Go Out

Go Out

Genesis 8: ¹⁵ Then God spoke to Noah, saying, ¹⁶ “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. ¹⁷ Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” ¹⁸ So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. ¹⁹ Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark.

 

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“It worked! The ark GOD had me build actually worked!” should have been the thought that crossed Noah’s mind. But it didn’t seem like this was the case. Noah had never seen rain before. He and his family were closed up in an ark for a large portion of a year. He had never seen GOD’s wrath, only heard about it.  He saw the Garden of Eden and knew he could not enter it. He had many conversations with the LORD and understood HIM well.

 

My Observations:

• Every human Noah tried to convince was now gone.
• Noah followed instructions well and was probably nervous to make a mistake.
• GOD had to tell Noah to leave the ark even though he knew the ground was dry.

 

Waiting on the LORD for the next step was a quality that Noah demonstrated well. “I’m not going out there” was shown in his hesitancy and cautious approach. BUT GOD had another stage of life for Noah and his family. “Be fruitful and multiply” were the same instructions given to his ancestors Adam and Eve.

 

These words were a blessing instead of a curse. GOD bestowed confidence in humans to create life, just as HE intended. The ordeal was over. But Noah had become comfortable in the ark and was used to the security of the small space. BUT GOD had a different agenda. HE wanted the earth populated with humans, animals and bugs. Noah had to leave his adopted comfort zone to do what GOD saved him for.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this conversation with Noah?
• Has GOD ever rescued you and you have become comfortable with something that HE meant to be temporary?
• Have you asked GOD for the faith to “go out” of your comfort zone to do the next step of HIS plan for you?

Let It Out

Let It Out

Colossians 4: ¹⁵ Give our best wishes to the believers in Laodicea and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. ¹⁶ After you read this letter, make sure that it is read also in the church at Laodicea. At the same time, you are to read the letter that the believers in Laodicea will send you. ¹⁷ And tell Archippus, “Be sure to finish the task you were given in the Lord's service.”
 
May God's grace be with you.

¹⁸ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul Do not forget my chains!

 
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Stepping around the party, I was having “fun.” I shouted at the top of my lungs boastful chants along with the members of the group I joined. I proudly wore my group affiliation letters on my chest and mentioned the group when I could. One day, someone asked me to go to church. I did not want people to know I followed JESUS, because I was having too much “fun.”

 

• I wanted to do what I wanted to do and rely on JESUS for whatever HE was supposed to do.
• I was embarrassed about the things I said and did, so I chose to not mention JESUS.
• It was easy to shout what other people expected versus what people needed to hear.

 

In chains and physically wounded, Paul pens this letter. He was not ashamed of his affiliation with JESUS. In fact, he was imprisoned because of his beliefs. Only the king was supposed to be spoken about in the manner Paul spoke of the “King of kings.” He wanted everyone to know exactly what was on his mind so he wrote his message down.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message should be mentioned as often as possible from me.
• I should not be ashamed of mentioning JESUS in any circle of people.
• GOD wants to be the priority in my life.

 

JESUS gave it all to me. I mean HE took embarrassing insults, temptation and beatings for me. HE then decided to be murdered for me so I could live. HE was raised from the dead with all power. This is great news! Unfortunately there are times when I do not want to mention HIM.

 

Either groups I join or jobs I work at, deter me from wanting to speak about JESUS. Don’t get me wrong, groups and jobs are not the problem, rather my choice to not mention JESUS is the root of the issue. GOD wants me and everyone who believes in JESUS to mention HIM often and remember HIM daily. I gladly say JESUS is LORD!

 

Challenge

• What instructions does the writer give and why?
• Have you ever had some good news or bad news and told many people about it?
• Have you ever been embarrassed to mention JESUS or that you follow HIM?
• Will you mention JESUS out loud or written to someone today?

Encouragement

Encouragement

2Corinthians 7: ⁵ Even after we arrived in Macedonia, we did not have any rest. There were troubles everywhere, quarrels with others, fears in our hearts. ⁶ But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us with the coming of Titus. ⁷ It was not only his coming that cheered us, but also his report of how you encouraged him. He told us how much you want to see me, how sorry you are, how ready you are to defend me; and so I am even happier now.

 

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When bad news came, it seemed to arrive in waves. People were dying or getting sick, arguments were popping up over little things and a feeling of being unsettled was in the air. “What is going on!?” I wondered to myself.

 

• I have felt unsettled many times.
• I have seen troubled people in many places.
• I have been worried, scared and full of fear on many occasions.

 

Paul spoke about unrest. He wrote about troubles, quarrels and the biggest problem, fear that goes all the way down into the heart. There seemed like no relief was in site. The he wrote something amazing… “BUT GOD.”

 

My Observations

• GOD sees the calamities I go through and encourages me during the problem.
• GOD knows I will get downhearted and sends the right people at the right time to encourage me.
• GOD feels my pain and anguish and wants me to be encouraged to keep going.

 

Serving GOD ain’t easy. I did say “ain’t.” I mean, when I believed that JESUS was and is the Savior who was raised from the dead, I became eter5nally saved. I wanted to tell other people. But I did not know there would be an adversary who wanted me to remain silent. Each victory of overcoming fear felt like it was met with a larger problem or a bigger fear.

 

At times I felt like giving up and conforming to the world. BUT GOD sent me people who encouraged me to keep going. HE wanted HIS SON to be spoken of by me and many others. HE lifted me up like a surefooted deer. I am grateful GOD thinks enough about me to encourage me when I am downhearted.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the pain the writer was going through?
• What pain have you felt, or are feeling, that has or is bringing you down?
• Do you know you are special and GOD wants you to remain encouraged because only you can reach the people HE wants you to reach?
• Will you encourage someone today?

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?

Blossomed

Blossomed

Romans 16: ²⁵ Let us give glory to God! He is able to make you stand firm in your faith, according to the Good News I preach about Jesus Christ and according to the revelation of the secret truth which was hidden for long ages in the past. ²⁶ Now, however, that truth has been brought out into the open through the writings of the prophets; and by the command of the eternal God it is made known to all nations, so that all may believe and obey.

 

²⁷ To the only God, who alone is all-wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever! Amen.

 

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Clearing weeds was a chore, but it was finished. After planting many seeds, I eagerly awaited the fruits of “my” labor. I watered the dirt where the seeds were buried regularly. I stared and stared. Nothing. After a few days, I stopped looking. Nothing was happening so I stopped watering. I moved on to other “fun” filled activities. Weeks later, the plants had grown wildly.

 

• There have been times when I gave up on a promise I was supposed to maintain.
• There have been times when I wanted to see something immediate and could not wait for the fruit.
• There have been times when I stopped trying and the fruit came up anyway.

 

Paul and Tertius complete the letter with praise to GOD. They acknowledge that it is GOD who is able to make people stand firm in faith. What was once planted by the prophets has grown into an immovable tree which is the truth of JESUS. The all-wise GOD has revealed HIS secret truth so all may believe and obey.

 

• GOD wants me to praise HIM even when I have abandoned my faith.
• GOD wants me to know HE is the one who is faithful and is able to make me stand firm in my faith.
• GOD wants me to make HIS message known to all nations so they may believe and obey.

 

Seeds are given to me to plant in someone else’s heart. Someone else comes along to water those seeds. BUT GOD is the only one who can grow the seed into HIS purpose. The seed is JESUS. The growth is the HOLY SPIRIT working inside me. The fruit grows to reach the FATHER. I am grateful GOD is in control of faith.

 

• Do you feel you do not have enough faith?
• Do you need GOD to intervene and you are not seeing what HE is doing?
• Will you praise GOD for sustaining you and your faith so HE will help you bear HIS fruit today?

Exclusion Illusion

 

Exclusion Illusion

Romans 9: ²² And the same is true of what God has done. He wanted to show his anger and to make his power known. But he was very patient in enduring those who were the objects of his anger, who were doomed to destruction. ²³ And he also wanted to reveal his abundant glory, which was poured out on us who are the objects of his mercy, those of us whom he has prepared to receive his glory. ²⁴ For we are the people he called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles. ²⁵ This is what he says in the book of Hosea:

 

“The people who were not mine
    I will call ‘My People.’
The nation that I did not love
    I will call ‘My Beloved.’
²⁶ And in the very place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called the children of the living God.”

 

 

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After flying a lot, I received a certain status. I was able to upgrade to first class every now and then. I receive a notice from the airline. “You have access to a special location in major airports where you can be pampered while you wait. Great! Now I don’t have to even see the common traveler. They usually are too slow anyway.

 

• There were times when I wanted to be in exclusive places.
• There were times when I felt I had earned the right to exclude.
• There were times when I enjoyed the status of being in a certain group.

 

Paul takes a turn from the hard message and shows just how much GOD loves HIS creation. He explains that GOD has patience for those who reject HIM. He also explains that while JESUS chose a certain group of people to become a human through, everyone who believes in HIM will be called HIS people.

 

• GOD wants me to spread the great news about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to rejoice because HE included me in HIS love.
• GOD wants me to make everyone feel welcome to come into HIS family through HIS SON.

 

Thieves have tried to steal JESUS and make HIM an exclusive club. I mean, skin hues, and must do’s is bad news! Whenever I try to exclude people by telling them they have not done enough for GOD, or when I am sitting in a place where everyone looks and acts like me, I am not acting like the example JESUS showed.

 

Yes, the rules are very important to GOD, but if one bite took every human down, then my daily sin would burn everyone up. JESUS took care of it all. HE said “MY grace is sufficient.” HE also said “It is finished” meaning there is nothing else that needs to be done.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT has been sent and when I believed in JESUS, I have nothing more to do. But I want to do for HIM so I do what HE leads me to do. I am grateful JESUS brought me into HIS family and everyone is welcome.

 

• Are you telling people they are not doing enough for GOD?
• Are you mostly talking to people who look and act like you?
• Will you allow JESUS to break your normal habits wo HE can use you to reach many nations?

Recruited

Recruited

Acts 26: ¹² “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. ¹³ About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. ¹⁴ We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

 

¹⁵ “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

 

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

 

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“We heard about you” were the strange words from the person on the phone. “How would you like to work for another company?” I wasn’t looking for a job at the time, but the recruiter presented the opportunity so well that I had to investigate.

 

• There have been times when I have been recruited.
• There have been times when I have been sought after.
• There have been times when I was not looking for something, yet the something found me.

 

Paul continued explaining his background to King Agrippa. He mention how JESUS stopped him from going to Damascus to kill more people who truly followed GOD. JESUS told Paul that HE was “Appointing him as a servant.” JESUS sought after Paul.

 

• GOD wants me to be HIS servant.
• GOD pursued me when I was not looking for HIM.
• GOD opened my eyes and turned me from darkness to light.

 

Belief that I live in darkness is hard to do when there is artificial light. I mean, when things are semi-good, it is hard to see that I need help. BUT GOD sees something different. HE sees the total darkness the world is in.

 

GOD recruits people to see JESUS as the Savior of the world. HE opens their eyes to the false light Satan provides. GOD wants all to be saved, but knows some will choose not to believe in JESUS. I gladly accept GOD’s recruitment to tell people about eternal salvation through JESUS.

 

• Are you living so comfortably that you think you do not need JESUS?
• Do you believe in the world’s philosophies more than the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you allow GOD to recruit you into telling people about how JESUS died for your sins and is now alive, forgiving you for all eternity? 

Cause an Investigation

 

Cause an Investigation

Acts 25: ¹³ A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. ¹⁴ Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. ¹⁵ When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

 

¹⁶ “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. ¹⁷ When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. ¹⁸ When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. ²¹ But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

 

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“How did he get promoted?” I questioned. I mean, this guy was not leadership material. Now I was curious. I asked him what changed. He said I needed to attend a specific leadership class offered at the company. I took the class and was promoted five times afterwards.

 

• When I want something, I look into it.
• When I seek something, I ask questions.
• When I desire something I investigate it.

 

Festus had company arrive. King Agrippa and Bernice came to pay their respects to him. He discussed this high profile case, telling them what Paul had done. He was shocked to learn what the dispute was about. The Jews claimed JESUS was dead and Paul told the truth about HIS resurrection. Festus did not know how to investigate the matter.

 

• GOD wants me to stand firm for HIS truth.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to live a life that causes people to investigate JESUS.

 

People seek something meaningful in their lives. GOD has shown me that HE is the most meaningful pursuit I could ever chase. No matter where I go, GOD wants me to be ready to explain that JESUS is the Savior and anyone who believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. I hope my life points people to JESUS.

 

• Are you living your life for GOD?
• Are you pointing people to HIM so they can investigate JESUS for themselves?
• Will you let go of trying to control people to GOD and allow them to seek HIM for themselves today?

Divine Appointment

Divine Appointment

Acts 10: ²¹ Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

²² And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” ²³ Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

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Sitting on an airplane for the second time in my life, I looked out the window with amazement. “Do you know about JESUS?” was the strange question from the woman next to me. I was a kid traveling alone so I kept my conversation to a minimum. I don’t even know how I replied.

• There have been many times when I have met people who spoke to me about GOD.
• There have been many times when I needed to hear about GOD and someone was there at the right time and place.
• There have been many times when I was simply marveling at the beauty of creation and GOD sent someone to talk to me about HIM.

After Peter tried to understand the divine vision, some men approached him and asked that he come with them. These armed guards could normally cause alarm, BUT GOD told Peter to go without hesitance. He obeyed. Cornelius, who summoned Peter, also had a divine vision.

• GOD enjoys sending me to give HIS message.
• GOD enjoys sending me to encourage someone.
• GOD enjoys sending me to serve someone so they will believe in the ONE who sent me, namely JESUS.

“Be ready to speak about ME” is something GOD wants me to be prepared with. I mean HE wants me to see more opportunities to speak about HIM than the “right” ones. Waiting on the “right” opportunity seems to come less and less frequently. Soon I will find myself never mentioning JESUS name at all.

GOD wants me to have more divine appointments where the right person hears about JESUS at the right time in the right way. This means I need to be ready to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice. I accept GOD’s appointments top speak on HIS behalf.

• Are you hesitant about speaking about JESUS?
• When is the last time you have said “JESUS can save you” to someone versus implied words like prayer, faith and even the generic use of GOD?
• Will you get confident and speak the name of JESUS so GOD will send you to more and more people today?

Priority

Priority

Acts 8: ²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. ²⁷ So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, ²⁸ was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet.

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“Take out the garbage” was the directive given to me. “Okay” was my response, but I was in the middle of a game with my friends. As the game went on, we got lost in the laughter. Eventually, my friends went home.

I walked past the seething cesspool of garbage and went to bed only to be awoken by the stench in the middle of the night. “I told you to take out the garbage. We cleaned out the refrigerator.”

• There were times when I said I would do something, but made it a low priority.
• There were times when I thought what I was doing was a higher priority.
• There were times when I should have prioritized something but did not and I faced consequence.

Philip was told to go to the desert by an angel of the LORD. He immediately obeyed, not knowing what he would find. He never questioned “How far?” or “How long should I be there?” He just went. When he got there, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who was worshiping the LORD by reading the prophet Isaiah. Philip’s obedience paid off.

• GOD wants me to listen to HIS directives HE gives me.
• GOD wants me to act on what HE says immediately.
• GOD wants me to accept what HE says as an act of obedience.

Acting with immediacy pleases GOD. HE guides by using HIS word and will not go against it. When HE says “Speak to that person about MY SON”, I should do it without hesitance. HE tells me to do things I don’t want to do like “Forgive that person” or “Stop doing that and follow ME.”

Obedience to GOD takes practice. HE wants me to let go of the things I prioritize over the things HE wants me to do. HE wants to be the priority each day. I am grateful GOD wants me to want HIM.

• Are you making GOD a priority?
• Do you make time to listen to HIM each day?
• Will you stop doing what you are doing and allow HIM to send you to who HE wants to send you to today?

Shared Recollections

Shared Recollections

Acts:1: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, ³ to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

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“Did you hear that?” one friend said to me. “Yes” I replied nervously as we kept going deeper into the house. Suddenly we heard “Boo!” and I jumped and ran out of the house. When I crossed the street, I looked back only to see pranksters laughing. My friend and I were dared to go into the “haunted house” which turned out to be an unlocked dilapidated abandoned house.

• I remember sharing this story with those friends.
• I remember sharing details of other situations we went through together.
• I remember being corrected because I had only some of the details while others had different pieces.

The writer begins the letter talking about JESUS. The recollection includes vital information that could be verified by others. It also mentions that many saw JESUS for forty days after HE was resurrected.

• JESUS says to me “Gather together” so when HE does amazing things, I can see it with others.
• JESUS says to me “Where two or more are gathered together in MY name, there I AM.”
• JESUS says to me “I chose you before the foundations of the world to be MY witness.”

Anyone can recall things by themselves, but this only brings glory to that one person. BUT GOD wants to show HIMSELF to many. HE wants at least two people to agree about what GOD is doing and will do. This way there is no room for manipulation.

GOD already does amazing things. HE does not need anyone making up wild stories about HIM to make themselves look good. HE wants me to seek the truth each day and share HIS blessings with others. I am grateful GOD gave “us” this day our daily bread.

• Do you feel tempted to be alone?
• Do you feel so ashamed that you want to be by yourself?
• Will you accept the calling to be with people so GOD can be glorified through all who are gathered in HIS name?

Simple Math

Simple Math

John 7: ⁴⁰ Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” ⁴¹ Others said, “This is the Christ.”

But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? ⁴² Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” ⁴³ So there was a division among the people because of Him. ⁴⁴ Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid hands on Him.

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“Multiplication is addition only quicker and division is subtraction that is just as quick” my math teacher said. I learned the principle and went home. Weekends later I went camping. In a playful way, one of the campers pulled a knife on another.

As the knifeless person pushed the blade away, his hand was cut deeply. Suddenly we were divided at the camp the entire weekend. It happened quickly.

• I have noticed division happens quickly.
• I have been involved with dividing people against “those” people.
• I have warned others to stay away from “those” people.

The crowd tried to figure out who JESUS was. Some said HE is the CHRIST, while others said HE is the Prophet. But there was a group who refused to believe and they traced HIS roots back to where HE lived in Galilee. Arguments grew and division rose.

• GOD wants me to follow HIM in unity with others.
• GOD wants me to figure out what is important and unify rather than divide.
• GOD wants me to have grace for others so the unity can speak louder than being right.

Division amongst those who try to follow GOD is a serious problem with HIM. The words “They are doing it wrong” seems to be easy to say yet difficult to rectify. I have been guilty for packing up “my way of doing things” and leaving a church group, searching for a group who acts and sometimes looks like me.

BUT GOD wants different. HE wants me treat all sin the same. HE wants me to look at my sin as ghastly as someone else’s. After my confession that I need GOD as my savior, HE wants me to treat others with care so they will point their lives to HIM. I am glad HE forgives me.

• Are you part of dividing GOD’s kingdom?
• Will you look at what is causing the division and allow GOD to handle the outcome?
• Will you do your part to show unity so others can be healed by GOD?

Generous Benefits

John 4: ³¹ Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

³² But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

³³ Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

³⁴ “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ³⁵ Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. ³⁶ Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. ³⁷ Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. ³⁸ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

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“Turn them on” were the words I seldomly heard, but they came out of the owners mouth this time. As I saw the lights come on and heard the machines whir, I was filled with excitement. My bowling alley job finally had benefits. I joined in and bowled as much as I wanted to that day, for free!

• I have received some great benefits on various jobs.
• I have been given some wonderful benefits, but I had to work for them.
• I have enjoyed some delightful benefits and sometimes I became more demanding because I thought I “deserved” more.

The disciples tried to get JESUS to eat. Little did they know they were in for a lesson. JESUS introduces them to a different kind of food. This food was to be eaten eternally. HE was speaking of HIS favorite currency, namely people.

• JESUS wants me to go out and bring people back to HIM.
• JESUS wants me to reap HIS harvest where I did not plant the seeds of HIS wisdom.
• JESUS wants me to open my eyes and see someone who may be seeking something and point that something to HIM.

Seeing a plentiful harvest for GOD takes open spiritual eyes. Instead of complaining about “those” people, GOD may want me to pray for them. HE gives me opportunities to reap a harvest every day.

Each person I pass can be prayed for. Some may even stop and listen to the words GOD puts in my mouth at the right time. I am grateful GOD guides me to go get HIS harvest.

• Are you working hard for your “benefits?”
• Are you concerned you do not have any benefits?
• Will you ask GOD to open your spiritual eyes and allow HIM to give you the right words to bring many people to HIS harvest today?

Entourage

John 1: ³⁵ The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. ³⁶ When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’

³⁷ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Turning round, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’

They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means ‘Teacher’), ‘where are you staying?’

³⁹ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see.’

So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon.

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“Your team did a great job” someone said to me. It felt great to hear that a plan “I” put together worked well. When one of my star employee’s requested to move on to bigger and better things, I was faced with the possibility of my team not performing as great as it always had. I said, “yes” because it was the right thing to do.

• There were times when I wanted to keep things the way they were.
• There were times when I wanted to hold onto certain people no matter what it cost them.
• There were times when I wanted to keep a successful team together even when people wanted to do something different.

John showed true leadership by pointing people to “The Lamb of GOD.” He knew his disciples should not be stuck following him rather they should put their eyes on GOD.

• GOD wants me to develop a following for HIM, not me.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM without thinking “I” need to be followed.
• GOD wants me to bring many disciples to HIM to increase HIS kingdom.

It’s all about the Lamb of GOD. Every action should not be done in the name of a brand of church, rather in the name of JESUS. HE wants me to build up HIS entourage so people will truly proclaim HIM as their savior. If people followed me and thanked me for my pitiful righteousness, they would be disappointed. JESUS is the one I want people to follow.

• Are you focused only on your brand of church?
• Do you think your brand of church has all the answers?
• Will you focus your life on building up people to surpass you in following GOD rather than holding them down to look at you?

Accepted or Rejected

Luke 10: ⁸ Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. ⁹ And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹ ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ ¹² But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

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Street witnessing was a scary challenge that I accepted. As I sat in the class and learned an approach, I felt a little more comfortable about the task. “These people need to hear this” was my thought.

When I went out and approached someone in the neighborhood the person said, “Get away from me with that church .” “This is going to be a lot harder than I thought” I said to myself.

• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with the wrong attitude.
• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with a chip on my shoulder.
• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with a “holier than thou” attitude.

JESUS gives HIS final instructions to those HE sent to spread HIS wonderful message. HE let’s them know what to do if they were accepted and more importantly, if they were rejected. HE sent them with a purpose.

• GOD tells me “When you speak about ME, let MY grace be the center of attention.”
• GOD says to me “When you go to and speak to people about ME, have true compassion for them.”
• GOD informs me “Even when you speak humbly about ME, you will be rejected by some.”

“Expect to be rejected just like MY SON was rejected” are the words that one could take away from this passage. But there is more. HE sends me out seeking those who will listen. My attitude for going out needs to be one with compassion and determination.

At the first sign of rejection, I can’t just give up and say “Too bad that person is going to hell.” GOD wants me to view all people around me as a part of “me.” When someone rejects HIS message, it should hurt as much as cutting off a finger. When HE says, “move on” it should feel devastating, yet I must obey. GOD wants me to seek the lost just like HE sought me.

• What is your attitude towards helping people understand who CHRIST is?
• Do you think only a select people “deserve” hearing about the Gospel of JESUS?
• Are you willing to go out and be rejected by some and accepted by others when speaking about GOD’s wonderful grace?

Making Announcements

Luke 2: ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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“Ball return on 15” were the words everyone in the place could hear. I finally got my chance to get on the bowling alley’s sound system and tell everyone that a bowling ball was stuck on lane 15 and someone other than me was to go and rectify the situation. I felt cool!

• There were times when I wanted to be heard.
• There were times when I wanted everyone’s attention.
• There were times when I wanted to speak in a forum where everyone could hear me.

The angel appeared for the third time with a wonderful announcement. He went to the working class shepherds who were on duty watching over sheep. There the announcement was made that GOD, born as a child, would be found in a dirty feeding trough.

Though they were terrified, he announced that they should not be afraid, rather proclaim joy because THE SAVIOR had been born.

• GOD says to me “Go and tell everyone about MY SON.”
• GOD says to me “Proclaim the great news that salvation is for all people.”
• GOD says to me “Announce JESUS as the world’s only hope.”

Being heard by people is great when I have something important to say. GOD wants the message to be about HIM rather than pointing out how great “I” think I am. HE doesn’t want me to have a crowd rather HE deserves the crowd and sometimes HE uses words through me to announce HIS greatness.

• Do you wish to be heard?
• Are you upset at something and want to tell everyone about it?
• Can you tell everyone about the Great News about JESUS today?

Fill Up and Go

Luke 1: ⁷⁶ “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
⁷⁹ To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

⁸⁰ So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

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“I have to go to the bathroom” I exclaimed. Not knowing if the time was convenient or not, the feeling just came over me. We had to pull over on the side of the dark unlit road. I was terrified! When we got back in the car and started going I said “I’m hungry, are we there yet?”

• There were times when I was not prepared to go down the road.
• There were times when I did not want to be on the road.
• There were times when I just wanted to be at the destination rather than going down the road.

Zacharias declared John would fill up on the knowledge of the LORD and go to those who ignored GOD’s grace. John would have a long road to travel so his preparation had to come from GOD directly. He grew and became strong in the SPIRIT so any obstruction in the road would not deter him.

• GOD says to me “Go before the face of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Give knowledge of salvation to MY people.”
• GOD says to me “Give light to those who sit in darkness and guide everyone into the way of peace.”

Being unprepared for the twists and turns of life may put me in a dangerous situation, sitting on the side of a dark road cowering in fear. BUT GOD wants me to be prepared for life. HE wants me to seek HIS face and understand that I am not alone but HE is with me, guiding me to HE sends me to. HIS message is simple “MY mercy is tender and MY love endures forever.”

• Are you prepared for life?
• Do you still react to life’s difficulties with pouting like a child?
• Can you ask GOD to help you grow and to become strong in the SPIRIT?

One of you

Mark 14: ¹⁷ In the evening He came with the twelve. ¹⁸ Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.”

¹⁹ And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?”

²⁰ He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. ²¹ The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born.”

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Giggling in the coat closet, the class surrounded us. We were supposed to go in, kiss and come out with cheers, as stated by the rules of the game. Before I went in, the door to the room opened up and everyone scrambled to get back to their seats. One person changed the whole dynamics of what was going on.

• I have been affected by one person.
• I have had my course altered by one person.
• I have tried to go in one direction but at times only one person kept me from going there.

“One of you who eats with ME will betray ME” said JESUS to HIS disciples. These words changed the atmosphere from peaceful to anguish. One person’s behavior affected many, unfortunately in a negative way.

• JESUS wants me to affect people in a positive way if I can.
• JESUS wants me to spread HIS message of grace when I can.
• JESUS wants me to HIS disciple while I can.

The power of “one” begins and ends with me. I have to make a choice to spread GOD’s message of love and grace in places where there may not be anyone who will accept HIM. GOD wants me to have the courage to rely on HIS power to transform.

HE doesn’t need me to try harder, in fact HE’d rather me just be willing to sit in the presence of those who HE sends me to. JESUS says “one person can affect the world just as I did and that person is you.”

• What is GOD saying to you?
• Is GOD putting something big in front of you and you are scared to do it?
• Can you accept GOD’s plan for you and begin affecting people whit HIS love today?

A Job to Do

Matthew 6: ⁷ And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. ⁸ He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— ⁹ but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.

¹⁰ Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. ¹¹ And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!”

¹² So they went out and preached that people should repent. ¹³ And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

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“I’ve got a job for you to do” said one of my teacher’s. I was excited because I was chosen to do something. “Take this to the office” she said. I left the room of studying students and jumped down the hall. When I returned I asked “What else do you want me to do?”

• When I am chosen it feels great.
• When I am chosen I feel special.
• When I am chosen I pay attention to the one who chose me a little more than before.

JESUS felt HIS disciples were now ready to go out and preach HIS message of love and grace. I mean the message was so simple, “I AM GOD and I love you.” Just these simple words about JESUS would drive out demons and heal the sick if said by the believer.

• JESUS says to me “Go, make disciples and teach them to follow ME.”
• JESUS says to me “I have chosen you before I made the world.”
• JESUS says to me “Tell many people about MY love so they will not reject MY grace.”

Rejecting the love of JESUS was also addressed. Whoever felt the simple message was something other than love may not believe. JESUS says “Shake the dust off your feet against those who do not believe.” This was not an immediate “forget them” kind of message.

If you are rejected after showing patience, care and love then take the patience care and love to those who will receive it. Some may take many years, some a few seconds. GOD guides me and gives me a job to do.

• What has GOD said to you?
• What job has HE given you to do?
• Can you be excited about spreading HIS message of love today?