Who to Listen To

Who to Listen To

1 John 2: ²⁶ I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷ But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ.

 

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A thug snatched my glasses off and pushed me. Felling angry, my face immediately went to a frown. Things were going fast. People on the side wanted to see a fight so they shouted “What are you going to do about it?” to me. Some were laughing, others looked on with anger. We bumped shoulders and dared one another to strike the first blow. The crowd gathered around us. A teacher broke up the crowd and separated us.

 

• I was angry and was listening to the voice of rage inside me.
• I got more angry by listening to people who could care less about me, but wanted me to fight.
• I was insecure and felt there was no other way out but to fight, because that is what the crowd expected.

 

John explains another reason for writing this letter. He may have been made aware of deceptive people who slipped into the group of believers of JESUS. These false teachers spoke against CHRIST and stirred up trouble with every word spoken. He provides security by pointing the believers to who they should listen to.

 

My Observations:

• There is a voice in my head that sometimes aligns with GOD and sometimes it does not.
• When I listen to the voice in my head that does not align with GOD’s word, I get myself in trouble.
• People can deceive me because of his or her desire to get their own way, BUT the HOLY SPIRIT only speaks truth, so HE is who I should listen to.

 

Humans want to be GOD, and I am human. I mean, I want to be in control with my life and have things go “my” way. When something uncomfortable comes up, I want to be in control of making the discomfort go away, even if it means fighting, arguing or expressing rage! BUT GOD has another way.

 

JESUS sent the COMFORTER to live inside me. The HOLY SPIRIT is there to constantly be in touch with me, guiding me with what to say or do. This means I need to stay in touch with HIM and discern when the voice in my head is following what HE is saying. This requires reading GOD’s word and asking myself “Am I doing what it says?”  I am glad GOD is willing to guide me.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer imply that you can be out of union with CHRIST?
• Have you ever said or done some things that are contrary to what is in the Bible?
• Will you believe that the Bible is GOD’s inerrant Word that you can place all of your decisions through so you can be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT and remain in union with CHRIST today?

Presence

Presence

Hebrews 12: ¹⁸ You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, ¹⁹ the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, ²⁰ because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” ²¹ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!”

 

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Music blared with a fast pace. Suddenly fireworks sizzled on stage. Then the speaker came out and delivered a riveting speech. “Wow!” I said to myself. At that point, I wanted to be like the speaker and started thinking of ways to mimic the style.

 

• I was impressed by the speaker’s presence.
• I was enamored by the fanfare.
• I got caught up in the show.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, attempted to explain the reaction of the Israelites when they were at mount Sinai.. They experienced the presence of GOD and were terrified! HIS holiness would not allow even a stray animal to touch the mountain.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s presences is awesome and terrifying.
• GOD is absolutely holy and cannot have sin in HIS presence.
• JESUS washed away all my sins, which allows me into GOD’s presence.

 

Being centuries removed from the encounter Moses had with GOD makes me take it lightly. I mean, GOD terrified those who saw what HE did to the mountain, yet I am not terrified to take HIM to my sinful places. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT, who also cannot stand sin, inside me.

 

GOD sees all, hears all and knows all I do. I should be terrified!. Fortunately for me, GOD understands and provides sufficient grace. HE withholds HIS wrath and provides for me every day. I am so glad GOD’s presence with me is gentle and forgiving, but I will someday see HIS true glory which is unimaginable.

 

Challenge

• What part of the writer’s illustration sticks out to you?
• Have you ever been impressed by someone with “presence?”
• Will you reflect on the power of GOD and imagine HIS presence, and make changes to how you approach today?

Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Domicile Preparation

Domicile Preparation

Colossians 3: ¹⁶ Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. ¹⁷ Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father.

 

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Excited about having my first guest over, I made sure everything was right. I cleaned, washed and got everything ready for my guest. I got rid of that embarrassing smell from rotting veggies left out. I did not have much furniture, but what I had would have to do.

 

• I was excited to open my doors and let someone in.
• I wanted to make sure that any guest who came over felt comfortable.
• I looked for ways to make my guest welcome.

 

After Paul speaks about “CHRIST’s message must live in your hearts” he gives ways to prepare. Teach, sing and give thanks! After doing these things, the heart will be prepared.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s message must live in my heart.
• To prepare my heart for HIS message I can learn about HIM and teach what I’ve learned.
• I can also sing psalms, hymns and sacred songs with thanksgiving so HIS message can live comfortably in my heart.

 

GOD wants to come into my life. HE says “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” I don’t want HIM coming into my filthy heart, but HE doesn’t mind the garbage.

 

In fact, HE would rather I let HIM clean up the mess. Once there, HE makes room for me to hear HIM and learn of HIM. HE loves when I feed HIM songs that praise HIM and ask HIM for HIS protection. I am thankful HE wants to live in my heart and I gladly give HIS message to anyone HE desires.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer emphasizes CHRIST’s message living in your heart?
• Have you ever been so mad or distracted that you were singing a song and still thinking of the trial?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so HIS message can be top of mind in everything you do today?

Working It Out

Working It Out

Philippians 2: ¹² So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, ¹³ because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose.

 

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Being stopped by a local thug was always a scary encounter. This particular day was no different. One thug stopped me and asked me questions. I wondered what that was all about, but went along with it because I felt I had no other choice.

 

I noticed other thugs snickering. When the encounter was over, someone said, “They were working together to pick your pockets.” They had gone through my coat without my knowledge.

 

• I was distracted by questions.
• I was deceived by something that scared me.
• I was detoured from my destination because I was not looking at where I was going.

 

Paul provides a warning to “keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation.” He knew there would be many false teachers, greedy people and thieves who wanted followers versus genuine followers of the Living CHRIST. He tells everyone who believes that “GOD is always at work in you.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to keep praying to not be deceived.
• GOD wants me to fear falling for false teaching, false preaching and false movements that could distract me from HIS will.
• GOD wants me to know HE has a purpose for me that the deceiver wants to stop at all costs.

 

Purpose is a gift from GOD. I mean, HE gave me a purpose to point people to the Most High GOD, through belief in JESUS. You would think this would be easy, but the deceiver has made it difficult. Through worldly tactics, the enemy fools people into trying to make GOD into “their” image.

 

False teaching confuses people, false images deceive people and false information worry people. BUT GOD took care of all of that too. HE makes believers “willing and able to obey HIS purpose” to prevent being deterred. I gladly work out my relationship with GOD by fearing being deceived and by pursuing HIS will.

 

Challenge

• What obedience do you think the writer is describing?
• How is GOD working in you?
• Will you continue to pursue the truth about GOD by seeking HIM through HIS Word and by serving HIM through loving others today?

Being Built Together

Being Built Together

Ephesians 2: ¹⁹ So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now citizens together with God's people and members of the family of God. ²⁰ You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. ²² In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit.

 

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As I read the instructions, I noticed I was missing some crucial parts. I was putting together some furniture and did not check to see if all the parts were there. I assumed they would send everything. I had to stop working, go to the store and get a bag of crucial parts that would be used to hold everything together.

 

• I could not finish building without these parts.
• The parts I was missing were easily overlooked.
• The parts, by themselves, seemed unimportant but were truly necessary.

 

“You are members of GOD’s family” is what Paul tries to implore on everyone he is writing to. He gives an analogy of something important for life, namely shelter. The stronger the building, the more desirable the shelter became. People marvel over tall buildings so Paul also explains that JESUS is the most important part of the strong foundation.

 

My Observations

• GOD seems me as important, even though I, alone, do not feel I am very much.
• GOD sees the big picture of which I have a small, yet important role.
• GOD wants me and others to be in union with JESUS so HE can build HIS kingdom and dwell with all of HIS children.

 

Somehow GOD wants to reclaim all HIS lost children to build a supernatural place where HE will live. A building humans built cannot contain HIM, so HE needs the hearts of those who believe to be emptied out so HE can fit inside. HE chose one group of people to spread the message of HIS SON, but unfortunately, they turned against HIM and murdered JESUS, thinking they were doing the right thing.

 

BUT GOD had this in HIS plan and JESUS was raised from the dead. HE now holds the building together and needs each person to believe so HE can put him or her in a special place HE needs. I am glad I am in the family and will do my part to hold it together.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer uses an analogy of a building?
• Do you ever feel insignificant or overwhelmed, thinking you have to do GOD’s job but are failing?
• Can you accept that you are being built to do something special?
• Will you know you are important to GOD and are needed to do only your part so HE can hold the “whole building together” with your help today?

Proximity

Proximity

Ephesians 2: ¹¹ You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. ¹² At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. ¹³ But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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Feeling “far away” made me not try in many instances. I remember being excited about being in a contest, but when I saw the winner, I gave up. “I will never be able to measure up to that” I said to myself.

 

• I felt so far away from perfection.
• I felt so far away from reaching any expectation people had of me.
• I felt so far away from where “successful” people were.

 

Classism and racism were prevalent amongst the church leaders. Paul explains that the church leaders placed labels on the Gentiles, flaunting their superiority of being “chosen.” They made a point to show just how far away the Gentiles were from GOD. BUT GOD took care of that.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted to be close to me so HE allowed JESUS to die for me.
• JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf, guides me to comfort and brings me hope in hopeless situations.

 

JESUS brought me close to HIM by uniting with me and I with HIM. HE took away my sins so there would be no barrier between us. HE declared me clean and to keep me clean, placed HIS SPIRIT inside me. Whenever I sin, HE looks at my heart and sees the HOLY SPIRIT who has already asked for forgiveness for me.

 

The FATHER removes my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE does the same for those who believe in HIS SON. HE cannot get any closer than living inside me, so HE is never far away. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I am glad HE chose to be close to me.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer imply about racism or classism?
• Have you ever been labeled so you can be excluded from a group?
• Have you ever felt far away from GOD?
• Will you listen to the truth that GOD loves you so much that HE is willing to live inside you and never leave you and is going through what you are going through with you today?

Directed Freedom

Directed Freedom

Galatians 5: ¹⁶ What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. ¹⁷ For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. ¹⁸ If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.

 

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Arriving on campus, I could hear the loud music blasting from various dorm rooms. We had a drunken party that night and many opportunities for sex. “I’m going to love this place!” I thought to myself!

 

• I thought I was finally freed from the “tyranny” of self-control.
• I thought it was alright to have a little “fun.”
• I thought of the normal excuse: “Everyone else is doing it.”

 

Paul addresses a very difficult topic, namely self-control. He explains the built in war within all humans that desires to get our own way with no surrender. Every impulse desires to be satisfied and will fight even the MOST HIGH to get it. This is a trap. But there is an escape path.

 

My Observation

• The HOLY SPIRIT wants to guide me to freedom daily if I would only listen.
• The HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me and fights the internal battle for me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf because I deserve eternal separation from the love of GOD.

 

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD” is a hard statement to swallow. I mean, I was born in sin that I did not have a choice over. Meanwhile, I was given the ability to choose to believe in the cure for my sinful lite or live life to its fullest without regard to who GOD wants me to be. Seemed hopeless because I would choose to live life without GOD.

 

Fortunately for me, HE chose me. HE pursued me and showed me there is a better way to live that provides true hope and freedom. I can read GOD’s word for truth and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT for guidance to freedom daily. I can then oppose getting “my” way and seek GOD’s kingdom the way HE wants me to. I am grateful HE pursues me when I would not look for HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer talking about when mentioning the “human nature?”
• What war do you seem to be fighting inside of you?
• What small steps can you take to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and introduce a small amount of self-control to follow JESUS on the path HE has for you today?

Reputation Repaired

Reputation Repaired

Galatians 1: ²⁰ What I write is true. God knows that I am not lying!

 

²¹ Afterward I went to places in Syria and Cilicia. ²² At that time the members of the churches in Judea did not know me personally. ²³ They knew only what others were saying: “The man who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” ²⁴ And so they praised God because of me.

 

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It took time, but my reputation was repaired. I actually did not know what people were saying about me, but it did not seem pleasant. When I walked in the room, the conversation would change. “This stinks!” I said to myself. But I felt helpless to change the situation.

 

• I felt I had to convince people they had the wrong impression of me.
• I felt misunderstood.
• I felt shunned by people and could not do or say anything to make things right.

 

At one point Paul became known for being a murderer. What was worse was, he did the killing in the name of GOD. He thought he was doing what was right according to the Law. BUT GOD intervened. HE called Paul to be HIS servant. Now Paul’s reputation was repaired through much suffering he had to go through.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart where humans cannot.
• GOD has a different view of my reputation and HE loves me beyond my sins.
• GOD gave HIS SON so I could have a good reputation with HIM.

 

People are fickle and reputations come and go. I mean, one day I am in the in crowd, the next, I am looked at as a criminal. BUT GOD changes my reputation. When I confess my sins HE is faithful and just to forgive my sins and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

This does not mean I will not face the consequence of my sins. It means GOD can still use me to grow HIS loving kingdom of redeemed sinners in spite of my sins. I am glad GOD loves me as a sinner and has given me a new name I cannot wait to hear.

 

Challenge

• Can you imagine being the writer after having persecuted the people you now have to convince about GOD’s love for them?
• Have you ever been misunderstood or given a reputation that you know is not what is in your heart?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose on your life and allow HIM to clear your reputation HIS way?

Living Space

Living Space

2 Corinthians 5: For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever. ² And now we sigh, so great is our desire that our home which comes from heaven should be put on over us; ³ by being clothed with it we shall not be without a body. ⁴ While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. ⁵ God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

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Part of me didn’t want to be me. Part of me, just wanted to be me. The part of me that didn’t want to be me was the part that looked at “everyone else” who seemed happy, when I felt less than or shamed or discouraged. The part of me that just wanted to be me was the part that felt love and compassion and surrender to the only being who loved me dearly.

 

• My life on earth wants peace but many times gets oppression.
• My life on earth desires something better, but sometimes receives pain.
• My life on earth has some good times and bad times, but I know heaven will not have ups and downs.

 

Paul gives us a glimpse of what to hope for. We want the heavenly body that will never decay or be diseased or be discouraged. He also says that it is not the desire to throw our current life away to get to the eternal one faster, rather hope is our focus of life and we are being transformed by GOD who is preparing us for eternity.

 

My Observations

• It is alright to groan over the oppression that life brings but not too long.
• Hope is where I should place my energy versus focusing in on something that doesn’t include GOD.
• Asking GOD into my heart increases the capacity for others.

 

Once we put ten people in a car meant for six. It felt cramped!. I can only imagine how the HOLY SPIRIT feels when moving into a heart made for only one, namely myself. HE wants to fit into my heart, but has to bring other people into it with HIM.

 

When HE moves in, HE changes the living space and arranges HIS home as HE desires. HE is the one who prepares me for the change HE has in store for me. I am grateful is it GOD who understands when I groan about life’s oppression and stretches my heart to fit others.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the word “tent” as a reference to our body?
• Have you ever desired for things to be permanently better?
• Will you be open to being transformed by the HOLY SPIRIT, who will stretch your heart to bring others in today?

Three Choices

 

Three Choices

1 Corinthians 2: ¹⁰ But it was to us that God made known his secret by means of his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, even the hidden depths of God's purposes. ¹¹ It is only our own spirit within us that knows all about us; in the same way, only God's Spirit knows all about God. ¹² We have not received this world's spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.

 

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Worried, I sat awake in the middle of the night. After a string of good bosses, I ran into yet another poor leader. I ran through my options. Make an adjustment to “my” style was my first thought. Second, I could seek advice from some “successful” people. I wonder if there was a third option.

 

• There have been many times when I tried to do things under “my” own power.
• There have been many times when I tried to do things using advice from “successful” people of the world.
• There have been many times when I tried to do things that have not been given to me, and I pouted over what was not mine.

 

 

Three beings are spoken about in Paul’s description. He starts off speaking about the HOLY SPIRIT, which GOD revealed HIS secret. He then spoke about the human spirit that knows our successes and failures. The last being is the spirit of the world that looks great to many but leads to a destructive path.

 

• GOD wants me to be led by HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make my choices by using HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make HIS secret known, namely that JESUS is the only Savior of the world.

 

Though the world may scoff at GOD’s SPIRIT, HE is not to be mocked. Every choice I make should be based on the purpose of GOD. “What about me?” the world will place on my mind. I mean, don’t I have to live in the world too? Yes, but HE wants me to live with the purpose HE has given me. I surrender my choice to the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

• Are you trying to do things under your own power?
• Are you seeking the tactics of the world to be “successful” to those around you?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you and be a good steward over what HE has given you today?

Interpreter

 Interpreter

Romans 8: ²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. ²⁷ And God, who sees into our hearts, knows what the thought of the Spirit is; because the Spirit pleads with God on behalf of his people and in accordance with his will.

 

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“Let me handle it” said my boss. I was furious and wanted to give the leader of another department a piece of my mind. My words would not have been quite as nice. I explained the situation to my boss who in turn went to the department head on my behalf.

 

• There have been times when I needed someone to say the right words for me.
• There have been times when I felt one way but needed to feel another way to remain at peace.
• There have been times when I had to remain silent while someone else spoke for me.

 

Paul continues expressing the enlightenment he received from the HOLY SPIRIT. He tells everyone that the SPIRIT has a difficult job, pleading with GOD on our behalf. Since humans are sinful, the thoughts and prayers would be sinful. The HOLY SPIRIT interprets what is needed and expresses it to the FATHER and aligns to HIS will.

 

• The HOLY SPIRIT speaks on my behalf to the FATHER each day.
• The HOLY SPIRIT knows I am weak and sinful and goes to the FATHER to plead for me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT explains the wickedness in my heart and expresses the need for my forgiveness each day.

 

Coming to GOD correctly is hard for a blind person. I mean, when I am complaining about “that” person, I may not be seeing the complaint “that” person has against me. My blindness may make my ears stop working and soon my tongue says more and more evil.

 

BUT GOD knew I would be weak and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me. HE sees every thought and asks the FATHER to forgive me in words I cannot understand. HE groans on my behalf and lines me up with GOD’s will. I am grateful I have an interpreter who loves me.

 

• Do you have a complaint about someone?
• Does someone have a complaint about you?
• Have you thanked the HOLY SPIRIT for interceding for you?
• Will you ask GOD to have your hear cleaned so you can align to GOD’s will today?

You are Alive!

 

You are Alive!

Romans 8: ⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

 

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Being granted the time off work excited me. My boss was gracious enough to give me some extra time to go on a missions trip. This excited me about the company I worked for at the time, though the work hours were very, very long and the environment could be filled with pressure. On the trip, I met a man who showed me his hut, wife, lemon tree and cow. He was so excited. He seemed more alive than I could ever imagine.

 

• There were times when I thought I was alive, but I may have been dead.
• There were times when I felt I was living “the dream” but I may have been in a nightmare.
• There may have been times when I believed I was the one in control, but I needed something else to live inside me to take control.

 

Paul switches over from discussing sin to speaking about the Spirit. He explains that the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside those who believe in JESUS as the one and only Savior of humanity. Paul also points out that if HOLY SPIRIT, who was powerful enough to raise JESUS from the dead, lives in you, HE can certainly raise you up as well.

 

• The HOLY SPIRIT makes me alive.
• The HOLY SPIRIT guides me daily.
• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me comfort, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

 

The most overlooked being is the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean, the HOLY SPIRIT has to do the dirty work by living inside a sinful person like myself. HE warns me not to fall into the temptation, yet I fall anyway. HE then goes before the throne and advocates on my behalf in groans I could never understand.

 

HE rejoices when I step away from temptation and praises me when I serve those HE leads me to. HE protects, provides and brings me to an abundant life of heavenly riches, versus a dead life of earthly bondage. I am grateful for being raised from a dead life and made alive by GOD!

 

• Are you dead thinking you are alive?
• Do you have a lot of accolades but have not received praise from the HOLY SPIRIT?
• Will you seek what GOD wants you to do and be alive versus living a life tied to death today?

Knowing and Doing

 

Knowing and Doing

Romans 14: ¹⁴ We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a mortal, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵ I do not understand what I do; for I don't do what I would like to do, but instead I do what I hate. ¹⁶ Since what I do is what I don't want to do, this shows that I agree that the Law is right. ¹⁷ So I am not really the one who does this thing; rather it is the sin that lives in me. ¹⁸ I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. ¹⁹ I don't do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do. ²⁰ If I do what I don't want to do, this means that I am no longer the one who does it; instead, it is the sin that lives in me.

 

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“How old are you?’” was the very pointed question to me. Reading between the lines, I sensed the person was trying to point out my lack of experience. “Tell the truth” was the voice inside me. I added four years to my age, placing me in the group that was “experienced” but not “over-experienced.” This lie got me nowhere.

 

• Many times I know what is right but I do not do it.
• Many times I know the right way, but something pops up inside me and I go the wrong way.
• Many times I know how I could be successful, but I follow my instincts and fail.

 

Paul is expressing some serious pain in this passage. He explains that he knows the Law is holy and spiritual. He then explains that he has a desire to follow the Law but winds up breaking it because of the sin inside of him. He’s not the only one.

 

• GOD knows I have sin living inside me.
• GOD made my soul so HE is the only one who knows how to cure it.
• GOD knows how to handle the sins I so easily fall into.

 

All humans sin. As I stated many times before, “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying ‘You have mud on you.’” I mean, we are all sinners trying to compare our sins to each other so we can tell other people they are sinners.

 

BUT GOD sees something different. HE sees my sins and loves me so much that HE wanted to save me from my destruction. HE knows I want and desire sin, even though I know the Law. To help me with the war inside me, GOD placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me to win the battles and the war. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to guide me back to HIS ways.

 

• Are you conflicted?
• Do you know the right thing to do but are afraid to do the right thing?
• Will you ask GOD for bravery to live for HIM so HE can help you win the war inside you today?

Driven

Driven

Acts 19: ²¹ After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” ²² He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

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Wanting to be better, I took class after class after class. I read about areas where I felt I was deficient. When I felt I was ready, I mustered up the confidence to ask for certain positions that allowed me to rise to higher levels. I did what it took to make things happen.

• There were times when I worked extremely hard to achieve “my” goal.
• There were times when I studied hard to fully understand how to reach “my” goal.
• There were times when I felt I just had to do something to satisfy “my” goal.

Paul traveled all over, spreading the gospel of JESUS. He felt led to also go to Rome. He knew this was going to be a very difficult place so he prepared himself and sent two of his younger helpers away to another location. He was driven to speak the truth about JESUS.

• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS at a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to be brave enough to speak about JESUS, not just imply HIM.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to speak about my relationship with JESUS as often as I can.

When JESUS placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, HE did not mean for me to remain silent and hide what HE did for me. HE wants me to speak about HIM, pray with people and show silent examples. Life is all about JESUS. I am grateful HE leads me and allows to speak about HIM.

• What are you trying to accomplish?
• Do you think your accomplishment will make you “better?”
• Will you add telling someone about JESUS to your purpose in life today?

VIP

VIP

Acts 19: While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

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Being a “handler” was an important role. I had to put a schedule together that included picking up the very important person (VIP) from the airport, feeding him his favorite meal, getting him checked into the hotel and walking him through his itinerary for the remainder of the day. It was going to be a long day.

• There were times when I dedicated a lot of time for a VIP.
• There were times when I spent hours preparing for a VIP.
• There were times when I went over every detail with a group to make sure I was prepared for the VIP.

Paul went to Ephesus and met some disciples. He asked them if they received the HOLY SPIRIT when they believed. “Who?” they implied. Paul explained that by believing in JESUS, they would receive the HOLY SPIRIT. Up until then, they were simply doing good for people as John the Baptist’ message was adhered to strictly.

• GOD wants me to confess that I need JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS so I can receive the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to make disciples of JESUS by telling people about HIS power.

Being nice as an example is wonderful, but not enough. According to JESUS, even evil people do nice things. GOD wants the name of JESUS to be spoken without shame. HE then send a VIP to live inside me, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

This powerful being guides me when I am lost, comforts me when I down and begs for my forgiveness in groans I cannot understand when I am sinful.“ The HOLY SPIRIT deserves to be thanked and prepared for every day. I am grateful JESUS sent me the HOLY SPIRIT to be with me forever.

• Do you treat people special because of their title or status?
• Do you follow, admire and prepare for certain VIP’s?
• Will you take a moment to treat the HOLY SPIRIT with reverence today, knowing JESUS has all authority and sent HIM to live inside you as your guide and comforter?

Tiny Living Space

Tiny Living Space

Acts 7: ⁴⁴ “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, ⁴⁵ which our fathers, having received it in turn, also brought with Joshua into the land possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, ⁴⁶ who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. ⁴⁷ But Solomon built Him a house.

⁴⁸ “However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ‘Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
What house will you build for Me? says the Lord,
Or what is the place of My rest?

⁵⁰ Has My hand not made all these things?’

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Moving out of the bunk bed room into the dorm seemed incredible. I mean there was so much space! Two beds and two desks could fit into the room comfortably. And I had my own closet. Years later I returned to the dorm room and thought “How did I ever fit in that tiny room?”

There were some places I lived in that seemed small.

There have been some places I lived in that only a few people could fit.

There were some places I lived in that could only fit me and my stuff.

Stephen continues explaining the Israelite history. He talked about the tents in the wilderness and then spoke of David’s desire to build a house for GOD since GOD had done so much for him. But Solomon was the one who build a temple for GOD, even though GOD could not be confined only to a place made by humans.

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in my heart when I believed in the need for salvation.

JESUS placed the COMFORTER in my heart to help me through difficult times.

JESUS offered the SPIRIT of counsel, truth and wisdom to help me make decisions.

Accepting JESUS as my Savior enabled GOD to live inside of me through the HOLY SPIRIT. HE dwells in me and I in HIM. But when my heart is small and I think only of myself, the living space is really cramped for the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD wants to stretch HIS living space by having me think of others. Serving others for the sake of GOD stretches my heart, making it bigger and bigger. Soon, many people can fit inside so I can pray for them, even when they wrong me. I am grateful GOD chose to live in me and hope I can give HIM more living space each day.

Do you think about yourself or your entertainment or your health a lot?

Are you concerned about you and a few other people?

Will you allow GOD to stretch your heart so you will desire more people to have a saving relationship with JESUS?