Clean Shining Linen

Clean Shining Linen

Revelation 19: ⁵ Then there came from the throne the sound of a voice, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!” ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. ⁸ She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God's people.)

 

============

 

Feeling pretty hungry, I decided to leave work and go to lunch. I looked in my wallet and had just enough money to buy my lunch. Yes, I said money and not a debit card. I knew of a place that I could get a full meal for the amount I had. I ran into a person who asked me for some money.

 

• I had to decide if I was going to eat or help this person eat.
• I had only enough money for one person to eat.
• I missed lunch that day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an amazing sight. He witnessed every person who believed in and served the living GOD, wearing “clean shining linen.” He then was given where the clothes came from. “The linen is the good deeds of GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be one of “HIS people” so I can enjoy an eternal relationship with HIM.
• GOD sees every deed I did and will do, and HE turns the good ones into “clean shining linen.”
• I sometimes question why do good, when I have problems that need a good deed.

 

“What about me?” is the question I sometimes ask GOD. I mean, it seems like when I have the least amount of money, someone comes up to me and asks for my last dollar. “Come on GOD, can’t YOU plan a little better?” I question HIM in frustration. BUT GOD is gentle with HIS response with me.

 

HE gently says to me “Do it this time and trust that I have much more for you.” I sigh and obey HIS leading. Every time I have done this, HE blesses me here on earth and in heaven. I then feel foolish that I did not want to serve in the first place. I am glad GOD gives me many opportunities to do HIS good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Does it seem like the writer was having a hard time describing what he saw and heard?
• Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of doing something good for someone versus taking care of your own dire need?
• Will you continue to seek doing GOD’s good deeds, knowing HE sees you and loves every good deed you do in JESUS name today?

Wisdom Choice

Wisdom Choice

James 3: ¹³ Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. ¹⁴ But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. ¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. ¹⁶ Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

 

============

 

After being on academic probation, I decided to stop partying for a while and study. I got on the dean’s list that semester, so I felt pretty good about “my” achievement. I could not share the achievement with some people because I was still bitter over what happened.

 

• I made a choice to keep bitterness in my heart.
• I chose to remain wounded instead of trying to heal.
• As “smart” as people told me I was, I still did not have life together.

 

James addressed two types of wisdom. One came from the world and the other from above. He describes the wisdom of the world as unspiritual and demonic due to the lack of good deeds and peace.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s wisdom produces good deeds through me.
• GOD’s wisdom enables me to have peace that is beyond understanding.
• GOD’s wisdom is friendly, gentle and free from prejudice, so HE wants me to choose HIS way.

 

Removing GOD from anything is not wise. I mean, GOD is the creator of everything. HE made the people, places and things we study and hypothesize about. When I come up with a conclusion that GOD does not have anything to do with what I am observing, or I think human wisdom is greater than GOD, I get in deep trouble. GOD has an better path.

 

GOD desires that I choose to be gentle, compassionate and friendly so I can produce good deeds for HIM. The less I give credit to the world, the more GOD shows me HIS infinite wisdom. I am glad GOD produces the harvest, which is full of goodness.

 

Challenge

• What two types of wisdom does the writer discuss?
• Have you ever been jealous, bitter or selfish?
• Will you seek GOD’s wisdom by letting go of yours to obtain HIS today?

Offerings and Sacrifices

 

Offerings and Sacrifices

Hebrews 13: ¹⁰ The priests who serve in the Jewish place of worship have no right to eat any of the sacrifice on our altar. ¹¹ The Jewish high priest brings the blood of the animals into the Most Holy Place to offer it as a sacrifice for sins; but the bodies of the animals are burned outside the camp. ¹² For this reason Jesus also died outside the city, in order to purify the people from sin with his own blood. ¹³ Let us, then, go to him outside the camp and share his shame. ¹⁴ For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come. ¹⁵ Let us, then, always offer praise to God as our sacrifice through Jesus, which is the offering presented by lips that confess him as Lord. ¹⁶ Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

 

============

 

“Can’t you get someone else to do it?” was my reply to the request. “No, we need your skills” was the reply to my pushback. I thought of ways to get out of doing the work being thrust upon me. “Perhaps we can outsource this” was my solution. “We need you” was the reply.

 

• I wanted someone else to do what I was supposed to do.
• I felt overloaded and wanted someone else to join in.
• I came up with a solution to pay someone to do what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, went into detail about offerings and sacrifices. He mentioned the reason for these was to atone for Jewish people. BUT JESUS, who died outside the city, offered HIS blood as a sacrifice for all.

 

My Observations:

• I can try to pay someone else to tell people about CHRIST, BUT GOD wants me to do it.
• I can try to outsource a singing group to praise GOD for me, BUT GOD wants my praise.
• I can try to give to a group who will serve others for me, BUT GOD wants me to serve.

 

Giving is good, BUT GOD wants more from me than cash. I mean, HE wants me to use my gifts and talents to tell people about JESUS and HE loves when I praise HIM daily! HE wants a direct and active relationship with me that helps me serve those who are hard to serve.

 

HE gives me strength to keep going when I feel like giving up. HE provides for those I cannot provide for. HE opens doors wide, just like HE opens eyes from being blind. I am glad GOD wants my offering of praise and my sacrifice of helping others.

 

Challenge

• What suggestions does the writer give that “pleases GOD?”
• Have you ever thought it was someone else’s responsibility to serve or tell people about CHRIST?
• Will you stop trying to outsource what GOD wants you to do today?

Heart Soil

Heart Soil

Hebrews 6: ⁷ God blesses the soil which drinks in the rain that often falls on it and which grows plants that are useful to those for whom it is cultivated. ⁸ But if it grows thorns and weeds, it is worth nothing; it is in danger of being cursed by God and will be destroyed by fire.

 

============

 

“Ha, ha, you don’t even know how to curse right” were the words that fueled me to learn how to curse “right.” I practiced my foul language and got it down to a science. After a while, I was listening t how comedians used this language in jokes. I soaked in every word I could listen to.

 

• The more garbage I listened to, the more desensitized I became.
• I used foul language to joke, but eventually used it to increase the level of an argument.
• I wound up expressing frustration with foul language and brushed it off to “everyone else uses it.”

 

Paul the assumed writer, gives two types of soil, one that grows useful plants and one that grows thorns and weeds. Rather than looking at this as farming tips, Paul may have been speaking about the condition of the heart.

 

My Observations

• Things that are placed in my heart will grow into something good or something terrible.
• GOD wants to place HIS word in my heart, but if I have filled it with the garbage of the world, there will be no room for HIM to live.
• GOD gets excited when I listen to HIM and HE grows “plants that are useful” from me listening to HIM.

 

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are all things that can grow from my heart when I listen to GOD. I mean, when I follow HIS ways, the fruit of the SPIRIT overflows from my heart.  Unfortunately, the opposite happens when I purposefully disobey HIM.

 

When I put the world in my heart, it grows greed, hatred, lust, blame and unhealthy self-consciousness that reverberates through all I do. Lies appear to be real and the false Utopia of the world crashes down on me. BUT GOD cleans my heart and cultivates a place where HE can live and grow me. I am glad GOD chooses to stay with me.

 

Challenge

• What soil sticks out to you from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to stop a behavior, but didn’t see how to?
• Have you checked your heart to see if you have fallen?
• Will you allow GOD to cleanse your heart HIS way so you can bear fruit for HIM today?

Fit to Do Good

Fit to Do Good

Titus 1: ¹⁵ Everything is pure to those who are themselves pure; but nothing is pure to those who are defiled and unbelieving, for their minds and consciences have been defiled. ¹⁶ They claim that they know God, but their actions deny it. They are hateful and disobedient, not fit to do anything good.

 

============

 

Testing the waters, I said a “bad” word. I had not done so before. It felt strange, but nothing happened. No lightning bold from the sky. Soon “bad” words were part of my language amongst “friends.” Peeping in the girls locker room felt weird. But soon I joined in with the guys and we talked about what we saw. Lying about results felt wrong. But when I learned how to “spin” the conversation to make myself look good, it didn’t feel like I was lying.

 

• I gave myself permission to do what “I” wanted to do.
• I was opposed to doing wrong at first, but got used to it quickly.
• I did not know that other parts of my life were being affected by my degrading character.

 

Paul warns Titus to remain pure in all he does. He spoke to Titus about keeping his mind and conscience pure and focused on GOD, otherwise it they could become defiled, hateful and disobedient.

 

My Observations

• GOD forgives me for my sins, BUT HE wants me to have more than forgiveness.
• GOD has a plan for me which includes an abundant life with HIM.
• It takes effort on my part to choose GOD’s ways over the slippery slope of sin.

 

Doing sin and justifying what I’ve done is not good for anything. I mean, when I fall into the hole of temptation, I forsake GOD and leave HIM to do what I want to do. Then I crawl back to HIM, asking forgiveness, especially when things are going wrong. There has to be a better way! GOD has one.

 

HE preempts my thinking by providing me with the HOLY SPIRIT who guides me away from the sins of my youth. HE then gives me purpose to stay on HIS path rather than falling away easily. HE knows I will still sin, BUT HE also knows I am growing up to handle more responsibility. I am glad GOD has a wonderful plan for me.

 

Challenge

• What lifestyle is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever decided that GOD is too harsh?
• Are you too tough on yourself?
• Will you accept the LORD’s forgiveness and seek HIS ways so HE can use you in a mighty way today?

It Comes Out

 

It Comes Out

1 Timothy 5: ²³ Do not drink water only, but take a little wine to help your digestion, since you are sick so often.

 

²⁴ The sins of some people are plain to see, and their sins go ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others are seen only later. ²⁵ In the same way good deeds are plainly seen, and even those that are not so plain cannot be hidden.

 

============

 

Sneaking off from work seemed like a good idea. Others were doing it so I decided to try it. I went to my apartment and played cards until it was time to go punch out. It worked! Soon I made a habit. I even made plans during work. I wen home and cooked dinner. When I went to punch out, my supervisor asked. “Where were you and why do you smell like cooked food?”

 

• I had gotten caught and I was embarrassed.
• I disappointed my boss who believed in me.
• I took for granted something I was supposed to be doing, and my hidden plans became exposed.

 

Paul turns from mentoring Timothy to encouraging him. He first expressed concern over Timothy’s health. He then gives some encouragement to Timothy, who may have been frustrated that the people he was leading were missing the value in his servanthood. He let Timothy know that even the smallest, hidden good deed will be seen.

 

My Observations

• My hidden sin tends to make itself known at an inconvenient time.
• JESUS forgave me for all my sins, hidden and plain to see.
• It is more satisfying to live with a clear conscience and do good deeds for the LORD, than to keep hiding things in my heart that get me deeper and deeper into trouble.

 

Hidden things come out. I mean, the thing that I think I can hide and take to my grave is probably the thing that will hurt the most because GOD has to reveal it. “Well, HE forgives me, right?” Yes, but it may still have pain and at some point I got tired of causing my own pain and blaming it on everyone else or circumstances.

 

GOD sees my heart and wants me to ask HIM to live inside. HE then prompts me to do “good deeds” that serve HIS purpose of bringing people back to HIM. HE sees the tiniest hidden good deed and also shows HIS gratitude in ways that are amazing! I am so glad GOD cares and sees all good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the care from the writer?
• Have you ever done a hidden sin and think it will never come out?
• Will you confess your sins to GOD, including the sneaky, bitter, hateful things, so HE can be faithful and just to forgive you of those sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?
• Will you also start doing “good deeds” that are pleasing to the LORD today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, you know my deepest hidden sins. Please forgive me. YOU also know the deepest hidden sins of this reader. Make him or her able to confess to YOU these sins so YOU will forgive and cleanse. Please also fill his or her heart with YOUR good deeds today. amen

Made for This

Made for This

Ephesians 2: ⁶ In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. ⁷ He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. ^8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. ¹⁰ God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

 

============

 

“Come on in!” a greeter said to us. It was our first time packing food for a well known group who provides hunger relief. She seemed to be perfect at making us feel welcome. The people who served there were also great at what they were doing. Our trainer was patient with all of our questions. He helped out as we worked through the day.

 

• It seemed like each person was made for what they were doing.
• I could see the excitement in their heart by their actions and their words.
• They seemed like they were at peace with what he or she was doing.

 

Paul introduces us to the sovereignty of GOD. He explains that we were made by GOD for a “life of good deeds.” This is a strange thought, because some of the church leaders presented GOD as something or someone who serves us and gives us stuff. Paul also addresses the source of true grace.

 

My Observations

• GOD has prepared good deeds HE wants me to do.
• GOD made me to be in union with CHRIST JESUS.
• GOD gave me grace before I chose HIM, so I cannot give myself credit for HIS love.

 

Any good deed deserves thankfulness, but it really should go to GOD. I mean, HIS gracious gift of JESUS is the only action that makes us do what is good and pleasing to HIM. GOD showed HIS extraordinary greatness by reaching down and picking all of us up through faith in JESUS.

 

HE saw the calamity I was headed for and rescued me from myself. He then planned a life of good deeds I can do for others so they may see HIS great grace. I gladly accept HIS plan for me in service to others.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about your efforts?
• Have you ever wanted to hear “thank you” from people?
• Will you give GOD thanks for making you the way you are and for giving you “good deeds” for you to do, to draw people back to HIM through the love of JESUS today?

Must Appear

Must Appear

2 Corinthians 5: ⁶ So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord's home. ⁷ For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. ⁸ We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. ⁹ More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. ¹⁰ For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life.

 

============

 

Receiving a summons to appear in court was never fun but it happened. The words “YOU MUST APPEAR” were in big bold red capital letters that seemed intimidating. The letter held instructions about my court date but it also had the traffic violation and the date of my malefaction.

 

• I felt angry, shamed and scared all at once.
• I felt like my perfect driving record was damaged.
• I felt that I had to drive extra perfect to keep from being judged again. This was super false!

 

Paul mentions the true purpose of life. He says “Life is a matter of faith” and then tells everyone that the faith that is worth anything is to please the LORD JESUS who will one day judge everyone according to every deed that is done.

 

My Observations

• Every deed I do is seen by GOD.
• One deed does not undo another deed in GOD’s eyes.
• GOD is the only one who sees the things I do for HIM and judges the things I do for myself.

 

Trying to act righteous can sometimes get me in trouble. I mean, when I think I am pleasing GOD by following the Bible to the letter, I may be hurting others by holding them to a standard I could not keep myself. BUT DOD wants me to act differently.

 

HE wants me to point my sinful life to HIM so others can do the same. Life is not about living in perfection rather accepting perfection which is JESUS. The HOLY SPIRIT will then guide me to the places I need to go and deliver the words I need to say. Life is about surrender so I can be pleasing to GOD. The more I surrender to GOD the more pleasing and amazing deeds HE guides me to do.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about fear and courage in this passage?
• Have you ever placed your courage in something the crowd is saying but felt it could possibly be against what GOD is telling you?
• Can you gain courage to surrender your life to JESUS little by little, giving HIM your deeds as best as you can without worrying about HIS judgement but focusing in on HIS love today?

Good Power

 Good Power

Romans 12: ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

============

 

After working hard for months, I sat for my evaluation. I received a “Good” as the performance rating. I was furious. ‘After all that hard work, you mean to tell me that it was ‘good’” I said. Good meant “doing as expected” and I felt I exceeded expectations by staying late and doing more. I wanted better than “good.”

 

• There were times when I felt “Good” was not powerful.
• There were times when I felt good people finish last.
• There were times when I felt great was better than good.

 

Paul continues with his radical words given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. He speaks about not taking revenge. This was strange because the law said “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In other words if someone does something bad to you, it is your right to do something bad to them. But GOD wants a different way.

 

• GOD wants me to leave vengeance up to HIM.
• GOD wants me to feel sorry for my enemies because HE felt sorry for me.
• GOD wants me to use good as a powerful weapon that overcomes evil.

 

“Great” is not suggested to be used to overcome evil, but “good” is. Being good when there is a chance or even the right to do evil, puts me in a better place with GOD. HE sees my “good” effort and rewards me.

 

Meanwhile, HE says “Let ME handle the evil this person has done to you.” GOD’s wrath on enemies is nothing to gloat at, but to be feared by all. I accept the powerful weapon of good to fight against those who purposefully do evil.

 

• Has someone done something evil against you?
• Do you want to take revenge out on “that” person?
• Will you allow GOD to take revenge on who HE chooses, meanwhile keep doing what “everyone” considers good so HE will be please with your actions?

Job or Faith

 

Job or Faith

Romans 4: What shall we say, then, of Abraham, the father of our race? What was his experience? ² If he was put right with God by the things he did, he would have something to boast about—but not in God's sight. ³ The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” ⁴ A person who works is paid wages, but they are not regarded as a gift; they are something that has been earned. ⁵ But those who depend on faith, not on deeds, and who believe in the God who declares the guilty to be innocent, it is this faith that God takes into account in order to put them right with himself. 

 

============

 

My schedule was from Sunday night to Thursday night. Some parts of the job were peaceful, others were a bit stressful. Like the time I had to clean “stuff” smeared on the walls toilet and floor. It put me behind schedule but I did it. When Thursday came, I could not enjoy the weekend because Sunday night was on its way.

 

• I have had many jobs in my life.
• I have showed up for each of those jobs, on time and ready to work.
• I have worked hard on each of those jobs and I was paid for it.

 

Paul gives an example that is widely known amongst Jews and Gentiles. Abraham was declared righteous by GOD because of his faith in GOD. Paul then explains that a person who is paid for work is doing it for the wages. But a person who depends on faith is doing it for GOD and HE will add this to the account HE keeps.

 

• GOD sees every act of faith I do.
• GOD knows when I am being faithful to HIM.
• GOD loves when I chose faith over doing stuff.

 

Acts of faith need no payment. I mean, when I am truly showing faith to GOD, HE knows when I have sacrificed to do something strictly for HIM and not for my well-being. But what about pastors, missionaries, priests and clergy’s? Aren’t they paid? Yes, some are supported by faithful people who use faith to give to those who have dedicated themselves to speaking about GOD.

 

Unfortunately, there are some who speak GOD and who do not believe in HIM. That is not for me to decide, BUT GOD knows. Getting back to faith. It can be shown in more than monetary giving. Faith is believing that JESUS died and rose for me. It also means telling people about this gift. I am grateful GOD enables me to show faith in HIM daily.

 

• What are you faithfully doing for GOD?
• How is GOD stretching you to grow for HIS purposes?
• Will you use more faith today and believe in GOD’s promise HE told you?

Putting 5 Senses to Work

Jeremiah 17: ⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things
    and beyond cure.
    Who can understand it?

¹⁰ “I the Lord search the heart
    and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
    according to what their deeds deserve.”

============

Chocolate cake piled as high as the centerpiece was the decadent dessert placed before us. It was very tasty. As the conversation flowed, we discussed a person. The “stuff” about that person was juicy. My eyes spied the car I really liked and I said to myself “One day.” The car looked shiny. A person walked past me who could have used two showers and I was repulsed. They were smelly. When I got outside I grimaced because I got wet and felt cold. It was rainy.

• My senses can trigger my thoughts.
• My senses can start me on a path of thinking that many not be the best.
• My senses can kick off a sequence of opinions that could lead me to a not so good place.

Each day I am faced with the use of the five senses I am given. When I use my senses selfishly, pride, greed, lust, malicious envy, gluttony, wrath and slothfulness creep in. If I look at the wrong thing or touch the right thing I am sent on a path that is not pleasing to GOD. Is there any help?

• GOD says to me “I the LORD search the heart and I can cleanse it of all unrighteousness.”
• GOD says to me “I examine the mind and I can hold all thoughts captive.”
• GOD says to me “I will reward you for your conduct, not your thoughts.”

Just because a bad thought pops in my head does not mean I have to act on it. Now I can see why Paul says “pray without ceasing.” In the moment I listen to the gossip, I should be praying for the transmitter, myself and the person being spoken about who is not there. After the prayer, I can then excuse myself from the conversation.

Each time I use my senses for GOD I am rewarded. HE understands that I may sin, but HE is excited when I choose not to. As I mature in CHRIST I can make a choice to use my senses in ways that please HIM.

• Are you seeking pleasure?
• Do you think you “deserve” a break from being “good?”
• Can you hold a few more of your thoughts captive and ask GOD to have at least one more today?

Do I have a choice?

Hebrews 8: ¹⁰ This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel

    after that time, declares the Lord.

I will put my laws in their minds

    and write them on their hearts.

I will be their God,

    and they will be my people.

¹¹ No longer will they teach their neighbor,

    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’

because they will all know me,

    from the least of them to the greatest.

¹² For I will forgive their wickedness

    and will remember their sins no more.”

============

I had some easy buildings to clean that night. Empty a few trash cans clean the bathrooms and the minimum was done. What could I do with all that “extra” time on my hands? I know… I can go to my apartment, eat and go back to work. “Who would know?” Well, my boss, to name one person.

• I have a choice between loving GOD and leaving GOD.
• I have a choice between following GOD versus following myself.
• I have a choice between GOD’s way versus my way.

I honestly have no excuse for when I choose to sin. I mean I actually know better but for some reason the thing I want to do seems like a good choice at the time. I actually, willingly choose to disobey GOD.

• GOD wrote HIS laws in my conscience so I would have a guide.
• GOD put HIS laws in my heart so I could experience HIS compassion.
• GOD placed HIS laws in my person so I could be forgiven.

I actually believe it is difficult to be sentenced to hell. I mean GOD made the provision for salvation so easy for me by taking on the penalty of sin. If I reject HIS SON as the savior then HE will remember all my sins. I am glad HE made it easy to accept HIS gift of grace.

• Are you fighting GOD?
• Is your life one struggle after another?
• Do you want a life filled with abundance and adventure?
• Won’t you allow GOD to move your heart so you can have a full life?

In it for the long haul

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹³ And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

============

 It seemed like nothing was going well for me that year. With bills piled high and demands piling higher, I felt nervous about the future.  Maybe I should be “good” I thought to myself. I mean if GOD see how good I have been then maybe I can be done with this trial. Months later I was still in the trial and I decided to give up on being “good.” I mean what “good” is it anyway?

• When things are going wrong I look for immediate relief.
• When things aren’t going the way I want them to I seek a way out of the trial.
• When things are failing I may consult GOD but not trust HIM enough to let go of the test.

It seems like I start acting “good” when things are difficult. Maybe that’s why I face difficulty more and more. BUT GOD wants me to do “good” whether things are going well or not.

• When I have plenty GOD wants me to share.
• When I have few GOD wants me to praise.
• When I have blessings GOD wants me to show gratitude.
• When I have failures GOD wants me to seek grace.

“Good” guys actually do finish last but last is the best in GOD’s mind. HE did not find it a problem to become a lowly servant to me and HE wants me to feel the same. Wait a minute, what about healthy competition or fighting back? Well, in every situation I need to carry GOD with me, competing fairly and standing for what is right.

GOD wants me to be “good” showing love to draw people to HIM. I should do what is good not to get my way but for GOD to get HIS way.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD by doing good?
• Are you getting tire of always being the “good” one?
• Can you stop trying too hard and understand GOD loves your actions, large and small?
• Won’t you do ”good” strictly to have GOD glorified?

What will my legacy be like?

Matthew 7: ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

============

As I sat in my apartment all alone I guess it was a time in my life where I started taking inventory of “where I was in life.” I was single, fresh out of school, on my own and not following the LORD. I mean I was “good” because I wasn’t committing any crimes. 

I just wanted to have some “fun” on the weekends, maybe go to a bar, give my number out, buy some clothes and do it all again next week. Something felt empty about my life. What had I accomplished? Fortunately, GOD had a different answer than humans.

• People tell me to climb the ladder of success and step on others to get there BUT GOD doesn’t like when I mistreat HIS humans.
• People tell me that titles are important BUT GOD isn’t impressed with my humanly title.
• People tell me that it’s alright to live as wild and free as I want BUT GOD tells me I will reap what I sow.

It really never dawned on me that there is more to life than living for my pleasure. That empty hole in my heart could only be filled with “love”, a special kind of love that only comes from GOD.

• The more I serve others the fuller my heart becomes.
• The more I serve others the more my life becomes “abundant.”
• The more I serve others the more exciting my days grow.

GOD said “you will recognize HIS children by the fruit they bear.” I can use and abuse others but that’s not HIS fruit.  HE wants me to serve them in secret and humbly move to the next act of kindness. My wake should leave waves of greatness not splashes of destruction.

Now I guess I live with a certain motto, “leave a person better than I found them.”

• Are you bearing good or bad fruit?
• By not doing anything for GOD, do you think this is “good” fruit?
• Can you do more to serve GOD’s humans strictly as an act of worshipping HIM?
• What will people say about your entire life when you are gone? (Hurt me, helped me, did nothing?)

Am I alive or “dead?”

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

============

Summertime was always fun to me. Sunshine, soft breezes, fun and games were the only things on my mind. I played around for hours that day then my mother came home and I hadn’t done a thing on my chore list.

I scrambled around trying to pretend I was working but it was obvious I had done nothing of value to her. You haven’t seen the wrath of a little woman named mom!

• Life is too short to keep on sinning in order to get my way.
• Life is too short to squander it on nothing but my own pleasure.
• Life is too short to only think of myself and blaming the world for my problems.

Death is a debated concept by scientists, various religions and atheists. Is there life after “death?” Well that’s the same question as “is there a GOD who is supreme?” I say with emphasis “YES” and unfortunately the results of those who do not believe will end up in this scene.

• Every lie is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.
• Every sinful thought and action is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.
• Every opportunity that someone needed help and the time was squandered on “self” is recorded in GOD’s book and will be used against those who do not believe.

I am so grateful that JESUS has made me alive. By believing HE is GOD who was raised from the dead as a sacrifice in my place, I do not have to face this scene. Yes, my sins still have to be accounted for, but my salvation is sealed for eternity.

• Are you sure you have a solid relationship with GOD?
• Do you believe the SON died just for you?
• Are you wasting your time here on earth getting your way?
• When is the last time you served others?

What more can I do?

Revelation 2: ¹⁹ I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.

============

“Please, oh please give me the promotion” was my prayer. I had worked hard that year, sometimes not seeing my family for weeks at a time. The announcements came out early and I wasn’t on the list. “Why” I exclaimed with bitterness. I mean I went to church, paid tithes, didn’t smoke, drink or do drugs. “I worked hard so why not give me what I want… what more do YOU want from me?"

• When I do deeds to manipulate GOD into giving me what I want then I “never” move HIM.
• When I think of the sins I’m “not” doing I quickly forget about the sins I “am” committing.
• When I think I’ve reached the pinnacle of my relationship with GOD, HE says you can “always” do more.

GOD isn’t looking for me to burn myself out rather HE sees that I have more capacity to act like HIM on a daily basis. HE knows little by little I can drop my selfish ways and begin to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.

• Deeds performed out of a love for GOD yield a quality relationship with HIM.
• Love towards GOD’s people isn’t easy but is expected of me.
• Faith in GOD’s plan helps me reduce my worry of the future.
• Serving GOD’s people keeps me busy and I don’t have time to doubt GOD.
• Persevering “through” troubles helps me see GOD at work and in many instances seeing miracles.

When I was a child, I thought as a child and acted like a child but now that GOD has grown me up, I want to do more for HIM because HE did so much for me.  If GOD doesn’t do another thing for me here on Earth, HE has already done more than I could ever ask. I do “more” and “more” specifically to praise HIM.

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD into getting your way?
• Do you think you have “arrived” and you deserve better treatment from GOD?
• Are you willing to do a little more for HIM each day or are you giving up?
• Do you think your body, mind and soul is “yours” or GOD’s?

GOD knows what I’m going through.

Revelations 2: ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

============

Finally I was out of my parents’ house and on my own. Even though I had been sort of on my own for a while, I now had “my” place. I even decided to live a better life so I started going to church, reading the Bible and praying. I figured that if I were good then only good things would happen to me.

My car broke down in the middle of nowhere so I had to get a new one, months later I had chest pains so severe I couldn’t breathe, my pay check had an issue, and to top it off someone broke in my new car and stole my music collection that took years to acquire! “Wait a minute LORD! I’m trying to live for YOU! Why are things going wrong in my life?”

• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy when I serve the LORD.
• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy because all humans including me are sinful.
• It is a false expectation to think life will be easy on Earth when GOD is going to get rid of it and put me in HIS new place HE is creating.

JESUS said life would be difficult to those who believe in HIM and HE wasn’t kidding. I have been ridiculed, questioned and accused because of my beliefs and I live in a land where I can speak freely. There are many people around the world who speak about CHRIST and are imprisoned or killed. GOD knows all about it.

• GOD knows when I make a feeble attempt to serve others and HE is pleased.
• GOD knows when I am going through a difficult period and I choose to remain pure to HIS word.
• GOD knows when I am faced with trouble on all sides yet HE gives me strength to endure.

Perseverance is important to those who follow GOD. HE doesn’t just zap problems away but HE does build up the fire inside me to recognize HIS love for me during difficult times. Now that I have lived for HIM for a number of years, I still have days when it seems like everything just falls apart. Knowing that GOD is pleased with me is sometimes the only thing that holds me together.

• Are you going through difficult times?
• Can you “endure” for GOD?
• Can you “persevere” long enough to see what GOD has in store for you after this trial?
• Will you praise GOD today in spite of your troubles and trials?

I want to be productive.

2 Peter 1: ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

============

Strange requests were tossed at our department that seemed quite uncommon.  We were being asked to do things far outside of our responsibility. When I dug into the matter I found a couple of departments had formed an alliance to bog our department down in hopes that we would not complete our responsibilities. This was a slick way to steal our budget.

We took the high road and accepted the extra work. Not only did we complete the work, but our budget was increased to include a portion of the sneaky malefactors.

Good will always win! GOD wants me to grow up and see circumstances and situations as opportunities to mature in the faith.

• When I have faith to believe in JESUS, HE wants me to be good to others.
• When I am good to others, JESUS wants me to get to know HIM by reading HIS Bible.
• When I learn from HIM, then HE wants me to control my sin as best as I can.
• When I control my sin then I will be tested and tempted so JESUS wants me to persevere.
• When I persevere and not fall back to my old ways, then I model godliness.
• When I understand and practice godliness, then I learn to treat GOD’s people with affection!

It’s amazing it takes “me” being transformed to serve GOD’s people properly.  The more I give of myself, the more I gain from GOD. This is a process that cannot be circumvented.  When I try to serve GOD or live for GOD in my own terms then I fail miserably.

• GOD will more than likely change me before HE changes “that” person.
• GOD will more than likely allow trials in my life to help me persevere and grow my faith.
• GOD will accept my growth and bless me.

It doesn’t matter how small my growth is as long as I am growing. GOD gets excited when I do even the smallest thing for HIM. When I pray a little more or read a little more or reduce my sin a little more GOD is there with wide open arms to congratulate me on my efforts!

• Can you add a little goodness, knowledge, self-control to your walk today?
• Will you persevere through your trial?
• When you learn how GOD works, will you seek people you can serve?