The Center

The Center

Revelation 4: At this point I had another vision and saw an open door in heaven.

 

And the voice that sounded like a trumpet, which I had heard speaking to me before, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” ² At once the Spirit took control of me. There in heaven was a throne with someone sitting on it. ³ His face gleamed like such precious stones as jasper and carnelian, and all around the throne there was a rainbow the color of an emerald. ⁴ In a circle around the throne were twenty-four other thrones, on which were seated twenty-four elders dressed in white and wearing crowns of gold. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. In front of the throne seven lighted torches were burning, which are the seven spirits of God. ⁶ Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

 

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Science fiction became a favorite genre of mine early on. From cartoons about space travel to the movies about galaxies far away, I enjoyed the creativity. During science class, some were trying to make sense out of what was being observed. I enjoyed hearing theories of human existence. One theory was the entire universe revolved around earth.

 

• I struggled with theories that could not be truly measured.
• Theories that I learned had merit to human accomplishments, but they fell short because they left GOD out of the equation.
• Asking “What is the true center of existence?” is still being questioned by philosophers, religious leaders and scientists.

 

John, the disciple that JESUS loved, was guided by the SPIRIT into the throne room of JESUS. He could barely describe what he saw. JESUS appeared extremely different than any human depiction and everything emanated from HIS throne.

 

My Observations:

• I believe everything originates from JESUS.
• I believe GOD cares about the heavens and the earth and even the hairs on my head.
• I believe everything revolves around JESUS.

 

Seeing life from the true origin makes a huge difference. I mean, when I believe that GOD spoke everything into existence, life makes sense to me. Even the fact that everything revolving around and belonging to JESUS, helps me think of things slightly different.

 

HE is on the only throne that matters. HE is not worried and is in thorough control of everything I could imagine. HIS power is unending  and HIS glory is the highest. I cannot wait to see the true center.

 

Challenge

• Who helped the writer describe everything seen?
• Have you ever question the center of life?
• Will you consider seeing life revolving around JESUS to understand “what must happen after this” so you can be prepared?

Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Alive!

Alive!

1 Thessalonians 3: ⁷ So, in all our trouble and suffering we have been encouraged about you, friends. It was your faith that encouraged us, ⁸ because now we really live if you stand firm in your life in union with the Lord. ⁹ Now we can give thanks to our God for you. We thank him for the joy we have in his presence because of you. ¹⁰ Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith.

 

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Assessing my life, I felt dead. I was in a dead end job, alone and piles of debt. No longer did the parties make me “happy.” “Is this it?” I asked myself, because at the time life really stunk.

 

• I felt like I was dead.
• I thought that there should have been more to life than a rotten job and bills.
• I had run out of options when trying to make myself “happy” during difficult circumstances.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were encouraged in the middle of their suffering. Timothy had brought back “welcome news” about the faith of the Thessalonians. While Paul was the teacher, he needed to hear some news that other people were standing firm. He says “now we really live.”

 

My Observations

• Hearing that other people are standing firm in the middle of their trials makes me see that I can stand firm in GOD, just like him or her.
• After deciding to stand firm for the LORD, I can praise HIM for what HE is doing in other folks lives.
• GOD wants me to also ask for HIM to supply my needs as well as the needs of others.

 

Feeling empty or dead happens to some of us. I mean, when things are not going as I expect for an extended time, I can run out of gas. BUT GOD wants me to run out of gas. Why? Because HE wants me to rely on HIS power.

 

HE brings me through trials and HE delivers others from theirs. When I see what HE is doing in the lives of others, I get encouraged to stand firm and patiently wait on the LORD. I am grateful, HE is working everything out in HIS way and time.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers were encouraged?
• Have you ever felt that life was not going as well as you expected?
• Will you be encouraged by what GOD is doing in other people’s lives and know HE has a wonderful plan for you as well?
• Will yu stand firm for JESUS today?

Choice to Live For

Choice to Live For

2 Corinthians 5: ¹¹ We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others. God knows us completely, and I hope that in your hearts you know me as well. ¹² We are not trying again to recommend ourselves to you; rather, we are trying to give you a good reason to be proud of us, so that you will be able to answer those who boast about people's appearance and not about their character. ¹³ Are we really insane? It is for God's sake. Or are we sane? Then it is for your sake. ¹⁴ We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death. ¹⁵ He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.

 

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“We may lose the account” were the words that sparked my effort. I stayed at work for 36 hours, trying to finish the proposal for new work. The effort was wasted as the client had already made an agreement with some other firm.

 

• I lived to work and worked to live.
• I used all of my waking hours working or thinking about work.
• I was on a cycle of working to take vacations, buy stuff and live it up, so I needed to work hard.

 

Paul speaks of a choice to live for. In this passage he spoke about people who were wealthy enough to focus on their appearance. But they were not concerned about their character. He tried to persuade everyone to “fear the LORD.” Why? Because HE died and was raised to life.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to live for only JESUS.
• GOD wants me to see everyone around me as HIS possession.
• GOD wants me to seek those who are actively rejecting HIM because JESUS died and was raised from the dead for all who believe.

 

It’s alright to work, buy nice things and go on vacations. But sometimes the “it’s alright” thought pattern leaves no room for GOD. I mean, it was alright to work hard, but never at the detriment of seeing people who need to hear the message of the “love of CHRIST.”

 

“It’s alright” can sometimes blind me to actually living for JESUS. It takes surrender to reduce the “It’s alright” enough to see what GOD wants me to do and say and “be.” Sometimes the battle is against comfort rather than the obvious things humans label as evil. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT is patient with me and guides me little by little to live for HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you recognize in the writers words?
• Have you ever assessed the conflict of living in comfort versus reducing some comforts to help others?
• Is there anything you can surrender that is “alright” to do so you can focus more on living for JESUS?
• What does it look like to live for CHRIST more and more each day?

Best Activity

Best Activity

2 Corinthians 3: ⁷ The Law was carved in letters on stone tablets, and God's glory appeared when it was given. Even though the brightness on Moses' face was fading, it was so strong that the people of Israel could not keep their eyes fixed on him. If the Law, which brings death when it is in force, came with such glory, ⁸ how much greater is the glory that belongs to the activity of the Spirit! ⁹ The system which brings condemnation was glorious; how much more glorious is the activity which brings salvation! ¹⁰ We may say that because of the far brighter glory now the glory that was so bright in the past is gone. ¹¹ For if there was glory in that which lasted for a while, how much more glory is there in that which lasts forever!

 

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Recess, music and art were my favorite activities in school at the time. I didn’t have to think, I could just “be.” Each was guarded carefully by a teacher to make sure it was a productive activity. For example, we played organized games during recess to keep from fighting one another. But then it came time for me to “learn.”  

 

• I downplayed the importance of certain activities.
• I looked at some activities as drudgery.
• I wanted to do the activities I felt most comfortable doing, but needed more.

 

Paul explains the glorious encounter Moses had with GOD. Moses received the Law carved in stone by GOD. Just by seeing a glimpse of GOD, his face was temporarily brightened to the point where people could not look at him. He brought the Law which created a lot of “concrete” activity people could follow and measure in others. But the real activity was to come later.

 

My Observations

• JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead so HE could send the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me.
• Belief in JESUS grants me salvation that lasts forever.
• The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me of the Law, which brings death, and interceded on my behalf when I break the Law.

 

JESUS is alive! This is the great news. HE did away with the Law and became salvation for all. But the Law was the highest honor at one point. Should I simply throw it away? No! GOD wants me to seek following HIM and provided a way to continue doing so. I do not have to “earn” my salvation through the Law, I can just be saved. It feels great!

 

But it doesn’t stop there. The HOLY SPIRIT leads me to live for HIM. HE leads me to peace when there is chaos. HE guides me to be still when I want to do activity to control the situation. The activity of the HOLY SPIRIT brings salvation. I am glad I can put my trust in JESUS who blessed me with the COMFORTER to guide me along every step.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the Law versus the SPIRIT?
• Do you think they conflict?
• What activity is your mind focused on?
• Will you be led by the SPIRIT and be focused on GOD’s kingdom versus the negativity of the world today?

Breakthrough On Its Way

 

Breakthrough On Its Way

1 Corinthians 2: ⁶ Yet I do proclaim a message of wisdom to those who are spiritually mature. But it is not the wisdom that belongs to this world or to the powers that rule this world—powers that are losing their power. ⁷ The wisdom I proclaim is God's secret wisdom, which is hidden from human beings, but which he had already chosen for our glory even before the world was made. ⁸ None of the rulers of this world knew this wisdom. If they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ However, as the scripture says,

 

“What no one ever saw or heard,
    what no one ever thought could happen,
    is the very thing God prepared for those who love him.”

 

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Rain kept falling for hours on end. This was the largest rainfall in years. On the way home, we were trapped by one flooded street after another. When I thought the route was clear, another flooded street seemed to emerge. “If I could just get to the other side of the flood, I would be alright” I thought to myself. Moments after that thought, the water began to recede on the street we were on.

 

• Many times in my life it seemed like I was trapped by life’s barriers.
• Many times in my life it seemed like there was no way out no matter how hard I tried.
• Many times in my life it seemed like life brought on tremendous blockades to the promises I had in store.

 

Paul speaks about the wisdom of GOD. The rulers of this world thought the message of JESUS could be stopped, so they killed HIM. BUT GOD made the impossible happen. JESUS was raised form the dead, releasing anyone who believes, from the bondage of sin.

 

• GOD wants me to know HE has already overcome my circumstance.
• GOD wants me to focus on the choice HE made before the world was made.
• GOD wants me to see the very thing HE prepared for me because I love HIM.

 

Secret wisdom cannot be tapped into without belief in JESUS. I mean, GOD chose us four our glory because HE loves us. JESUS did the impossible and came back to life. Meanwhile, the rulers of this world saw their power diminish steadily.

 

The powers that try to block GOD’s message will recede like flood waters. Nothing and no one can stop GOD’s message from being told from HIS chosen people. I am grateful GOD chose me to proclaim HIS message.

 

• Do you feel trapped?
• Do you think the rulers of this world can stop the message of GOD that HE has in store for you?
• Will you focus on GOD’s wisdom, knowing the barriers you face are temporary and diminishing each day so the very thing GOD prepared will happen today?

Faith Rest

 

Faith Rest

1 Corinthians 2: When I came to you, my friends, to preach God's secret truth, I did not use big words and great learning. ² For while I was with you, I made up my mind to forget everything except Jesus Christ and especially his death on the cross. ³ So when I came to you, I was weak and trembled all over with fear, ⁴ and my teaching and message were not delivered with skillful words of human wisdom, but with convincing proof of the power of God's Spirit. ⁵ Your faith, then, does not rest on human wisdom but on God's power.

 

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Changing the oil in my car seemed intimidating, but it had to be done. The oil needed to be drained from the bottom of the car so I considered lifting the vehicle with the car jack used to change tires. Since the procedure would require me sliding under the car, I needed some assurance. I slid cinder blocks, large bricks, under to rest the car on. I felt safe.

 

• When I am facing something difficult, I need some place to put my worries.
• When I am facing something complex, I need some place to put my concerns.
• When I am facing something intimidatingly large, I need some place to put my racing thoughts.

 

Paul describes his encounters with those he wrote the letter to. He said he “did not use big words or great learning” rather he kept his message simple and focused only on CHRIST. He knew it would be impossible to explain GOD, so he rested his faith on GOD’s power.

 

• GOD wants me to rest my faith on HIS power.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power to draw humans to HIM.
• GOD wants me to focus on the simple message of JESUS, knowing it holds the power of the SPIRIT.

 

Faith does not make sense. I mean, GOD’s ways are too high and complex for me to understand so HE made it simple. JESUS, being GOD, became a human, was murdered for my sins and was raised from the dead to forgive me of my sins. My faith comes from belief in a loving GOD.

 

JESUS died for all who believe in HIM. All my sins are forgiven, every one of them. I can rest my faith on this fact. I do not have to rely on human wisdom which stirs up fear, rather I can rely on the power of GOD which is unstoppable. I am glad I can rest my faith on GOD’s power.

 

• Are you trying to convince people about GOD using big words and great learning?
• Do you think you have to go to a college to learn how to speak about JESUS?
• Will you rest your faith in GOD’s power and make your words about JESUS simple so many can believe in HIM through you today?

Wisdom to Rely On

Wisdom to Rely On

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. ¹⁹ The scripture says,

 

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
    and set aside the understanding of the scholars.”

 

²⁰ So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!

 

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“Sit down and pray” was the advice given to me that did not make sense. You mean to tell me that I need to say some words to GOD and my problems would go away? I said skeptically. I was amongst scholars who had “proven” their ability to think in front of other people. I chose to pray. It didn’t make sense. My problem of that time, went away as quickly as it came/

 

• Many times I considered using the wisdom of others to get out of trouble.
• Many times I thought I would follow the examples of “successful” people to get ahead.
• Many times I worried and needed to talk to people who others considered “wise.”

 

Paul says something daring about JESUS’ death burial and resurrection. He says it is “nonsense” to those who are being lost. He knew that reliance on what is seen and proven could have flaws. Where should I place my hope?

 

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to get me out of troubles.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to guide me to HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to truly be successful.

 

Relying on GOD takes faith in the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things that cannot be seen. I mean, time after time, GOD has shown me that HIS way usually does not make sense to the wise people I know. Stopping, sitting and asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” is foolishness to those who cannot conceive that only GOD has the answer.

 

The wise and scholarly and great debaters of the world who do not rely on GOD’s wisdom will be shown as foolish. It is GOD who has the power to make the impossible happen. My belief in JESUS is the power that fuels my decisions. I am grateful HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

• What information do you rely on?
• Are you seeking other humans to help you determine your next actions?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, even when it looks foolish to those who may not be following HIM, but the world considers wise?

Innocent

 

Innocent

Acts 25: ²² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.”

 

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”

 

²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. ²⁴ Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer. ²⁵ I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. ²⁷ For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

 

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After having sex outside of marriage, I wondered if the sky would open up with fire from heaven to punish me. It didn’t, so I pursued this often. After stealing and justifying the theft by saying “I was pledging a fraternity while being broke.” Again, I wondered if I would be super punished. I wasn’t. But when I got hurt or thieves stole from me, I questioned GOD’s very existence.

 

• There were times when I wanted my way and got it.
• There were times when I did wrong and there seemed to be no consequence.
• There were times when I deserved punishment but did not receive it.

 

King Agrippa and Bernice were well known. They came in town with a huge parade and celebration. They wanted to be amused by the situation Paul was in so they asked Festus to have him brought before them. Festus said, in so many words, he could not find anything Paul had done wrong. Yet Paul remained in jail.

 

• JESUS did nothing wrong, yet HE died because of my sins.
• JESUS was innocent, yet HE was blamed by me when things did not go my way.
• JESUS never committed a single sin, yet HE was punished for all of my sins.

 

Guilty people do not want the guilt, so it is easier to not believe in deserving punishment than to accept responsibility. Not accepting responsibility will have eternal consequence. GOD allowed HIS SON to voluntarily die for the sins of humanity.

 

The only term HE put in place is to believe JESUS died and was raised from the dead for my salvation. When I believed this, I gained eternal live. I am grateful an innocent man cared enough about me to die just for me.

 

• Do you feel you are innocent?
• Are you trying not to look at your sins to avoid feeling guilty?
• Will you take responsibility for your life and admit to GOD you need HIM for day to day problems as well as eternal salvation today?

What to Say

What to Say

Acts 8: ³² The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

³⁴ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

³⁷ Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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Sitting in the lunchroom a friend brought strangers to our table. Our usual game time was interrupted by a question. “Does JESUS exist?” I had not encountered that question before. I could not quote any scripture because I had not read the Bible yet. I stammered over the first words but came up with my answer. “Yes! And I believe HE died for my sins and is alive?”

• There were times when I did not know much about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not read about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not have an eloquent, elaborate answer, but I knew JESUS.

The Ethiopian eunuch read from the words of the prophet Isaiah that spoke about JESUS. Philip explained who JESUS was and is. The eunuch got so excited that he requested to be baptized. Philip explained the criteria. “Believe with all your heart.” The eunuch believe in JESUS.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS, the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to be ready to share my belief in JESUS who died for me and is no alive.
• GOD wants me to help others understand that JESUS became a human, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead.

Speaking the words of life means talking about JESUS. Philip did not give the eunuch money or rake his lawn or fix his chariot. He shared JESUS with him. GOD wants a simple message to come from me.

Believe in the LORD JESUS, who is GOD, who became a human to die for our sins, and was raised from the dead. By believing in JESUS and what HE did, you will have everlasting life. I believe in JESUS.

• What is stopping you from believing in JESUS?
• Are you more concerned with current situations than what will happen to you after you die?
• Will you believe in JESUS today?

Small reference, huge message

Small reference, huge message

Acts 2: ²⁵ For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

²⁶ Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

²⁷ For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
²⁸ You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

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In the department gathering, normal activities were discussed. This was a very large department so there was a lot to be said. In that meeting there was a tiny mention about my promotion. Reality sank in as I had already accepted the responsibilities but now others knew.

• One small mention about me meant a lot.
• One tiny mention about me was incredible.
• One miniscule mention about me showed others where confidence was placed.

David wrote some great things about his relationship with GOD. He speaks about the confidence he has because of the LORD. Excitement exudes from his words as he writes about joy and hope. He makes a tiny, but huge mention about JESUS, the HOLY ONE not being allowed to see corruption.

• GOD loves me and give me confidence.
• GOD loves me and fills my heart with joy.
• GOD loves me and has opened my eyes to the salvation of JESUS.

Only GOD can open the eyes mankind. JESUS has done all HE could to show HE loves us, even to the point of death. But death could not hold HIM. HE is alive and is building a place for those who believe in the need for HIS salvation. I am grateful HE never leaves me.

• What are you seeking?
• Are you looking for an existence with no consequence at the end of life?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and see HIS desire for you to turn back to HIM so HE can be with you eternally?

Description

Description

Acts 2: ²² “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— ²³ Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; ²⁴ whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.

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“Can you describe the person?” inquired the police. I could not because the incident happened so fast. “I believe they were wearing a green coat” were my useless words. Startled after the near mugging, I only wanted to get home.

• Most times I am not thinking of describing someone.
• Most times I look at people and never retain the information.
• Most times I cannot remember the qualities of a person unless they did something that stood out.

Peter describes JESUS in a different way. He tells the people about JESUS from a GOD perspective. He did not talk about weight, or height or amounts of money.

• GOD wants me to see HIS qualities of love.
• GOD wants me to know HE is made up with grace, mercy and power.
• GOD wants me to understand that JESUS is alive and death could not hold HIM.

It’s amazing how distorted the message of JESUS can become. HIS amazing act of love can be tainted by political power mongers and greedy church leaders who’s hearts are mostly on expenses.

I love the humility of JESUS. I mean giving up everything just for me is absolutely amazing. No other thing people bow don to can say the same. I am grateful for HIS love.

• Are you confused about love?
• Do you think being part of a crowd means you are loved?
• Will you seek the ONE who showed ultimate love for you by believing in JESUS today?

Shared Recollections

Shared Recollections

Acts:1: The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, ³ to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

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“Did you hear that?” one friend said to me. “Yes” I replied nervously as we kept going deeper into the house. Suddenly we heard “Boo!” and I jumped and ran out of the house. When I crossed the street, I looked back only to see pranksters laughing. My friend and I were dared to go into the “haunted house” which turned out to be an unlocked dilapidated abandoned house.

• I remember sharing this story with those friends.
• I remember sharing details of other situations we went through together.
• I remember being corrected because I had only some of the details while others had different pieces.

The writer begins the letter talking about JESUS. The recollection includes vital information that could be verified by others. It also mentions that many saw JESUS for forty days after HE was resurrected.

• JESUS says to me “Gather together” so when HE does amazing things, I can see it with others.
• JESUS says to me “Where two or more are gathered together in MY name, there I AM.”
• JESUS says to me “I chose you before the foundations of the world to be MY witness.”

Anyone can recall things by themselves, but this only brings glory to that one person. BUT GOD wants to show HIMSELF to many. HE wants at least two people to agree about what GOD is doing and will do. This way there is no room for manipulation.

GOD already does amazing things. HE does not need anyone making up wild stories about HIM to make themselves look good. HE wants me to seek the truth each day and share HIS blessings with others. I am grateful GOD gave “us” this day our daily bread.

• Do you feel tempted to be alone?
• Do you feel so ashamed that you want to be by yourself?
• Will you accept the calling to be with people so GOD can be glorified through all who are gathered in HIS name?

Amazed

Amazed

John 19: ³¹ Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

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“Wow look at that!” were my words of amazement. I was so amazed that I went and told other people. I mean, who knew that if you folded the tips of the wings on a paper airplane, it would do loops.

• Many things have amazed me.
• Many things have made me say “wow!”
• Many things have been brought to my attention that I got excited about.

John, the writer, speaks about something that was truly amazing. He verified that even the tiniest of prophecy was fulfilled by JESUS. The guards went from one body, breaking the bones ensuring death, then went around JESUS to the other body to do the same. John was amazed that all scriptures were fulfilled by JESUS.

• GOD wants me to be amazed by HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is working out the situation, without my help.
• GOD wants me to know HE has everything taken care of through HIS awesome power.

When JESUS said “It is finished” HE truly meant salvation is accomplished. Everything said about HIM was done and completed. HE has said much more. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. HE said HE would return for me and those who believe in HIM. I am amazed HE loves me.

• Are you amazed by GOD?
• Have you noticed HE cares for you?
• Will you seek HIS amazing love, grace and mercy 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?

Building a Following

Building a Following

John 12: ³⁰ Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. ³¹ Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. ³² And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” ³³ This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

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As I sat in the seat, I could feel it hug me. When I gripped the steering wheel, it felt different than the jalopy I was driving. I was influenced. I have got to have one of these. When I grew older, I noticed some of the owners of this brand of car would lie, cheat and steal regularly. “I wonder if the lifestyle is worth it”, I thought to myself.

• There were times when I felt that nice people finished last.
• There were times when I felt the rich and powerful were “winning.”
• There were times when I felt discouraged by following GOD because it seemed like most of HIS true followers were broke and powerless.

JESUS proclaimed victory over the battle over humanity. All of humanity could be lost “if” JESUS was not murdered on the cross. BUT humanity was not lost. JESUS knew what HE had to do and knew HE was the only one who could draw all peoples to HIMSELF.

• JESUS wants me to follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to look beyond the things of this world so I can see HIM.
• JESUS desires that I place HIM first then everything else will fall into place.

Being rich is not the problem. But when I gain the whole world and lose my soul, riches become the main problem. In other words, when I will do anything for money, it is the root of all kinds of evil. JESUS knows my needs and knows my limits.

HE knows exactly how much money and power I can handle before I get blinded and think “I” did everything without HIM. I am grateful for JESUS, for without HIM, I am nothing.

• What worldly thing are you chasing?
• Do you seek power, wealth or something else?
• Will you be a servant to those around you so JESUS can “be JESUS” by providing salvation and eternal life to them?

Something to shout about

Luke 24: ⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

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Not knowing what to expect, I sat and listened to the preacher speak. He invited people to accept CHRIST as their savior. When I looked up after we had finished praying, a large number of people were standing up front professing JESUS as their GOD and Savior. I was amazed!

• JESUS is something to shout about.
• JESUS is the ONE who saves.
• JESUS is the only salvation.

Before JESUS ascended to heaven, HE blessed those who were around HIM. HE gave them power to overcome the world and to speak about HIM as the only salvation. They worshipped HIM with great joy!

• GOD fills me up on a daily basis.
• GOD gives me incredible joy in the middle of the storm.
• GOD is the one with incredible power in the middle of my weakness.

I have seen many miracles on a daily basis that people would classify as mundane. GOD’s power baffles the world and confuses those who fail to believe. HIS power does not include doubt or fear. I am glad HE understands when I have both. HIS power is made perfect in my weakness. I praise GOD for the miracles HE has performed!

• Do you really believe that GOD can heal you?
• Do you think GOD needs help?
• Will you tell GOD about your weaknesses and allow HIM to grow you to where HE wants you to be grown today?