It Has To Make Sense

It Has To Make Sense

Hebrews 11: ¹⁷ It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. ¹⁸ God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised.” ¹⁹ Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death—and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death.

 

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“Try praying more” someone told me. Another person said “Try fasting.” Yet another person said “Have you confessed any sin you did?” I was facing a difficult situation and well meaning people were trying to give e advice. None of their advice made sense to me at the time.

 

• I did not know what GOD was doing and I wrestled with going through pain.
• I had people trying to help me make sense out of a painful situation, but quick remedies did not make sense.
• I had to reason out what GOD was doing and when I did, I was able to place my faith in HIM.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was truly impressed by Abraham’s faith. He provides another example of his faith. Abraham did not know what GOD was going to do. He was told by GOD to sacrifice his son. Abraham reasoned through the atrocity by believing GOD was powerful enough to raise Isaac from the dead. His reasoning brought on faith.

 

My Observations:

• My faith in GOD needs the illogical to become logical to me.
• In order for me to place my faith in GOD, it has to make sense to me.
• Even the things that seem out of the ordinary have to make senses to me in my heart.

 

Let’s face it, there are quite a few stories that seem unimaginable in the Bible. I mean, dead people getting raised, sick people being healed and murderers being converted to missionaries, seem a bit farfetched.  BUT GOD opens my eyes to HIS power and theses examples make sense.

 

HE shows us HIS love for us through many examples and HE let’s me know HE still can do the same for me. I can then put my faith in the unknown, more and more. I can look back at all the examples and relate them to my own. GOD helps me make sense out of today by providing HIS deliverance yesterday. I am glad HE wants me to see HIS power in action.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer chose this example?
• Is there a circumstance that you are going through that seems difficult?
• Will you ask GOD questions and seek answers from the Bible so you can be guided in knowledge to strengthen your faith today?

From the Heart

 

From the Heart

1 Timothy 4: The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons. ² Such teachings are spread by deceitful liars, whose consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron. ³ Such people teach that it is wrong to marry and to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten, after a prayer of thanks, by those who are believers and have come to know the truth. ⁴ Everything that God has created is good; nothing is to be rejected, but everything is to be received with a prayer of thanks, ⁵ because the word of God and the prayer make it acceptable to God.

 

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Sitting at the dinner table, we all said “grace” before we ate. This was an effort to instill in us to say thank you for the food. But when the food came out, I was all but thankful. As the conversation went on, I sat, not eating. Then when everyone got up, I took the food off my plate and hid it under a seat cushion. “I’ll throw that away later” I said to myself. I forgot, and someone sat on it.

 

• I was not thankful.
• I wanted something else, but got what I needed.
• I went hungry instead of being filled.

 

Paul addressed a concern regarding false teaching. Some people had abandoned the faith and were susceptible to listening to lying demons. Marriage and eating certain types of food was being attacked and taught as a way of life. He explained that food was created by GOD and can be received with a heart of thanks, bot just words.

 

My Observations

• My thankfulness can be felt by GOD.
• Even the tiniest bit of thankfulness is pleasing and acceptable to GOD.
• Receiving things should prompt me to have a spirit of thankfulness.

 

Sometimes it’s heard to be thankful. I mean, when I want that thing over there, but get this thing right here, I may be disappointed. BUT GOD wants me to have a different perspective. HE wants my heart to be ful of thankfulness for HIS creation, namely the people who give to me, versus the gift itself.

 

HE wants me also to see food as acceptable because HE made it.. My heart has to be able to give GOD thanks and HE will be pleased. I thank GOD for all HE provides.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means by “people will abandon the faith in later times?”
• Have you ever been worried about certain foods or marriage?
• Will you be thankful for what GOD has given you and see the many gifts HE has poured out on you throughout your life, so you can praise HIM today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please forgive us for not seeing the many gifts YOU have given us. Thank YOU for all foods YOU provide. YOU make us whole so we can serve you with our whole heart. Thank YOU for blessing this reader. Make him or her whole. amen

Thanks for the Chance

 

Thanks for the Chance

Philippians 4: ¹⁴ Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. ¹⁵ Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

 

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With no job, no connections and no money, I interviewed with one company. I did not know how to interview and I wore a suit from my high school graduation, even though I was now leaving college. Against all odds, the recruiter took a chance on me.

 

• I was thankful!
• I was excited!
• I was grateful and humbled that someone took a chance on me.

 

Paul looked back on the long hard road he took. In the beginning of his ministry, Paul gave up his material wealth to go from place to place preaching the Gospel. No one wanted to help him being an ex-Pharisee. But one group of people took a chance and supported him with more than money.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants HIS SON to be known to humans.
• Opposition to spreading the Gospel should be expected.
• GOD provides support from people who share in HIS desire to spread the Gospel.

 

Having a burden for those in need is nice, BUT GOD wants more. I mean, HE wants salvation for all humans. Doing all that it takes to ensure GOD’s message is heard can bring on a great deal of prayer. Opposition to GOD’s very existence, coupled with greedy, power hungry humans, makes it seem impossible for anyone to believe the Good News about JESUS. But it happens.

 

JESUS decided to take a chance on humanity by becoming a human, living a sinless life, allowing HIS creation to murder HIM and being raised from the dead. HIS resurrection gave me a second chance because my sin doomed me to die for all eternity. I am grateful JESUS did all that for me and I am also grateful for those who supported me spreading the Gospel.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the writer’s gratitude?
• Has GOD called you to start out on a ministry and you don’t have any means to do so?
• Will you start out with thankfulness and pursue being led by the HOLY SPIRIT in spreading the Gospel anyway today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please provide for those who seek spreading the Great News about JESUS. Help the reader know his or her purpose in YOU today. amen

Thankful For You

Thankful For You

Philippians 1: ³ I thank my God for you every time I think of you; ⁴ and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy ⁵ because of the way in which you have helped me in the work of the gospel from the very first day until now. 

 

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On special days like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, I thought of the many adopted parents and my parents who blessed me in ways I cannot imagine. I also am thankful for family and friends who remained and still remain very prayerful for every situation.

 

• I have been truly blessed.
• I have been supported by many who bow down to GOD.
• I have been able to spread the gospel because of many prayerful Spirit-filled people.

 

Paul expresses gratitude for the many people who supported his difficult journey. He is filled with elation every time he thought of those who helped him tell people about JESUS. His thankfulness was especially for those who hung in there from the very beginning of his transformed ministry.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be thankful for those who have prayed for me.
• GOD wants me to praise people in front of HIM so many can be honored in HIS presence.
• GOD wants me to look back and remember those who serve HIM loyally.

 

There are some people who come to mind when I think of impactful belief in GOD, who have influenced me. I mean, ordinary people who stand firm for CHRIST at all costs. I see his or her fervor, never missing a beat when life gets difficult. In fact, these people turn up the encouragement when the struggles are happening.

 

How is this possible? I ask myself. The only thing that comes to mind is their relationship with CHRIST. I thank GOD for the many who continue to serve GOD in spite of the many obstacles placed in front of them.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the sincerity of the writer regarding thankfulness?
• Doesn’t it sound like the writer has been through a lot and he was fully supported along the way?
• Who comes to mind that you are thankful for as he or she has stood firm in CHRIST and has fully supported you with prayer consistently?
• Will you fill your heart to overflowing with thankfulness to GOD today?

Praise and Thanksgiving

Praise and Thanksgiving

Ephesians 5: ¹⁸ Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹ Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. ²⁰ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

 

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Parking in a tight parking lot, I carefully got out of my new vehicle. A careless guy opened his door quickly, nicking the paint on my new van. The newness was ruined and from that moment on, all I could see was the small dent and the nicked paint.

 

• I was focused only on the problem.
• All I could see was something to complain about.
• I replayed the action of the guy over and over, each time I saw the nick.

 

Paul gives everyone some advice for every situation. “Always give thanks for everything” were his difficult words. He had been beaten, jailed, chased and almost killed by those who opposed believing in JESUS. He had a lot to complain about, but gave a solid alternative.

 

My Observations

• Praise to GOD should be used as a cure of the problem.
• Seeing GOD’s  provision in my life takes practice.
• Giving thanks to GOD reduces my complaints and provides me with joy and cheer.

 

Staying in a state of complaining, worry and anger seems to be what the adversary wants. I mean, if I always have something to grouse about, I remain blind to the extreme blessings GOD has given me. I focus on the little problem and sometimes make it bigger in my mind each time I play out the words he or she may have said.

 

GOD gives me an alternative, namely praise and thanksgiving. HE doesn’t want me mad, sad or bad. HE provides in the middle of the storm and when problems seem to be at their greatest. I am thankful for all HE has done and I praise GOD for HIS greatness. Great is thy faithfulness!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer starts off the warning with “do not get drunk?”
• What problems have you focused on and played over in your mind over and over?
• Will you take a moment to praise GOD when your troubles pop up in your mind and give GOD thanks when you feel troubled today? 

Hour of Thanks

Hour of Thanks

2 Corinthians 6: In our work together with God, then, we beg you who have received God's grace not to let it be wasted. ² Hear what God says:

 

“When the time came for me to show you favor,
    I heard you;
when the day arrived for me to save you,
    I helped you.”

 

Listen! This is the hour to receive God's favor; today is the day to be saved!

 

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“Say thank you” were the words I did not want to hear. The server did not know I had dropped my drink, causing me embarrassment. The food was free and it was a celebration but I was distracted because I drew attention to my mistake.

 

• When I am worried or sad I forget about thankfulness.
• When I am angry or frustrated I do not feel thankful.
• When I am misguided, misinformed, embarrassed or sinning, being thankful seems to be the furthest thing from my mind.

 

Paul quotes what GOD told Isaiah to write. He mentions that GOD, in HS time, answered HIS promise and brought salvation. This very hour is the time to be thankful and accept HIS wonderful gift.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize what HE has done for me.
• GOD wants me to look beyond current circumstances to see just how much HE loves me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful this moment, instead of waiting for the perfect time.

 

“If then” statements can cause problems with my relationship with GOD. I mean, when I doubt that GOD loves me I may use “If then” statements like “If GOD loves people so much then why do people suffer/” My blindness does not recognize that the enemy is not GOD, rather Satan, who wants to blind me of GOD’s grace.

 

GOD’s grace is not to be wasted. No matter what is going on in my life, HE is always showing incredible grace. The HOLY SPIRIT opens my eyes to HIS grace in the middle of the storm. I am glad I can find peace that surpasses understanding by saying “Thank YOU LORD!”

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by not letting GOD’s grace be wasted?
• When calamity is striking, will you remember thankfulness as a weapon to fight it?
• Have you received the very valuable gift of GOD’s salvation through JESUS and thanked HIM for HIS favor and help?

Cure for the Holidays

 Cure for the Holidays

2 Corinthians 4: ¹³ The scripture says, “I spoke because I believed.” In the same spirit of faith we also speak because we believe. ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us, together with you, into his presence. ¹⁵ All this is for your sake; and as God's grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

 

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Grumpy was the feeling I wanted to feel. I did not want to be cheered up during this particular holiday because I felt frustrated in life. My jalopy of a car was not working, I had a job cleaning after people who really did not care and worst of all, I had to visit people who I was angry with.

 

• The holidays emphasized my hurt.
• The holidays showed me how far I was from having a smiling face.
• The holidays seemed like a period to get beyond.

 

Paul saw through the troubles and trials of life enough to speak about JESUS. He knew there would be circumstances that would make him feel like remaining silent or hiding away in a corner until the perfect conditions appeared. He mentions a scripture that says “I spoke because I believed.” His belief was in “grace” that was necessary to fill empty hearts.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS love for me, especially when I don’t feel like it.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS cure for brokenness by offering HIM thanksgiving.
• GOD wants me to look beyond my circumstances to spread the message of life so more and more people will receive grace.

 

Hurt, loneliness and bitterness can blind me to my purpose. I mean, when I am tempted to want to remain grumpy, I allow myself to be open to isolation, which could also enable me to be manipulated by the enemy. He seeks to devour the meal I make each time I voice my frustration or stew in my pain.

 

GOD wants me to be guided out of my pain by others and then HE wants me to guide others out of their pain. The true cure is to be able to “believe” the Gospel is the answer to all ills so I can use thanksgiving as a weapon against any pain that arises. I am thankful and I hope all who read can know they are loved deeply.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt bad about wanting to feel grumpy?
• Will you accept that sometimes you will want to feel that way, but try to limit the time that you allow it?
• Will you look at “thanksgiving” as a weapon versus a feeling and use it to fight against the enemies of isolation, deep hurt and loneliness today?
• Will you be raised up from your feelings today so you can speak life to people in a small way?

Irrational

Romans 3: ⁵ But what if our doing wrong serves to show up more clearly God's doing right? Can we say that God does wrong when he punishes us? (This would be the natural question to ask.) ⁶ By no means! If God is not just, how can he judge the world?

 

⁷ But what if my untruth serves God's glory by making his truth stand out more clearly? Why should I still be condemned as a sinner? ⁸ Why not say, then, “Let us do evil so that good may come”? Some people, indeed, have insulted me by accusing me of saying this very thing! They will be condemned, as they should be.

 

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After sitting on my trunk for 15 minutes, a couple picked me up. It was dark and my car had broke down. Why did they pick me up? I thought to myself. I mean, they were a different race than me and in that state, it was rare to see racial line being crossed. “Do you know JESUS?” was their question to me as we pulled into the rest area where they dropped me off. “Yes” I answered.

 

• Many people have irrationally served me.
• Many people have shown me love and I did not ask for it.
• Many people have blessed me and I could not find a reason why they did it.

 

Paul explains faulty logic. He shows how people try to rationalize GOD away by asking “what if” questions. These questions try to prove GOD is not who HE is or even exists. Paul makes it plain that those who continue down that path will be condemned.

 

• GOD wants me to admit my sin to HIM.
• GOD wants me to recognize that I need HIM for forgiveness and protection.
• GOD wants me to know HE is concerned about this life and the afterlife.

 

Justifying evil seems logical. I mean, when I use the term “everyone else is doing it”, I am trying to join the crowd, who obviously is right. It wouldn’t be a crowd if it were wrong, right? Wrong. None of us choose GOD. Fortunately HE chose us.

 

When JESUS died for my sins, HE made a way for me to be forgiven. It was irrational for HIM to see that I would not choose HIM, yet HE died for me anyway. HE sees me blaming HIM, yet HE loves me. I am thankful JESUS chose love over human logic.

 

• Are you avoiding learning about GOD so you can continue doing what you want to do?
• Have you rationalized GOD out of your life and believe in humans who do not believe in HIM?
• Will you add faith and belief to your thinking and allow JESUS to irrationally guide you to an abundant life of purpose today?

Assured Thanks

 

Assured Thanks

Acts 27: ³³ Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. ³⁴ Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” ³⁵ After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. ³⁶ They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. ³⁷ Altogether there were 276 of us on board. ³⁸ When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

 

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Everyone around me said encouraging words. “You will get the position” they all said. Some of them were people who knew the decision makers. I was excited and full of praise and thanks. But there was one person who said “You may or you may not get the position.” Why did the person say “May not?” Now my praise and thanks turned to a slight bit of doubt.

 

• There were times when I had more doubt than confidence.
• There were times when my prayers were full of fear.
• There were times when I really wanted to believe something that was a promise, but was uncertain.

 

Paul urged the crew to eat. Many had probably given up hope. Paul, knowing what GOD told him, encouraged everyone that they would be safe. He was so sure, he gave thanks to GOD and ate in front of everyone. They joined in because they were encouraged.

 

• GOD wants me to be sure of HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for what HE has already done.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged by HIS plan for me.

 

Human’s define success through sinful eyes. I mean, everyone has to be healthy, wealthy and all lusts fulfilled to meet the standards of success set by humans. BUT GOD has a different measure of success. “If you give even a cup of water to MY littles ones, you are MY disciple and will not lose your reward.”

 

Being thankful means I have already received the reward and I am thankful for it. I may not see it yet, but I have faith that GOD will do just as HE says. I can be assured, so I give thanks to GOD.

 

• Do you know GOD’s promises yet you doubt HIS love for you?
• Do you have fear for the upcoming situation?
• Will you give GOD assured thanks, knowing HE has a plan that looks different than you think, but is great for you and those around you today?

Illogical Thankfulness

Luke 10: ²¹ In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ²² All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

²³ Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; ²⁴ for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.”

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Driving down the road, I hit a huge patch of water. The car spun all the way around then wound up sideways to oncoming traffic. I corrected the car and was able to continue without any harm to me or my family. I thanked GOD for HIS protection.

• Sometimes I am tempted to give myself credit.
• Sometimes I think “I” performed all of “my” accomplishments.
• Sometimes I think “I” am in control.

JESUS did something extremely strange. HE thanks the FATHER for hiding things from the “wise and prudent.” HE then thanks the FATHER for revelation to “babes.” Afterwards HE turns to the disciples and says HE reveals who, HE and the FATHER is, to whom HE chooses.

• GOD says to me “I accept your thankfulness.”
• GOD says to me “I enjoy your thanksgiving.”
• GOD says to me “I know it is difficult sometimes but I AM there for you and I appreciate your praise and thanks.”

Sometimes it is all about GOD. HE deserves praise whenever I can. Sin makes me want to run and hide from GOD, but HE appreciates illogical thankfulness, even after sin. HE enjoys my confession that I need and want HIM to cleanse me of unrighteousness.

HE is pleased when I credit HIM for “everything”, large and small. GOD is my protection, HE is my strength, HE is my savior. I owe everything to HIM.

• Is your logic larger than GOD?
• Do you believe in “some” parts of the Bible and not others?
• Do you think GOD made you incorrectly and that humans have a better answer than HE does?
• Will you yield your life to HIM today and know HE made you, only HE can cure you?