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?

Ready for the Right Time

Ready for the Right Time

Galatians 4: But now to continue—the son who will receive his father's property is treated just like a slave while he is young, even though he really owns everything. ² While he is young, there are men who take care of him and manage his affairs until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way, we too were slaves of the ruling spirits of the universe before we reached spiritual maturity. ⁴ But when the right time finally came, God sent his own Son. He came as the son of a human mother and lived under the Jewish Law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the Law, so that we might become God's children.

 

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Not being able to drive, or stay at home by myself for days at a time was frustrating. “When will I ever become an adult!?” I said. “Take your time” were the words of wisdom many adults said to me, but I did not want to hear them.

 

• I wanted to take on responsibilities without knowing how to be responsible.
• I wanted to reach the finish line without running the race.
• I wanted to control “my” destiny without knowing the destination.

 

 

Paul speaks about becoming spiritually mature. At one point we were driven by the spirits of the universe that cause us to question GOD and tempt us into making decisions that would distance ourselves from HIM. BUT GOD was taking care of HIS immature flock until the right time.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my immaturity and takes care of me anyway.
• Many times I wanted to be spiritually mature, BUT GOD says to me “have patience.”
• GOD’s timing seems slow until I see HIS plan unfold at the right time.

 

Thinking I know the “right time” for my own maturity is a joke. I mean, it would be like a toddler saying “I declare myself an adult, please change my diaper and feed me.” GOD knows my spiritual maturity level and wants me to grow. HE puts my in situations that I don’t like, but when I come through them I feel more mature.

 

With GOD, it’s not about age but action. When I was a child I believed quicker and more wholeheartedly. That was very mature. I am glad GOD brings me back into HIS family as one of HIS children.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “spiritual maturity?”
• Who, in this passage, decided the “right time” to save all of humanity?
• Do you desire to be grown up in the LORD?
• Will you have patience and allow GOD to grow you at the right time? 

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?

Resilience Boot Camp

Resilience Boot Camp

Acts 20: ¹⁷ From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. ¹⁹ I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. ²⁰ You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. ²¹ I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

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“Maybe I am a weakling” I said to myself after doing a disappointing number of pushups. Well at least in my mind the number was disappointing. I could not lift as much weight as the “strong” people in the gym and when people commented on how skinny I was, it seemed to cut to the bone.

• There were times when I thought I was not as good as those people over there.
• There were times when I thought my body, hair and skin was wrong.
• There were times when I thought I was inadequate for most things.

Paul sent for the elders of Ephesus after passing it on his way to Jerusalem. When they arrived, he explained what he went through. He told them about the difficult times he had while preaching about JESUS. He also stated he did not stop.

• GOD wants me to live my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to dwell on JESUS being the solution rather than repeating the problem over and over.
• GOD wants me to serve the LORD with great humility so I can survive severe testing and be bold to publicly teach about JESUS to all races.

Going through difficulties is never ever fun. BUT GOD loves when I grow up to expect difficulties in life. HE also loves when I keep preaching about HIM even when it is not popular or welcome. HE knows I will face opposition when I speak about HIS love. I am grateful HE protects me in spite of the enemy’s attacks. In HIM I am more than adequate, I am a child of GOD.

• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Are you depending on support from people who “like” your words, but could care less about your eternal life?
• Will you stop chasing human approval and seek GOD as your life’s purpose, speaking and teaching JESUS as the Savior 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?

Not my parent’s belief

Not my parent’s belief

Acts 4: ⁵ And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, ⁶ as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. ⁷ And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: ⁹ If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

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After failing a test, I wondered, “What is wrong with me?” I mean I can comprehend. I even got on the dean’s list once. Then it hit me… “My parents are to blame!” They raised me with GODLY values and I blamed them for being hypocrites. So I stopped going to church and increased my social life.

• There was a time when I used blame as my protector.
• There was a time when I got mad easily because of other people.
• There was a time when I had no accountability for my actions because other people were at fault.

Peter, who denied his relationship with JESUS only a month or so prior, spoke boldly about HIM because HE was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. No longer was HE in the shadow of JESUS but the center of attention, pointing to salvation through JESUS.

• GOD wants me to have my own relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek maturity in HIM whether my parents, family or friends agree or not.
• GOD wants me to be bold with HIS message of salvation and take accountability for “my” words and actions.

Growing up can be hard. Growing up in CHRIST can be even harder. I mean it seems like when I start following JESUS, more problems arise. BUT GOD clears those problems up and grows my faith in HIM.

After graduating and living on my own for a while I felt something missing. I tried filling it with lust and nightlife, but it was empty. I then sought after learning about GOD, this time for myself. I saw how HE sustained other people.

When a problem arose, I took a deep breath and relied on GOD this time. I was amazed at how fast the problem went away. I was being prepared for bigger, longer problems. I am grateful GOD matures me day by day.

• Are you looking at someone else’s faith and using it as an excuse for not believing in JESUS?
• Do you see hypocrisy in others so you feel justified in running away from GOD?
• Will you seek the “Chief cornerstone” from whom salvation is given, namely JESUS today?

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?

Wilderness Training

Luke 3: Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ² being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

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“Do you want to hang out with us?” was code for “Let’s go out drinking, dancing and laughing all night.” Yes was my normal answer, but this time a strange word came out of my mouth. “No” I said. One guy would not take “no” for an answer. “There will be lots of honey’s there” he said trying to change my answer. “Hmm, I don’t have anything to do.” I thought to myself.

• There was a time when the purpose of my life was focused on maximizing relaxation.
• There was a time when I pursued as much pleasure as possible.
• There was a time when I spent an enormous amount of time and money on “fun.”

JESUS was led into the wilderness by the HOLY SPIRIT. For forty days HE did not experience pleasure or comfort. HE did not eat so HIS body was weak. At HIS weakest moments the devil tempted HIM, but HE held strong. Each temptation HE denied only made HIM stronger.

• JESUS wants me to bypass temptation little by little in order to get stronger.
• JESUS wants me to purposefully focus on growing in HIM little by little.
• JESUS wants me to follow HIS example knowing I will fail, but try again and again with HIS help.

JESUS had to remain sinless in order to redeem a sinful world. HE does not require me to be sinless, because I cannot redeem mankind. HE does want me to know that the less I sin the more of HIS power can be shown.

HE somehow rewards me when I turn from temptation, but it takes practice in order to do it. HE sees when I fail, but more importantly HE sees when I succeed in passing up the temptation in order to further HIS kingdom. JESUS knows my every weakness and still has total grace for me.

• Do you feel like a failure to GOD?
• Do you feel like you are not being good enough?
• Will you stop trying so hard to be good and allow GOD to transform you little by little at HIS pace to do HIS will?

Earned Favor

Luke 2: ⁵¹ Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

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“Here… take my keys and lock up” were the surprisingly nice words from a very grumpy boss. I mean he never spoke to me and when he did, he barked at me. “Good job” were his next words. I almost fainted on the bowling balls.

• There were times when I have earned favor.
• There have been people who have granted me favor.
• There were times when I received favor from people and had no idea why I received it.

As JESUS got older, HE became wiser, taller and, more importantly, grew in favor with HIS FATHER. But what does favor mean? Was JESUS laughing at crass jokes that were out of character for HIM? Was HE out to please people by compromising HIS beliefs? No!

• JESUS says to me “Serve people while fearing ME.”
• JESUS says to me “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Fear GOD and keep HIS commandments.”

Fearing GOD means I don’t want to disappoint HIM. I know I have been saved and HE will not allow me to lose the salvation HE gave me as a gift. I still don’t want to disappoint GOD by being foolish or bending HIS rules to get my way.

GOD has done so much for me that I seek to serve HIM any chance I can. I desire to please GOD more than pleasing humans who, at the drop of a hat, change what pleases them. GOD has already given me full favor but strangely I do not want to take advantage and assume there are no consequences for my actions. I live to please GOD.

• Are you stuck where you are?
• Do you find yourself wanting but not getting?
• Can you give your sins, your desires and your wants to GOD and let HIM do with them as HE pleases?

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?

Pressure Relief

Mark 13: ⁹ “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. ¹¹ Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

¹² “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ¹³ Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

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Work was piling up and it seemed like the trifecta hit at once. Expense reports were due, annual evaluations were also due and a few higher ups were scoundrels so they piled on work liberally. I was under tremendous pressure.

• There have been times when I was under extreme pressure.
• There have been times when I was in the spotlight, trying to meet unrealistic demands.
• There have been times when I was scrutinized, challenged and placed in no win situations.

More difficult news came from JESUS as HE was trying to fortify HIS disciples before HIS death. How in the world would they be able to handle the pressures of life? GOD had an answer.

• GOD says to me “Be on guard because you will have opposition that is a spiritual battle.”
• GOD says to me “Do not worry about what you will say because I will give you the words.”
• GOD says to me “Stand firm to the end and be saved.”

JESUS wants me to expect trials and tribulation. When I see tremendous pressure building, HE wants me to know HE is the source of relief. GOD leads me to peace and guides me back to HIS tremendous love. HE does not deserve blame, rather HE deserves my praise. Thank GOD, for I can give HIM all of life’s pressures.

• Are you under pressure?
• Do you think “that” person hates you?
• Can you stop focusing on the trial and focus on GOD for relief today?