Grace and Peace

Grace and Peace

2 Peter 1: From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ—

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours:

² May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

 

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After leaving court, I got my driver’s license back. I had exceeded the maximum number of speeding tickets that year and had to get my license reinstated. Since that pressure was over, I decided to celebrate. I threw the usual party and made the theme, “Able to Drive Again!”

 

• I made any excuse to hold a party.
• Having a group of people with loud music, laughter and drinks, temporarily reduced the pain of reality.
• Monday would arrive every week and I had to face whatever situation I was trying to escape from.

 

Peter writes another letter. This time he addressed it to a broader audience of believers which included Gentile believers. His opening statement was a small prayer for everyone to receive grace and peace in “full measure.”

 

My Observations:

• My sinful efforts bring temporary relief, BUT knowing GOD gives me peace that I don’t understand.
• Vacations, celebrations, and parties seem like a nice escape, BUT knowing JESUS  gives me grace that sustains me during difficult times.
• Getting to know about GOD and the SON of GOD is worth the work, because it shows me grace and peace that is different than the world’s temporary, pleasure filled approach.

 

Indulgence is temporary, BUT GOD is forever. I mean, avoiding the “bad” situation for a moment of pleasure can sometimes make things worse for me. Bad decision after bad decision during my pursuit of pleasure can sometimes leave me with more problems that pleasure can’t fix. BUT GOD has a different way.

 

GOD wants me to get to know who HE is so I will not fall into a trap of blaming HIM or misunderstanding who HE is. Getting to know about JESUS shows me how much I a really loved. I am glad I can receive grace and peace in spite of my bad thoughts of who GOD is. I receive HIS love by learning about HIM.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in the writer’s greeting?
• Are you trying to pursue grace and peace through the world’s methods?
• Will you pursue a relationship with JESUS by getting to know HIM so you can receive grace and peace that rises above all of your situations today?

All Grown Up

All Grown Up

Hebrews 11: Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. ³⁶ Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. ³⁸ The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my simple question. “No, it’s your bed time” was the answer I did not understand. “I can’t wait to grow up” I said. “Can I go out with my ‘friends’?” was another request years later. Again, “No” was the answer with a good reason. A rare shooting happened.  “Aren’t I grown up enough?” I questioned.

 

• When I “grew up” I realized I was being protected.
• I could not see that I was not quite ready to handle the dangers of life.
• I thought life would be easy “when I grew up” because no one would need to tell me what to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, turned to the more difficult side of faith. He wrote about those who died in their belief due to extreme persecution. These men and women lived their lives in boldness for CHRIST, rather than accepting the bondage of the world. They were free and fully grown in the faith.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to have immediate faith in HIM like a child would.
• GOD takes me through trials so I can grow up and understand HIS power in the middle of problems.
• GOD controls life and death more than people give HIM credit for and HE can protect me or take me to a “better life.”

 

Falling to the pressures of this world may make me want things I am not supposed to have. I mean, I may seek pleasure over pain or sweet over sour. When life gives me trials, I may fall apart instead of facing it with hope. BUT GOD gives me strength to face issues.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT opens my eyes to the adversary who will try to stop me from spreading the Gospel of CHRIST. Problem after problem, the enemy is relentless in trying to discourage me. BUT GOD wants me to keep going, especially when life gets tough. HE wants me to have peace in the middle of the storm. This takes some growing up. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to not let me remain a child.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention difficulties people faced?
• Have you ever wanted help, but were not receiving it?
• Have you ever blamed GOD for the trial you are or were in?
• Will you ask GOD to help you grow up enough to be able to handle the tougher parts of life with boldness for HIM, even though there may not be any relief anytime soon?

By Now

 

By Now

Hebrews 5: ¹¹ There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. ¹² There has been enough time for you to be teachers—yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. ¹³ Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong. ¹⁴ Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.

 

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Sitting back and listening to the leader, I had many suggestions for improvement. One day, someone approached me and said, “When are you going to lead?”” The challenge felt like an insult at first, but eventually I wrapped my head around the concept and became a leader of a small group of people. It was harder than I thought.

 

• I had to learn while I was expected to be the teacher.
• I had to grow in ways I never would have imagined.
• I had to get out of my comfort zone and step into the spotlight, receiving the criticism instead of dishing it out.

 

“When will you grow up?” were the implied words from Paul, the assumed writer. He urged those who have been taught about JESUS to grow in spiritual maturity enough to teach instead of always being taught.

 

My Observations

• Solid food is for adults and GOD wants me to grow to eat it.
• Life is difficult so GOD wants me to be able to face it with HIS ways, which equates to “solid food.”
• Going to church can become a habit, BUT GOD wants me to grow up enough to take on responsibility outside being preached to.

 

“Act your age” is what the old folks used to say, meaning “by now you should be growing away from childish behavior.” It doesn’t feel good to be responsible for something, especially as precious as life after death. BUT GOD has given humans the responsibility to spread the Gospel versus always absorbing it.

 

GOD wants you and me to eventually grow up enough to teach, preach and live the Good news about JESUS. HE wants to give “solid food” to be able to bring people back to HIMSELF. I gladly accept the responsibility HE gives me and pray HE guides me to growth.

 

Challenge

• What are the “first lessons” the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever imagined yourself in a perpetual kindergarten?
• Do you expect to always learn without ever teaching?
• Will you accept GOD’s growth and begin teaching HIS “solid food” today?

Next Level

Next Level

Colossians 3: ¹³ Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you.

 

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As we sat at the picnic table, someone knocked over a drink into “my” food. I pouted because I was a child. “Forgive” were the words given to me. After some cooling down time, I was able to let it go. After that incident, other people spilled stuff and I easily forgave. One day a bully punched me in the chest so hard I almost passed out.

 

• I had been attacked so “How am I supposed to forgive?” was my question.
• I could not fight back, but I wanted something “bad” to happen to the bully.
• I remembered the words “forgive” and I had to do it, reluctantly.

 

Paul addresses differences of opinions. One person had a way of doing things and another had an opposing way to do the same thing. This raised complaints. He provided a way to resolve the differences. “Forgive one another.”

 

My Observations

• There seems to be another level of forgiveness GOD wants me to reach.
• As life goes on, I seem to face a variety of situations and people who need me to forgive.
• GOD forgave me and wants me to forgive others, even when my complaint is justified.

 

Someone said “Forgive and forget”, but it is the “forget part that trips me up. I mean, I do remember what happened so did I not forgive? Having a good memory does not seem to be the problem. Holding back GOD’s love from someone who hurt me is the problem. Why forgive in the first place?  Because the LORD has forgiven me.

 

HE wants him or her to be forgiven too. HE knows humans will have differences in approach, values and opinions. HE also knows this will cause quarrels. HIS message still needs to be spread to everyone. The only way to spread the message is to drop my “offenses”, “defenses”  and be ready to forgive those who are hard to forgive. I am glad GOD forgave me and teaches me to forgive, little by little.

 

Challenge

• What complaint does the writer speak about that does not warrant forgiveness?
• Have you ever been stuck on doing things a certain way and have a difference in opinion that you cannot let go of?
• Will you take purpose into your relationships and forgive those who may be difficult to forgive?

All Grown Up

All Grown Up

Ephesians 4: ¹⁴ Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. ¹⁵ Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way to Christ, who is the head.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I went along with the group’s teachings. “Party while you can!” was the philosophy I had accepted. As we drank our problems away, something seemed wrong. Nothing was getting better. The suggestions from my party “friends” were not working.

 

• I was open to the philosophy of the day.
• I was easily tossed around by those who were deemed the expert of that day.
• I had fallen into a trap where “I” was looking to become the answer, so I followed and admired people who had huge followings.

 

Paul spoke about using GOD given gifts to build up the body of CHRIST. By doing so, maturity follows. “Then we shall no longer be children.” He was shown by JESUS that it took putting faith into action to avoid the dangers listening to the philosophy of the day. We must grow up.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to grow up to see HIM as the answer versus being the problem.
• GOD wants me to use discernment to listen to the gentle words of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to use my spiritual gifts for HIS purpose to grow up in every way to CHRIST, who is the head.

 

Growing up is different for everyone. I mean, I may be older but still immature. On the other hand, someone else may be young in age but have godly wisdom. The goal is to grow up to be like JESUS. Satan tried to take HIM off center by offering HIM wealth, power and food, representing health. JESUS never fell for HIS temptations and stayed true to HIS purpose.

 

When I use the gifts JESUS gave me, I grow, little by little. I don’t get tossed by the news of the day which would take me away from my trust in GOD. I am grateful for the SPIRIT of love GOD has poured out on me and my hope is to walk toward JESUS daily.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer uses the analogy of a child being blown about by every shifting wind?
• What does it mean to stand firm for your beliefs in JESUS?
• Have you ever been taken off of your belief in GOD, only to find more trouble?
• Will you place your trust in the LORD so you will not fall for tricks invented by those who desire to get their way, and speak the truth about JESUS who provides love and direction today?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

Killed by the Law

Killed by the Law

Galatians 2: ¹⁹ So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, ²⁰ so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. ²¹ I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing!

 

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Feeling awkward, I introduced myself to a group of people who seemed to know each other well. They had inside jokes that I was not privy to and they seemed to know what they were doing. When I made a mistake, it seemed like “they” were looking at “me.”

 

• I had no guidance.
• I had no protection from harm inflicted by myself or others.
• I had no purpose so I felt insecure.

 

Paul spoke about the mistake he made by being zealous for “The Law” and his desire to fit in with those who wanted to kill people who believed in JESUS as the Savior. His perspective was changed by JESUS and now he believed that “The Law” sentenced him to death versus bringing life. He found out there was only one way to life, namely through belief in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Living by “The Law” can kill me and others around me.
• Understanding “The Law” guides me to see my shame, as I have broken all the laws by breaking one.
• Praising GOD for being saved from the death sentence “The Law” dictates is now my purpose.

 

“I live by faith in the Son of GOD” is a huge statement. I mean, I usually want my hand in the outcome of things so I try to use bits and pieces of “The Law” to manipulate GOD into giving me my way. BUT GOD sees through my filthy righteousness.

 

JESUS died for all my sins, past, present and future. HIS resurrection is the only thing that gives me the power to live. When I think I am being “good”, more than likely I am being abysmal. The only place I can turn is to JESUS, who graciously lives in me. I am grateful I am forgiven by JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean about being “Killed by the Law?”
• What is your perspective on “death” as it pertains to this passage?
• Is there a part of you that rejects the grace of GOD so you cling on to your own abilities to follow “The Law?”
• Will you let go of your exhausting efforts to please GOD and simply know the HE loves you dearly in spite of your sins and know you are forgiven by JESUS today?

Most Grace Required

 Most Grace Required

1 Corinthians 11: ⁶ If the woman does not cover her head, she might as well cut her hair. And since it is a shameful thing for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair, she should cover her head. ⁷ A man has no need to cover his head, because he reflects the image and glory of God. But woman reflects the glory of man; ⁸ for man was not created from woman, but woman from man. ⁹ Nor was man created for woman's sake, but woman was created for man's sake. ¹⁰ On account of the angels, then, a woman should have a covering over her head to show that she is under her husband's authority. ¹¹ In our life in the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. ¹² For as woman was made from man, in the same way man is born of woman; and it is God who brings everything into existence.

 

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Again, Paul continues on a confusing subject. He continues to discuss the structure GOD put in place during the curse in Genesis 3. But where is he going with this? Looking at it from an authoritarian position, it looks like there is a hierarchy to win arguments and to blame. BUT GOD is in there.

 

• GOD wants me to not be independent of my wife.
• GOD wants me to take HIS creation process seriously.
• GOD wants me to reflect HIS image and HIS glory.

 

Wait, what did that last part mean? Reflect the image and glory of GOD? This is a tall responsibility. The only thing I can see is, the closer the person, the more the grace is required.

 

But this passage doesn’t talk about how to do that. Well, it kinda does. “Our life in the LORD” is the statement that shows us how to fight life’s phobias and fears that each person brings into a marriage.

 

Forgiving and serving a neighbor is easy, but how about a spouse? It takes a special kind of grace to remain married in the structure of a curse. JESUS showed this grace and wants man to reflect it to his wife, who was made specifically for him.

 

Grace needs to be taught and cannot be achieved. It is undeserving and requires admittance. It should be given in large doses and expected when two people are dependent on one another.

 

Again, no challenge questions because pondering grace is hard enough.

Growing Up

 

Growing Up

Romans 6: ¹² Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. ¹³ Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. ¹⁴ Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.

 

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“Oh, grow up!” were the insulting words hurled at me. “How dare she!” I thought. I blew off her statement because she was mean and crabby anyway. I was simply complaining and wanted someone to hear my complaint. After hearing her unexpected reaction, I wanted to complain about that too.

 

• When I was a child I spoke like a child.
• When I was a child I justified my sinful actions.
• When I was a child I had a lot to say about everyone else, and little to say about my flaws.

 

Paul appeals to every reader to give up sin and give the entirety of life to GOD. He then explains, that GOD did an incredible thing for humans so we should acknowledge what HE did and act like HE wants us to.

 

• GOD wants me to examine my sinful self, daily.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I need HIM to guide me and correct me daily.
• GOD wants me to grow up little by little, making decisions that would please HIM instead of feeding my sin.

 

Growing up means taking responsibility. Blaming GOD for HIS righteousness will not cut it when I stand before HIM. One day I will need to account for my sins. I will have no excuse. The only reply I will have to GOD is “I believe in YOUR SON who took away that sin and that one and that one.” HIS reply will be “Well done MY faithful servant.” I am please to surrender to JESUS.

 

• Are you acting like a child, trying to hold onto a life you think you are in control of?
• Do complaints roll off your lips more than praise?
• Will you examine yourself and ask GOD to help you let go of your sin, little by little so HE can use you for HIS purpose today?

Practice Makes Purpose

Practice Makes Purpose

Acts 9 ³² Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. ³³ There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. ³⁴ And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. ³⁵ So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

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“Maybe I’ll hit a homerun” I said to myself at tryouts. This was probably my second or third time holding a bat in my life and I was only at little league tryouts because I went with a friend who’s life was baseball. I swung as hard as I could and missed hitting the ball every time. Laughter ensued. “Maybe next year” the coach said. This league was not an all participant league.

• There were times when I wanted to be the best without practicing.
• There were times when I wanted a miracle to happen without taking baby steps to getting better.
• There were times when I had a false expectation that I could do something at an expert level without putting in any practice time.

Peter failed miserably with JESUS. He said he would not deny HIM, yet he did three times. BUT JESUS restored him. Peter went through all parts of the country teaching people about JESUS. As he went, his belief got stronger and stronger. He was filled with faith enough to speak the name of JESUS and heal people.

• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to have a simple message about JESUS.

I may not be at the expert level when it comes to healing people or driving out demons. BUT GOD still gives me purpose. HE wants me to practice my faith with the only goal being to point my life to HIM. If my goal is to become a mystical, powerful, supernatural being, I will fail.

GOD wants the spotlight and the simple message about HIM is sufficient. HE enjoys when I believe and encourage others to do the same. HE knows what miracle HE will produce by the simple message HE gives me. I believe in the power of the name of JESUS.

• Are you trying to get GOD to do something for you but have not surrendered your life to HIM?
• Do you think you can do anything under your own power?
• Will you stop trying to be the center of attention and allow GOD to use you in small ways so one day HE may use you in large ways for HIS purpose?

Growing

Luke 13: ¹⁸ Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? ¹⁹ It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”

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Furious, I stormed into the grocery store. I grabbed whatever I was purchasing and went to the counter. The cashier looked at my face and did not bother to say anything but the amount owed. Silently I paid and left.

• There are times when I show my anger to many people.
• There are times when I show my disappointment to many people.
• There are times when I show my hatred, fear, lust, prejudice and greed to many people.

JESUS describes the kingdom of GOD as a mustard seed planted in a garden. This seed grew and became a large tree for which many birds nested in its branches. How does a seed parable apply to me?

• GOD says to me “Each day you plant something whether you like it or not.”
• GOD says to me “You can sow seeds for MY kingdom or sow seeds for yours every day.”
• GOD says to me “You are MY seed and I plant you where I need you, for the time I need you, and I will grow you into a large tree.”

Each and every day I have a choice to make. I can make people miserable and adversarial or I can choose to be with people and show them GOD is in control in spite of my problems. Even my absence speaks volumes and plants a seed. Once I realize GOD has placed me somewhere for HIS purpose, it makes me think differently.

Wicked people aren’t as wicked and the argument I was about to jump into doesn’t seem worth winning when I choose GOD. Showing GOD’s love is important to HIM. When I choose to do so, especially when I don’t feel like it, HE grows me beyond my belief.

• What seeds are you growing?
• Are you making many people miserable around you?
• Can you choose to have GOD grow you to a point where you are growing other people for HIS purpose on a daily basis?

Graduations

Luke 2: ³⁹ So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

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“Can I go see a movie with my friends?” I asked. “Yes” was the answer and I was delighted. We chose a popular disco movie of its time and, while cheesy, I thought was the best movie. I had graduated from elementary school and the world recognized me as being ready!

• When I graduated I felt ready.
• When I graduated I was recognized as being ready.
• When I graduated I felt a sense of relief and anxiety because I was now in the next step.

JESUS grew physically, mentally, emotionally and most important, spiritually. HE became strong in the SPIRIT each day. Though HE was the chosen One, HE was not ready as a child to take on the sins of the world. HE had to face many obstacles in order to truly mature.

• GOD wants me to look at life as continuous growth.
• GOD wants me to seek opportunities to obtain wisdom from HIM.
• GOD wants me to eventually put my relationship with HIM into practice.

Maturity is what GOD wants from me. Sometimes I still hang out with the same childish ways and I am forgiven for them. BUY GOD wants more from me. HE expects me to grow in faith, belief and grace. GOD desires that at some point I will accept HIS mercy and follow HIM implicitly. This takes practice. I am willing to follow HIM more and more each day.

• Are you still waiting for something amazing to happen and not recognizing the amazing things that have already happened to you?
• Are you growing in GOD?
• Will you seek to use the maturity HE has already given you to serve others today?

Drinking Age

Mark 10: ³⁵ Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

³⁶ And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

³⁷ They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

³⁸ But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

³⁹ They said to Him, “We are able.”

So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; ⁴⁰ but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

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“This will require more work” the person said to me. “I can handle it” was my reply. At first things seemed rather easy, but after a while things got complicated. This was my first time managing a team and things were falling apart. I had to quickly “drink from the fire hose” of issue resolution techniques to get things back on track.

• Sometimes life comes at me too fast.
• Sometimes it feels like one problem compounds into twenty.
• Sometimes it seems like I am drowning because I have so many problems and not enough solutions.

“You will indeed drink the cup that I drink” was said to James and John, the sons of thunder. This was to say, “You will be pursued and persecuted.” Drinking in this instance was accepting the wrath of persecution summoned up by the enemy. James and John had to be strong.

• JESUS wants me to grow up enough to handle the persecution of these days.
• JESUS wants me to mature in HIM so I can face difficult situations and remain in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to graduate to another stage in life where I’m not just mouthing HIS words but living them.

Living in CHRIST means I need to expect the wheels to fall off of my plans at a moment’s notice. HE knows the adversary wants to rob me of joy so I must be prepared by asking JESUS for protection daily.

• Are you growing in CHRIST?
• Are you able to see persecution and ask GOD for strength to go through it?
• Can you ask GOD to open your eyes to how HE is maturing you to handle more of HIS responsibilities HE has for you?