What’s Not Seen

What’s Not Seen

Revelation 21: ²² I did not see a temple in the city, because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. ²³ The city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God shines on it, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The peoples of the world will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their wealth into it. ²⁵ The gates of the city will stand open all day; they will never be closed, because there will be no night there. ²⁶ The greatness and the wealth of the nations will be brought into the city. ²⁷ But nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of the living will enter the city.

 

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When I got to the new office, I asked where the printer was. “We only have a couple of printers” was the reply. I questioned “why?” The reply was, “Because we don’t use paper very much anymore.”

 

• There was no more use for a printer.
• Things were different, so the printer was no longer needed.
• There was another way in place that freed everyone up.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, noticed a few things missing from the new city. He noticed there was no temple, sun or moon. He then was given an explanation of why these things were missing.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s glory is bright enough to shine pure light.
• There will one day be no need for artificial light because JESUS will be our true light.
• No impurities that you and I have will be able to enter the city so GOD will change us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness so we can live with HIM eternally.

 

Wealth will be different. I mean, the current structure of money will not be needed in heaven. So what will wealth look like? I believe GOD will help you and me use our special gifts in ways we cannot imagine. Whatever our gifts produce, we will bring it into the city.

 

We will no longer have to worry about darkness, extension cords or batteries. There will be no more misinterpretation of what GOD is saying to us, because HE will be present to provide us with HIS light. I am glad religions, temples and lights will be done away with so we can simply be with GOD.

 

Challenge

• What observations did the writer present?
• Have you ever wondered if the tension over religion will ever stop?
• Have you pondered about GOD’s glorious light and wondered about HIS eternal love for you?

Committed

Committed

1 Peter 4: ¹⁷ The time has come for judgment to begin, and God's own people are the first to be judged. If it starts with us, how will it end with those who do not believe the Good News from God? ¹⁸ As the scripture says,

 

“It is difficult for good people to be saved;
    what, then, will become of godless sinners?”

 

¹⁹ So then, those who suffer because it is God's will for them, should by their good actions trust themselves completely to their Creator, who always keeps his promise.

 

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Noticing that it was brighter than usual at that time of day, I looked outside only to see deep snow. I had to get to school, so I got dressed warm enough to face the cold. I waited on the bus for a while, but noticed it was not anywhere in sight. I walked to the next stop which was one mile away. The next three busses were late and packed. I arrived to school only to find out all schools in the city had been closed.

 

• It was very hard to get to school that day.
• Every part of the trip provided another reason to give up.
• I felt like saying “You got to be kidding me!” but simply turned around and reversed the tumultuous trip.

 

Peter discussed GOD’s judgment as it relates to suffering Christians. He seemed to attempt to provide some straight talk to believers by quoting Solomon saying it is difficult for good people to be saved. He then acknowledges the difficulty and suggests that people who suffer because they follow the will of GOD, should be committed to keep going.

 

My Observations:

• When GOD makes a promise, HE never, ever stops until HE keeps it.
• I can place my total trust in GOD because HE keeps HIS promises.
• My attempts to “do good” should continue, no matter how difficult the trip may be.

 

Belief in CHRIST is easy, but living for CHRIST can be difficult. I mean, the world presents itself in ways that seem okay. It’s okay to lie a little, get drunk a little, lust a little and be selfish a little, as long as it’s done in moderation. BUT GOD’s standard is compromised by this approach.

 

The other extreme is to follow the rules so strictly that fruit is not bared. GOD knows I a a sinner saved by HIS grace. Only through belief in perfection, namely JESUS, can I be saved. By siding with JESUS, I pick a fight with Satan, who in turn, wants me to quit talking about JESUS. I am glad GOD has given me and you purpose, even though it can be difficult at times.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention how difficult being a Christian can be?
• Do you think everything should go your way all the time?
• Do you believe there is an enemy to JESUS who wants to stop you at all costs?
• Will you “trust” yourself to GOD by being committed to doing the good deed HE wants you to do today, no matter what the obstacle looks like?

For Your Benefit

For Your Benefit

1 Peter 1: ¹⁰ It was concerning this salvation that the prophets made careful search and investigation, and they prophesied about this gift which God would give you. ¹¹ They tried to find out when the time would be and how it would come. This was the time to which Christ's Spirit in them was pointing, in predicting the sufferings that Christ would have to endure and the glory that would follow. ¹² God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. These are things which even the angels would like to understand.

 

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Collecting information about me and my family, the administrative assistant smiled and went away. Not thinking anything of it, I got back to work. Later I found out that she used the information to provide a special gift for my family.

 

• I was excited!
• I felt great that this was done for us.
• I never thought I could be thought of in a special way.

 

Peter spoke about something very special that was given to mankind through the prophets. The announcement that JESUS would come to save humanity was given to prophets. Some may have felt special and others may not. But it wasn’t for their benefit that the message was given, rather it was for us.

 

My Observations:

• GOD revealed the solution to all of humanity’s problems when HE gave the prophets the prediction of JESUS.
• JESUS fulfilled every prophetic message through the suffering HE endured.
• Even the angels are confounded over the action of JESUS.

 

Love of humans that is so strong that it made JESUS die for us is confusing. I mean, there is not a single human that would give up everything, be blamed for all problems and become the one and only sacrifice to save the world. BUT JESUS did.

 

HE did take on your sin and mine. HE knew HE was the only one who could walk sinless as a human, but remain powerful as GOD. Confusing? Yes it is, but it is this powerful love that you and I benefit from. I am grateful that I am loved deeply by GOD.

 

Challenge

• What revelation did the writer speak of?
• Have you ever wondered why JESUS would do what HE did for you?
• Will you take some time to praise GOD for what HE has done and is doing in your life today?

Hidden Teaching

Hidden Teaching

1 Timothy 1: ⁸ We know that the Law is good if it is used as it should be used. ⁹ It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. ¹¹ That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.

 

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Another wave of trials was hitting. People I knew were getting sick, bills mounted higher and higher and technology was failing. “What is going on!” I said to GOD. I thought maybe I wasn’t  being “good” enough, so I retraced my sinful steps so I could stop doing whatever I was doing.

 

• I thought I could manipulate GOD into giving me what I wanted by following the Law.
• I felt even worse when I could not keep the Law well.
• I wondered if GOD was out to punish me for even the slightest mistake.

 

Paul gives Timothy a warning we can all heed. He tells everyone the difference of the Law versus the Gospel of JESUS. The Law tells us what we did wrong, while the Gospel of JESUS tells us we are forgiven.

 

My Observations

• JESUS saved me from the consequence of sin.
• JESUS saved me from the sins I do not know I commit.
• JESUS saved me from eternal separation from HIS love so I can be with HIM forever.

 

It’s all about JESUS. I mean, when I think I can be “good” enough to change GOD’s mind and have HIM stop the trial, my fake righteousness smells like excrement to HIM. BUT GOD provided me with another way.

 

JESUS is the answer to all my situations. HE took care of all consequence of my sins, past, present and future. HE removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE delights in providing grace to me and showers me with peace and hope. I am glad the teaching of the Good News is no longer hidden, rather can be scattered to everyone HE sends me to.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of the Law according to the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and tried to be good for a short period of time?
• Will you let go of your life and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you so you will stop trying to “feel” forgiven and simply know you ARE forgiven today?

Welcome News

 Welcome News

1 Thessalonians 3 ⁶ Now Timothy has come back, and he has brought us the welcome news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always think well of us and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you. 

 

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“I heard you turned into a church guy” a friend said to me in a seemingly insulting way. It did not come as a surprise to me seeing how I was fresh out of a life that I felt was regretful. While convicting, I took this as welcome news because he had heard about my change of heart.

 

• I was known for the parties I threw.
• I decided to live for the LORD, so I stopped doing what I was doing.
• I did not know people were still watching me.

 

Timothy came back with “welcome news” about the faith of the Thessalonians. They had been persecuted, yet they stood firm in their faith. They wanted to see Paul and Silas but could not so they sent their well wishes.

 

My Observations

• Welcome news is a rare thing GOD wants me to spread.
• Encouraging news is something in short supply that GOD gest excited when I give it away.
• Good News is the message of JESUS saving me, and GOD loves when I spread it.

 

“No bad news” is what many people want, but cannot find. I mean, the news is full of devastation, corruption and fear. People can’t get enough of it. Somehow humans are drawn to “train wrecks” or car accidents. I don’t know if it is a feeling of superiority that make humans want to point out that something went wrong over there. BUT GOD wants welcome news.

 

HE wants me to focus on HIS strength, HOS power and HIS deliverance. GOD shows me people who have kept the faith and want me to do the same, even through trials. I am excited that I can bring welcome news about those who have kept the faith, especially you.

 

Challenge:

• What welcome news did Timothy bring?
• How did you feel when someone brought you good news about how someone was doing?
• Will you start bringing “welcome news” so GOD’s Good News can be heard today?

Entrusted

Entrusted

1 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. ⁴ Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives.

 

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When the phone rang, I answered and held a great conversation with my grandmother. “Tell your parents I called and to call me back” were the words given to me. As the day went on, I went outside to play, then eat, then go to bed. I never told anyone about the call.

 

• I had forgotten to pass on the message.
• I was not prepared to remember something important.
• I did not withhold information maliciously, I simply forgot.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy start out by saying their motives were pure when it came to the message of GOD. Other speakers may have tried to lead the people astray, but Paul, Silas and Timothy held themselves to a higher standard. They knew they would be judged by GOD for misrepresentation but even more, they were excited about being “entrusted” with HIS message.

 

My Observations

• JESUS forgave me of all my sins for HIS because HE loves me and has a purpose for my life.
• GOD wiped away all my sins so I could speak on HIS behalf, even though HE does not need me to do so.
• GOD entrusted me with HIS valuable Good News and wants me to keep it pure, even if people are not pleased with the fact that HE will also judge everyone.

 

Pleasing people can get me in trouble. I mean, when My motives are to gain more power or to manipulate people to get my way, I may try to please him or her temporarily until I get what “I” want. BUT GOD sees through my motives and wants me to act differently.

 

Instead HE approaches my life in an unusual way. HE knows I am a sinner yet HE gives me the most important message that all humans need to hear, believe in and shout namely, JESUS is LORD!. I am glad GOD sees my motives and entrusts me anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writers make an appeal?
• What does it mean to be judged worthy by GOD?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior so HE can cleanse you of all unrighteousness and entrust you with HIS Good News today?

All the News

All the News

Colossians 4: ⁷ Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. ⁸ That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. ⁹ With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

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Blurting out “Didn’t we have a great time at the club last night?” seemed inappropriate in church, but that’s what the guy asked me. I was trying to live a double or triple life. One segment I appeared to be one way another segment I appeared a different way.

 

• I tried living a segmented life.
• I wanted to “have pleasure” and “have CHRIST” and “have money” even though sometimes they conflict with one another.
• I was embarrassed that one segment of my life was exposed to another.

 

Tychicus and Onesimus were dear friends of Paul. He mentions both in other letters in the highest regard. They observed his life and were witnesses to his actions in CHRIST. Paul had given up his life to follow CHRIST fully. To him, it was more profitable to follow the LORD.

 

My Observations

• My life was given to me by the LORD for HIS purpose.
• Any part of my life that I may be ashamed of will be exposed painfully or easily.
• GOD uses my life to be an example one way or another.

 

“All the news” is scary to me. I mean, it seems like a huge amount of pressure to be “good” when I am not. Only GOD is good and I could never live up to any expectation that others may place on me by following HIM. Fortunately GOD does not require “good” people to mention HIM.

 

GOD uses sinners like me to say “I am forgiven by JESUS for all my sins, past, present and future!” By believing in JESUS, I have hope. I can now bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how much I have messed up, GOD is there. I am glad “All the news” includes JESUS forgiving me.

 

Challenge

• What news do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Do you feel you do not measure up to other people or are not meeting the expectations of those who have given their life to the LORD?
• Will you let go of your life and place the burden of perfection on the only one who is, namely JESUS today?

No Chance Taken

No Chance Taken

Colossians 1: ¹³ He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, ¹⁴ by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.

 

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Wanting to get “my” way, I decided to “try” GOD. I had too many calamities going on and wanted some relief. I decided to act “good” so I took an inventory of what I thought was “bad.” I reduced my sin to no avail. More things were going wrong. “What do YOU want from me?” was my complaint.

 

• I was trying to manipulate GOD by being good.
• I thought I was in control of GOD.
• I used flawed logic by thinking GOD reacts to what I do.

 

Paul continues to explain why we should be thankful for GOD. By belief in JESUS, the FATHER rescued us from the power of darkness, brought us safe into the kingdom of JESUS and set us free by forgiving us of all our sins. GOD did it all.

 

My Observations

• When I think I have let GOD down by my sins, I must remember, HE forgave me of all my sins.
• When I think I can manipulate GOD by being “good” I must remember JESUS is the only one who is “good.”
• When I think GOD doesn’t love me or HE doesn’t care about this particular situation, I must remember, HE rescued me before I was even born.

 

We all want to be in control of our lives. I mean, I try hard to be “good” so things will go well with me. But what happens when I thought I was good and bad things happen anyway? I believe it means “bad things happen anyway and I am still supposed to believe that everything was taken care of for my salvation.

 

GOD did not leave it up to me to save me. HE knew I would not choose HIM, rather I would run after what the world thinks is right. HE made a way for me to be saved by giving us HIS one and only SON. I am glad I am forgiven for all my sins, even the sin of trying to manipulate GOD.

 

Challenge

• What are the things the writer is pointing out that are worthy of praise?
• Do you have to “feel” forgiven or know you are forgiven?
• What does “safe into the kingdom” mean to you?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and has not taken a chance on losing you today?

Hope Never Lost

Hope Never Lost

Colossians 1: ⁵ When the true message, the Good News, first came to you, you heard about the hope it offers. So your faith and love are based on what you hope for, which is kept safe for you in heaven.

 

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Special mementos were something I dragged around through life. One box contained pictures, cards and other items from my childhood through adult life. One day I would look at these items with fond memories, I thought. Unfortunately, the box got wet and moldy in transport from one place to the next. I had to toss everything.

 

• I wanted to hold onto that stuff.
• I labeled these items as special and wanted to keep them at all costs.
• I was unable to keep the items safe and they were lost anyway.

 

Paul admires those who have placed their faith in the Good News about JESUS when they heard about it. Since the Good News offers hope that cannot be tarnished, stolen or damaged by anything on earth, placing hope in this was the right move.

 

My Observations

• GOD has a special place for me that is far greater than this earth.
• My hope is based on the Good News of JESUS being raised from the dead.
• Nothing can steal, tarnish, dent, rip, crack, blotch, tear or ruin the rewards GOD has for me.

 

Shortsightedness makes me think things in this world can be special. I mean, material things like houses, cars, tech, clothes, art, jewelry and other items can sometimes make me temporarily feel special, but can be lost.

 

Since the world’s pleasures are temporary, I fall into a trap of a lifelong pursuit that ends up being hopeless. BUT GOD provides a remedy. “Let it go” is what HE says. Anything that cannot be taken into heaven is not worth losing my soul over. HE wants me to care about my relationship with JESUS and do the same for others. I am glad I can place my hope in something that will be eternally available.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever placed your hope in something or someone and it or they got damaged?
• Do you have regrets in missing some event or thing?
• Will you learn about the Good News of CHRIST so you can place your hope in what HE has done for you and so you can see other people need to hear HIS wonderful message today?

Readiness

 

Readiness

Ephesians 6: ¹⁴ So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, ¹⁵ and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.

 

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“Where is the rest of the presentation?” was the question that caught me by surprise. A senior leader was practicing and my part was incomplete. I had to make up something to keep the situation from boiling over. I blamed it on the technology and said I will try to “recover” it soon.

 

• I was not ready with the truth.
• I was not ready with what I was supposed to be doing.
• I was not ready to take on responsibility and I flew by the seat of my pants.

 

“Stand ready” were the words of inspiration Paul gave everyone. Life had become hard for many, and people were getting discouraged. They turned to exaggerations, faking it until they made it and would no longer speak about JESUS, rather their own pursuits.

 

My Observations

• Life’s situations can take me away from GOD’s truth when I am not ready.
• I will turn to ways that are unrighteous unless I get ready.
• My own pursuits, desires and dreams can keep me too busy to open my mouth for the “Good News of peace.”

 

“Stand ready” means I have gotten into a position where I am ready. I mean, I needed to have already changed my mind to serve GOD before life’s storms hit. When life comes at me, then I can “Stand ready” versus falling down.

 

GOD wants me to stay away from the world’s manipulations so I can accept HIS righteousness, and so HE can put me in places where I can speak the “Good News of peace.” I am glad GOD puts me on HIS path to “Stand Ready” versus getting ready someday.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means by “readiness?”
• Is there another path to self-preservation in this passage?
• Will you protect yourself against life’s challenges by becoming more prepared to speak about the “Good News of peace” which is the salvation through belief in JESUS today?

Gift of the Broken Curse

Gift of the Broken Curse

Galatians 3: ²¹ Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. ²² But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe.

 

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Trying to remain dry, we stood under a rare covering at the bus stop. It was raining hard and we still had a long way to get home. My face brightened up as I saw movement of one of the busses. The bus driver ran through a puddle, splashing a wave that thoroughly soaked us. We were all wet.

 

• I was thoroughly soaked and felt miserable.
• I had nothing that could make me dry at that moment.
• I was not the cause of being wet, but I was still wet.

 

Humans face a serious dilemma. We are all cursed under the power of sin. Paul explains that the Law cannot release us from the curse, which is death. He does provide some Good News. There is a way to break the curse.

 

My Observations

• Sin once caused me to lose hope, BUT JESUS died for me and gave it back..
• I was wet with sin from head to toes, BUT GOD dried my tears and made me whole.
• It seemed like circumstances would get the best of me, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT brought me comfort through difficult times.

 

Hopelessness is part of the curse of sin. I mean, when all seems lost and there is no way out, many turn to death as a solution. BUT JESUS is life. HE guides me and everyone else who believes in HIM, to a life of purpose.

 

HE saw my hopelessness that I did not cause, and died for me to save me. HE understands every temptation I can face and has the mercy to accept my confession. HE then pours out grace on me as a gift and I can breathe a sigh of relief that I am forgiven eternally. I am truly grateful for GOD’s wonderful gift.

 

Challenge

• Can you see good news in this passage?
• What does the writer say about “promises” and the “gift?”
• Are you weary trying to get yourself out of the current circumstance?
• Will you receive the gift of life that only CHRIST can provide by believing you need a Savior to guide you in this life and the next today?

Faith Stands Firm

Faith Stands Firm

1 Corinthians 15: And now I want to remind you, my friends, of the Good News which I preached to you, which you received, and on which your faith stands firm. ² That is the gospel, the message that I preached to you. You are saved by the gospel if you hold firmly to it—unless it was for nothing that you believed.

 

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Does GOD love me when I don’t get my way? This is the question I pondered many times. When I didn’t get healed a certain way at a certain time, I wondered if HE could hear me, then I wondered if what I believed was even true or not.

 

• I questioned GOD many times when I got scared during certain situations.
• I tried to fix people, situations and relationships using “my” own thinking.
• I wondered if the part of me that did not believe would some day overtake the part of me that does.

 

Paul switched over from addressing issues written to him to speaking of the main reason we all exist, namely the Good News about CHRIST. Paul makes this statement personal to everyone who reads the letter. He states “You are saved by the gospel” but he qualifies his statement with “if you hold firmly to it”. Wait. Can I lose something precious because of my fickle faith? No!

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to know that HIS salvation of me is permanent.
• GOD wants me to understand that when HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me, it sealed my salvation with HIM eternally.
• GOD wants me to trust that no one can pluck me out of HIS hand once HE wrote my name in it.

 

Believing in JESUS’ death burial and resurrection is the foundation of faith. I mean, when I believe that all humans fell when Adam sinned it is the start of a good foundation. I can then understand it took a sinless human to save humanity. That human was JESUS who was / is also GOD.

 

HE was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead. Anyone who believe in this will have everlasting life. But what about this life? HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me to keep me from straying away from this belief. The HOLY SPIRIT makes my faith stand firm, not me. I am glad GOD gave me salvation that is permanent and to those who also believe it is permanent for them.

 

Challenge

• What do you really believe about salvation?
• Do you think salvation has nothing to do with your finances, relationships, health or happiness?
• Wil you relax and know it is alright to question GOD and your relationship with HIM?
• Will you also know the Good News can only be “Good News” if you can depend on the promises JESUS made?

Bring Good News

 

Bring Good News

Romans 10: ¹⁴ But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed? ¹⁵ And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the scripture says, “How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!” ¹⁶ But not all have accepted the Good News. Isaiah himself said, “Lord, who believed our message?” ¹⁷ So then, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through preaching Christ.

 

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“What a rotten day” I said to myself. I was feeling low and down out about the dead end job which made me notice the gloomy weather, which emphasized my broken umbrella and to top it off… I was broke. My future looked grim as the dean told me the bad news of my failure in school. Can it get any worse?

 

• I have had many bad days.
• I have had many trying days where there was no good news to be found.
• I have had many rough days that seemed even rougher when I heard more bad news.

 

Paul spoke about the Great News which is CHRIST. But now he speaks of a dilemma. How can people believe in CHRIST if there are no messengers sent to proclaim HIM? Paul was trying to convince all who would hear to be the messenger.

 

• GOD wants me to bring Good News to everyone who will hear about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to proclaim HIS SON is the only way to peace.
• GOD wants me to be sent so I can tell people Good News.

 

Good news is in short supply these days. The media’s news seems to show what is wrong with the world every second. When difficult situations arise, it is hard for me to find solace anywhere. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE gave me the “Good News” which is JESUS. HE not only died for me, HE was raised from the dead with all power and authority.

 

There was mor Good News. JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to comfort me and give me hope in hopeless situations. To top it off, JESUS went away to build a place for me. HIS imminent return unknown, however, HE brings great rewards to those HE finds following HIM with faith. I am glad JESUS is my Good News!

 

• Are you speaking life or death?
• Do your words pick people up or put people down?
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to wipe away your gloom so you can be used as HIS messenger to bring the Good News about JESUS to people HE sends you to today?

Put People Right

 

Put People Right

Romans 1: ¹⁶ I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. ¹⁷ For the gospel reveals how God puts people right with himself: it is through faith from beginning to end. As the scripture says, “The person who is put right with God through faith shall live.”

 

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Listening intently for mistakes, I waited for a slip up. This was a negotiation that I had to “win.” Immediately I found the opportunity when the goof came out of his mouth. I leveraged the mistake to get “my” way.

 

• Sometimes “winning” is losing.
• Sometimes being right means being “dead” right.
• Sometimes getting “my” way doesn’t get what I need.

 

Paul placed his complete confidence in GOD’s power to save all humans who believe in JESUS as the Savior. The gospel reveals how GOD puts people right with HIMSELF. It wasn’t the amounts given, or church attendance or by being nice that saved humans, Paul’s words imply. It is about being put right with GOD through JESUS dying for the sins humans commit.

 

• GOD wants me to be put right with HIM by believing I need JESUS to save me from eternal death.
• GOD wants me to see other people as HE sees their need to be put right with HIM.
• GOD wants me to put people right so I can overlook their sin as HE forgives those who believe in HIS SON.

 

Let’s face it, some people are difficult, namely you and me. I mean, GOD knew humans would not want to be bothered by HIM nor would we want a relationship with HIM. BUT GOD loved me anyway. HE saw every sin I would do and put me right with HIM so I could have a relationship with HIM.

 

On occasion I blame HIM and doubt HIM and pout when HE does not give me “my” way. BUT I praise HIM and love HIM and cherish the things HE has done for me. I am grateful GOD loved me enough to put me right with HIM through HIS SON JESUS, who is now alive.

 

• Are you at odds with someone?
• Do you want someone to change leave or die?
• Will you put the person right with you and desire salvation for you and “that” person so GOD can “win” HIS people back?

Spreading Good News

Spreading Good News

John 10: ⁴⁰ And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. ⁴¹ Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” ⁴² And many believed in Him there.

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“Tell your department that they have an extra bonus this year” were the words I was glad to pass on. In fact I was so excited that I dreamed of unique ways to deliver the message. After the spree of wild ideas passed, I settled on a simple lunch celebration. Everyone was excited and they went home and told others.

• When I have good news I get excited.
• When I have good news I cannot wait to tell many people.
• When I have good news I think of who I can share it with and I tell them, hoping they will tell other people.

JESUS went to where John was baptizing. John’s message was unique and full of GOD, unlike the church leaders who were trying to kill JESUS. John dedicated his life to tell people they can have hope. He told many about JESUS before HE arrived. The crowd believed.

• JESUS wants me to tell people a simple message.
• JESUS wants me to let people know they can place all their hope in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about telling people that HE has forgiven me for all my sins and HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me when I have doubts, fears and worries.

What great news! I mean JESUS saw through every sin that I ever did and chose me anyway. HE told me HE loves me, when humans cannot muster up those words. HE knows my faults and doesn’t constantly blame me with bitter retorts. HE then says to me “I forgave you, now go, do the same so others will come to ME.” I am excited to spread the Good News of hope in JESUS!

• Are you excited about JESUS?
• Do you remember when you accepted HIM as your Savior?
• Will you recall the excitement about GOD so you can tell people to place their hope in JESUS today?

Good News and Bad News

John 3: ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

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“I got some good news and some bad news for you. Which would you like to hear first?” said the mechanic. These words were never really comforting because I did not want to hear any “bad news.” I said, don’t tell me the bad news. Months later my car broke down for good.

• When I hear bad news, I sometimes forget the good news.
• When I hear bad news, I sometimes lose hope.
• When I hear bad news, my mood changes to the point where I cannot give any good news.

JESUS explains one of the most famous verses of the Bible. HE talks about the Great News of HIS arrival as a human sent to die for the rescue all of humanity.  It truly is great news! But there is some bad news. Whoever does not believe in JESUS will be condemned forever.

• GOD wants me to believe that JESUS became a human, was murdered for me and was raised from the dead, showing all power.
• GOD wants me to not be afraid of HIM exposing my sin because HE has forgiven me.
• GOD wants me to live by the truth and come into the light so all my deeds can be put in front of HIM.

Choosing GOD is easy and extremely hard. I mean HE made it so easy to accept HIM and also easy to not accept HIM. I can choose to not believe in HIM or consequences or condemnation. BUT GOD has promised great things for accepting HIM and horrible things for rejecting HIM. This is the total gospel that I believe.

• Have you accepted the need for a savior?
• Will you reject GOD and believe in yourself or other human teaching?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST today and allow HIM to speak good news through you today?

Optimistic Faith

John 1: ⁴⁶ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked.

‘Come and see,’ said Philip.

⁴⁷ When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’

⁴⁸ ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.’

⁴⁹ Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.’

⁵⁰ Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than that.’ ⁵¹ He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on” the Son of Man.’

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“The job is yours” said one of the higher–ups to me. First of all, I did not apply to the position and secondly, it seemed too good to be true. I was skeptical so I asked other people what was going on. “You were chosen for the position” they said. I cautiously went along with what they were saying until they made the announcement.

• Many times I have been skeptical.
• Many times I wanted to see proof in order to believe.
• Many times I doubted some great news until I saw it for myself.

Nathaniel had a reputation for being honest. When he heard about JESUS, who was born in Nazareth, he questioned the validity of this person being the Messiah. It would seem that the savior of the world would come from a great city with wealth and power. JESUS told him otherwise.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIS ways with optimistic faith.
• GOD wants me to know HE can do anything because HE is the true power.
• GOD wants me to understand that when HE gives me a promise, HE will never back down from it.

One day GOD will reveal to everyone the plan HE has for humans. This day to day life will be changed to an eternal way of living, with GOD or without HIM. Until that happens, GOD wants me to have optimistic faith that overflows onto others. HE wants me to mention JESUS as much as I can until HE returns. I am grateful GOD is faithful to me.

• Do you believe in what GOD is doing for you?
• Do you believe HE has an incredible plan for you?
• Will you put away any skepticism and allow GOD to execute HIS plan for you without doubt today?

Amazing News Told

Luke 2: ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

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“I have to see this for myself” I said to the messenger. I was still in a bit of shock when they said, “Your name is posted, and you have made the Dean’s List.” Considering the semester before was a disaster, I was thoroughly surprised. I told everyone!

 

• When I have great news I want to tell everyone.
• When I have some awesome news I want to tell the world.
• When I have awesome news I want to sit everyone down and tell them what is going on with me.

Being chosen by GOD was one thing, but the shepherds had to go see the amazing news for themselves. They raced to the barn and saw GOD as a baby in the dirty feed trough, just as the angels said. They told everyone of this amazing event and excitement filled the town!

• GOD wants me to spread HIS amazing news.
• GOD wants me to ignite excitement throughout the land.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM enough to tell others about HIM.

What was missing from this passage was complaints about the sheep or ailments of the shepherds or the shepherds not having enough of whatever their fears dictated. It was all about JESUS coming as a human to save mankind. They were excited and so should I. GOD wants me to tell people about HIS amazing news!

• Are you stuck in complaint mode?
• Do you have blame on your mind?
• Can you remove your negative language and replace it with the great news about JESUS?

Strange Timing

Mark 10: ³² Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: ³³ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; ³⁴ and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

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News of a reorganization spread rampantly throughout the company. Fear set in and not many people were working. I had not been through this before so I was ambivalent. One mentor approached me and said to me “I have been let go, I need you to take over the daily inspirational message.” “What!? You have been let go?” was the only thing I heard.

• Some messages have been given to me when I was shocked.
• Some messages have been delivered to me when I was not prepared.
• Some messages have been said to me when I was not mature enough to handle it.

Blah, blah, blah, Death, blah, blah was probably what the disciples heard. I mean they were stunned at the latest news that JESUS was not trying to become a worldly kind of king. They were afraid and all kinds of thoughts were running through their minds. They were probably thinking “What have I got myself into?” BUT JESUS had a purpose.

• JESUS wants me to know HIS death was because of my sin.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS resurrection took care of all my sins, even the ones I will commit five minutes from now.
• JESUS wants me to know HE now has all authority placed under HIM so I can mention HIS name with boldness.

When news about sickness, hurt, and sorrow come at the time when I at my lowest, I sometimes ask GOD, “What!” BUT GOD has a message of comfort HE is trying to get through to me. The disciple probably missed “And the third day HE will rise again” which is the good news!  HE wants me to hear the good when the news is difficult.

• Did you just get some difficult news?
• Did the tough news come when you already feeling low?
• Can you hear GOD’s message of deliverance even though it looks bleak right now?