Commitment Level Set

Commitment Level Set

Genesis 22: ⁹ Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. ¹⁰ And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.

 

¹¹ But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!”

So he said, “Here I am.”

 

¹² And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

 

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

 

GOD knows all. HE is omniscient.  HE did not discover Abraham’s commitment level when Abraham raised the knife to slay his son Isaac, rather GOD may have set the commitment level within him.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was committed to GOD from his youth.
• Abraham heard and believed many passed down stories from his father and from his ancestors, Enoch and Shem.
• Abraham had no doubt that GOD would do as HE said HE would do, so he almost went through with the strange sacrifice.

 

This example of commitment was shown by Abraham for you and me. GOD did not have anything different for Abraham to do that required more training. GOD shared this commitment level with everyone who seeks to follow HIM, because, I believe, we can sometimes get so enamored with the thing GOD gives us, that we lose sight that the thing is still HIS.

 

HE may give us a vision, or a gift or earthly wealth and we hold onto it like it is ours. Every human is HIS, every animal and every place we build are HIS. Even our very lives are HIS. We may think we can do what we want to do, but followers of CHRIST are willing to sacrifice things that are precious to us, just because we love GOD. HE is willing to set a higher level of commitment within you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS call to Abraham from heaven?
• Do you spend time worrying about something GOD has given you and now you may lose it?
• Are you willing to sacrifice the thing you love so your level of commitment to GOD can increase?

Clarified Relationship

Clarified Relationship

1 John 3: ¹⁹ This, then, is how we will know that we belong to the truth; this is how we will be confident in God's presence. ²⁰ If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. ²¹ And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God's presence. ²² We receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. ²³ What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. ²⁴ Those who obey God's commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us.

 

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

 

“What do YOU want from me?! I cried out as things seemed to be falling apart. Just beginning my career and just returning to the LORD, I expected smooth sailing for the rest of my life. But when trouble hit, I questioned my relationship with GOD and wondered if this was the right choice.

 

• I expected GOD to serve me.
• I wanted a problem free life and expected GOD to deliver it.
• At the first sign of trouble, I was ready to “leave” GOD or throw a tantrum.

 

John attempted to address insecurity regarding believers relationship with GOD. There was a lot of confusion because the church leaders of the day had freshly murdered the Messiah. John may have attempted to address how people were feeling towards GOD and wanted them to have a solid relationship with HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has a simple desire, that all humans be saved.
• GOD wants us to have heaven on earth, so HE commands that we love one another.
• GOD knew I could not keep the Law given to Moses, so HE provided the easiest most rewarding way to have a relationship with HIM.

 

GOD clearly answered the question, “What do YOU want from me?” I mean, HE has a creation with free will to choose HIM or not. HE would prefer all of us to choose HIM and HIS loving ways. Unfortunately, the world has a lot to offer that counters our belief in HIM. Lust for money, fame and various physical pleasures make GOD seem weak and forgetful. BUT GOD says different.

 

JESUS volunteered HIS very life so you and I could live eternally. HE didn’t stop there. HE knew we have to live in a world that opposes HIS love, so HE commanded that we love one another, simply to receive a slice of heaven on earth. I am glad that by believing in JESUS and loving others, I can have confidence in my relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions “GOD is greater than our conscience?”
• Have you ever felt that GOD has left you or that it is not worth following GOD or even believing in JESUS?
• Will you align to GOD’s desires by believing in JESUS and loving others so you can be in union with GOD and have courage to ask for whatever you need today?

It’s All About Love

It’s All About Love

1 Peter 1: ²² Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart. ²³ For through the living and eternal word of God you have been born again as the children of a parent who is immortal, not mortal. ²⁴ As the scripture says,

“All human beings are like grass,
    and all their glory is like wild flowers.
The grass withers, and the flowers fall,
²⁵     but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

This word is the Good News that was proclaimed to you.

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

 

Sitting around the thugs who threatened to beat me up unless I allowed them to copy off my paper made me want to leave them. So I did. Seeing childish people selfishly try to get their own way made me want to leave them. So I did. Working on a job with extremely poor leadership made me want to leave the company. So I did.

 

• I have left people and said “good riddance.”
• I have felt relieve when I got away from certain people.
• I realized later, that I had absolutely no compassion for certain people.

 

Peter gives the great commandment that JESUS gave before HE ascended to heaven. “Love one another.” Peter focused on the sincerity of love. He probably saw that people would love those they could get things from, but would not love people who were harder to love. He then says that GOD’s love is different, because it is not temporary.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love for me and you is so strange because HE cares for me even when I sin.
• GOD forgives me enough to correct me and guide me to HIS type of love.
• Human love is temporary, manipulative and conditional whether we think so or not, BUT GOD’s love is unconditional, above sin and permanent.

Love one another is as simple as it gets, but seems to be nearly impossible. I mean, in the days or relative truth, love can be something nearly impossible to achieve because each person can say “You are not loving ‘me’ the right way.”  BUT GOD sees through this childish ploy.

 

GOD sees the heart and knows when I am being selfish. HE told me I have to fight the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, to realize I can be blinded by these things. HE then opens my eyes to the example of JESUS who loved people so much that HE died for them. I am so glad JESUS cares for me and wants me to use HIS examples of love.

 

Challenge

• What type of love is the writer talking about?
• Do you have an image of what love looks like to you and are upset that he or she is not providing “love” the way you think you should have it?
• Will you ask GOD to guide you to what HIS love looks like so HE can fill your heart with HIS type of love for other people today?

Feeling Better

Feeling Better

James 1: ²² Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. ²³ If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. ²⁴ They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. ²⁵ But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.

 

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

 

Life had gotten out of hand for me. I finally bowed my knees and resorted to prayer. I went to church for the first time in years. The messages were exactly what I needed to hear. I did not know much about the Bible, so I took classes. I felt better and my life got better, so much so that I wanted to hear more sermons and sit in more studies.

 

• I had become used to being in church.
• I felt better about myself and I thought church attendance would make me feel even better.
• I did not know that I was afraid of going back outside of church to put into practice what I learned.

 

James warns everyone not to fall into the habit of sitting around and merely listening to sermons and bible study participants. He knew people were afraid of the world, especially since they were scattered and chased by the religious leaders who sought to kill them. He spoke with a sense of urgency, telling everyone to learn and put into practice what was learned.

 

My Observations:

• Church gatherings felt safe to me and the world seemed unsafe and dangerous, BUT GOD wants me in the world.
• I thought I was growing in church simply by attending regularly and studying more, BUT GOD wants me putting HIS word into practice.
• I was so excited that I passed around sermons, thinking I had reached a higher “level” of belief, BUT GOD showed me I was afraid to face the world with HIS message of love.

 

“Outside of church, who have I encountered to bring the Good News about JESUS?” was my question to myself. I mean, sermons told me I should go out and tell many people, who look like me and who don’t’, about JESUS. But I was scared, so I followed the words of fear, “Just be an example without using words.”  I tried being good and found the world was better at helping those in need than the church.

 

GOD wants me to gather with believers to tell them my wounds, HE then wants me to be healed by the words of encouragement, brought on by hearing GOD’s word. Afterwards, GOD wants me to go back out into the world to seek those who are lost and serve those in need. I am glad GOD heals me and wants others healed through me as I take HIS message out to them.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize putting the “word” into practice?
• Outside of church and bible study groups, where are you having discussions specifically about the love of JESUS?
• Will you change your mind about spiritual growth and get out of your comfort zone to speak to people about JESUS so HIS kingdom will grow through you today?

Getting Untired

 

Getting Untired

2 Thessalonians 3: ⁶ Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them. ⁷ You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you. ⁸ We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to demand our support; we did it to be an example for you to follow. ¹⁰ While we were with you, we used to tell you, “Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat.”

 

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

 

Tired from staying out all night, I laid in bed. When I woke up, I realized I was supposed to open the office. I quickly got dressed and went to the office, only to be met by people who demanded my keys and my resignation.

 

• At first I wanted to blame those who gave me an early shift.
• I tried to rationalize why I needed to hang out versus being in and ready to work.
• I soon realized I was out of work and needed some income.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide some strong words regarding “believers who are living a lazy life.” The people they spoke of refused to work or use their talents in any way. They may have believed in JESUS as the Savior, but would not lift a finger to tell others, or help those who were willing.

 

My Observations

• GOD cursed the earth after Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge, causing mankind to have to work harder to eat and be comfortable.
• My view of “work” should not contain my identity, rather it is a function of eating and paying bills.
• When I work unto the LORD, the “work” is more pleasing and satisfying, because I am not doing it for tyrants or lazy people.

 

“Work” is something I tried to get out of doing for years. I mean, I would goof off and figure out ways to not work. I would then seek out others who wanted to have “fun”, dragging them into my laziness. BUT GOD wanted me awake.

 

HE woke me up and wanted me to be “an example” to people. HE wants me to spread HIS message, but to do it without needing money to do so. HE provides, so I can say “JESUS is LORD and I praise HIM!” I gladly get up for a job or run a business to ensure HIS Gospel is spread.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the “lazy life” is that the writers spoke about?
• Have you ever felt like giving up, or dreaming of not working?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom by spreading the Gospel and working to support yourself or others who will do the same?

Value Proposition

Value Proposition

2 Corinthians 11: ⁷ I did not charge you a thing when I preached the Good News of God to you; I humbled myself in order to make you important. Was that wrong of me? ⁸ While I was working among you, I was paid by other churches. I was robbing them, so to speak, in order to help you. ⁹ And during the time I was with you I did not bother you for help when I needed money; the believers who came from Macedonia brought me everything I needed. As in the past, so in the future: I will never be a burden to you! ¹⁰ By Christ's truth in me, I promise that this boast of mine will not be silenced anywhere in all of Achaia. ¹¹ Do I say this because I don't love you? God knows I love you!

 

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

 

“Would you like to buy some candy?’ were the dreaded words I heard from my boss. “It’s for a good cause” was the explanation. I dug into my pocket and bought a candy bar with the money I had planned for lunch. “I guess this is part of the game to get ahead” I thought to myself.

 

• I gave even though I did not value what I was giving to.
• I supported something because I valued my job and comfort.
• I added this cause to the list of many others I was being pulled into.

 

Paul speaks about this group not being charged for his services. He spoke to them, spent time with them and taught them something extremely valuable, namely the truth of CHRIST. But he did it for free. He brought this to their attention, not to guilt them, but to have them value what they got.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to value HIS servants.
• GOD wants me to support those who speak on HIS behalf.
• GOD wants me to understand the need to spread the Gospel everywhere.

 

Telling people about the Great news of JESUS is the most valuable thing a person can do. I mean, giving up the world’s pursuits to speak about JESUS is a huge step that the world’s structures fight against. Obstacles are placed in front of those who are determined to live for CHRIST.

 

“What will they eat?” or “Where will they stay?” are a couple of questions that come to mind. But in these days of many causes, supporting someone to speak about JESUS becomes noise. I have to make a choice at some point and support those who speak on HIS behalf or be the one who needs support to speak on HIS behalf. I am glad GOD has provided many people to support me as I was sent out to speak about JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What value proposition is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever gotten so overloaded with the world’s bills and structures that you could not see yourself giving money to those who speak on CHRIST’s behalf?
• Have you ever thought that maybe it’s you who need the support to speak on HIS behalf and need to pray about accepting HIS calling on your life today?

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.’

 

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

 

“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? 

Rejection Direction

Rejection Direction

Acts 13: ⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵ When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.

⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
    that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

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

Feeling down about not getting the position, I sat brooding at the latest rejection. “I really wanted that last one”, I thought to myself. I mean it had everything I wanted, or so I thought. After a couple of weeks, the sting of the rejection was no longer there. About three months later, another company called and mad an offer.

• There have been many times I have been rejected.
• There have been many times I questioned the direction of the rejection.
• There have been many times I kept revisiting what it would be like if I had gotten the thing I had been rejected from.

Paul and Barnabas were rejected by the Jews, who contradicted them at every turn. This probably caused confusion and their leadership would no longer be effective. Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly saying they would preach salvation to people who would not reject them, namely the Gentiles. Cheers came from the Gentiles, who were probably made to feel like an outcast.

• GOD made me a light for people HE sends me to.
• GOD made me a light to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
• GOD made me a light for those who can hear HIS message of love.

Rejection doesn’t feel good, but it definitely changes direction. No longer is that person, place or thing available. GOD does this to provide new opportunities that I would not have thought of. The HOLY SPIRIT patches the wounds of the rejection and guides me to where I was supposed to be in the first place. I am grateful GOD cares for me to guide me to a better place.

• Have you been rejected?
• Is your message still valid but people refused to hear it?
• Will you stop looking back and see the new direction GOD wants you to go on today?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Acts 11: ²⁷ And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ³⁰ This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

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

“Please list your KSA’s” was the direction given to me when applying for a job. “KSA’s?” I questioned. “Yes, your knowledge, skills and abilities” she replied. I was willing to do this because a job awaited on the other side of this activity, or at least I hoped.

• Many times I used my knowledge at work so I could get a paycheck.
• Many times I used my skills at work so I could get a raise.
• Many times I used my abilities at work so I could get a promotion and have a bigger paycheck.

Agabus, a prophet, was warned by the HOLY SPIRIT that there would be a terrible famine. Relief was needed in Judea. The disciples became that relief, each according to their abilities.

• GOD wants me to use my knowledge to bring relief to people.
• GOD wants me to use my skills to help people in need.
• GOD wants me to use my abilities to serve people.

Gifts and talents are not to be wasted. From simple skills to complex, GOD wants me to use what HE provided to me to assist others. It’s not always about money. GOD may want me to do something as simple as picking up the trash off of the parking lot of my apartment while praying for my neighbors.

GOD sent me into the world, not to become part of the world, but to bring HIS message of love. When times are difficult, HE wants me to use what HE gave me to help. I am grateful for the purpose HE has given me.

• Do you have knowledge, skills and abilities that you are only using for work?
• Do you have gifts and talents you have not used in a while because you work a lot?
• Will you use what you have learned or your natural talents to help someone in need for GOD today?

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

Acts 8: ³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

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

Sitting on the trunk of my broken down car, a couple stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Cautiously I said “yes” to the elderly couple. They convinced me that a rest stop was not too far away and they could drop me there.

“Do you believe in GOD and JESUS, the SON of GOD?” they asked me. I answered “Yes” without too much explanation as I had not been worshiping or even acting like I knew GOD.

• There have been many people sent to me to rescue me.
• There have been many people sent to me to bring me back to GOD.
• There have been many people sent to me to tell me about the great news of JESUS.

Philip was sent to the desert and he went without question. When he arrived he met a eunuch who was studying the prophet Isaiah, reading specifically about JESUS. When the eunuch heard Philip explain who JESUS was and is, he wanted to be baptized. Philip’s mission had been fulfilled.

• GOD wants me to be open to be sent where HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to be open to speak about HIS SON wherever HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be sent to the next place so HE can speak through me again and again.

“Do not grow weary” is the request of JESUS because the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. GOD wants me to continue to speak to many people about JESUS so they will believe in HIM and do the same. When HE sends me and I speak, the mission is accomplished.

• Are you being used by GOD?
• Is GOD guiding you wo speak about HIS grace?
• Will you accept HIS mission for you and speak about JESUS today?

Willing to restore

Willing to restore

John 21: ¹⁵ So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

¹⁶ He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

¹⁷ He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”

And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. ¹⁸ Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” ¹⁹ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

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

Returning to the job, after sneaking off, the supervisor expressed his disappointment. I smelled like cooked food because I did just that. “I expect this from everyone else, but you… you disappointed me. I wish I could erase the mistake.

• Regrets are difficult to overcome.
• Regrets make me think of what I could have done right?
• Regrets play in my mind over and over without a cure.

Peter had denied JESUS in front of HIM and others before HE was crucified. JESUS, being risen, asked him “Do you love ME?” Peter says, “Of course.” BUT JESUS asks again and again. This would get to Peter’s heart response, rather than his head.

• In order to be restored, I must seek restoration.
• In order to be restored, I must humble myself.
• In order to be restored, I must recognize the One who restores.

GOD is not an egomaniac, HE is GOD. HE wants me to see I need HIM to restore me because I cannot restore myself. I can’t tell HIM how good I have been, or how bad someone else has been. GOD hears me when I say “I have sinned and need YOUR mercy.”

When HE hears this, HE does something amazing. HE gives me something to do. HE says “Feed MY lambs, tend MY sheep and feed MY sheep.” This means I am to go and follow HIM so I can be restored. HE is willing to restore.

• Have you messed up and have not admitted it?
• Do you think you need restoration, but are too proud to seek it?
• Will you stop trying to justify your position and seek restoration from GOD today?

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.”

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

“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?

Signs of Passion

Mark 16: ¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

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

“Why am I doing this?” was my question as I continued doing the thankless job. It seemed like no one cared about what I was doing at the time so each time I did what I was doing, it became more of a chore. One day someone said, “I have been watching you for years. What makes you do what you do?” “Wow!” I thought to myself. “What should I say?”

• There were times when I wanted a sign that I was doing the right thing.
• There were times when I wanted to give up because I did not have a sign.
• There were times when I wanted someone to at least thank me for what I was doing.

After seeing JESUS absorbed into heaven and witnessed HIM sitting at the right hand of GOD, the disciples had passion like you would never believe. They went everywhere and told everyone they could meet that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  JESUS did not just let them go alone. HE went with them confirming everything they said about HIM. HE gave signs so that others may believe.

• JESUS wants me to go out and speak about HIM with passion.
• JESUS wants me to have passion without the need for signs.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM and HE will provide the right words at the right time.

GOD wants passion from me. HE doesn’t require much from me at all, but when I show passion for HIM, HE gives me evidence that HE is working through me by drawing many people to HIM. JESUS rewards my passion for HIM and that is all I need.

• Are you looking for signs?
• Do you feel discouraged because you haven’t seen what you are looking for from HIM?
• Can you renew your passion about JESUS by simply telling people about HIM today?

Rewarded Belief

Mark 16: ¹⁴ Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. ¹⁵ And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.¹⁶ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ¹⁸ they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

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

After the thing broke I looked at the instructions again. “Do not do xyz” were words I had glanced over in the complicated directions and I had to go back to the store and buy another gizmo. My instinct was wrong.

• Sometimes I act on instinct.
• Sometimes my instinct is based on my experiences.
• Sometimes my experiences may have been limited so I act on what I have seen.

After being chased by the military, the disciples somehow met up together, cowering in a room. They were probably telling their individual war stories of how they narrowly escaped the clutches of death. JESUS appears to them and was stern with HIS words.

HE was addressing a belief problem because the disciples doubted HIS instructions that HE would rise from the dead. Even though witnesses saw HIM, they still would not believe.

• JESUS wants me to believe in HIM on a daily basis.
• JESUS wants me to believe that situations are temporary but a relationship with HIM is eternal.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE has every situation in HIS hands in spite of how it seems.

“I have a plan to prosper you, not harm you” is what JESUS says. HE also says “No one can pluck you out of MY hand.” He further says “I will be with you always, even until the end of the age.” When HE says these promises, HE is not speaking at an unknown future, HE is speaking from the past because it has already happened and HE is just assuring me that my journey will be fine.

• Do you doubt GOD because of your circumstances?
• Do you feel like hiding in a room and not facing the world’s challenges?
• Can you stop depending on the news and start depending on the GOOD NEWS about CHRIST today?
• Will you take on HIS directions and tell as many people about HIS goodness in spite of your circumstances?

Becoming Somebody

Mark 10: ¹³ Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” ¹⁶ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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

“One day you could be a programmer” a teacher told me. I had no idea what she was referring to. “Would you like to take my class?” she said. I took the class and a whole world opened up to me.

• There have been people who have given me wisdom.
• There have been people who have provided me with a direction.
• There have been people who have touched my mind and motivated me.

What intrigued me about this passage were the children. I mean, why were they there? What were they going to get? Were they sick? It does not say why they were there. I can only speculate that JESUS was blessing them to become something great.

• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall have peace.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.”
• JESUS says to me “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.”

Being blessed by JESUS means being blessed enough to follow HIM no matter the circumstance. HE has the power to lay hands on me and clear my paths to do HIS will. Only HE can touch my soul.

• Do you need help?
• Are you feeling low?
• Can you give JESUS a chance instead of trying to do everything under your own power?

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.

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

“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?

Motivation

Mark 4: And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. ² Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:

³ “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. ⁵ Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. ⁶ But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. ⁷ And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. ⁸ But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

⁹ And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

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

“I wanna go!” was my immediate response when I heard that my siblings and some neighbors would possibly travel to the local amusement park. I just knew it would be fun and I imagined myself on all the rides. I also said “I wanna go” on vacations, restaurants visits to relatives and recreation.

• Sometimes I am motivated by getting something that I will enjoy.
• Sometimes I am motivated to work hard so I can get to some place where I can relax.
• Sometimes I am motivated to endure life’s trials so I can eventually reach society’s utopia.

Where there was fun I wanted to be there, but what about GOD? I mean HE has stuff for me to do as well right? Yes, but sometimes I am not motivated to do HIS work. I was quite amazed at the beginning of the parable. “A sower went out to sow.” What motivated the sower?

• GOD wants me to be motivated to seek the lost because HE sought me.
• GOD wants me to be excited to spread HIS Gospel because HE saved me with it.
• GOD wants me to be inspired to seek HIS kingdom first then HE will add to me what HE pleases.

Saving people from eternal death was the motivation of the sower. HE created me and does not want me to be lost. HE gives me seeds of wisdom, knowledge and understanding and it is up to me to allow them to grow. HE wants me to do the same to others.

• Are you stuck?
• Do you feel like hiding instead of running out and shouting in praise?
• Can you come out of your hiding place to serve JESUS today just because HE loves you?

Time to Go

Mark 1: ³⁵ Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. ³⁶ Simon and his companions went to look for him, ³⁷ and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

³⁸ Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” ³⁹ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

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

Bright stars clearly shone as I woke very early in the morning that day. Another opportunity had dried up and I was facing my last two weeks at this particular place.  GOD had provided my next location and I was on a new journey.

• GOD doesn’t want me to sit in one place too long.
• GOD wants me to go and preach the gospel wherever I am.
• GOD desires that I go to nearby villages to preach HIS word.

Many times I have asked GOD. “Why are YOU moving me from this place?” especially when I liked the city or the people. GOD says to me “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers into HIS harvest.”

I now understand that GOD sometimes wants me to venture to a new place for HIS purposes. HE has a plan for me to speak to “that” person and I should be willing to go. HE enables circumstances to arise so I can move to where HE leads me. GOD sends me to HIS harvest at the right time.

• Are you being sent?
• Is GOD calling you to a new harvest of HIS?
• Will you accept HIS calling and go to where HE is sending you?