Spoken Ignored

Spoken Ignored

2 Peter 3: ⁵ They purposely ignore the fact that long ago God gave a command, and the heavens and earth were created. The earth was formed out of water and by water, ⁶ and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed. ⁷ But the heavens and the earth that now exist are being preserved by the same command of God, in order to be destroyed by fire. They are being kept for the day when godless people will be judged and destroyed.

 

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“It is officially Spring” said the news. I had gotten a windbreaker for Christmas and wanted to test what it could do. “Can I please wear my windbreaker” I asked. “No, it’s too cold outside” was the reply. “But it’s Spring” was my counter. “Okay, but wear some warm clothes” was the final statement. I put my windbreaker on top of a long sleeve shirt and walked outside and froze all the way to and from school!

 

• I ignored the warning because I wanted something else to happen.
• I paid the consequence because I was not willing to listen to the warning.
• I wanted my way so badly that I was willing to suffer.

 

Peter continued to give a warning about people who scoff at GOD and HIS commands. He said in the last days, people would make fun of believers of JESUS. He now states that there would be people who will ignore the fact that GOD spoke the world into existence and that same GOD will destroy it because HE cursed it.

 

My Observations:

• GOD keeps all of HIS promises and HE promised that this world is cursed by HIS own mouth and that it will be destroyed.
• GOD also promised that only those who believe in HIS SON for salvation, will be saved from HIS wrath.
• GOD revealed that HE would create a new heaven and a new earth, one with no suffering or tears.

 

GOD has spoken and it’s up to me to listen. But sometimes this is hard for me to do. I mean, when catastrophe happens to me or my family or my neighbors, It is difficult to hear, GOD has a promise for you. That is where the COMFORTER steps in.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me of how often HE has rescued me from danger and carried me though troubled times. HE increases my awareness that GOD is in control of the situation. People who do not believe will question, scoff and even try to do things with their own power. I am glad GOD has already seen my deliverance into HIS spoken greatness.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer point out the creation and the destruction of the world?
• Have you ever been told something and ignored it because you wanted something different to happen, but it did not happen the way you wanted?
• Wil you turn to GOD and listen to HIS spoken words of love by believing in JESUS as your Savior so HE can use your life as a blessing today?

Now We Know

 

Now We Know

Romans 3: ¹⁹ Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment. ²⁰ For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned.

 

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Sitting in court waiting to plea my case, I heard other traffic violator’s statements. “I did not know the speed limit because there were no signs” was the one that interested me. The judge said, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Pay the fine and court costs.” Wow! I was going to use that one. I stepped out of the courtroom and paid the normal fine.

 

• There were times when I knew I was wrong.
• There were times when I did what was wrong anyway.
• There were times when I felt something in my conscience that I was doing something wrong.

 

Paul summarizes the point about the Law of Moses. While it was given to the Jews, it applies to the whole world. The application is not to save the world, but point out that we are sinners.

 

• GOD wants me to know I need HIS salvation.
• GOD wants me to know I am a sinner and need HIS power every day.
• GOD wants me to admit I am wrong and need to be right, but cannot do it myself.

 

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse. All of us have sinned and we are not worthy to judge the one who fell, namely Satan. When he tried to be GOD, he was thrown from heaven. He tempted the first humans in an attempt to block any human from opening his sealed fate. BUT JESUS became that sinless human. I am glad JESUS did not sin and was raised from the dead, just for me.

 

• Are you tired of following so many rules?
• Do you get mad at GOD for pointing out sin?
• Will you change your thinking and be glad that JESUS overcame the Law in order to save you by just believing in HIS loving action for you?

 

 

Provide a Warning

 

Provide a Warning

Acts 27: ⁹ Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.  So Paul warned them, ¹⁰ “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” ¹¹ But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. ¹² Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

 

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Hearing the guy make jokes in a serious meeting, I cringed for his career. I mean, this meeting was with the senior executives of the company and he insisted on telling his joke. When another meeting was scheduled, I thought to myself, “I should warn him.” I did not follow my heart and remained silent. He joked again and got fired.

 

• There are actions of others that I used to think were out of my control.
• There are actions of others that I used to feel “It’s their fault if they hurt themselves.”
• There are actions of others that I saw coming, yet I did not provide them with a warning.

 

Paul saw the dire situation they were in and tried to warn everyone of the danger. It was already after the Day of Atonement, meaning it was fall and winter travel would be even more treacherous. The centurion heard the warning but did not listen. Paul had done what he was supposed to do.

 

• When GOD tells me to warn someone, I have to listen.
• When GOD warns me of something that is against HIS will I have to warn others.
• When GOD places a caution sign on the path of someone, HE wants me to heed the warning and make HIS point as clear as possible.

 

Letting someone fail is sometimes a good tactic. I mean, tough love provides hard lessons. But sometimes GOD steps in and wants me to provide a warning. Over and over GOD has warned me and the times I did not listen were difficult. But when I listened to GOD’s warnings, I bared fruit.

 

When GOD says “Warn that person”, HE is trying to do a marvelous work. Warnings from GOD are not born from fear, rather HIS sovereignty. GOD said “But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself.” I am glad HE send people to warn me.

 

• Has GOD opened your eyes to something?
• Do you see something wrong, but were going to remain silent?
• Will you open your mouth and provide HIS warning today?

 

Overlooked but not held back

Overlooked but not held back

Acts 10: ⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. ⁴⁶ For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” ⁴⁸ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

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Angry, I made it home seething with rage. “How dare they!” I thought to myself over and over. The confrontation had escalated and all I could think about was the altercation. As I sat I heard a clap of thunder. It was pouring rain.

One thing I forgot was I prayed for rain because of the severe drought. It rained on my house and on the houses of those I was angry with. I was too angry to notice the rain.

• Sometimes I am too angry to see what GOD is doing.
• Sometimes I am too worried to hear what GOD is saying.
• Sometimes I am too self-absorbed to do what GOD wants me to do.

Peter spoke about JESUS being the Savior of all mankind. As he spoke about belief in JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT was poured out on everyone who believed. It did not matter about the race or gender or age, anyone who believed received the gift of salvation.

• GOD wants me to see HIM in action.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS grace covers more than what I can imagine.
• GOD wants me to want HIS grace to fall on those I am angry with so HE can grow my heart.

Overlooked is often the action I assign to the HOLY SPIRIT. I mean HE lives inside me and has to put up with my sins. BUT GOD placed HIM there for a reason. The HOLY SPIRIT begs for my forgiveness regularly and comforts me when I feel hurt. GOD wants more than those I would invite. HIS SPIRIT is not held back from anyone who calls on the name of JESUS.

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you feel so much rage that you cannot see what GOD is doing?
• Will you see GOD is slow to anger because HIS grace is sufficient for you and for them?

Resistance is Futile

Resistance is Futile

Acts 7: ⁵¹ “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, ⁵³ who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

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After a hearing all the stories about how great sex was, I wanted to try it. I mean everyone else was doing it. But something inside me was telling me to wait until I was married. “I can’t wait that long” I thought to myself. From what I saw, it didn’t seem to be a big deal even amongst church leaders. I knew something was wrong and did it anyway.

• There were many times when I knew something was wrong but I did it anyway.
• There were many times when I justified my actions by looking at what “everyone” else was doing.
• There were many times when I plead ignorance by not learning about what was right or wrong, yet I knew the difference in my heart.

Stephen finally concludes his message to the church leaders who murdered JESUS. He told them they “always resist the HOLY SPIRIT” as did their ancestors. They knew right from wrong even when they were not told, yet they did what they did anyway.

• GOD wants me to surrender to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to give up my life to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to listen wholeheartedly to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Decision making can be hard, especially when people around me are making bad decisions, wanting me to join in. BUT GOD wants me to stand firm for HIM. HE placed HIS law in my heart when HE created me, so I have no excuse.

GOD made me in a way that is curious and seeking. Unfortunately I can listen to the lust of my flesh or the lust of my eyes or the pride of life to fulfill that curiosity. Soon I find myself in trouble, asking GOD for help out of the trouble I got myself into. BUT GOD is gracious. I am glad HE forgives me and guides me with the HOLY SPIRIT, because HE loves me.

• Are you ignoring the HOLY SPIRIT by trying to listen to your own pride?
• Do you argue over something without checking to see what GOD says about it?
• Will you surrender your thinking and check with GOD about more and more of your decisions each day?

Hearing Test

Hearing Test

Acts 3: ²² For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. ²³ And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ ²⁴ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. ²⁵ You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ ²⁶ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

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Hearing aids were huge contraptions I was scared of getting when I heard we had to take a hearing test. What if I can’t hear? I said to myself. Nervously I slipped on the headphones and heard sounds, raising my hand at the faintest noise. I passed. But when I got in trouble and someone called my name, I ignored it. “Do you hear me calling you?” They said.

• There were times when I did not want to hear what others were saying.
• There were times when I tuned people out who were “on my nerves.”
• There were times when I listened to the information but was thinking about something else.

Peter spoke about Moses, Samuel and Abraham regarding prophecies they said about JESUS. “HIM you shall hear in all things, whatever HE says to you” was a statement to those who listened to JESUS. But those who did not listen would be destroyed.

• GOD tells me of HIS promise to save me from destruction.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to protect me from eternal death.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to hold onto me so the evil one cannot get me out of HIS hand.

Not listening to the fact that JESUS became a human, died for the sins of mankind, and was raised from the dead, is what sends a person to an eternal separation from GOD in a place of eternal increasing torment. GOD made it easy to believe, yet there will be some who chose not to.

GOD gave everyone free will to choose HIM. This is the only scenario where love can exist. I can choose to be with my loving GOD, who cares for me in every way, or not to. I choose JESUS as my Savior and I am grateful for HIS protection.

• Are you wrestling with how JESUS is GOD and became a human who died and was raised?
• Do you think there is no need to be saved from anything?
• Will you consider “love” as the reason GOD did all of this specifically for you?
• When human love has and will fail you, will you accept GOD’s everlasting love though CHRIST our Savior today?

Silence Problem

Silence Problem

John 10: 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

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“Please, please, please start” I begged the car. It was not the time for this to happen. When I turned the key, I heard nothing. I was supposed to hear the usual engine noise, but this time, nothing. The silence was heartbreaking.

• Silence, when I’m expecting noise. is usually a bad thing.
• Silence, when I’m expecting to hear from someone. can make me nervous.
• Silence, when I’m expecting the comfort of good news, can make me worry.

The congregation and the church leaders surrounded JESUS, expecting HIM to say something worthy of “their” discipline. JESUS implies they could have heard who HE is, simply by looking at HIS works. HE healed a blind man and they tried to kill HIM. They refused to hear that JESUS is GOD, and that was the problem.

• GOD wants me to hear HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom daily.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIS small, still voice daily.

When I do not hear GOD, there is a problem. I mean, I may mention GOD or even attend church, but there are times when I am lot listening to HIM. GOD wants me to listen to HIM and do what HE says to do. Usually it means loving those who are difficult to love or serving those who will never say thank-you.

GOD speaks to me through the HOYL SPIRIT, enlightening me with HIS word. I find it hard to complain about what someone is doing or not doing when I listen to GOD.HE led me back to HIM and HE can do the same for “that” person. GOD speaks words of love. I am grateful.

• Can you hear GOD?
• What is HE saying to you?
• Will you listen to HIM and go seek HIS kingdom, not for your gain, but for HIM?

Turn Down the Sound

Turn Down the Sound

John 8: ⁴³ Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. ⁴⁴ You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. ⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. ⁴⁶ Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? ⁴⁷ He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

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With the feeling of guilt, I got into my car. I knew what I had done was wrong and I felt bad about it. I rationalized my sin by saying, “Well, it’s not like I’m murdering someone or doing drugs”. In order to drown out the guilt, I turned up the music. “Ah, that’s better” I said to myself. I wonder how long I can distract myself with music? The next day, my peers congratulated me because they too were doing the same.

• There were times when I did not want to be guilty.
• There were times when I wanted to turn up the noise in order to drown out my guilt.
• There were times when I tried to fill my life with the noise of being busy so I would not have to listen to what I was supposed to.

JESUS tells the church leaders “Your father is the devil, who lies all the time.” Being a strong group, they probably talked to each other, justifying their hatred towards JESUS. Their hearts were too hard to hear GOD, but they could hear each other.

• GOD wants me to be quiet sometimes so I can listen to HIM.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM what HE wants me to do before I make my decisions.
• GOD wants me to give my guilt to HIM by confessing my sin, rather than hiding from HIM and adding noise to my life.

Meeting GOD head on is what HE wants from me. HE wants me to not hide in my guilt, rather give it to HIM to do as HE pleases. The more I ignore GOD, the harder my heart gets. Soon, I would not be able to hear HIM at all. BUT GOD steps in. HE orchestrates circumstances in my life that require me to listen to HIM. I am grateful HE cares for me.

• Are you trying to ignore GOD so you can do what you want to do?
• Do you avoid studying GOD so you won’t have to know your guilt?
• Will you stop looking at other people and look at your own guilt so you can confess to GOD and allow HIM to cleanse you of all unrighteousness?