You Gotta Be Kidding

You Gotta Be Kidding

Genesis 19: ¹² Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place! ¹³ For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

 

¹⁴ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.

 

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Majority ruled in Sodom. Everyone else was doing whatever they pleased and Lot seemed like a judgy nag. The angels asked Lot if he had any other relatives in Sodom, because they were going to destroy the city with the people in it because their sin had reached a point of no return. Lot went to his future sons-in-law, begging them to leave. They scoffed at him in disbelief.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s future sons-in-law were probably raised in the Sodomite ways.
• Angels are not all knowing, so they asked Lot about his relatives.
• GOD sent the angels to do a special intervention for the first time.

 

Destroying a beautifully made city seemed preposterous to Lot’s future sons-in-law. Why would GOD destroy anything? Sounds like the questions of today when GOD says HE will destroy the earth. The imminence of destruction was seemed like a joke.

 

The angels knew what they were told to do and when. Destruction of the city would happen whether Lot stayed or left. This is the second time Lot had to be rescued. The choice of the city that looked so great was a disaster. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why do the angels explain why they were there to Lot?
• Have you checked to see how much grace GOD is extending to you?
• Is GOD about to do something in your life that requires you to realize how great HIS grace and power really is?

No Math Needed

No Math Needed

Revelation 22: 18 I, John, solemnly warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if any add anything to them, God will add to their punishment the plagues described in this book. 19 And if any take anything away from the prophetic words of this book, God will take away from them their share of the fruit of the tree of life and of the Holy City, which are described in this book.

20 He who gives his testimony to all this says, “Yes indeed! I am coming soon!”

So be it. Come, Lord Jesus!

21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone

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Hearing the story about people enjoying themselves, I wanted to be included. I retold their story, implying that I was included. But when I was asked a question about the event, I could not answer.

• I felt embarrassed that I was not at the event, so I embellished the story.
• I added details to the story that were not true.
• I tried to make the story mine, when it wasn’t.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, concludes the book of amazing prophecies revealed to him by JESUS. He gave a stern warning to not add anything to the book or take anything away. No embellishments! He then gave a testimony of JESUS promising to return. John seemed to show value in this pending action and emphatically agreed.

My Observations:

• GOD had a reason for providing the prophesies and wants them to remain intact.
• JESUS seems to be preparing us for HIS imminent return, so HE gave us everything we need to know.
• I do not have to embellish something that is already amazing, so I place my full belief in what has been revealed.

Live life as if JESUS will return any moment, is what I get from reading this prophetic book. I mean, I still have to work to eat and do day to day things, BUT GOD wants me to be on the lookout for JESUS daily. What does that mean?

To me, it means seeing people HE wants me to serve for the purpose of bringing them back to HIM. HE also wants me to pray for those who seem to be rejecting HIM. GOD seems very serious about bringing the lost back to HIMSELF. I gladly join in on HIS plan.

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever embellished a story to make yourself look good or to make someone look bad?
• Will you read the Bible as a collection of books from GOD, written through humans, so HE could guide us to HIS love today?

Priorities

Priorities

Revelation 22: ¹² “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. ¹³ I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were asked “What are the problems you are facing?” We gave a list of thing, large and small. Each of us were assigned to deal with various problems. When the year was up, we were rewarded for our accomplishments.

 

• We had no time for frivolous activities.
• We had to focus on the main problems and develop action plans to address them.
• After we fixed many problems, we received rewards based on what we did.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard HIM reiterate something important. JESUS said again “Listen!” HE then said “I AM coming soon!” John had just finished a conversation with an angel about what he was writing and after the conversation, JESUS emphasizes HIS return.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• JESUS holds all time in HIS hands, so when HE puts emphasis on coming soon, I should listen.
• JESUS will reward me for the service I do in belief in HIS words.

 

When something is said twice, emphatically, it must be important. Once I was working for a company that provided food for first responders of forest fires. As I was taking the food out, I was warned that fire was not in control. They emphasized the danger and would only allow me to go through because food was needed on the front lines. Same with GOD.

 

JESUS emphasizes the need for us to prioritize our lives for HIM. HE has been risen and provided a prophecy of HIS return. Whatever problem we think is a priority, JESUS says, “Listen, I AM coming soon!” I gladly live my life as if today were my last.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS emphasize what HE already said to the writer?
• Have you ever been told to do something and did not prioritize it high enough?
• Have you assessed your priorities and aligned them with CHRIST’s so you can do what HE wants versus trying to get HIM to do what you want today?

Ready for Soon

Ready for Soon

Revelation 22: ⁶ Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.”

⁷ “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

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Waiting on the bus in the cold seemed like a bad idea to me. We were on the corner of a fast food restaurant. I heard someone say “The bus is coming soon.” But I figured I would go inside the restaurant to warm up. I got distracted and was not looking as attentively. The bus came and went and I was left waiting.

 

• I did not believe I would miss the bus.
• I figured that I had been miserable long enough, so I took matters in my own hands.
• I made a mistake by looking for temporary comfort when I should have remained ready.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard directly from HIM. “Listen!” JESUS said with urgency. “I AM coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS said HE will return soon so I should act like it could be any day now.
• JESUS said to obey the prophecies shown to John which should change my actions.
• JESUS wants me to have a blessing, so HE told all of us what HE is going to do.

 

Hatred makes me not ready. I mean, when I am busy hating other people, I miss the bus of serving GOD’s people with love. I may get distracted by trying to prove his or her wrong, justifying my sinful activity. BUT GOD wants me ready.

 

But what does ready look like? Ready means believing that I need a Savior to confess my sins to. HE will then give me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, to guide me to serve those HE is seeking to redeem. I look forward to JESUS return, but until then I will serve those HE sends me to or sends to me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the angel said “These words are true and can be trusted” to the writer?
• Have you ever missed out on something because you stopped waiting?
• Will you refocus your thinking so you can remain ready for CHRIST by serving those HE is seeking to redeem?

Wish You Weren’t Here

Wish You Weren’t Here

Revelation 8: ¹³ Then I looked, and I heard an eagle that was flying high in the air say in a loud voice, “O horror! horror! How horrible it will be for all who live on earth when the sound comes from the trumpets that the other three angels must blow!”

 

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Stopping off at the postcard stand, I grabbed one and wondered what to write. Yes, I said postcard. It had an image of where I was on vacation and space to write a note on the back and it could be mailed, so people could share in the experience. Someone suggested writing “Wish you were here!”

 

• I wanted the person to share in the experience.
• I wished that the person I was writing to could be there experiencing what I was experiencing.
• I was going through an enjoyable time so I wished everyone could experience the same.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an eagle flying high in the sky. It said a warning that the next three trumpets would bring on extremely rough times, like never before, for those who lived on earth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s power is sometimes misunderstood.
• GOD has patience and HE gives us enough warning to be ready for HIS plan.
• It us up to me to be ready for the return of CHRIST, which will be a terrible day for those who have not put their trust in HIM.

 

Kingdom demolition is not a popular subject, but is necessary. I mean, we like storybook endings that say everything will be alright for everyone. BUT GOD says something different. HE warns us of HIS plan to tear down Satan’s kingdom. During that time, everyone will wish they weren’t here.

 

Everything will be alright for those who love the LORD and put their trust in HIM. But when HE returns, HE will judge those who have not put their trust in HIM or who have manipulated HIS words to get their way. GOD doesn’t play. HE provides ample time and fair warning for me to get my life straight and to align with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer capture what seems to be the eye of the storm?
• What do you think will happen when JESUS returns?
• Will you put your total trust in JESUS so HE can guide you in this life as well as in eternity today?

Fish and Ships

Fish and Ships

Revelation 8: ⁸ Then the second angel blew his trumpet. Something that looked like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea was turned into blood, ⁹ a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

 

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Fishing at a stocked lake was enjoyable. We caught several fish that were noteworthy. We went to other lakes that had fish at one point, but upon returning, the lakes seemed dead. “What happened to all the fish?” I pondered.

 

• I enjoyed fishing.
• I have seen lakes with fish jumping out of the water.
• I never wondered what it would be like if there were no fish.

 

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears the second of seven trumpets blown. This second step of taking down Satan’s kingdom, was focused on the sea. A third of the fish and ships were killed and destroyed, more than likely to affect tourism, commercial fishing and goods and services trading.

 

My Observations:

• GOD doesn’t seem to be afraid of destroying the earth HE created, because HE is powerful enough to protect humans.
• Once GOD cursed something, there is no power to turn it back into being blessed.
• GOD’s people who believe in JESUS as the Savior will not have to experience a second death.

 

Destruction is usually an attribute we do not like to give to GOD, but is necessary. I mean, HE tells us what is coming and how HE will do it. We have to believe HE is going to do what HE says HE will do.

 

GOD warns us so we can have plenty of time to get in alignment with HIM. HE laid out HIS plan as clear as possible, showing us HE will take down Satan’s kingdom and bring HIS kingdom into full glory. This is not a time to be scared, but it is not a time to rejoice either, for GOD does not wish anyone to perish. This is a time to prepare.

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about writing this?
• Have you ever asked GOD to show HIS plan to you?
• Since HE has shown HIS plan, do you agree with HIS methods or does it raise more questions?
• Will you seek a different set of questions and allow HIS plan for your life to be shown to you without trying to steer GOD into getting your way but HIS?

Unpopulated

Unpopulated

Revelation 6: ⁷ Then the Lamb broke open the fourth seal; and I heard the fourth living creature say, “Come!” ⁸ I looked, and there was a pale-colored horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades followed close behind. They were given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill by means of war, famine, disease, and wild animals.

 

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Visiting relatives years ago, I saw a town that was busy. I didn’t think whether the town was thriving or not. Years later after a few major companies moved away, I went back and found a town that was no longer thriving.

 

• I saw empty buildings.
• I saw sickness escalating.
• I saw animals start to invade.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the third living creature say “Come!” after the fourth seal of Satan’s sentence scroll was opened. This time two spirits were unleashed, namely Death and Hades respectively. This step in demolishing Satan’s cushy kingdom will cause many to die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s devastation will not harm those who believe in CHRIST.
• GOD’s sentence on Satan will not affect those who believe in JESUS.
• Death has no power over those who believe in JESUS.

 

Death is scary but helps me grow up. I mean, who wants to go through the pain of dying? No one. It is not a fun subject, but necessary for believers to understand that JESUS is now the authority over eternal life.

 

While death may happen, believers will be raised from the dead, just like JESUS! GOD’s sentence, unfortunately, will be poured out on Satan and those who reject HIS SON as the Savior. This should give us fire to pray, teach and be sent to seek the lost with urgency.

 

Challenge

• Are the writer’s words scary?
• Is death a subject you would like to avoid?
• Will you believe in JESUS so you can have a healthy, less scary, view of death; knowing you will be raised from the dead or possibly will avoid death all together if JESUS returns before you die?

Letting Go

Letting Go

Jude 1: ¹⁴ It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels ¹⁵ to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!”

 

¹⁶ These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way.

 

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After the third interview, I wondered if I got the job. My handler said to me “A third round of interviews is strange, but they seem ready to extend an offer.” I got comfortable with those words and stopped interviewing. I was about to be hired for one of the largest companies in the world! About a week later they told me the position was put on hold. A week after that, the company announced they were laying off tens of thousands of people.

 

• I may have gotten my way but would not have wanted what I got.
• My way was going to end in disaster.
• I was mad that it was taking so long to get “my” way but I am glad I didn’t.

 

Jude focused on a prophecy that has not yet come to pass. He warns against grumbling, blaming others, following selfish evil desires, bragging and flattery to get their own way.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s ways are not my ways until I can let go of getting “my” way.
• Trying to get “my” way may blind me to what GOD wants.
• Letting go of “my” way opens me up for GOD to provide “the WAY.”

 

JESUS is “The Way” according to HIM. HE needs no other explanation with HIS statement. All things that are made were made through HIM. GOD revealed HIM as HIS SON for whom HE is well pleased. GOD gives me ample time to brag about JESUS. But unfortunately I don’t use my time wisely.

 

Instead I grumble and complain about what I don’t have versus what I do. I then ask GOD “What’s YOUR problem?” or “Why aren’t you giving me ‘my’ way?” GOD uses HIS patience by not answering because HE is about to do something totally different. I may try to hold on, but I am glad that when I let go, GOD shows me that HE had ‘it’ in the first place.

 

Challenge

• Who is included in the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever gotten mad at GOD or GOD’s people because you were not getting “your” way?
• Will you add “surrender” to your life so you can let go of getting “your” way, replacing it with “The WAY” today?

Difficult Things Explained

Difficult Things Explained

2 Peter 3: ¹⁴ And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him. ¹⁵ Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear friend Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.

 

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Sitting in class I was absolutely perplexed. We hit a point where the professor was explaining, at light speed, the derivation of the heat equation. Many symbols were written that I did not understand. I went to his teachers aid to translate.

 

• I had missed some foundational information that I needed to help me understand this difficult thing.
• I needed help just understanding the basics, let alone the more difficult things.
• There was no way I could explain this difficult thing without some help.

 

Peter continued his explanation of the Day of the LORD. He knew it was a difficult topic to discuss, so he refers to Paul, who wrote many letters on the subject. He then gave a warning that some people who may not have grasped foundational truths, were trying to explain difficult things without “revealed” knowledge.

 

My Observations:

• Scripture was “GOD-breathed” and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
• GOD chose to reveal  truths that, to this day, confound the wisest people.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is willing to guide anyone who seeks understanding of GOD.

 

Talking about the imminent destruction of the world is difficult. I mean, during the last days, there will be groups of people who truly believe humans have the power to stop something GOD said HE would do. Trying to explain that JESUS will return some day to those who do not believe HE would destroy HIS own creation is hard, if not impossible. BUT GOD made a way.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to those who seek HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT works at the pace of the reader, helping explain difficult things so the reader will be comforted. Patience is highlighted versus focusing in on the Day JESUS will return. I am glad GOD gave me a chance to accept HIS SON as my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What difficult thing is the writer pointing out?
• Have you ever run into something difficult that needed explaining?
• Will you ask GOD to reveal the difficult things so HE will strengthen you faith in HIM today?

Make It Happen

Make It Happen

2 Peter 3: ¹⁰ But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that Day the heavens will disappear with a shrill noise, the heavenly bodies will burn up and be destroyed, and the earth with everything in it will vanish. ¹¹ Since all these things will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you be? Your lives should be holy and dedicated to God, ¹² as you wait for the Day of God and do your best to make it come soon—the Day when the heavens will burn up and be destroyed, and the heavenly bodies will be melted by the heat. ¹³ But we wait for what God has promised: new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will be at home.

 

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“The sooner you all pick up all your stuff, the sooner you can leave” was the statement of the person who stood between us and freedom from the being “stuck” in the activity. It had been a long day and all of us wanted to leave, so we got to work putting everything in place.

 

• I wanted freedom from working.
• I wanted to be done with pain.
• I wanted to be in a better place than working or learning!

 

Peter tried to explain the imminent return of JESUS. He says it will come unexpectedly. He tried to explain the magnitude of the return of CHRIST by implying it will be extremely noticeable and unlike anything that has ever happened. He then suggests that we all prepare for this Day by seeking the lost with urgency.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s desire is that no one will suffer and that all would accept HIS SON as the Savior.
• My desire should align with GOD’s desire.
• The sooner we all can work together in unity to present JESUS as the Savior to the world, the sooner HE will return.

 

Only GOD knows the Day that JESUS will return and on that Day, things will change immensely. I mean, many prophecies, given from GOD to multiple writers, state that the Day of the LORD will be a terrible day, however it will be a great one for those who love the LORD and believe in HIM as the Savior.

 

We don’t know the last person who will accept CHRIST, but it is important that we continue to pursue everyone with the urgency GOD desires. I am glad GOD has entrusted humans to seek other humans for eternity.

 

Challenge

• What picture does the writer put in your mind regarding the last day?
• How would you feel if someone could exclude you from heaven because he or she desired that you, or anyone like you, should not be included in GOD’s love?
• Will you believe that GOD has your name written in HIS hand and in the Lamb’s Book of Life, so you cannot lose your salvation and so you can seek those who are rejecting JESUS today?

Patience Observed

Patience Observed

2 Peter 3: ⁸ But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. ⁹ The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

 

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Fresh out of school, I felt I did not know anything. I was given an assignment and looked at it like a deer in the headlights of a speeding truck. I timidly asked “How do I do this?” My immediate supervisor was frustrated. But his boss gave him a different way. He told my immediate supervisor to teach me what I needed to know.

 

• Both bosses needed to have patience while I learned what to do.
• I tried to accelerate my studies, but I needed to learn too much.
• It took time for me to learn and when I did, I was able to excel.

 

Peter explained to the believers of JESUS that HIS return may seem slow, but is patient. He also explains that GOD wants everyone to be saved and is showing extreme patience until the last person accepts CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has seen my creation and my eternal life with HIM at the same time.
• Time may seem slow to me, but to GOD, it is instant.
• I have to realize that when I want out of trials or when I want something different to happen, it takes time and I have to learn GOD’s patience.

 

“Can YOU just give me patience right now?!” is the joke. I mean, can’t GOD just zap me with the patience I need? No. GOD is very methodical and allows the same trials to appear in my life, over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.

 

HE is not doing this to punish me, rather prepare me. HE sees areas in my life that need strengthening and what better way to get stronger in weak areas but to go through the same thing until I can get through it with the results HE knows I can achieve. I am glad GOD has the patience with me to watch me grow.

 

Challenge

• What one thing is the writer reminding us about?
• Has someone ever been patient with you even thought you were messing up in a huge way?
• Will you take time to recognize GOD’s patience with you and see that HE wants you to grow by reducing sin in your life today?

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?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Not Shaken

 

Not Shaken

Hebrews 12: ²⁵ Be careful, then, and do not refuse to hear him who speaks. Those who refused to hear the one who gave the divine message on earth did not escape. How much less shall we escape, then, if we turn away from the one who speaks from heaven! ²⁶ His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven as well.” ²⁷ The words “once more” plainly show that the created things will be shaken and removed, so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain.

 

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Over the course of years, I had amassed a a great selection of music. I had “taped” music from the “radio” and other places. It brought me joy to play my music loudly driving down the street. One day I walked out and noticed my window was broken out. All my tapes were stolen!

 

• I felt shaken.
• I felt a tremendous loss because each song was calculated in a specific order.
• I felt my car had lost its value because of a broken window.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns people to listen to promises of GOD. He compares the message from heaven as being greater than the message of humans. One promise mentioned is that GOD will shake all of creation and human made things will be removed.

 

My Observations:

• I may lose my stuff, BUT GOD promises to always be with me.
• I may have stuff broken into BUT GOD has a place where no thief can reside.
• I may wear out my clothes own things that rust and live in a place that contracts mold, BUT GOD’s love will always remain in my heart.

 

GOD cannot be stolen. I mean, some people have tried to make GOD in his or her image to get people to bow down to them so they can get more stuff. GOD sees this and tears down every kingdom that is not HIS. HE then fortifies HIS kingdom to protect it from anything that can harm it.

 

His primary message is to love HIS SON JESUS with all our hearts and minds. HE then says love one another. This love cannot be stolen or shaken when tough times arise. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I feel like letting go.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer talking about when mentioning “things that cannot be shaken?”
• Have you ever experienced a loss of something material but you came out of it alive?
• Will you focus on growing GOD’s kingdom and listen to HIS words of urgency regarding the return of JESUS?

No Turning Back

No Turning Back

Hebrews 10: ³⁶ You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. ³⁷ For, as the scripture says,

“Just a little while longer,
    and he who is coming will come;
    he will not delay.
³⁸ My righteous people, however, will believe and live;
    but if any of them turns back,
    I will not be pleased with them.”

³⁹ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.

 

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Changing majors was a thought that ran through my mind. I did not know what the future held, so I figured I would try something different. I met with a counselor. “You have close to enough credits to graduate. Are you sure you want to start over?”

 

• I was about to wander again.
• I was scared of starting over and scared to finish.
• I did not have a passion for anything and felt lost.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives sage advice to everyone. He tells us not to turn back from Gospel of JESUS. He knew the people grew impatient and wanted everything to be fine for a change. He probably saw weary faces and heard discouragement. He lets everyone know that we do not turn back, instead we have faith and are saved!

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return for me someday.
• GOD wants me to live an abundant life for HIM, believing that JESUS guides my life.
• GOD is pleased with me so much that HE saved me and gave me faith in HIS power.

 

Discouraging times makes me want to give up on GOD> I mean, when I am broke, lonely, wounded and in pain, praising GOD seems to disappear from my lips. In fact, temptation pops in and says “there is an easier way than following JESUS.” BUT GOD fortifies my mind.

 

HE wipes away any thought of me turning back to my old way of trying to live life without HIM. HE shows me how I should seek HIM to praise HIM daily. HE helps me navigate difficulties and endure pain. I will never turn back.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “Be patient?”
• Have you ever wanted to give up on GOD to try things on your own?
• Will you keep facing JESUS so HE will guide you to places you have never dreamed of today?

Patiently Waiting

Patiently Waiting

Hebrews 9: ²³ Those things, which are copies of the heavenly originals, had to be purified in that way. But the heavenly things themselves require much better sacrifices. ²⁴ For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God. ²⁵ The Jewish high priest goes into the Most Holy Place every year with the blood of an animal. But Christ did not go in to offer himself many times, ²⁶ for then he would have had to suffer many times ever since the creation of the world. Instead, now when all ages of time are nearing the end, he has appeared once and for all, to remove sin through the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. ²⁸ In the same manner Christ also was offered in sacrifice once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him.

 

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Craning my neck, I looked for a bus. I did not see the distinctive headlights shining off in the distance, so I decided to walk. “I bet I could beat the bus” I said to myself. Far into my trip I saw a but coming. I ran to the nearest stop, but the bus passed me. It was full. I kept walking and another bus did the same. I missed two busses!

 

• I could have had a seat on the bus.
• I did not want to wait because I could not see anything coming.
• I thought I could take matters in my own hands, but found myself worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his discussion about sacrifices. One sacrifice that humans performed was a copy of “the real thing.” Humans would need to die for sins, but instead, they used animals. JESUS, on the other hand, used HIMSELF as the perfect sacrifice. HE did all this for those who “wait” on HIM.

 

My Observations:

• I sometimes forget that life is all about CHRIST trying to redeem me.
• I get lost by focusing on the day to day problems, so I take matters into my own hands.
• When I wait on the LORD, I can still live life, but in a way that knows HE can return any minute.
• Knowing JESUS will return, changes some of my decisions to take matters into my own hands.

 

Wait on the LORD is sometimes confusing to me. I mean, should I do something or do nothing? I believe it means live life as if HE can return any moment. I ask myself, “What would I like to be caught doing when HE returns?” Obviously, I would Like to be doing something HE would prefer.

 

JESUS will return to save those who are waiting on HIM. Every step taken should be towards HIM, not away. All the activity done on earth that points to HIS return is a form of waiting. I gladly wait on HIM and hope HE finds me serving who HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What “copy” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever lost your patience and tried to take matters into your own hands?
• Will you ask GOD for guidance in your activities, so HE will help you prepare for HIS return someday?

While Waiting

While Waiting

Titus 2: ¹¹ For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. ¹² That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, ¹³ as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁴ He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

¹⁵ Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

 

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Looking at the clock, I noticed that I still had hours remaining before I could leave. I was bored and it was bright and sunny outside. I stared out the window for a moment, hoping that time had sped up miraculously. I looked at the clock again and only a few minutes passed. “This is taking forever!” I thought to myself.

 

• I wanted to be done with what I was doing.
• I was getting impatient, because I had “nothing” to do.
• It seemed like time had slowed down because I wanted something different to happen.

 

Paul spoke about the revelation of JESUS and HIS power to provide salvation to all who believe in HIM. He provides words of hope that someday JESUS will appear again. But until then, “grace instructs us” to live a life that is pleasing to GOD.

 

My Observations

• Even though I am not seeing something happening, doesn’t mean GOD is not working.
• Abundant life happens when I live for GOD the way HE wants me to.
• GOD has plenty for me to do while I wait on JESUS to return.

 

Waiting on the LORD is difficult, especially for the impatient. I mean, HE did not give a day or time when HE is coming back. This makes it feel like the hours pass by slower and slower as I wait for the LORD to end all problems, pains and trials. BUT GOD has a remedy for my impatience and boredom.

 

HE gives me tasks to seek HIS kingdom in preparation for the return of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST. HE wants me to live a life that not only pleases HIM, but draws people back to HIM. The world has appeal in ways that draw people away from HIM and HE wants all to be saved. I gladly give my time to the LORD and I patiently wait on HIM by doing HIS work.

 

Challenge

• What “Day” does the writer speak of?
• Have you ever waited on something and it seemed like it would take forever to arrive?
• Will you seek GOD’s Kingdom and give your life to HIM so HE will give you tasks to serve HIM with abundant life while you wait on HIS return?

Victory Found

Victory Found

2 Timothy 4: ⁶ As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. ⁷ I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. ⁸ And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day—and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

 

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Looking for a “win”, I joined various groups, followed certain sports teams and even competed. Sometimes my team won, which made me feel better as a human for some reason, and sometimes my team lost. When I won a bowling trophy, I wanted another. After a while, I wanted more and more trophies and awards in life.

 

• I wanted to feel like I was getting ahead.
• I guess I just wanted to feel special for a moment.
• I wanted to have a bright shiny moment in my life that was sometimes filled with hurt, and pain.

 

Paul tells Timothy this is the end of his life. He mentions that he has participated in the greatest competition, namely the fight against evil. He also mentions that he is on the winning side and has a “victory prize” waiting for him in heaven.

 

My Observations

• Friendly human competitions are alright BUT GOD wants me to join the competition against the evil one.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so HE wants me to join the side that already won so I can receive my prize.
• GOD wants me to “wait with love’ until the Day JESUS returns.

 

Waiting on JESUS is hard, especially during times when it seems like evil is rampant. I mean, the world seems to have lost its mind! BUT GOD sees all the violence, hurt and pain. Instead of competing with one another HE wants something different.

 

Waiting with love is different than being nervous that my moment here on earth has not happened yet. It means I will keep showing love to those HE sends me to or who HE sends to me. It also means that even though life can be hard, GOD still wants me to join in on HIS victorious side and do my part with love. I gladly join GOD and know my victory has already happened.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer feels satisfied?
• Are you disappointed with your accomplishments?
• Instead of looking at your situation, will you love someone who GOD wants you to show love to and keep pressing forward in the “race” of life by seeking HIS Kingdom today?

Looking Forward

Looking Forward

2 Thessalonians Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to be with him: I beg you, my friends, ² not to be so easily confused in your thinking or upset by the claim that the Day of the Lord has come. Perhaps it is thought that we said this while prophesying or preaching, or that we wrote it in a letter. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For the Day will not come until the final Rebellion takes place and the Wicked One appears, who is destined to hell. ⁴ He will oppose every so-called god or object of worship and will put himself above them all. He will even go in and sit down in God's Temple and claim to be God.

 

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Racing to the location, I was upset that everything was gone. I had missed the carnival that I was looking forward to. “Why are you upset?” a neighbor asked. I explained my sadness and she told me “The carnival has been postponed and will be here later.”

 

• I thought I missed something.
• I was really looking forward to having some fun.
• I was upset because I thought I had missed what I was looking forward to.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy address a concern relating to the Day of the LORD. This Day is set aside for the return of the LORD. Times must have been difficult and the people thought they had missed CHRIST’s return. They needed some assurance.

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return some day for us, but before this happens, things will get worse.
• GOD wants me to remain faithful and to stay focused on the salvation of JESUS.
• Looking forward to CHRIST’s return helps me keep the hope that HE has given me.

 

Let’s face it, times seem more and more difficult than before. Complex issues are the norm and confusion seems to be the expectation. BUT GOD is not the author of confusion.

 

HE wants everyone who believes in JESUS for salvation to understand there is an enemy, Satan, who opposes all that is good. Satan will stop at nothing to keep people confused, mislead and misdirected to look to themselves as the answer.

 

He tries to set up shop in our hearts as GOD to tear us away from the MOST HIGH. I am glad GOD holds onto me and you and I look forward to continuing to serve HIM while I wait.

 

Challenge

• What confusion about the LORD’s return do the writers speak about?
• Has there been confusion who and what GOD is?
• Are you confused and upset?
• Will you place your trust in the LORD so HE can guide you to peace, knowing HE has you?