Not Despised

Not Despised

2 John 1: ¹ From the Elder—

To the dear Lady and to her children, whom I truly love. And I am not the only one, but all who know the truth love you, ² because the truth remains in us and will be with us forever.

³ May God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, give us grace, mercy, and peace; may they be ours in truth and love.

 

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At first I felt guilty for not going to church. But I had a good reason for not going. I was working the late shift at the bowling alley and I could not make it to church that early. Soon, I got used to not going. After a while, I complained about churches. “’They’ stay there too long and sing songs that only ’they’ can understand and ’they’ are after ‘my’ money and ’they’ act phony!

 

·         I developed a cynical view of church on my own.

·         I had a view of “church” that did not include the world.

·         I had no love for the church, but I had plenty of complaints.

 

John begins his second letter with excitement and love. He explained that there are others who love believers in JESUS as the Savior. He then explains that the truth remains in those who love those who love the LORD. He then said a prayer that GOD grant grace, mercy, peace, truth and love.

 

My Observations:

·         My complaints about imperfect people showed my lack of character and my flaws.

·         GOD desires that I meet with other imperfect people to love them, just as HE loved me.

·         GOD’s love is pure and is not like human flawed love.

 

Complaining about the people GOD loves will get me in trouble. I mean, when I follow the world’s ways, I see believers as people who are in the way and who’s love is strange and not enough. BUT GOD has a cure for that type of thinking, namely surrender.

 

When I surrender my thinking and my life to GOD, I can see the world differently. I see it with HIS love. No power can come up against GOD as HE protects HIS “children” from the Evil One. HE places the truth in those who seek HIS SON as the Savior and guides them to HIS love. I am glad GOD loves you and me.

 

Challenge

·         Can you feel the love from the writer?

·         Have you ever complained about “church goers” or someone with a title who represents “church?”

·         Will you examine your heart to see if you have the smallest degree of despising the church, so you can ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS love, namely JESUS today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please grant this reader with grace, mercy, peace, truth and love this day! amen

Special Meeting

Special Meeting

Hebrews 2: ¹¹ He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. ¹² He says to God,

“I will tell my people what you have done;
    I will praise you in their meeting.”

¹³ He also says, “I will put my trust in God.” And he also says, “Here I am with the children that God has given me.”

 

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“All meetings should be cancelled” was the message received. Something big must have happened, was the first thing on my mind. There was a major announcement that the entire company had to hear. We all gathered to hear the announcement.

 

• I couldn’t wait to hear what was about to be said.
• I wondered what was going on.
• I had many thoughts, good and bad, run through my mind so I discussed them with others.

 

Paul, the assumed author, writes about a great gathering that will happen someday. This gathering of those who believe in JESUS will have an announcement. JESUS will tell everyone the great things GOD has done. This meeting is also a great presentation, praising GOD for the “children that GOD has given” JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unimaginable great things are being done by GOD.
• JESUS will need to explain these great things to everyone.
• One day I will value GOD for what and who HE is.

 

Walking through life blindly can be difficult. I mean, it seems like there are difficult decisions that need to be made that require GOD’s intervention daily. It gets tiring. But one day GOD will reveal all that has been done.

 

Those who value GOD for salvation will one day hear what the great plan HE has had for each since before the beginning. Everything done, good or bad, will be revealed in front of everyone and GOD’s grace and mercy will also be revealed. I look forward to the great meeting someday.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer refer to family?
• Have you ever gathered with a group of people to hear some good news?
• Did you celebrate?
• Will you look forward to gathering with those who love JESUS by celebrating HIM today?

Nobody Greater

Nobody Greater

Hebrews 1: ⁴ The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. ⁵ For God never said to any of his angels,
“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”
Nor did God say about any angel,
“I will be his Father,
    and he will be my Son.”
⁶ But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said,
“All of God's angels must worship him.”

 

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Worrying about my grades,  I assumed I would not graduate and felt like giving up. I turned to prayer and got the focus I needed to continue on to completion. Another time I worried about my health. “Maybe it was a sin I committed” I thought to myself. I prayed and was healed. Over time I noticed that whenever I worried about something I could pray about it.

 

• I used to think GOD had no power because I worried about “my” situation.
• I thought I was in control of “my” problems and solutions.
• I wondered if anyone even cared about what “I” was going through.

 

We assume the writer is Paul. He explains something revealed to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS became a human to die for the sins of humanity. While JESUS was on earth, GOD said “This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased. Paul quotes the prophet Nathan, David and Moses and describes JESUS as having a name that is greater than any created being.

 

My Observations

• JESUS name holds all the power I need.
• JESUS, being raised from the dead because of my sins, shows me I am loved beyond what any human could ever show.
• JESUS is more powerful than any sin I have committed and any situation I could ever get into.

 

Placing my hope in the one who’s name is above all names gives me hope. I mean, when I think that Satan can simply have his way by tearing apart plans and placing obstacles in front of me, I can always remember that JESUS is above him and anything any one can throw at me. It sounds strange, but it is true.

 

This truth guides me to a peaceful place other people cannot find. Their hope is in the things of this world versus on HIM. I am glad I can place my hope in JESUS, for there is nobody greater than HIM.

 

Challenge

• What importance is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever met someone who had authority?
• Will you look at your situation differently and allow JESUS to decide what HE is going to do with your life so you can reduce your worry about your future?

Belonging

Belonging

1 Thessalonians 1:¹ From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

May grace and peace be yours.

 

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Many schools, churches and other organizations have given me a tee shirt to proudly wear. Each shirt would have the name of the organization and sometimes its colors. People have walked up to me and asked me questions about the shirt I was wearing at the time.

 

• I felt obligated to represent the organization well.
• I felt I was part of something bigger.
• I felt a sense of belonging to a group.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy sent their greetings to everyone who “belongs” to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They had no shirt to pass out so they gave a wonderful gift, grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When calamity hits, GOD steps in and says to me “You belong to ME.”
• When wonderful things happen, GOD says to me “Because I love you.”
• When I need direction or feel lost, GOD says to me “Do not worry or doubt because you are MINE.”

 

Belonging to GOD is amazing! I mean, HE has all the power, knows everything and is everywhere. No person or power or situation can stop GOD’s love for me.

 

Though I may take my eyes off of GOD, HE holds me tight. In fact, HE has written my name in HIS hand and no one can snatch me out. I belong to GOD. I gratefully give my life to HIM and try to act like I belong to HIM by telling people of the grace of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer added the word “belong?”
• Have you ever been part of an organization and wanted other people to know about it or even join?
• Do you belong to JESUS?
• Will you praise GOD for the grace and peace HE provides because you belong to HIM?

Welcomed and Recognized

Welcomed and Recognized

1 Corinthians 16: ¹⁹ The churches in the province of Asia send you their greetings; Aquila and Priscilla and the church that meets in their house send warm Christian greetings. ²⁰ All the believers here send greetings.

Greet one another with the kiss of peace.

²¹ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul.

²² Whoever does not love the Lord—a curse on him!

Marana tha—Our Lord, come!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

 

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“Come in! Grab a plate and sit anywhere!” were words that made me feel welcome. I wasn’t sure about this group. I had played some words of doubt in my mind. “What if I don’t know anyone there?” And “What will I say?” And “What if I am alone, will I stand out as an embarrassment?” I went to the gathering despite my shy thoughts.

 

• I had been laughed at in the past.
• I had been places where I wasn’t welcome and was made to feel less than the other guests.
• I had gone places alone and was left alone by other people.

 

Paul completes his letter with a warm greeting. He sent a greeting from many people and reminded everyone to do the same. Greeting means welcomed and recognized. One important recognition he sent in his greeting was that of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be intentional with making people feel welcome.
• GOD wants me to send words of peace to those I meet.
• GOD wants me to recognize when another human is in proximity to me, even if it is with a smile.

 

Feeling welcome and recognized makes me relax for a moment. I mean the world has me ready for a fight and I gather information for combat. BUT GOD wants peace. HE wants me to receive peace and give it whenever I can.

 

Greeting doesn’t need to be robotic like a large grocery store chain. It can be heartfelt and loving, especially when the purpose is to provide the love of JESUS. I greet all who read this and send my love to you in CHRIST JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel when reading the words of greeting from the writer?
• How do you make people feel welcome and recognized?
• Will you be genuine with your desire to greet people for the purpose of spreading the love of JESUS today?

Names

John 1: ⁴⁰ Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). ⁴² And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas’ (which, when translated, is Peter).

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When I got some great news I could not wait to tell my friends. I went through the names in my head to make sure I did not miss anyone. Each message I told was met with excitement.

• There are some names I want to share things with.
• There are some names I think of when I want to tell people a certain message.
• There are some names I desire to discuss GOD with.

Andrew was revealed as one of the two who left John as a disciple and followed JESUS. He immediately thought of the name of his brother, who was also seeking JESUS. When Andrew brought Simon to JESUS, a new name was given. JESUS renamed Simon to Cephas, meaning Peter. JESUS had the authority to name him.

• GOD has a name for me that I am looking forward to learning.
• GOD has a name for me that is written in HIS “Book of Life.”
• GOD has a name for me that only HE knows and it is special.

Earthly names enable humans to know who I am as a label only. They really cannot tell if I love GOD or not. BUT GOD knows my name by how much HE loves me. HE gave me my name before the time HE created me. HE gives me the authority to use the name of JESUS as my connection to HIS power. I pray in JESUS’ name that all who read this will be blessed.

• What is your purpose?
• Who do you think of when you want to tell people about what GOD has done?
• Will you leverage the name of JESUS to overcome situations today?

Special Name

Luke 2: ²¹ And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

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“I’m going to call you Skinny Minnie“ said the girl to me as I tried to express a liking to her. “That’s not my name” I said but it was only met with laughter. “I’m not a Skinny Minnie” was the only thing I could think about for the rest of the afternoon in school.

• There were times I have been called names.
• There were names that hurt me for a while.
• There were times when I got so caught up with how others thought of me that I would get distracted at the tiniest tease.

After eight days, the child was circumcised and named JESUS, the name given by the angel before HE was conceived in Mary’s womb. HIS real name is special but this name was given for humans to understand that GOD is with us as a human to save humanity.

• GOD has given me a name that humans do not know.
• GOD has given me a name that has HIS purpose tied to it.
• GOD has given me a name that cannot be tarnished by teasing, slander or hatred.

My real name is unknown, but one day I will know it. GOD sees all I do and have been through and wraps every situation up in my name HE has for me. I can have a hand in my name. I can be a scoundrel or a peacemaker, a Pharisee or a follower. GOD sees my hidden heart and names me according to my deeds.

• What is your name?
• Does GOD call you a hider of the truth or a teller of the truth?
• Can you make your name what GOD wants your name to be by acting in a way fitting to HIM?

Power of Unity

Matthew 18: ¹⁸ “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

¹⁹ “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

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Purity of prayer is what I believe GOD is looking for. I mean I believe HE wants to get to the heart of the matter, but sometimes my heart my not be focused on GOD, rather my own selfish ways.

• Many times I want “my” way.
• Many times I desire what “I” want.
• Many times I hope to get what is good for ”me.”

“I”, “me”, “my” prayers do not work when there are more than one person involved. If two people oppose each other and are fighting, quite honestly I do not know how GOD sorts out the selfish prayers of the bitter hearts. I honestly believe HE ignores the prayers due to selfishness. How can HE hear the prayers?

• GOD wants me to unite with others and pray together.
• GOD wants me to put aside my selfish ways for a moment in order to have a successful prayer.
• GOD wants me to come together “In HIS name” so HE can come along side of “us.”

Gathering in CHRIST’s name means “my” and “our” motive is only for GOD’s will to be done. We are gathering to ask GOD about something HE wants to grant us. Of course HE wants to give it to us! HE gets so excited that I am uniting with others for HIS purpose that HE gladly bestows it on “us” in abundance.

• When is the last time you gathered with a group to pray for something GOD wants versus individual’s needs?
• Can you drop your selfishness long enough to unite on a common purpose for GOD?
• Will you ask for something amazing to happen like maybe your entire neighborhood accepting and following CHRIST?