Genuine Magnet

Genuine Magnet

Hebrews 11: ⁷ It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. As a result, the world was condemned, and Noah received from God the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

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Hearing my assignment, I groused a little. The projects that were high visibility seemed to go to other people and I seemed to get the leftovers. Someone said to me, “Just do a good job”, so I did. After a while, the higher ups asked me to help them out on their projects.

 

• I originally thought I had to complain in order to get my way.
• I thought I had to be someone else in order to be seen.
• I thought I was unfavorable and others were getting all the favors.

 

Paul, the assumes writer, gives a different example of faith, namely obedience. He used the example of how Noah chose to stay away from violence and was not trying to get his way, rather he lived a peaceful life and worshipped the LORD. GOD blessed Noah’s obedience.

 

My Observations:

• I don’t have to broadcast my abilities to GOD when I genuinely serve HIM.
• I don’t have to tell GOD where I am, when I am genuinely doing what HE wants me to do.
• I don’t have to wonder if GOD sees me when I am genuinely being who HE wants me to be.

 

Sometimes I want to be “found” by the right people. I mean, I work hard and want my work to be noticed. But when the work is overlooked, I may be too tired to tell “the right people” what I have done. BUT GOD sees and knows what I do for HIM.

 

GOD gets excited when I do things for HIM that no one sees or acknowledges. HE finds me even when I am not seeking HIM. HE wants my love to be genuine so HE can use it to draw people to HIM. I am glad GOD can use a sinner like me to do HIS marvelous works.

 

Challenge

• What type of faith is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever done the right thing simply because it was supposed to be done, even though no one would see your action?
• Will you be genuine with your relationship with GOD and seek those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF through you today?

Arouse the Love

Arouse the Love

! Timothy 1: ³ I want you to stay in Ephesus, just as I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia. Some people there are teaching false doctrines, and you must order them to stop. ⁴ Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. ⁵ The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith. 

 

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Angered by the driver darting in front of me, I yelled out in fury. “You can’t do that!” was my outburst. But words were not enough. I darted into the next lane, hoping to pass the reckless driver, but traffic did not allow me to “win the prize” of getting in front. I drove angrily the rest of the trip.

 

• I was affected by something out of my control.
• I was easily taken away from peace to rage.
• I wanted to “teach” the driver a lesson, but this lesson had the wrong motive.

 

Paul warns Timothy about those who were practicing false teaching. He sent an order to stop their practice of arguing over lineage. He also told them to focus on faith in JESUS. Lastly, he presents Timothy with purpose.

 

My Observations

• A pure heart can only be provided by GOD when HE dwells inside me.
• A clear conscience can only be obtain when GOD forgives me.
• A genuine faith can only be fostered when it is placed in JESUS.

 

Believing that I am better than someone else because of my ancestors is a lie. I mean, every human is a sinner, so no one is better than the next. JESUS deserves the praise and that should be my focus. HIS love should be aroused in my purpose.

 

HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who cleanse my heart when I soil it. HE helps me forgive myself when I fail. HE guides me to the truth which is JESUS, upon which I can place my faith. I am glad GOD’s love is aroused towards me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer give the recipient this warning?
• Have you ever wanted to feel superior to someone else?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose for your life and arouse HIS love today?

Jealous Moments

Jealous Moments

2 Corinthians 8: ⁸ I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is. ⁹ You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; rich as he was, he made himself poor for your sake, in order to make you rich by means of his poverty.

 

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Hearing when other people were promoted when I wasn’t made me think I was less than the recipients of the “honor.”. Hearing when other businesses got huge deals when I didn’t, I, again, felt less than other people. What was I missing?

 

• I was comparing myself to other people.
• I was vulnerable to try to be someone else rather than myself.
• I was open to becoming frustrated with who I was; meanwhile I saw what other people were doing and got jealous.

 

Paul wrote about how blessed he was by another group of people who gave their all during extreme poverty. He did this to show the dedication other people had for JESUS. He wanted each reader to examine themselves and form their own dedication to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my relationship with HIM to be real.
• GOD wants me to drop my jealousy in exchange for open eyes to HIS love.
• GOD wants me to see that JESUS was not jealous rather confident that HIS love would save anyone who believed in HIS sacrifice.

 

Lack of confidence breeds jealousy which can breed all kinds of not so good actions. I mean, I may try to prove myself, or move too fast on opportunities, or cower in the corner alone, or worse, stop following GOD to follow humans who do not believe in JESUS.

 

HE had enough grace to make HIMSELF a human, giving up extreme power, while keeping that power in check. HE was raised from the dead after being murdered by HIS own creation. HIS patience, while being a human, was worth the wait as HE remained sinless all of HIS life. I am glad I do not have to be jealous over someone else’s relationship with HIM because HE loves me too.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the examples of others?
• What is your reaction if someone challenges your relationship with JESUS?
• Are you easily offended or is your relationship real enough to withstand those who scoff at your actions?
• If you have been or are jealous of others or want other people to change, will you examine your own relationship with JESUS to see how real your own love is today?