Not Taken Lightly

Not Taken Lightly

Exodus 20: ²² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. ²³ You shall not make anything to be with Me—gods of silver or gods of gold you shall not make for yourselves. ²⁴ An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I ^[d]record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you. ²⁵ And if you make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone; for if you use your tool on it, you have profaned it. ²⁶ Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed on it.’

 

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After GOD spoke to Moses and the children of Israel, the people became terrified of GOD. They asked that GOD speak to Moses and he would speak to them. GOD told Moses to have the children of Israel make an altar of sacrifice to remember HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD reiterated that the children of Israel were not supposed to make gold or silver gods.
• GOD gave clear directions for the altar HE wanted.
• GOD promised that if they remembered HIM, HE would come to them and bless them.

 

GOD seemed to be establishing a formal relationship with the children of Israel to address a mindset that was imposed on them by the Egyptians. Gold and silver were precious metals that were remnants of the garden of Eden. GOD did not want HIS gold or silver to be used for manufacturing a god.

 

Another mindset GOD seemed to be addressing was preservation of human life. Some people that the children of Israel would face believed in human sacrifice. GOD wanted an offering of their food source, lamb and their tools, oxen. HE also wanted the sacrifice to remember what HE did for Adam and Eve by covering their nakedness. I believe Abel’s sacrifice acknowledged GOD’s action as righteous, so he mimicked HIM.

 

Burnt offerings and peace offerings would become the norm for the children of Israel for centuries until JESUS would arrive as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. GOD gave this temporary way of confessing sin and worshiping HIM through offering unblemished lambs and strong oxen. GOD was focusing the children of Israel to leave their slave mindset where they would give Pharaoh their best and to remember HIM by sacrificing their best.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS command to provide burnt offerings?
• Has your relationship with GOD gotten a little lackadaisical/?
• What limiting mindset is GOD trying to guide you out of?

 

Second Action to Dismantle a Mindset

 

Second Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 8: ⁵ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.’ ” ⁶ So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. ⁷ And the magicians did so with their ^[a]enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.

 

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After giving Pharaoh the chance to let HIS people go, GOD spoke to Moses and told him to execute the action HE warned Pharaoh about. Moses told Aaron to use his rod a second time.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was warned, now GOD worked through Moses who worked through Aaron to produce frogs.
• Pharaoh’s magicians were able to produce frogs as well.
• Aaron’s rod was used for the second time.

 

The second mindset GOD was dismantling was the deep focus on placing hope in idols. The Egyptians would place their hope and trust in a human or an object, ignoring GOD completely. They revered frogs as gods. We sometimes treat humans or things as idols.

 

Meanwhile, the true GOD produced so many frogs that the land was overtaken by them. But to disprove the power of GOD, the magicians were able to produce frogs as well. We treat GOD the same way as the magicians when we downplay anything that should be viewed as miraculous. Satan’s goal is to have you and me think that we are gods and that the things we do have no connection to HIS power. GOD was taking down this mindset.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the action HE took against Egypt?
• Have you ever thought you were in control when it was really GOD?
• Can you give GOD HIS credit in the accomplishments you have achieved?

Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Genesis 49¹⁶ “Dan shall judge his people
As one of the tribes of Israel.
¹⁷ Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path,
That bites the horse’s heels
So that its rider shall fall backward.
¹⁸ I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!

 

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Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Dan’s name means “judge.” Israel prophesied that Dan would provide Judges, but would cause people to fall.

 

My Observations:

• Danites produced famous judges loke Samson.
• Danites committed idolatry and complained about their land inheritance.
• Danites were not listed in the book of Revelation, but were prophesied and one of Israel’s tribes in the book of Ezekiel.

 

Many Bible scholars have tried to guess the reason Dan is not mentioned in the list in Revelation 7. Some believe it was because of the idolatry; others believe it just happened that the people were wiped out. Whatever the case, they are not mentioned.

 

Bilhah influenced Dan. She also voluntarily slept with Reuben, even though he was Jacob’s son. Dan also hated Joseph and Israel could see this. Israel seems to remorsefully state that he has waited on Dan’s salvation.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Dan being a “serpent?”
• Has anything become an idol in your life?
• Have you reviewed your life to see if any idols have formed that you need to give to GOD?

Stolen Departure

Stolen Departure

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

 

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Jacob described how GOD’s hand was involved with the acquisition of his flocks from Laban. Rachel and Leah both replied, that Laban had no intention in sharing any wealth with them and they were no longer considered family to him.  Jacob prepared to leave, but something happened.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel travelled for three days to go into Laban’s camp, steal gods and return on a three-day journey.
• Rachel stole Laban’s household gods that she was used to worshipping.
• Rachel must have believed that the gods had some power.

 

Almost a week passed after the conversation with Jacob. She may have convinced him that she had to get something important, but did not tell him what she was getting. Rachel was able to go into Laban’s camp easily because people were used to seeing her there. This is the first mention of teraphim, or ancestor worship. This belief would plague the eleven sons of Jacob for centuries.

 

Jacob “stole away”, meaning he left without telling anyone he was leaving. He, his wives, and his children left with riches. Little did Jacob know, he also left with idols. This belief in idols may have originated from Canaan. Humans were worshipped versus GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the details of Rachel stealing the household idols?
• Is there anything in your possession that you are afraid to depart with?
• Is GOD your protector and leader over your situations?

Knowing True Love

Knowing True Love

1 John 5: ¹⁸ We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

¹⁹ We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.

²⁰ We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

²¹ My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

 

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“I love this suit!” I exclaimed. But when it got too small and frayed, I wanted something else. “I love this car!” I said. But when years passed, the maintenance made me get less and less excited.

 

• Items I said “I loved” tended to wear out and so did my “love” for the item.
• When problems developed with the item, my love changed.
• I worried about losing, tearing or breaking the items and I bragged about them whenever I could.

 

John ends his letter with assurance. He wanted to make sure that believers would be taken care of. He said “We know” so that believers would place the love of GOD in their minds and in their hearts and to turn from seeking “false gods.”

 

My Observations:

• Any person, place or thing that I worship over GOD will become a false god to me.
• JESUS loved us and came to give us understanding so that we may know true love.
• Experiencing true love makes me change my desires for false love.

 

“I don’t want that anymore” is confusing to the world. I mean, when the world presents fame and fortune as a good thing, shouldn’t I join in? Maybe not if those things cause me to stop seeking GOD. Unfortunately, the more fortune I have and the more famous I become, the less “time” I have for GOD. Eventually HE is in none of my decisions until I face problems.

 

GOD wants me to be in union with HIM at all times. This means reducing sin so HE can keep me safe from the Evil One. It also means knowing that I belong to GOD versus HE belonging to me. I am glad HE has given us understanding to live in union with the true GOD.

 

Challenge

• What false gods is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever worshiped someone or something or a title or an action?
• Will you place loving GOD over all your actions and stuff so you can live in union with the true GOD, who loves you deeply, today?

Dual Life

1 Corinthians 10: ¹⁸ Consider the people of Israel; those who eat what is offered in sacrifice share in the altar's service to God. ¹⁹ Do I imply, then, that an idol or the food offered to it really amounts to anything? ²⁰ No! What I am saying is that what is sacrificed on pagan altars is offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be partners with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink from the Lord's cup and also from the cup of demons; you cannot eat at the Lord's table and also at the table of demons. ²² Or do we want to make the Lord jealous? Do we think that we are stronger than he?

 

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Seeing the rated “R” movie put me on a path to wanting to see a rated “X” movie which put me on the path to wanting to try the real thing. I was “good” by comparison. But something inside me along the way said “This is wrong.” The further I went each step along the way, there was something saying “Stop.”

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to do whatever I wanted to do.
• There have been many times when I wanted to live any way I wanted to live.
• There have been many times when I wanted to justify my sinful choices before GOD.

 

Paul explains that, while an idol has no power, an altar offered to demons is taking things one step further. He warns everyone not to partner with demons because there is no way to expect to be with GOD when partnered with demons.

 

• GOD wants me to let go of my path and follow HIS.
• GOD wants me to check if I am serving HIM or my own selfish desires.
• GOD wants me to drink from the LORD’s cup and eat at HIS table only.

 

Follow GOD or follow self, that is the choice. I mean, HE does give extreme freedom to do what I want to do and justify my actions. BUT HE sees the heart. HE is the one who knows my future and HE is the only one who can forgive. HE wants me to turn from “my” ways and turn to HIS way. I gladly let go of my way.

 

• Are you trying to serve two masters?
• Do you realize you cannot serve the world and serve GOD?
• Will you let go of anything you may have inadvertently partnered with that is not of GOD and follow HIS way so HE can guide you to HIS abundant life today?

Clear Example

 

Clear Example

1 Corinthians 10: I want you to remember, my friends, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. ² In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. ³ All ate the same spiritual bread ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself. ⁵ But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert.

 

⁶ Now, all of this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did, ⁷ nor to worship idols, as some of them did. As the scripture says, “The people sat down to a feast which turned into an orgy of drinking and sex.” ⁸ We must not be guilty of sexual immorality, as some of them were—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them fell dead. ⁹ We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did—and they were killed by snakes. ¹⁰ We must not complain, as some of them did—and they were destroyed by the Angel of Death.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I paid attention to the technique. I wanted to get the movement right for when I did it. The thug saw me looking and motioned a hush finger over his lips. When the unsuspecting guy was going to sit down, he would snatch the chair away. Unfortunately his prey hit his head on the desk behind.

 

• There have been many times when I saw bad examples and got straightened out.
• There have been many times when I saw someone else do the wrong thing and I stayed away from doing the same.
• There have been many times when I saw the consequences of doing the wrong thing, so I avoided it.

 

Paul points out that obedience is not enough. Many people did as they were told, but what was really in their heart was to fulfill their every lust and complain when things were not going as they wished. These people were killed and never made it into the promised land.

 

• GOD wants me to obey but also to do it with a heart given to HIM.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS rules, but do it because I want to be with HIM versus manipulating HIM.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM versus complaining about where I am in the trial.

 

Sometimes the examples don’t seem fair. I mean, I can’t even complain? No. In fact, the more I look at GOD’s word, the more I realize I act like Satan when I complain. He was not satisfied with GOD being GOD so he vowed to take over and do things better.

 

GOD tossed him out of heaven for trying to get his way. GOD wants me to align my desires with HIS and put my trust in HIS hands. I am glad HE gives me mercy so I can praise HIM another day.

 

• Do you have a complaint against GOD?
• Are you going through a trial and are blaming GOD?
• Will you heed the warnings and turn your complaints to true praise for all HE has done for you today?

Remove Barriers

Remove Barriers

1 Corinthians 8: ⁹ Be careful, however, not to let your freedom of action make those who are weak in the faith fall into sin. ¹⁰ Suppose a person whose conscience is weak in this matter sees you, who have so-called “knowledge,” eating in the temple of an idol; will not this encourage him to eat food offered to idols? ¹¹ And so this weak person, your brother for whom Christ died, will perish because of your “knowledge”! ¹² And in this way you will be sinning against Christ by sinning against other Christians and wounding their weak conscience. ¹³ So then, if food makes a believer sin, I will never eat meat again, so as not to make a believer fall into sin.

 

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“Put on your best” were the words of someone, I think. We were all dressed in suits and dresses, giving our “best” every Sunday at church. The SPIRIT of the LORD moved me to go out into the neighborhood and invite people. “No thanks, I don’t have anything to wear” was the barrier presented to me.

 

• There have been many things I did that were a barrier to someone.
• There have been many things I did that may have caused someone to stumble.
• There have been many things I did that seemed harmless to me, but were harmful to others.

 

“Be careful” was Paul’s warning. He was addressing a question about food offered to idols. He replied with a statement that idols have no power. But he warns everyone who believes to be careful not to make a believer fall into sin. If there is a person who is “weaker in faith”, be careful with liberties.

 

• GOD wants me to use discernment around people who are just starting to know CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to drop my assumptions that everyone is at the same maturity level.
• GOD wants me to keep my liberties to myself if they will cause a person to fall into sin.

 

“It’s all good” is not all good to everyone. I mean, when I am speaking to someone, my relaxed attitude towards something may cause a person to doubt a truth I may have spoken about JESUS. This truth may cause that person to sin. Now I have caused a sin against CHRIST.

 

GOD wants me to be willing to make adjustments to the way I do things so I will be inviting rather than offensive. This only goes so far. The message of JESUS is quite offensive and HE does not want me to stop speaking about HIM. But I can stop wearing suits, eating certain things and going to buildings on certain days “temporarily” while I am with a person who I may offend. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you being offensive and are unaware?
• Do you follow customs versus being led by the SPIRIT?
• Will you examine your habits and see if the good ones have become a barrier to GOD and ask HIM to remove it immediately today?

Break Thought Patterns

 Break Thought Patterns

1 Corinthians 8: ⁷ But not everyone knows this truth. Some people have been so used to idols that to this day when they eat such food they still think of it as food that belongs to an idol; their conscience is weak, and they feel they are defiled by the food. ⁸ Food, however, will not improve our relation with God; we shall not lose anything if we do not eat, nor shall we gain anything if we do eat.

 

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“Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Step on a line, break your mother’s spine” were the superstitious rhymes told to me that I quickly believed. I didn’t want to hurt my mother so I avoided stepping on cracks and lines in the sidewalk at all cost. But one dreaded day, I stepped on a crack! I went home later that day and saw she was fine.

 

• There were times when I let superstitions guide my actions.
• There were times when I let old sayings determine my outcomes.
• There were times when I let idols provide me with my path, even though they were powerless.

 

Paul continues addressing an issue that people were concerned about. He lets people know that food does not “belong” to an idol because an idol is powerless. He says “their conscience is weak.” Then he provides the real solution, GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to drop my superstitions, and place my trust in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my control, and place my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to drop my fears, doubts and worries, and place my confidence in HIM.

 

Thinking I can control outcomes is a huge problem. I mean, when I subject my thinking to superstitions and hearsay, I can get tossed around by life very easily. I wind up following something that leads me to a dead end where I cannot answer the question “now what?” when a problem arises.

 

BUT GOD provides the solution. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT, who loves me and is concerned about me. I am led by HIM to the truth, which sets me free. I may sin, but I am freed from the bondage of my sins. I am glad I do not have to let fear, doubt and worry rule when I know GOD is for me.

 

• Are you following superstitions?
• Does your thought pattern automatically begin with negative versus trust in GOD?
• Will you break your natural thinking and ask GOD for the faith, love and hope you need so you can grow in HIM today to bear HIS fruit of the Spirit?

One Place

One Place

1 Corinthians 8: ⁴ So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. ⁵ Even if there are so-called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these “gods” and “lords,” ⁶ yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

 

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Saying “Everything has its place” to me was the wrong statement at this time. I had lost my keys for the hundredth time and was exhausted looking for them. “Look in between the wall and the bed” was a soft quiet voice that came to me. There they were. “I need to put everything in its place” I finally decided.

 

• There have been times when I put my “hope” in finances.
• There have been times when I put my “faith” in “my” abilities.
• There have been times when I put my “trust” in following a celebrity.

 

Paul addresses food offered to idols. He describes an idol as “standing for something that does not exist.” Many people were holding onto “things” as reminders of their desires. These people were willing to put the entirety of their hope in something that would never come.

 

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM.

 

Everything does have a place, one place, namely GOD. I mean, when I give GOD everything, I no longer have to worry about it. When I give GOD my family, friends, neighbors, worries, doubts, fears, excitement and praise; HE never disappoints.

 

Many humans try to be idols. The rich and the famous are followed by name. BUT GOD knows my name and that is all I need. Being known by GOD is far more important than being known by humans. I am glad I can place my everything in GOD as the one place I can trust.

 

• Are you looking for peace in your idols?
• Do you seek health from a famous idol?
• Will you turn your heart from following idols that stand for something and that do not really exist by putting your total trust in GOD who is the only one with true answers today?

Puffed or Built

Puffed or Built

1 Corinthians 8: Now, concerning what you wrote about food offered to idols.

It is true, of course, that “all of us have knowledge,” as they say. Such knowledge, however, puffs a person up with pride; but love builds up. ² Those who think they know something really don't know as they ought to know. ³ But the person who loves God is known by him.

 

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“Why are you carrying all those files?” a leader questioned me. “I want to be prepared with the answer” I replied. I had been caught off guard by someone who was trying to trip me up and this was not going to happen again. He said, “Having the answers sometimes does not show leadership.”

 

• There have been times when I felt insecure.
• There have been times when I thought having the answers would make me look intelligent.
• There have been times when I believed the smarter I looked the more accepted I would be.

 

Paul was about to address a concern regarding food offered to idols, but he starts with a strange beginning. He begins with self-pride. The root of the pride is the dependence on human knowledge. He then offers the solution to the self-pride, simply to relax and be known by GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to rejoice that HE saved me.
• GOD wants me to be excited about my relationship with HIM.
• GOD wants me to be alright with not having the answers because HE is the answer.

 

Being puffed up or built up is a choice. I mean, when I seek validation from humans, I may look to be intelligent in front of groups of people and ask the crowd to “like” what I said. I guess that is why social media is so popular. This causes me to be “puffed up.” BUT GOD wants my validation to come from HIM. HE builds me up with HIS love.

 

Just knowing that I am known by HIM should make me excited. HE did everything to have a solid relationship with me, even when I was not seeking HIM. HE saw my sins before I was born, yet created me anyway. HE died for my sins and was raised from the dead. HE gave me the COMFORTER when I believed in HIM. And HE guides me daily with love. I am grateful HE knows me.

 

• Are you seeking approval from humans?
• Do you feel insecure so you think knowledge is your route to being affirmed?
• Will you rejoice in the fact that the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful GOD, knows and loves you and is willing to guide you if you surrender your life to HIM today?

Permanent Solution

Permanent Solution

1 Corinthians 6: ⁷ The very fact that you have legal disputes among yourselves shows that you have failed completely. Would it not be better for you to be wronged? Would it not be better for you to be robbed? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves wrong one another and rob one another, even other believers! ⁹ Surely you know that the wicked will not possess God's Kingdom. Do not fool yourselves; people who are immoral or who worship idols or are adulterers or homosexual perverts ¹⁰ or who steal or are greedy or are drunkards or who slander others or are thieves—none of these will possess God's Kingdom. ¹¹ Some of you were like that. But you have been purified from sin; you have been dedicated to God; you have been put right with God by the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

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“Maybe I can use a coat hanger” was my first thought in repairing the hatch back door on my jalopy of a car.  Of course the hanger did not fit properly. It was too thin to snugly connect the hatch to the car and if I doubled the hanger, it was too thick. I needed a permanent solution.

 

• There have been many times when I looked at temporary solutions as permanent.
• There have been many times when I declared something as “fixed” when it was still broken.
• There have been many times when I argued about my patch work, justifying why I repaired it the way I did.

 

Paul explains the reason it is frivolous to take legal action against another believer in JESUS. He, however, does it in a strange way. He explains that anyone who sins in any way, will not receive the kingdom of GOD. The sines he lists are temporary solutions to a deeper problem, namely the lack of a relationship with JESUS for salvation.

 

• GOD wants me to turn from temporary sin and replace it with a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD knows I cannot resist sin, so HE gave me a permanent solution, namely JESUS.
• GOD saw all the sins I would ever commit, and HE forgave me with HIS permanent solution, namely JESUS.

 

Trying to pick apart the list Paul writes, points to a deeper problem which is surrender. I mean, if I think “I” am not on the list he writes about and that I can tell someone else to straighten up because “their” actions are sinful, then I am the one with the serious problem. All have sinned and need a permanent solution to sin.

 

JESUS is that permanent solution. HE not only saves me eternally, HE guides me daily through the HOLY SPIRIT. When I want to use sin as my solution, the HOLY SPIRIT warns me and provides a way out. I don’t always take the way out, so HE pleads for me when I sin. I am grateful GOD’s grace is sufficient to cover my sins.

 

• Are you trying to fix your life with temporary sin?
• Do you think you were “born that way” and are unwilling to surrender your life to JESUS?
• Have you fallen for the lie that if you have committed a sin, GOD will not forgive you, or worse yet, you do not feel you need to be forgiven?
• Will you consider the love of JESUS and ask for forgiveness of any sin so HE will be faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness today?

Have Been Versus Is

Have Been Versus Is

1 Corinthians 5: ⁹ In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people. ¹⁰ Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely. ¹¹ What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don't even sit down to eat with such a person.

 

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Over the course of my life I looked exactly like everyone else. I tried to fit into the world, so I picked up its behaviors. I read this list which included immorality, greed, idol worship, slander, getting drunk and being a thief. Yes, I have been all of the above.

 

• There have been many times when I have looked just like the world.
• There have been many times when I just wanted to fit in so I acted like “everyone” else.
• There have been many times when my own lusts made me choose to act like the world.

 

Paul gives a very strong warning about “someone who calls himself a believer but…” The “But” in his statement is very strong. He implies the person does not really believe JESUS is the only answer but mouths the words of GOD by mentioning HIM on occasion to manipulate people in immoral, greedy, idol worshipping, slanderous, drunken and thieving ways.

 

• GOD wants me to be able to confess when I sin.
• GOD wants me to be ready to admit a fallen state in hopes that I can be restored.
• GOD wants me to use the fruit of the Spirit, especially “self-control” to keep from falling back into the ways GOD dislikes.

 

Restoration can happen to anyone. I mean if I fall to being immoral, greedy, idolater, slanderous, drunk or a thief, I should be removed from leading in any gathering of believers as a leader. Fortunately, GOD wants to use sinners to spread HIS message.

 

If I confess this behavior and truly repent or stay away from old behaviors, then I can be restored and useful to lead people to CHRIST. Yes, GOD takes sin seriously and so should I. I am grateful for the HOLY SPIRIT who pleads on my behalf, who restores me and who leads me daily.

 

• Are you trying to stay away from people you have judged?
• Do you think you heart is perfect and other people have imperfect hearts?
• Will you stop applying this list to other people and examine yourself to see if there is something blocking you from speaking boldly and truthfully about JESUS today?

Honor and Thanks

 Honor and Thanks

Romans 1: 19 God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God himself made it plain. 20 Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! 21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness. 22 They say they are wise, but they are fools; 23 instead of worshiping the immortal God, they worship images made to look like mortals or birds or animals or reptiles.

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When my peer was made my boss I really could not believe it. To me, he was slippery, sneaky and conniving. I refused to recognize him as the leader of the department. I would attend the meetings, but my mind was not present because I was trying to think of a way out.

• There have been leaders I refused to follow,
• There have been leaders I did not respect or believe in.
• There have been leaders I wanted to leave even though the person was clearly in charge.

Paul continues writing his letter. He states that evil people try to prevent the truth, JESUS, from being known. He implies that steering people away from the truth brings on GOD’s punishment, for GOD showed HIS eternal power and divine nature which can be seen in the things HE made.

Instead of giving GOD credit for what HE has created, the wise fools worship things that can be bought.

• GOD wants me to give HIM honor by recognizing what HE has done and is doing in my life.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM more and more for what HE provides each day.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth, namely JESUS is the creator and Savior of the world.

Admiring GOD brings honor to HIM. I mean, HE created everything and loved me enough to die for me. When I honor HIM I can recognize what HE is doing in my life, even when things seem to be going wrong. HE pours out HIS grace on me daily. I am thankful for all GOD has done and is doing.

• Are you ignoring GOD and worshipping humans?
• Do you disrespect JESUS by not recognizing HIM as GOD?
• Will you turn your thoughts to GOD and give HIM honor and thanks today?

Blocked

Blocked

Acts 19: ²⁸ When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” ²⁹ Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and all of them rushed into the theater together. ³⁰ Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. ³¹ Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.

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When I answered the door, my friends were outside asking if I could go to the party. “What party?” I asked nervously. It didn’t matter what their answer was, I knew I wouldn’t get permission to go. I thought of ways to escape the house, but there was no way out. I resorted to a tactic that never worked before. “Everyone else is going.”

• There have been times when I have been blocked from doing something.
• There have been times when I wanted to join the crowd but could not.
• There have been times when I simply wanted to be part of the group without knowing what was going on.

The crowd in Ephesus was not having a party. They wanted to worship the goddess Artemis so they could make money on idols. They became furious over Paul’s words of love stating JESUS was and is the only GOD. A mob formed and protests took to the street. Many people didn’t know who they were angry at, but some did and seized Paul’s companions. Paul was blocked.

• GOD wants me to have the heart to serve.
• GOD wants me to be confident in HIS protection.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom rather than emotion.

Rushing in when the situation is heated leads to hurt people and no resolution. Unfortunately, this fight had to happen. I mean, when everything was calm, the greedy people lulled others into following a false god. But the true GOD was being overlooked. GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS, not just say the word “GOD.” I am glad HE enables me to freely speak about HIM.

• Are you being blocked when it comes to speaking about JESUS?
• Is the situation too volatile to say the name of JESUS?
• Will you have patience because GOD hears you and will make a way for you to continue to speak on HIS behalf?

Worthless Commerce

Worthless Commerce

Acts 19: ²³ About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. ²⁴ A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a lot of business for the craftsmen there. ²⁵ He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. ²⁶ And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. ²⁷ There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

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Needing money, I quickly thought of ideas for businesses that would bring in income quickly. I looked at triangle shaped schemes, get rich quick investments and begging a crowd for a few dollars each. None of them had any appeal. I felt lost.

• There were times when I worried about money.
• There were times when I considered doing “anything” for money.
• There were times when I felt desperate enough to do something “temporarily” for money that GOD would not be pleased with.

Demetrius was a wealthy, known businessman in the community. He brought the business community together to speak against Paul, who was speaking about JESUS being GOD. Demetrius knew his business would be hurt if people believed in JESUS. Instead of changing professions, he formed a mob.

• GOD wants me to keep HIS ways in front of me.
• GOD wants me to base my decisions on HIS commands.
• GOD wants me to let HIM handle those who will not follow HIM.

Desperation for money can bring on some extreme thoughts. I mean, when I walked in fear, I would lie cheat and steal to get a few dollars. BUT GOD showed me another way. GOD wants me to show love rather than hate when it comes to business.

HE is pleased when I pray for my enemies and treat all people fairly. Bowing down to GOD shows HIM I fear HIM in a healthy way. I am grateful HIS way is always solid.

• Are you lying to yourself about your profession?
• Is GOD pleased at what you do on your job or your business?
• Will you look at the examples of JESUS and believe only in HIM for your next move?

Dependence

Dependence

Acts 7: ³⁸ “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, ³⁹ whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
⁴³ You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’

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Peering into the grass I saw a dollar, so I gleefully picked it up. “This is my lucky day!” I said. The next day nothing, but days later I found five dollars. Weeks later I found a necklace, combs, and a stick pin. “This is a lucky lawn” I said to myself. Though out of the way, I made a point to pass by daily.

• I used to believe in luck.
• I used to believe in coincidences.
• I used to believe in random circumstances supplied by the “universe.”

Stephen continues to explain what happened to Israel. Though protected, when Moses went to speak with GOD, they forced Aaron to make an idol to worship, like the good old slavery days back in Egypt. They were free yet dependent on a powerless hunk of metal. They were punished for doing so.

• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power alone.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS word to guide me.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS love, faithfulness and plan for me.

Dependence on GOD does not mean I hold onto a portion of something while HE holds the rest. It means I cannot do something and HE takes care of one hundred percent. Very similar to being in a car with GOD, HE drives without me holding the steering wheel.

GOD wants credit for everything, especially salvation. HIS love is to be recognized and power awed. It is GOD who is my deliverer. I put my trust in HIM alone.

• What are you depending on?
• Do you think you can extend your life one second without GOD?
• Will you give your trust to GOD little by little so one day you will have full confidence in HIS power to bring you out of any circumstance?

Compassion in Anger

Ezekiel 6: ⁷ Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the Lord.

⁸ “‘But I will spare some, for some of you will escape the sword when you are scattered among the lands and nations.’”

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GOD spared a remnant when HE was highly upset at HIS people. I mean at one point HE wanted to wipe HIS humans off the face of the earth. Their claims that HE does not exist or that HIS efforts are futile angered HIM but not so much. It was the things they built with their own hands and worshipped that fueled the most anger in GOD. Not only had GOD been pushed out the picture, HIS people made idols to replace HIM.

• GOD wants me to be creative, yet give HIM the credit for my talents.
• GOD wants me to be innovative, yet praise HIM for my imagination.
• GOD wants me to be inspirational as long as I am inspiring others to follow HIM.

In the middle of GOD’s anger HE decided to show some compassion. HE allowed a few people to escape HIS wrath. HE expected them to tell the story of the difficult times so people would turn their blinded eyes back to HIM. I have no idea how HE chooses who would escape, but I am glad HE does. GOD chose me to escape HIS wrath and I have been grateful since!

• Are you building something that you worship?
• Do you fight to get heard and recognized?
• Will you step out of the limelight and allow GOD to be center-stage?
• Will you tell people about HIS story?

Worshiping Something Else

2 Kings 17: ³⁵ When the Lord made a covenant with the Israelites, he commanded them: “Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them. ³⁶ But the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, is the one you must worship. To him you shall bow down and to him offer sacrifices. 

³⁷ You must always be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands he wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. ³⁸ Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. ³⁹ Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

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Times were getting tough and I wasn’t hearing from GOD so I opened a fortune cookie and lottery numbers appeared. I wonder if I should play the lottery popped in my mind. Another time things were getting tough and I wasn’t hearing from GOD so I read my horoscope, hoping for some encouraging words.

Yet another time things were getting tough and I wasn’t hearing from GOD so I spent about an hour looking for a four leaf clover so I could have ”good luck.”

• When I want my way I will seek other gods for direction.
• When I want my way I will seek other gods for advice.
• When I want my way I will seek other gods for fulfilling my dreams.

My lack of trust sent me looking for answers in the wrong places. I wanted instant information rather than listening to GOD on a daily basis. When things started to go wrong, I would immediately go to the next thing to satisfy my craving for immediate information. BUT GOD wants something different.

• GOD says to me “Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them, serve them or sacrifice to them.”
• GOD says to me “I am brought you up out of Egypt with mighty power and outstretched arm, and I am the one you must worship.”
• GOD says to me “Be careful to keep the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands written for you. Do not worship other gods.”
• GOD says to me “Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.”
• GOD says to me “Worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”

So I started worshipping GOD and more things started to go wrong! Wait a minute! What happened? GOD then opened my eyes and showed me I had a long way to go in order to fully trust HIM so I stayed on the road. I am so glad I now put my trust in HIM because my hope is much stronger.

• Are you seeking symbols, trinkets and bobbles to bring you luck?
• Do you believe you will be “lucky” and get rich one day?
• Are you doing anything for the god of money even being sad when it doesn’t allow you to have some?
• Can you stop bowing down to various gods and stand firm for the one true GOD?