Exclusion Illusion

 

Exclusion Illusion

Romans 9: ²² And the same is true of what God has done. He wanted to show his anger and to make his power known. But he was very patient in enduring those who were the objects of his anger, who were doomed to destruction. ²³ And he also wanted to reveal his abundant glory, which was poured out on us who are the objects of his mercy, those of us whom he has prepared to receive his glory. ²⁴ For we are the people he called, not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles. ²⁵ This is what he says in the book of Hosea:

 

“The people who were not mine
    I will call ‘My People.’
The nation that I did not love
    I will call ‘My Beloved.’
²⁶ And in the very place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called the children of the living God.”

 

 

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After flying a lot, I received a certain status. I was able to upgrade to first class every now and then. I receive a notice from the airline. “You have access to a special location in major airports where you can be pampered while you wait. Great! Now I don’t have to even see the common traveler. They usually are too slow anyway.

 

• There were times when I wanted to be in exclusive places.
• There were times when I felt I had earned the right to exclude.
• There were times when I enjoyed the status of being in a certain group.

 

Paul takes a turn from the hard message and shows just how much GOD loves HIS creation. He explains that GOD has patience for those who reject HIM. He also explains that while JESUS chose a certain group of people to become a human through, everyone who believes in HIM will be called HIS people.

 

• GOD wants me to spread the great news about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to rejoice because HE included me in HIS love.
• GOD wants me to make everyone feel welcome to come into HIS family through HIS SON.

 

Thieves have tried to steal JESUS and make HIM an exclusive club. I mean, skin hues, and must do’s is bad news! Whenever I try to exclude people by telling them they have not done enough for GOD, or when I am sitting in a place where everyone looks and acts like me, I am not acting like the example JESUS showed.

 

Yes, the rules are very important to GOD, but if one bite took every human down, then my daily sin would burn everyone up. JESUS took care of it all. HE said “MY grace is sufficient.” HE also said “It is finished” meaning there is nothing else that needs to be done.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT has been sent and when I believed in JESUS, I have nothing more to do. But I want to do for HIM so I do what HE leads me to do. I am grateful JESUS brought me into HIS family and everyone is welcome.

 

• Are you telling people they are not doing enough for GOD?
• Are you mostly talking to people who look and act like you?
• Will you allow JESUS to break your normal habits wo HE can use you to reach many nations?

Soul Matters

Mark 8: ³⁴ When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ³⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ³⁷ Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

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“What kind of job will I get?” was the only thing on my mind at the time. Seven jobs later I found myself with another question, “What is my purpose?”

• There were times when I thought life meant “How much money can I make?”
• There were times when I thought life was about the insurance carrier I could obtain.
• There were times when I thought life equated to houses, cars and gadgets.

“Now that’s living” were the words in my mind as I lusted after people with lavish lifestyles. BUT GOD broke things down differently.

• JESUS says to me “Take up your cross and follow me daily.”
• JESUS says to me “Your soul is more important to me than the lusts of this world.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek ME without being ashamed of me and I will remember you upon MY return.”

Telling a group that my life matters is noble, BUT GOD tells me “Souls Matter.” HE has a place made for me where the quality of life never diminishes. There is no anger, no guilt, and no shame. HE wants all souls which includes race, gender and other forms of discrimination. HE is excited when I follow HIM and wants others to do the same.

• Are you trying to gain more of the world?
• Do you feel bitter and rage when someone else gets ahead?
• Can you stop trying to become bigger in humans eyes and give your soul back to GOD who created you?

Slow Down to Decide

Psalm 11:4 But the LORD is in HIS Holy temple

                        the LORD still rules from heaven

            HE watches everything closely

                        examining everyone on earth

            5 The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked

                        HE hates everyone who loves violence

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By now I was able to drive myself to work, but I still needed permission to go places. I have no idea how a friend of mine always had a party to go to but nonetheless, I wanted in. This was my opportunity. A person who I was supposed to fill in for at work no longer needed me to fill in. It was Friday night and the shift was from 6PM until 2AM. Let’s see, stay at home with the parents or go to the party with friends and not be seen as a square anymore! What should I have done?

• When I am impatient I make decisions too quickly that may be detrimental.
• When I decide in haste I usually regret the quick decision.
• When I rush into a decision I usually do not think of the consequences.

Sin is part of my humanity. I was born with it and when I make decisions too quickly I can sometimes be fooled by its deadly grip. I then look up and I am in something I can’t get myself out of. How can I avoid this?

• When I make a decision I should ask GOD for HIS direction.
• When I make a decision I should allow GOD to say “No” or “Yes.”
• When I make a decision I should understand that GOD is watching everything closely.

I know GOD understands when I sin. I was born with a deficit to my character and HE knows it. BUT GOD is pleased when I come to HIM first with my plans. HE loves it when I ask HIM first and when I yield to HIS decision. My relationship with GOD should have healthy fear of HIM but also healthy “love” of HIM which seeks HIS advice from time to time.

• Are you worried and making snap decisions?
• Can you slow down to listen to what GOD is saying to you?
• Will you add GOD to your decision and know that HE is pleased with you regardless of the outcome?