• I may not be able to apply logic or Cognos to GOD, but I can feel HIS presence when I am in need, hurt or elated.

 

I just know that I know that I know that JESUS loves me. I do not understand why, I just know. HE cared enough for me, that HE gave HIS life for me. I do not understand why, I just know. When I ask questions about HIM that I cannot answer, HE is not mean, but gentle.

 

HE seeks me and, for whatever reason, wants me to tell others about HIS love. When I look at HIS perfection, I stop asking questions and praise HIM and simply say “Thank YOU.” I am glad I will never know what and who HE is, but I am glad HE reveals all I need to know.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention that “no one has ever seen HIM when people saw JESUS?”
• What questions are you afraid to ask about GOD, JESUS who is GOD, and about the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek a deeper relationship with JESUS and accept there are things about HIM we will never know or understand, but HE loves us and that’s all we need?

Unstoppable Effectiveness

Unstoppable Effectiveness

Philippians 1: ¹² I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. ¹³ As a result, the whole palace guard and all the others here know that I am in prison because I am a servant of Christ. ¹⁴ And my being in prison has given most of the believers more confidence in the Lord, so that they grow bolder all the time to preach the message fearlessly.

 

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Being at a church that boasted about diversity, I was led to speak about the misuse of rules and race to keep people blinded. I said it in one statement. “Must do’s and skin hues equals bad news” regarding decision making. I then said “JESUS does not look at the outside but the inside.” That was the last time I was allowed to speak.

 

• I was not allowed to speak, but it did not stop me from speaking.
• I was not allowed to communicate, but it did not stop me from communicating.
• I was not allowed to deliver the message of salvation, but it did not stop me from delivering the message of salvation.

 

Paul was jailed by the church leaders. They had the power and the connections to silence who they saw fit. But Paul could not be silenced. GOD had appointed Paul to speak boldly for and about HIM, no matter where he was. He did so and it was effective.

 

My Observations

• No matter where I am, GOD wants me to carry HIS name before me.
• No matter what circumstance I am in, GOD wants me to remember that I am a spokesperson for HIM.
• No matter who is trying to suppress GOD’s message of love and salvation, HE wants me to continue to be bold .

 

Slander, canceled platforms, power moves and other manipulation cannot stop GOD’s word from being spread. I mean, after self-examination, asking GOD for forgiveness, a change of heart for people and asking GOD for HIS words, I should feel ready to speak. But there have been times when I felt embarrassed or fearful to speak about GOD.

 

When I got a title, I felt it inappropriate to be bold for GOD. When I was lusting in bars I felt the same way. GOD forgave me, picked me up and said “Go make disciples” to me anyway. HIS message cannot be stopped. I am glad HE can still use me even when I am broken or displaced.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer’s purpose is?
• Have you ever been removed, silenced or slandered and thought GOD can no longer use you?
• Will you speak boldly about JESUS no matter where you are today?

Powerful Powerlessness

Powerful Powerlessness

2 Corinthians 11: ³⁰ If I must boast, I will boast about things that show how weak I am. ³¹ The God and Father of the Lord Jesus—blessed be his name forever!—knows that I am not lying. ³² When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas placed guards at the city gates to arrest me. ³³ But I was let down in a basket through an opening in the wall and escaped from him.

 

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Feeling powerless was old, so I decided to do something about it. I was tired of being pushed around by bullies. I joined a gym and started lifting weights. The stronger I got, the more I noticed how large the bullies were. One bully wanted me to join him to fight other bullies in a bar.

 

• I thought strength was the answer.
• I thought power was something worthy of attaining.
• I thought “I” could protect myself if I just got stronger.

 

Paul says something the world disagrees with. He boasts about being weak. He then gave an example of how the rich and powerful wanted to stop him from speaking about the King of kings, namely JESUS. Though powerless, he was protected from harm.

 

My Observations

• My weakest times are when I am most powerful in GOD’s eyes.
• Admitting “I cannot do this alone and I need GOD to handle this” is the most powerful statement I can say.
• Asking GOD for HIS will to be done is more powerful than trying to manipulate HIM to do “my” bidding.

 

Yielding to GOD is extremely powerful. I mean, when I want something so bad, that I worry about it and lay awake thinking about it, I get frustrated, confused and maybe even a little doubtful. But there is a way to approach the chaos that seems to leave me powerless. Let GOD handle it HIS way.

 

GOD has a purpose for me and for those who believe in HIS SON. The enemy wants me to think the circumstance is helpless. BUT GOD’s power is the ultimate power and HE is in control. HE owns every minute and every circumstance must go before HIM for HIS approval. I am glad I can say “YOUR will be done” and HE shows HE cares

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer choose this example?
• What examples of weakness that brings power can you think of?
• Will you let GOD handle your current situation and admit you need HIM for protection, guidance, strength and love today?

 

In loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Farley and Mr. Davis

 

Unstoppable Plan

 

Unstoppable Plan

Acts 28: Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. ² The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. ³ Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. ⁴ When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. ⁶ The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

 

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When I saw the agenda, I was disappointed. My name was no longer on the list. I sat in the audience prepared to listen. I couldn’t help thinking, “Why I was bumped from the agenda?”

 

I noticed a couple of people, who were at odds with me, were suddenly on the agenda. “Oh well.” I thought. A person in the audience asked for me to be put back on the agenda. I did not have to fight.

 

• There have been snakes of temptation in my life that have bit me.
• There have been people in my life who were against me.
• There have been situations in my life that seemed to go wrong but didn’t.

 

Paul and the crew were warmly welcomed by the islanders. Paul, unfortunately was bit by a venomous viper. The islanders saw this and thought he was a murderer who received justice. They believed in gods. Paul shook of the snake and stayed healthy. They were amazed, BUT GOD knew this would happen.

 

• GOD knows the enemy wants to come against me.
• GOD knows Satan wants to ruin HIS plan HE has for me.
• GOD knows HIS plan for me cannot be stopped.

 

By simply living, I have a rival. I mean, just by being alive, the enemy wants me to fall to temptation, make mistakes with other humans, lie, cheat and steal, like him. BUT GOD’s plan of salvation is unstoppable for me.

 

There is nothing that can separate me from GOD. Even my own sin can no longer keep me from HIS love. HE said “It is finished” when HE was on the cross. This means nothing else has to happen. The plan is complete. I am grateful JESUS included me in HIS unstoppable plan.

 

• Are people trying to stop you from mentioning JESUS?
• Are strange barriers arising, seemingly out of nowhere?
• Will you continue to live for GOD, knowing HIS plan for you is unstoppable?

Delightful Detour

Delightful Detour

Acts 7: ¹⁷ “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸ till another king arose who did not know Joseph. ¹⁹ This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. ²⁰ At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. ²¹ But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. ²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

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Although the road was crowded with stopped cars, I was in the vacation mindset, so it did not matter. I exited to find a place to sleep on the longer route and ran into an oasis of a town with plenty of food I liked and a good place to rest for the night. I never would have picked that town to stay in but it was probably the best rest I had on the trip.

• There have been times when I complained about detours.
• There have been times when I thought alternate routes were a problem.
• There have been times when I was convinced that the faster route was the best route.

Stephen explains that Moses was born during a time of deep paranoia. A decree was sent out to have all Hebrew newborn males killed in an effort to control the size of the population and keep the people slaves. BUT GOD put a detour in Moses life. He was kept alive and learned the Egyptian ways.

• GOD has some delightful detours for me as part of HIS plan.
• GOD prepares me to go out and serve HIM.
• GOD sees the rewards HE has for me because HE was the one who prepared me to serve HIM.

Some detours, even painful ones, turn out to be delightful. When I look back at some of the situations I was furious over, I can see how GOD used a detour to “my” plans so I could be guided in the right direction and learn what HE wanted to teach me.

GOD intervenes. HE does step in and mess things up so I can see what HE truly wants me to do. Even the difficult situations placed in front of me have meaning. I am grateful GOD guides me in places I never would have chosen.

• Are you upset at the current situation?
• Were you moving fast and now GOD has you somewhere else?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour in your life and know HE is preparing you for something bigger than you?

Name Dropping

Name Dropping

Acts 4: ¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. ¹⁵ But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.”

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“Tell them I said you can do this” a prominent person said to me. I went in to the meeting and pitched my idea. Most people agreed, but there were a few well respected people in the meeting who looked like they did not. When I used the prominent person’s name stating their agreement, even the naysayers changed their minds. “Why didn’t you say their name in the first place” they said to me.

• When I use a person’s name to get something I am using their reputation.
• When I use a person’s name to invoke a response I am believing in their power to uphold what is said.
• When I use a person’s name to show credibility I am working within their authority to do so.

Peter and John confounded the church leaders with their bold way of speaking. They healed a lame man using JESUS’ name in front of everyone. The church leaders saw their popularity slipping away so they did as they did before with JESUS. They plotted against them.

• GOD wants me to align my heart with HIS when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to truly believe in HIS power when I use JESUS’ name.
• GOD wants me to assess the situation and be led by the HOLY SPIRIT when I use JESUS’ name.

Using JESUS’ name should not be done lightly. I mean it’s not something that should be tried as a last resort, rather as a first level of defense to them who put their faith in HIM. JESUS’ name represents power beyond understanding. But it also represents grace, mercy and a surrendered life.

GOD wants every human to believe in HIS SON. This is HIS only goal. Anyone who loves, in HIS name, will be rewarded dearly. I am grateful the HOLY SPIRIT guides me to align my desires so I can represent HIS name.

• Are you using JESUS’ name and not seeing results?
• Have you prayed for something without surrendering your life to JESUS?
• Will you align your desires with JESUS and stop trying to get your way, but trust HIS will be done?