Belief Accounted For

Belief Accounted For

Genesis 15: ⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” ⁵ Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”

 

⁶ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

 

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After hearing GOD’s promise, Abram left the land of his father just like GOD said. He did not know when GOD would show up so he kept moving. GOD then showed up. Abram was excited! But then a famine hit and he had to leave the land GOD showed him. He went to Egypt and almost had his wife taken from him. BUT GOD intervened.

 

Upon return, He had so much stuff, that him and Lot could no longer live together in peace. They separated to Lot’s demise. Abram had to rescue Lot and return the stuff to evil people. Abram said to GOD, after all this, “I still have no children.”

 

My Observations:

• Abram needed to hear from GOD when his patience was running low.
• Abram heard from GOD and immediately believed.
• GOD saw Abram’s belief and “accounted it to him for righteousness.”

 

Since GOD does not react, HE saw Abram’s belief before he was born. HE sees the same in you and me. GOD knows our heart. Unfortunately, we don’t. HE gives us free will to choose HIM and accounts for any belief we do immediately.

 

Abram’s belief needed to be renewed. When he heard from GOD, he may have felt better and was able to move forward in belief in GOD, stronger than before.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about this conversation with Abram?
• Have you ever had a moment that you needed your faith renewed?
• When GOD speaks to you through HIS word, do you immediately believe?

Following the Fallen

 

Following the Fallen

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁰ By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose. ¹¹ For some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly, my friends, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Let me put it this way: each one of you says something different. One says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Peter”; and another, “I follow Christ.” ¹³ Christ has been divided into groups! Was it Paul who died on the cross for you? Were you baptized as Paul's disciples?

 

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Watching a “successful” person was my way of getting ahead. If I could just mimic a few characteristics of “that” person, then I could be a “successful” too. I read articles, books and listened to words from the person I followed. But then it happened. That person fell from the grace of the public. Oh well, on to the next person.

 

• There have been many people I have admired.
• There have been many people I have followed to get their advice.
• There have been many people I have sought after to try to be “successful.”

 

Paul addresses an issue in Corinth. Some people were following him, others Apollos, and others were following Peter. This caused quarrels that were brought to his attention. Paul could have said, “Just follow what I say”, but he knew that was not the answer.

 

• GOD wants me to build a following for HIM.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIM rather than to me.
• GOD wants me to follow CHRIST and not the preacher of the day.

 

Humans rise and fall. I mean, one day I am preaching CHRIST, the next day I have fallen into sin. GOD knows the human heart. HE also knows how desperately wicked each human really is. HE supplied the only cure, namely HIMSELF.

 

JESUS volunteered to die for all humans and was raised from the dead. JESUS deserves the following for HE and HE alone never fell. I gladly follow JESUS over any human.

 

• Are you following a certain person?
• Do you admire their success?
• Will you take a moment to reassess who you are following and see if you are following JESUS with a personal relationship today?

It is Finished

It is Finished

John 19: ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

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JESUS had completed what HE came to do. HE walked the earth, loved HIS creation, only to have them turn on HIM to kill HIM in disbelief. The creation had no longer believed in the creator. BUT GOD cared a lot more than HIS creation could ever know.

• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE gave up HIS only SON to die for them.
• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE accepted blame for every sin humans could ever do.
• GOD loved HIS creation so much that HE sought after them with all HIS might.

JESUS lived a sinless life, yet HE was blamed, criticized and murdered. What is great about this is even death could not stop HIM. When HE died, HE knew HE did something no one else could do. HE redeemed mankind.

• Have you lost hope?
• Do you have nowhere to turn?
• Will you give your life back to JESUS so HE can guide you today?

That’s what it’s all about

Luke 3: ²¹ When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. ²² And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

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One single endorsement was all that was needed. JESUS prayed and the HEAVENLY FATHER opened up heaven and said “YOU are MY beloved SON; in YOU I AM well pleased.” This statement declared JESUS as being the SON of GOD.

• JESUS became a human to save me.
• JESUS lived HIS life sinless as an example to me.
• JESUS was baptized to show me what I should do to others.

Life is all about JESUS. HE guides me and many others through HIS HOLY SPIRIT. HE loves like no other and pursues me daily. JESUS along with the HOLY SPIRIT and the FATHER are always there for me.

• Have you pondered JESUS?
• Do you recognize that JESUS is GOD?
• Can you focus your attention on HIS power today?

Not Alone

Mark 9: ²⁵ When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” ²⁶ Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.

²⁸ And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”

²⁹ So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.”

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Nighttime seemed darker as we rounded approached the campsite. When I got out of the van, I immediately stepped in some mud. I avoided mud at all costs up to that point. By the next day everything I owned had mud on it. The final straw was one of my lenses popping out in the mud. I used some less muddy water to clean it.

• When times are tough I try to “clean” myself up.
• When I go through trials I try to sin less so maybe the trial can go away faster.
• When there are difficulties ahead of me I try to act better so maybe if I were being punished, then I can show I got the lesson.

Amazingly JESUS drives out an unclean spirit and makes an effort to teach the disciples how they can do the same. My focus is on the boy. From childhood he was attacked relentlessly. He did not ask to be attacked by demonic forces and could not speak or hear any words of comfort. He was helpless.

• JESUS sees my situation and knows what I am going through.
• The HOLY SPIRIT knows I cannot speak on my behalf so HE cries out for me.
• The FATHER forgives my circumstance because of JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT.

Trying to pretend I am clean is like taking more mud to form a pretend bar of soap to wash my body and declaring myself clean. In other words, no matter how much I try to follow the “rules” it won’t make me any cleaner or holier. I am helpless, like the boy.

BUT GOD does not leave me helpless. HE raises me out of the mud and cleans me up with everlasting water. HE restores my soul when the well of my heart is empty. Even when I cannot utter a word, the HOLY SPIRIT is there providing strength like none other. Yes JESUS loves me.

• Are you in a difficult circumstance?
• Do you feel exhausted because you thing the power has to come from you?
• Can you understand that GOD loves you enormously and knows your needs and wants you to let go so HE can clean you from the inside?

True Leadership

2 Samuel 23: ² “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me;
    his word was on my tongue.
³ The God of Israel spoke,
    the Rock of Israel said to me:
‘When one rules over people in righteousness,
    when he rules in the fear of God,
⁴ he is like the light of morning at sunrise
    on a cloudless morning,
like the brightness after rain
    that brings grass from the earth.’

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Fearing GOD is the mark of a true leader. This person will base major decisions on what GOD wants rather than on men’s desires. For me this means I shouldn’t look at what another leader is doing and point fingers at that person. I need to ask myself, “Am I following what GOD wants?”

JESUS showed HIMSELF to be a true leader on this very day. HE volunteered to take the horrible consequence of mankind’s sin. We have no idea what this means, only that it happened. HIS leadership example shows HE was the ultimate servant.

• JESUS was direct yet humble.
• JESUS was powerful yet frail.
• JESUS was killed yet raised to life.

HE is the mark of a true leader.

• Where are you putting your trust?
• Do you have faulty belief in GOD?
• Do you believe JESUS was raised from the dead and is now placed above everything?
• Can you see that HE loves you and wants a relationship with you?

How Great Thou Art!

2 Samuel 7: ²² “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 

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Sin takes my thoughts off of how GREAT GOD really is. I mean I get so busy asking for forgiveness that I can’t bring myself to marvel at HIS greatness. Worry does the same. It robs my thoughts of the splendor of GOD. I can say the same for a busy life, troubles and even vacations.

Each distraction takes my mind off of GOD and places it on yet another prayer asking for something. GOD deserves something different.

• HEAVENLY FATHER thank YOU for being GOD, I adore YOU!
• JESUS thank YOU, thank YOU for volunteering to take my execution sentence, I am at a loss for words.
• HOLY SPIRIT, thank YOU for dwelling in my sinful body, guiding me, comforting me, leading me and interceding for me.

GOD is truly amazing! There is none like HIM and no human can match wits with HIM. HE has forgiven me and raised me up in spite of my sin!

The real stone

Deuteronomy 16: ²¹ Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to the Lord your God, ²² and do not erect a sacred stone, for these the Lord your God hates.

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Shopping in a village in Africa after work, a stone artist approached me.  “This statue will bring you good luck.” Driving back across the border from Mexico a salesperson approached the car and said “this will bring your luck.” I have no idea what they were selling. In China I some students gave me gifts and said “this will being you luck.” I wonder if this is where I should put my hope. Nope!

• Wooden statues are carved by humans and have no power.
• Stone statues are carved by humans and have no power.
• String necklaces are made by humans and have no power.

When I have my lucky pencil for a test or wear my lucky shirt for my team to win a game or sit in my lucky seat I’m actually forgetting what GOD says about turning to other gods. It means I desire whatever I desire so much, that I would turn my back on GOD to get it.

• GOD says “Do not place any god above ME.”
• GOD says “Worship only ME.”
• GOD says “I hate wooden and stone gods that have no power.”

The stone the builders rejected is the one and only stone I need to pay attention to, namely JESUS. CHRIST is the cornerstone of the church and that means my total trust needs to be in HIM. My desires should never go outside of HIS will and I should accept the daily bread HE delivers to me. HE supplies my needs and fights my battles. HE IS.

• Where is your faith?
• Do you feel your sin changes GOD’s love for you?
• Can you trust that GOD has the best intention in mind for you?
• Won’t you start thinking GOD cares and let HIM provide for you the way HE wants to today?

Am I setting myself apart for GOD?

Exodus 39: ³⁰ They made the plate out of pure gold. It was a sacred crown. They carved words on it as if it were a seal. They carved the words set apart for the Lord. 

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Scantily clad women walked around trying to get noticed and I wanted to join in. After lifting weights in my local gym, I adorned myself with tiny shorts and a ripped up shirt that I made myself. I mean, store bought shirts couldn’t accentuate my muscles enough.

• Self is difficult to dodge.
• Self usually wants to be noticed or rewarded now.
• Self points everyone to my efforts in a passive or overt way.

Usually when I want to be noticed, it isn’t going to end up in a positive way. Yes I may get a pat on the back, which isn’t bad, but sometimes I may fall into something I shouldn’t. I wonder if all the attention I seek is positive.

• GOD says “Be holy because I am holy” which means I will fail but HIS holiness makes me holy.
• GOD says “Set yourself apart” which means I still have to live with people and not exclude.
• GOD says “I will know MY people” which means HE has placed HIS seal of approval on me.

I have to realize that I am HIS.  This is hard to do when I’m blaming HIM for situations or trouble. I also have to realize “that” person belongs to HIM as well so I have to treat them like it. Being “Set Apart” means living with the purpose of GOD each day. The more I can let go of self the better I am. I will not always get this right but I’m on my way!

• Are you trying to get noticed?
• Do you use overt or passive aggressive ways to get noticed?
• Can you focus some of that attention on GOD?
• Won’t you point someone to CHRIST instead of pointing them to your opinion?

Who is HE?

Revelation 1: ⁸ “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

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Sometimes I just ponder what and “who” GOD is. I have no story or situation I can relate to HIS being.

The FATHER is GOD

JESUS is GOD

The HOLY SPIRIT is GOD

They never act alone but are in agreement with one another therefore “they” can be referred to as HE and the plural is “GOD”, not “gods” for they are one.

They always exist and have always existed and will always exist.

They are all powerful, all knowing and all seeing.

JESUS speaks to us by saying “I am” for HE is the one who became a human and died for my sins. Every sin I have ever committed is erased. HE was murdered by people who attended church but did not believe “in” the church. Yet HE stands. HE forgives. HE blesses.

GOD has all authority.

GOD has all power.

GOD has all glory.

I think I will place my faith in HIM today. Won’t you?

Sometimes I forget why I’m here

Hebrews 1: But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

    a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

    therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions

    by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

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Waking up with aches and pains immediately put me in the mindset of need. My prayers immediately went towards my comfort. Another time I sat at my desk feeling pressured. My prayer immediately went towards my relief. Yet another time I felt alone even though I sat in the midst of a crowd. My prayer immediately went towards finding human companionship.

Yes, I need GOD but do I only need HIM in crisis?

• Many times I forget I am GOD’s human.
• Sometimes I forget to focus my attention on GOD the SON.
• There are other times when I just simply focus on my needs and I never marvel at who the SON really is.

The FATHER says JESUS’ throne will last forever. This is not reserved for any other human. JESUS will rule with a scepter of justice. HE will love those who accept HIS position as GOD and HIS gift of self-sacrifice. There is no-one above HIM and all has been given to HIM.

My anxieties, worries, desires and doubts can all be cast aside when I focus on how bright the future will be with the SON as my guide. Many will fall away but my focus has to remain on the SON.

• Are you anxious about something?
• Is your mind racing because of some situation?
• Can you focus on the SON and know HE is in control?
• Won’t you stop trying to steer GOD and allow HIM to guide you?

I can be bold!

2 Timothy 1: ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

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Seems like whenever I want to do something wrong, I hide my relationship with GOD. When the fellas were standing around with their chatter, the last thing I wanted them to know was I follow GOD.

I mean it seems like as soon as I mention GOD, JESUS or the HOLY SPIRIT the whole room would turn dull grey and the mourning march song would start playing. “Maybe I should just join in” is the thought that popped in my mind.

• Whenever I want to cut GOD out of my life I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel GOD is being unfair or too harsh I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I think the crowd’s ways are better than GOD’s ways I’m on the wrong path.
• Whenever I feel it necessary to hide my relationship with GOD I’m on the wrong path.

GOD wants me to be bold about my relationship with HIM.  HE doesn’t want sin to get in the way of the example HE is trying to show through me.  This means I have to part company with some of the people who want me to remain unfocused.

• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me bold.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me brave.
• GOD’s SPIRIT makes me believe.

Now instead of lust for things I can show love to people. HIS SPIRIT shows me the way to self-discipline and couples me with HIS unmatched power so I need not hide. I can tell people about my relationship regardless of human consequences. I may not be part of “that” group anymore but remaining in the LORD brings me eternal rewards and favor.

• Are you hiding your relationship with GOD to do what you want to do?
• Do you find yourself mentioning GOD less and less?
• Can you take a deep breath and be bold about your relationship with GOD today?

One “man” rescued me!

Romans 5: ¹⁸Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. ¹⁹ For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

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“Liquor run” was designated to me since I had the car. Our phone rang twenty one times in ten minutes; I know this because I counted. “Where is the party” people asked. The number of people was getting too large so I coaxed a person living in my old dorm to reserve a room for us to have a “meeting.”

The night held plenty of laughter until two guys took the merriment a bit far causing a fight. I wonder if I should have held this party.

• There are times I lead a lot of people to my sin.
• There are times I drag people down to my mess.
• There are times I pull people away from GOD rather than towards HIM.

I look back at Adam and think “man, why did you eat that fruit?!” I mean now I have no alternative but to sin and die. GOD saw that sin would ruin the entire human race so HE decided to do something about it. HE volunteered to become a human and take on the challenge of living a perfect sinless life.

HE accomplished this mission and allowed HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation. HE took my punishment for every sin I have ever done or will ever do. HE rescued me in spite of me turning my back on HIM time and time again.

• JESUS volunteered to become a human and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT agreed.
• JESUS became a human and lived a sinless life even though HE was tempted far more than I ever will be.
• JESUS allowed HIS own creation to murder HIM even though HE did nothing wrong.
• JESUS was raised from the dead and is now placed above everything where HE belongs.

It was JESUS who rescued me and I didn’t even know I needed to be saved. Now that I know what HE did for me, I feel driven to turn people towards HIM instead of dragging people into my sin.

• Are you causing others to fall because of your lifestyle?
• Are you dragging people down instead of picking them up?
• What are you purposefully doing for GOD?
• Are you seeking HIM because you want to avoid punishment or because you love HIM?

What the “Good News” is all about.

John 1: ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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 ¹⁶ Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

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Wow! I guess the Bible is clear about JESUS being GOD especially in that last verse. I really could not think of a life lesson I could share today because this recording of history says it all.

The “final say” became a human and lived with us. People brought their problems to HIM and had expectations that HE would resolved everything the way they wanted HIM to resolve them. They mistreated JESUS without knowing HE was GOD.

I treat JESUS the same way.  I put an expectation in my mind and blame GOD when HE does something different. Fortunately for me GOD has limitless grace and unshakeable mercy. Sometimes I say, “Who cares, JESUS died for my sins, so what does that have to do with my current situation?”

• In a world of uncertainty JESUS is the only one who provides me with absolute truth.
• In a world where hatred reigns JESUS is the only one who gives me grace to its fullest.
• In a world of egotistical, power hungry, manipulative, greedy whoremongers JESUS is the only one who provides me with forgiveness for being that way.

Any and every one who can see their need for a savior can reach out to JESUS and be saved from eternal separation from HIM. HE gave me a lifetime to serve HIM, how much of it is squandered on a worthless path? JESUS, GOD, decided to forgive me, that is “Great News!”

• Do you say to GOD “what have YOU done for me lately?”
• Have you tried to make GOD your servant?
• Will you praise GOD for coming to your rescue?
• Are you willing to take off your spiritual blindfold and see how GOD is working in your life?
• Can you audibly tell someone about JESUS today?

I too scream “JESUS!”

Luke 18:  ³⁵ As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. ³⁶ When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. ³⁷ They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

 ³⁸ He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 ³⁹ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

 ⁴⁰ Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, ⁴¹ “What do you want me to do for you?”

   “Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

 ⁴² Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” ⁴³ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

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This is one of my favorite passages of the Bible! They tried to shut the beggar up and he screamed for JESUS louder. I remember times of pressure and not knowing where to turn but I put my faith in CHRIST. Let me tell you, when times got tough many people will tried to give me “their” plan and looked at me like I was crazy for trying to follow GOD.

• When times get tough and I don’t have a plan my soul says “scream JESUS!”
• When all my plans seem to fall apart and things don’t seem to go my way my soul says “scream JESUS!”
• When I look around and find more and more people in pain and I don’t have a solution my soul says “scream JESUS!”

I guess the reason I like this account of history is because it showed a person who was in dire need trying to work his plan, begging. Yes, that would feed him, maybe clothe him but he really desired more.

He screamed “JESUS” when he felt the opportunity was about to pass him by! He knew this was his last chance and he wanted to become whole. JESUS made him whole so guess what… I too scream JESUS!

• Are you blind about something?
• Do you feel you have lost your direction?
• Are your plans failing?
• Have you tried calling on JESUS with every fabric of your soul?
• Will you believe HE can and will “fix” everything in your life the way only HE can?

I want money, power and fame!

Luke 4: ⁵ The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.”

 ⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

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Money, power and fame were powerful drivers in my life. One time I imagined myself reading some popular magazine that I was on the cover as I flew off into the sunset on my private jet. But as I started my “climb” to success I began my “descent” into darkness.

• To gain money I would work so hard I would not take time for my family.
• To gain power I would ban together with the unscrupulous until I no longer needed their cunning backbiting behavior.
• To gain fame I would talk about “my” accomplishments no matter what the conversation.

It seemed like I was becoming more and more fearless in the business world and less and less fearful of following GOD’s ways. In fact I was embarrassed to mention one simple name in business, namely “JESUS” who should be the main reason for all of my words.

• GOD wants me to have lots of money as long as I have the sincere heart of giving it away.
• GOD wants me to have extreme power so HE leaves me weak and dependent on HIM.
• GOD wants me to have fame for the more people who know me the more they can hear about JESUS. (Yeah I said HIS name!)

Worldly possessions are nothing if they are not coupled with GOD.  HE doesn’t mind if I have a big house or drive a nice car as long as I open my house to teaching and pick up the meek giving them a ride while treating them with respect.

My purpose has to be to “Serve GOD” with all my mind, body, soul, desires and possessions, then the devil cannot claim he gave me anything.

• What will you do for attention?
• Are you trying to get “noticed” but not in a GODLY way?
• Are you seeking power without GOD’s permission?
• Will you serve at least one person today for GOD?

Is GOD pleased with me?

Matthew 3: ¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

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“Life is too short to walk around angry” I said to myself as I pouted for not getting my way. My rage had stirred up and its full fury was ready to be unleashed because “those” people were absolutely going crazy with their sneaky deceitful ways.

When I looked in the mirror I realized some of the sneaky, deceitful things I have done over the years. Maybe this time I should handle things differently. Maybe I should use “grace” instead of “gotcha.” GOD was definitely “pleased” with that decision.

This passage is written in the Bible a couple of times and is extremely special.  It documents three distinct beings of GOD yet somehow they are one. They are equal. They are together.

I don’t know how they operate. Are they one because they agree with each other or are they physically one? All I know is they hung their entire plan on the ONE who chose to become human, namely JESUS.

• JESUS was baptized to show HIS agreement with the plan of dying for my sins.
• GOD the HOLY SPIRIT descended on JESUS showing HIS agreement with the plan to live inside my filthy body.
• GOD the FATHER said to HIS SON “YOU can do it” by stating “I am well pleased.”

I truly don’t know what is/was at stake when JESUS volunteered to become a human and walk in a way to never sin during HIS humanity. Did the FATHER bet HIS throne and put all of HIS trust in JESUS? Well… the Bible doesn’t say that, but it must be something so significant that the devil will stop at nothing to thwart their holy plan.

• The FATHER is pleased with JESUS and by my belief HE is pleased with me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is pleased with JESUS, lives inside of me and begs the FATHER for forgiveness for me daily.
• JESUS is pleased with me because in the middle of the act of my sin, HE died for me.

No human can take me away from JESUS, not even myself. HE is with me always.

• Is GOD pleased with you?
• What are you trying to hide?
• Can you focus a small part of your life for GOD today?

Expect things to go “wrong.”

1 Peter 4: ¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

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It was finally spring break and my cousin and I loaded up the car to come home. We got on the interstate and my car sputtered and quit. We sat for a while and tried again. The car started and we were so elated. Twenty miles down the road it stopped again.

This process of stopping and starting stretched our two hour trip into four. I guess I should have expected this out of my car because I paid $100 for it.

• Life on earth was cursed by GOD because of sin.
• When Satan was selfish he wanted to ruin all humans.
• He tried to stop JESUS from living a perfect sinless life.
• Satan knows he is defeated so he and his army will stop at nothing to make it bad for me.

Heaven will be a place of perfect worship of GOD the way HE wants it.  HE will wipe away all tears and there will be no more pain, no more trials and no more testing. That person who is acting slimy will no longer bother me and my body will never contract a disease.

• One day JESUS will return to take me to the place HE built for me.
• One day JESUS will return and say “well done my god and faithful servant.”
• One day JESUS will return to rule over all existence because the FATHER has given HIM everything.

Until JESUS returns I can expect to be challenged, tried, falsely accused, beat up, hurt, wounded, scorned and correctly judged for sin. This should not come as a surprise to me. By accepting JESUS as my savior, I made Satan my enemy and he spends all of his time developing ways to tempt and discourage me.

BUT GOD protects me! My soul can never be harmed because I am HIS child and my prize awaits me.

• Are you going through trials?
• Since you are a child of GOD do you expect opposition?
• Do you believe that trials develop your perseverance and perseverance grows faith?
• Can you show someone joy in the middle of your trial?

The most important thing

Hebrews 1:  

⁸ But about the Son he says,

   “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
   a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
   therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
   by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

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Driving down the road to my class I listened to my favorite cassette (yes I said cassette). As I proceeded through the intersection another student made a left turn in front of me. My already raggedy car was totaled. This was the first of a series of events that seemed to go wrong.

I hadn’t prayed much nor had I attended church but during this stretch of “bad luck” I decided to pray. “GOD… why are you doing this to me?” The rest of the discussion went downhill from there. I think I mentioned that I was good or something.

Sometimes I view my salvation as something I deserve to have.

Sometimes I treat GOD like HE is mine.

Sometimes I look at GOD as a buddy who doesn’t mind my sin.

There have been many times where I have been selfish and wanted to tell GOD how things should be done. I focus on my problems and situations and ask GOD to focus on me for a moment. BUT GOD looks at things differently.

The FATHER raised HIS human SON and placed HIM back over everything.

The FATHER declares what is holy and what isn’t.

The FATHER anointed the SON with joy for saving me.

GOD wants me to look at the SON with reverence instead of getting angry at what I’m going through.  HE desires that I understand the SON’s position and place my faith in HIM.

What have you placed your faith in?

Are you depending on money or insurance to save you?

Are you blaming GOD for a situation you are going through?

Can you praise GOD today?

The "SON" is shining!

Hebrews 1: ³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. ⁴ So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

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HE saw that I would sin yet HE made me anyway.

HE knew what HE wanted to make and spoke it into existence.

HE is GOD yet HE volunteered to become a human.

HE took the full wrath of the FATHER and was murdered for any and every sin I ever committed.

HE now sits in the highest position where HE came from.

HE has a name and title that no human can understand.

HE is so powerful that no force can oppose HIM.

HE is so loving that no evil can harm HIM.

HE is the one who I put my faith in.

HE is GOD the glorious SON!