Forever Remembered

Forever Remembered

Hebrews 7: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, ² and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) ³ There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.

 

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Encountering a stranger, I remember a guy wearing sunglasses, driving an expensive sports car, zipping in front of people and giving them “the finger” as he passed each. This enraged me, but I could not catch him.

 

• I remember how his actions affected me.
• I did not stop to think how my actions affect other people.
• I realized later that I want to be remembered differently than that.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains Melchizedek, who was a king and a high priest. No one knew when he was bon or when he died. He represents how JESUS has no beginning or end. Melchizedek is remembered for his goodness.

 

My Observations:

• Every action I do is either for GOD’s kingdom or against it.
• I have the opportunity to speak about GOD or to do harm to myself and others.
• I can choose what I want people to remember me by.

 

JESUS said “Remember ME.” This mean remember HIS goodness and HIS love. HE faced insurmountable odds by not sinning and at the same time, healing a multitude of people. HIS deeds and words are remembered forever. But what about you and me? GOD has us too.

 

If I give a child a cup of cool water to drink, GOD remember my kindness and loves it! HE enjoys the smallest of service I perform, even if it is just a smile. GOD sees anything I do for HIM and remembers it forever. I am glad GOD cares for you and me.

 

Challenge

• According to the writer, what is Melchizedek remembered by?
• Have you ever wanted to “act out” in public, only to regret what people will remember you by?
• Will you not worry about your reputation and simply serve the way GOD wants you to serve by encouraging someone today?

Fruit Bearing Love

Fruit Bearing Love

Philemon 1: ⁴ Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. ⁵ For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. ⁶ My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. ⁷ Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all of God's people.

 

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Waking up with a horrified feeling, I remembered it was Valentines Day. The teacher told us to bring Valentines cards to pass out to the class. I did not have money or a means to get to the store if I did have any. I had a great idea that I would make the Valentines, but I forgot.

 

• I felt I did not live up to the standard.
• I felt I embarrassed.
• I did not know this was not the definition of love GOD desired, so I felt rotten.

 

Paul spoke highly of Philemon. He pointed out Philemon’s love and faith as being a great example. The basis of Philemon’s love was his faith in JESUS. His heart must have been overflowing, because he “cheered the hearts of all GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations

• The world may have a definition of what love looks like, BUT GOD has a different criteria.
• I should have room in my heart for people who love me and for those who are against me.
• GOD’s love bears fruit for HIM that cannot be denied, even by those who have fallen into a trap of defining a different love.

 

Redefining love has gotten me into trouble. I mean, when I thought love was catering to every worldly desire a person could dream up, I found myself never quite measuring up. BUT GOD had a remedy.

 

JESUS showed me the ultimate example of love for mankind. HE never fell for Satan’s tactics to draw HIM away from showing love to HIS creation. HE was gentle when other people slandered HIS name and surrounded HIM with lies, ultimately crucifying HIM because of their insecurities. I am so glad JESUS quietly took all of my punishment and gave me an example of true love to strive for.

 

Challenge

• What “love” is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever felt bad because you did not give or receive love the way the world has defined it?
• Will you renew your mind on what love looks like and ask GOD for HIS type of love that bears fruit for HIM today?

No Comparison

No Comparison

Titus 2: ⁷ In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. ⁸ Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.

 

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“But so and so did the same thing” was my argument in several instances. I tried to compare my actions with those of another person, usually when something was going wrong or when I did something “bad.” I was met with a startling response. “But we expect more out of you.”

 

• I was comparing myself to other people to justify my actions.
• I was not taking responsibility for issues I was causing.
• I wanted accolades by comparison, but not consequence.

 

Paul had just told Titus to guide older men and women and younger men to “live a holy life” by following sound doctrine. Then Paul turns directly to Titus by urging him to be accountable for his actions. Whether other people followed the advice of living a life for GOD, be responsible for your own actions.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to live a life that is pleasing to HIM.
• GOD wants me responsible for my actions versus passively trying to control others.
• GOD wants me to admit I am a sinner and I need a Savior.

 

Being accountable for my own sins is eye opening. I mean, it is easier to compare “my” good deeds to someone else who may not be doing what “I” am. Unfortunately, GOD detests when I compare myself to someone else. JESUS used a comparison parable when two people went to pray and one compared himself to another saying “I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there..”

 

The tax collector prayed “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” and JESUS then said the tax collector was justified versus the Pharisee. Comparison seems to enable a short memory for the sins and wrongs of the person. GOD wants me to have a memory that I am forgiven so I can carry grace. I am glad GOD forgives.

 

Challenge

• Was the writer being harsh in the advice given?
• Have you ever been in a situation where other people were misbehaving and you had a choice to not join in?
• What did you do?
• Will you be GOD’s example even when it is extremely hard to do so and keep away from comparing your life to other people?

More Prepared Than You Think

 

More Prepared Than You Think

1 Timothy 4: ¹¹ Give them these instructions and these teachings. ¹² Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. ¹³ Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. ¹⁶ Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

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Worried about my young age and lack of experience, I stayed awake at night preparing for the class I had to teach. I was going to be in front of experienced people and I only had training. The person who was training me must have seen the look of dread on my face. “Just be yourself” were the words used to help me calm down.

 

• I was nervous about what I would say.
• I didn’t want to mess up.
• I felt that everyone was “above” me and I was inexperienced.

 

Paul gives Timothy words of encouragement. Timothy may have felt nervous about his age or experience teaching. He was about to teach a very controversial subject and had a right to be nervous. Paul gives him advice to keep him focused on the primary goal, salvation.

 

My Observations

• I may get nervous when GOD calls me to do something new that I do not have experience in.
• I may get tempted to talk myself out of doing what GOD wants me to do even when HE has gifted me in doing so,
• I must stay focused on the ultimate goal, namely salvation because my life and others depend on it.

 

Feeling unprepared and unworthy seem to go with the territory of speaking about JESUS. I mean, if I were to compare myself to experienced people who speak, teach and preach about JESUS, I would shy away from doing so. BUT GOD wants me to reach specific people with my style.

 

Practice makes perfect so I need to get out and “be an example”, sometimes making mistakes. Careful attention needs to be had with GOD’s word so I must watch myself and align my thinking to GOD’s Word. I am glad HE stretches me and overlooks my mistakes as I grow.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Timothy felt?
• Do you think the writer was trying to encourage him to keep going?
• Have you ever felt unprepared or unworthy to speak about JESUS?
• Will you be yourself and use the gifts GOD has given you to express the love of CHRIST today?

Full Patience

Full Patience

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁴ And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, ¹⁶ but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God—to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Stopped at a light, I decided to turn right on red. As I proceeded to turn I felt the car stop. The driving instructor had a separate braking system to keep me from danger. When I looked up, a car, that had the green light, passed through the intersection. He patiently said “Look both ways when turning right on red.”

 

• I was about to make a huge mistake.
• I needed correction and patience at the same time.
• I had to accept that I did something wrong and patiently add this lesson to my skill.

 

Paul recognizes where his talents came from. He regretted his past life, but moved on to the life CHRIST gave him. He spoke about the LORD’s abundant grace, faith and love that is poured out even when we don’t have it for ourselves.

 

My Observations

• Admitting I was and am a sinner enables me to be cleansed by JESUS, who is faithful and just.
• Believing that I need CHRIST to forgive me and guide me daily, helps me not waste time on those who make me feel less than my calling.
• Confessing my flaws to GOD the FATHER, is a privilege I have gained by having a relationship with JESUS.

 

Praise GOD! That had to be said. I mean, HE saw me, pitiful, sinning, scheming, weak and lonely; yet HE said “I want you.” “Why me?” I ask. Then it hit me, it’s because GOD wanted me.

 

HE is so full of grace, that HE can’t seem to contain  it. HE pours it out on me and the result is faith and love because of my union with CHRIST. I am so glad HE has full patience and grace for me and love for me and you!

 

Challenge

• Can you feel how fired up the writer is?
• Have you ever felt like a failure because of the past?
• Are you walking cautiously and not expressing GOD’s faith, nor HIS love?
• Will you confess your doubt and believe that GOD has patience and called you to the most honorable task of speaking about JESUS, the eternal KING, today?

 

Praise

To the eternal KING, immortal and invisible, the only GOD --- to HIM be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen!

Getting Untired

 

Getting Untired

2 Thessalonians 3: ⁶ Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. ⁷ You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. ⁸ We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow. ¹⁰ While we were with you, we used to tell you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.”

 

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Tired from staying out all night, I laid in bed. When I woke up, I realized I was supposed to open the office. I quickly got dressed and went to the office, only to be met by people who demanded my keys and my resignation.

 

• At first I wanted to blame those who gave me an early shift.
• I tried to rationalize why I needed to hang out versus being in and ready to work.
• I soon realized I was out of work and needed some income.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide some strong words regarding “believers who are living a lazy life.” The people they spoke of refused to work or use their talents in any way. They may have believed in JESUS as the Savior, but would not lift a finger to tell others, or help those who were willing.

 

My Observations

• GOD cursed the earth after Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, causing mankind to have to work harder to eat and be comfortable.
• My view of “work” should not contain my identity, rather it is a function of eating and paying bills.
• When I work unto the LORD, the “work” is more pleasing and satisfying, because I am not doing it for tyrants or lazy people.

 

“Work” is something I tried to get out of doing for years. I mean, I would goof off and figure out ways to not work. I would then seek out others who wanted to have “fun”, dragging them into my laziness. BUT GOD wanted me awake.

 

HE woke me up and wanted me to be “an example” to people. HE wants me to spread HIS message, but to do it without needing money to do so. HE provides, so I can say “JESUS is LORD and I praise HIM!” I gladly get up for a job or run a business to ensure HIS Gospel is spread.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the “lazy life” is that the writers spoke about?
• Have you ever felt like giving up, or dreaming of not working?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom by spreading the Gospel and working to support yourself or others who will do the same?

Traveling Example

Traveling Example

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered much, you received the message with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For not only did the message about the Lord go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing, then, that we need to say.

 

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Ridiculing people had become my niche. After years of being the recipient of degrading nicknames, I decided to become the master of creating them. I quickly came up with a name for a guy and everyone laughed. Soon the name spread all over campus and back to my home town.

 

• I didn’t mean to humiliate him on that level.
• I didn’t know the nickname would affect him.
• I didn’t know people were listening to me on that scale.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were examples to many people. After a while the people started imitating them and suffered for their beliefs. Through joy, they expressed their faith in JESUS, no matter what was happening to them. Their faith became known “everywhere.”

 

My Observations

• My words should be an example that points people to GOD.
• My actions stem from things in my heart, so GOD chooses to live there and guide them.
• My thoughts can be controlled through use of joy when difficulties arise.

 

Serving GOD can sometimes be difficult. I mean when I can say, “everyone else is having fun”, or “everyone else is rich” or “everyone else is doing it” I could easily open myself up to fall into sin, shame and regret. I then isolate myself so no one can see me. BUT GOD wants me to be seen.

 

HE made me for HIS purpose and wants others to follow HIM. Whether I like it or not, people see me and I am providing an example with every word, action and thought. Fortunately for ma, GOD does not place pressure on me to live perfect, rather HE wants me to point to perfection, namely JESUS. I am grateful I do not have to be perfect, but provide an example which is the SON of GOD.

 

Challenge

• What examples do you imagine the writers provided?
• Have you ever thought that you are being an example to people through your words, actions and thoughts?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so your example can be guided with “joy” by the HOLY SPIRIT today even if you are going through a rough time?

Waiting for Change

Waiting for Change

Philippians 3: ¹⁷ Keep on imitating me, my friends. Pay attention to those who follow the right example that we have set for you. ¹⁸ I have told you this many times before, and now I repeat it with tears: there are many whose lives make them enemies of Christ's death on the cross. ¹⁹ They are going to end up in hell, because their god is their bodily desires. They are proud of what they should be ashamed of, and they think only of things that belong to this world. ²⁰ We, however, are citizens of heaven, and we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. ²¹ He will change our weak mortal bodies and make them like his own glorious body, using that power by which he is able to bring all things under his rule.

 

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Things were not going as I expected so I decided to hang out with various people who seemed to be having “fun.” Weekends were spent prowling in the clubs, but soon that got old. I decided to go to church. I ran into a guy at church who recognized me and said loudly “We had a great time at the club last night!”

 

• I was trying to live two lives; one to fulfill my bodily desires and one that sought to do right.
• I was embarrassed that my hidden side had been exposed.
• I was upset that the example I pretended to set was now besmirched.

 

Paul makes a bold statement when he says “Keep on imitating me.” He also mentions to pay attention to those who follow the right example. Were they perfect and never made mistakes? No. They simply placed their hope in “eagerly” waiting on the LORD.

 

My Observations

• I am not a citizen of this world, rather a citizen of heaven through CHRIST JESUS.
• I must eagerly wait for our Savior, the LORD JEWSUS CHRIST to come from heaven.
• I look forward to having my earthly body changed into the same glorious body CHRIST has.

 

As I live and breathe, I will continue to make mistakes. I mean, I am a sinner who craves sin. BUT GOD has something better than me fulfilling my sinful desires. HE gives me purpose in HIS SON, JESUS our LORD and Savior.

 

I can now say “One day there will be no pain, no misery and no hurt.” I can also say “HE will wipe away my tears and I will one day be free from all sin and shame.” The ultimate example is not acting perfect, rather eagerly waiting on perfection to return. I am glad JESUS paid for all my sins and will one day return for me and you.

 

Challenge

• What enemy does the writer mention?
• Is there a part of your life that you may be fighting GOD?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to enter into your life and guide you to follow the right examples set forth by JESUS today?

Bear Letters

Bear Letters

2 Corinthians 3: Does this sound as if we were again boasting about ourselves? Could it be that, like some other people, we need letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are the letter we have, written on our hearts for everyone to know and read. ³ It is clear that Christ himself wrote this letter and sent it by us. It is written, not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, and not on stone tablets but on human hearts.

 

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“Are they still talking?” I said with frustration. My father and a friend’s father seemed to be record holders for talking after church. As we sat in the car, bored, the conversation droned on and on. That “guy” ended up being a mentor to me.

 

• He guided me to GOD outside of what my parents taught.
• He spoke gently about CHRIST so I could understand.
• He let me be my own person so I could carry JESUS in my own way.

 

Paul spoke highly of the people he wrote to. He saw their obvious fruit in how they carried the message of JESUS. Each person had become a living “recommendation letter” written by the SPIRIT of GOD. They were building a collection of letters.

 

My Observations

• My heart has to be open to spreading the word of GOD.
• My actions are not mine but are examples of many people who poured GOD into me.
• My faith has been built by many people who took time to show me how JESUS wants me to act.

 

Bearing letters is the same as bearing fruit but with a slight difference. I mean, fruit may be something I do, never expecting something in return, or not seeing the fruit tree grow in another person. Bearing letters is taking the time to grow people to grow others. In both instances, I am not the benefactor, but CHRIST is.

 

Bearing letters is important to GOD. HE wants the right amount of encouragement, mixed in with patience, mixed in with a tiny dose of correction. The right mix will have someone follow JESUS for themselves and desire to have others do the same. I am glad GOD put many people in my life to guide me to speak about HIM.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the words of excitement from the writer?
• What words of encouragement have you heard that makes you excited about JESUS?
• Do you have any words of encouragement for someone so they can bear their own fruit for GOD today?

Good Example

Good Example

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, then, just as I imitate Christ.

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 Going through life on my own, I had to figure things out by myself. When someone in my life did the wrong thing, I would seek another source to learn how to do the “right thing. The problem with that approach is people kept doing the “wrong” thing and I ran out of options.

 

• Many times I needed a good example and could not find one.
• Many times I needed some guidance, but could not find a guide.
• Many times I needed help, but was left helpless to figure it out on my own.

 Paul makes a huge statement when he says “Imitate me, then, just as I imitate CHRIST.” One could be fooled into thinking he thought more highly of himself and he was trying to build a following because he had it all together. This is quite the opposite. He was pointing to CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to tell people “I have a messed up life” BUT JESUS made me whole.
• GOD wants me to say to people “I am broken BUT JESUS made me whole.”
• GOD wants me to speak to people about CHRIST versus pointing to my actions.

 Saying that I am good will never work. I mean, I’m not “good” because JESUS is the only one who is. My righteousness is like used toilet paper. BUT JESUS cleaned me up and made me an ambassador for HIM.

 

HE saw through my sin and died for me anyway. What makes this special is, HE did this without blame. HE simply loved me. HE gets excited when I tell people about HIM. I can say “Imitate me only when I imitate CHRIST.”

 

• Do you need an example of CHRIST?
• Are you looking for humans to be the perfect example?
• Will you stop waiting for humans to fail and see the times when they imitate CHRIST as their example?

Living Example

Living Example

1 Corinthians 4: ¹⁴ I write this to you, not because I want to make you feel ashamed, but to instruct you as my own dear children. ¹⁵ For even if you have ten thousand guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you. ¹⁶ I beg you, then, to follow my example. ¹⁷ For this purpose I am sending to you Timothy, who is my own dear and faithful son in the Christian life. He will remind you of the principles which I follow in the new life in union with Christ Jesus and which I teach in all the churches everywhere.

 

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“How To” videos were not as accessible at the time. I was trying my hand at making furniture from scratch. I asked my uncle for advice. He had won many contests for making furniture and owned a thriving restoration business. I carefully listened to his advice and completed the furniture.

 

• There have been many people who have given me some great advice.
• There have been many people who have shown me how to do things right.
• There have been many people who have been great examples for what I wanted to do.

 

Paul likens himself to a “Father” who has given birth to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. He brought the Good News to many people and they believed. They became his children and he urged them to “follow his example” to do the same. Spread the “Good News” and become a living example.

 

• GOD wants me to spread the Good News of JESUS’ resurrection.
• GOD wants me to go and make disciples out of many nations.
• GOD wants me to become a parent to many people who believe in JESUS.

 

Being an example of JESUS is great! I mean, I don’t have to be perfect because HE was and is. HE was the one who died for my sins and all I have to do is point people to HIM for forgiveness. My imperfection, flaws and failures draw people to HIM rather than repel.

 

When I admit I am a sinner versus trying to pretend I do not sin, I end up with children who believe in GOD. I am glad GOD put so many living examples of HIS followers in my life.

 

• Do you have an example of a follower of JESUS?
• Do you admire people because of how he or she follow JESUS?
• Will you become a living example of how to spread the Gospel of JESUS today so you may have many children in the Kingdom of GOD?

Reputation

 

Reputation

Romans 16: ⁶ Greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for you. ⁷ Greetings also to Andronicus and Junia, fellow Jews who were in prison with me; they are well known among the apostles, and they became Christians before I did.

 

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When I had a question, I asked a few people. I was met with the same response. “Go see ‘that’ person.” I left the name off on purpose. When I met “that” person I understood why everyone spoke so highly. This person was caring, knowledgeable and worked hard. Great reputation.

 

• I have met many people based on their great reputation.
• I have had great experiences because their reputation was true.
• I have recommended people based on their reputation.

 

Paul mentions a few people who either he had encountered or heard the great reputation. Mary seemed like a woman Paul knew of by reputation while Andronicus and Junia were fellow cellmates. Each person he mention had a good reputation with serving the LORD in his experience.

 

• GOD wants me to have a good reputation amongst humans.
• GOD wants me to treat people well because I represent HIM.
• GOD wants me to work hard for others without worrying what people think of me.

 

Reputations require character. I mean, some reputations can be paid for by marketing geniuses, fooling the masses into belief. BUT GOD sees through trickery. GOD wants HIS SPIRIT to shine through me so JESUS’ reputation can be sought after. It is not “my” reputation that is important.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Do you feel your reputation is more important that JESUS’?
• Will you point your life to CHRIST by acting with HIS character and reduce trying to please people today?

Create the Menu with Love

 

Create the Menu with Love

Romans 14: ¹³ So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, you should decide never to do anything that would make others stumble or fall into sin. ¹⁴ My union with the Lord Jesus makes me certain that no food is of itself ritually unclean; but if you believe that some food is unclean, then it becomes unclean for you. ¹⁵ If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died! ¹⁶ Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. ¹⁷ For God's Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. ¹⁸ And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.

 

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Putting together the lunch menu for the business meeting was supposed to be easy. I liked a certain type of food, but when I asked people what their choice was, I was shocked. “You mean you don’t like piles of deliciousness falling off of your plate?” I thought to myself. Several people wanted something different than what I would choose. I changed the menu.

 

• There have been times when I questioned what people ate.
• There have been times when I considered letting the ”picky” people, find their own meal.
• There have been times when I wanted to speak about CHRIST but my menu left people, who had different beliefs, out and I could not share the gospel with them.

 

Arguments over food needed to be addressed, so Paul wrote on this matter. He got to the heart of the matter, speaking to those who felt free to eat anything, telling them to curb their freedom for those who bound themselves to eat a certain way. It was not about the food, but the example.

 

• GOD wants me to think of others when I eat.
• GOD wants me to consider my freedom as offensive to those I may be trying to reach.
• GOD wants me to be flexible temporarily so I can serve those who HE wants to reach.

 

My freedom should not make someone fall. I mean, if I am alright with doing something, eating something or being somewhere that another person cannot handle, I should be flexible enough to pause my freedom for a moment. It’s not worth trying to convince “that” person to eat or drink a certain way.

 

GOD wants a good reputation and HE chooses sinners to provide it. HE wants me to be able to surrender my freedom temporarily, in order to reach the lost. It is not about me, it is about JESUS.

 

• Are you complaining about the way someone eats or does not eat?
• Do you think “that” person is weaker in faith?
• Will you “stop judging one another” and be a good example for CHRIST so you may be “approved by others” for HIM today?

Good Reputation

Good Reputation

Acts 28: ²¹ They replied, “We have not received any letters from Judea concerning you, and none of our people who have come from there has reported or said anything bad about you. ²² But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”

 

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Excited about the new boss, I looked forward to meeting her. Too many times I had run into those who would stretch the truth for their own convenience. Here reputation was that of an honest firm leader. Other people spoke well about her, and so did I.

 

• I have met many people who had good reputations.
• I have met many people with character.
• I have met many people who lead by example.

 

The church leaders whom Paul brought together told him they had not received any bad reports about him. Paul had been very vocal about JESUS wherever he went. Now, the group he faced was curious and Paul could speak to them about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to openly admit I am a sinner so HIS reputation will shine.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM as the answer instead of looking at me.

 

Building a good reputation amongst humans can be dangerous. I mean, not everyone will like me no matter what I do. I may build a crowd I am comfortable with and never cross over to those I am uncomfortable speaking to. What if they misunderstand “my” reputation? BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to speak about HIS reputation as the answer. GOD knows the human heart and is the only one who can show true love. JESUS did so by dying for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. HIS reputation is the only one that can save me. I am grateful HE led by example.

 

• What is your reputation?
• Would people have a good report about you if they saw the hidden things?
• Will you stop trying to manage a good reputation and point to the only one who is sinless, namely JESUS?

Demonstration

 

Demonstration

Acts 26: ¹⁹ “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. ²⁰ First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. ²¹ That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. ²² But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— ²³ that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”

 

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Excited to learn a new skill, I watched intently. The person seemed to tie all kinds of knots with ease. “Okay, you try” he said. I tried and messed up. He showed me and I could finally tie a few knots. I put my skills to use in fishing, hauling things on a vehicle, and sending presents.

 

• There have been many people who have taught me life skills.
• There have been many people who guided me in the right direction.
• There have been many people who blessed me with good demonstrations.

 

Paul continues his explanation to king Agrippa. When JESUS blinded and healed Paul, he responded with obedience. Paul went everywhere preaching the gospel of JESUS. He taught people to demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.

 

• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• GOD wants me to translate that belief into action.
• GOD wants me to demonstrate HIS love to others.

 

Demonstrating my repentance does not make me holier. In fact, the more holy I think I am, the more prideful my righteous acts become. GOD makes it simple. Give HIM the credit and I can have no ownership of the blessing HE bestows on another person through my deed. I am glad GOD demonstrated HIS love by forgiving me of all my sins.

 

• What are you demonstrating?
• What will people say about your actions today?
• Will you demonstrate to others the love GOD shown you today?

Use Good Examples

Use Good Examples

Acts 13: ¹⁶ Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: ¹⁷ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. ¹⁸ Now for a time of about forty years He put up with their ways in the wilderness. ¹⁹ And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them by allotment.

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After studying the material over and over, I felt prepared. I was ready for any question they could ask about the material. Since this was the first class I had ever taught of this nature, I was paired up with a seasoned instructor.

About an hour into the lesson, of the five day course, someone said “Can you give us examples?” I could not because I had not experienced what I was teaching. It was a long week.

• When I go through problems I usually want them to be done.
• When I go through problems I pray extra hard, hoping the problem will end soon.
• When I go through problems I cannot see the lesson I am learning because the solution has not arrived yet.

Paul used his hands to demonstrate how GOD worked through Moses to bring hurt people out from under those who had enslaved them. He then summarized a large portion of history to set up the example that was created specifically for a group who could understand it.

• GOD wants me to use the problems He delivered me from as examples of HIS power.
• GOD wants me to speak about what HE has done in my life so others can believe.
• GOD wants me to see problems as opportunities to be used by GOD in a greater way than I had ever thought.

When I hear the words “In all your ways acknowledge HIM” I hear that it doesn’t always mean the good stuff. I have to acknowledge, problems do happen and while I don’t like them, they are necessary. When GOD delivers me, I can use the problem to encourage someone.

But what about problems that do not seem to go away or keep popping up? GOD helps me with those too. HE uses my praise when I am hurting to bless others around me. I may not be lifted up during a problem, but I can have peace knowing others will. I am glad GOD has given me examples to give to others.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like the problem is lasting forever?
• Will you tell the person who is depending on you that “GOD is great and HE loves you” in spite of what is going on?

Moods

Moods

John 15: ⁹ “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. ¹⁰ If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

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Walking into the stall, I saw the worse use of a toilet that I had to clean up. “I hate this job” I said to myself. When I was stuck in traffic, I sat behind the “slow” driver who left gaps. “I hate drivers like that” I groused. When I confirmed my suspicions of my sneaky boss looking at “my” ideas and stealing them, I set the person up for failure. “I hate bosses like that” I said to myself. I was in a bad mood in every instance.

• Looking back, I used the words “I hate” a lot.
• Looking back, I thought negatively a lot.
• Looking back, I had a lot to complain about.

JESUS implores HIS disciples to keep HIS commandments. A new commandment HE gave was for humans to “love one another”, not just tolerate them. HE said “If you keep MY commandments, you will abide in MY love.” All commandments were made off of one commandment, namely “Love one another.”

• JESUS wants me to decrease my negativity and increase my trust in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look for opportunities to love those HE sends to me.
• JESUS wants me to see HIS examples of love and follow them.

Showing love actually guides my mood. I mean when I do what GOD says and show love to “those” people, the HOLY SPIRIT gets excited. No “thank you” is needed or expected because GOD has a special reward for me each time I serve someone silently.

GOD wants me to “go” and “serve” and “teach” and “baptize” and “pray” and “praise” and “show kindness” and “have patience” and “make peace” amongst a long list of things I could do right now. I am glad HE showed me examples of HIS love.

• Are you complaining a lot?
• What are you thankful for?
• Will you lift your spiritual eyes up and give thanks today?
• Will you show love to all those HE brings to your mind?

Following the Example

Following the Example

John 8: ²⁸ Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. ²⁹ And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” ³⁰ As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.

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Frustrated, I stopped following the instructions. “What’s wrong?” said the expert. “I cannot understand what you are talking about and you are moving too fast” was my reply. He stopped speaking, came over to me and showed me how. After seeing how it was done, I could easily follow the example.

• It’s easier for me to see how something is done.
• It’s easier for me to see an example so I can mimic the teacher.
• It’s easier for me to see what needs to be done so I can come up with my own ideas and do them.

JESUS tells the church leaders they will kill HIM by crucifixion, then they would truly know HE is GOD. They had no idea HE would be raised from the dead. Many people believed in HIM as HIS words pierced their hearts. Could I do the same?

• JESUS gave me many examples that I can do in my power.
• JESUS showed me how to pray for “us” instead of only praying for “me.”
• JESUS taught me that all humans are worth seeking, even those I can easily hate.

I cannot “Be JESUS” to someone. I mean I cannot die for the sins of all humans, nor can I send the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort the hurt. But I can follow HIS example and care for people. HE showed massive compassion for the hungry, poor and lost. HE cried over those who had nowhere to go.

JESUS has so many examples that I can do right now that I wonder why I ask HIM the question “What do you want me to do?” He would probably say “Pick any example and do it today.” I am grateful HIS expectations of me are easy and HIS burdens are light.

• Who’s example are you following?
• Are you looking to GOD as your answer?
• Will you allow HIM to heal, comfort and grow while you simply serve?