Humans Day 1

Humans Day 1

Genesis 1: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

² And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

³ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

⁴ And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

⁵ And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

 

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When I read this passage, I notice “In the beginning GOD.” “In the beginning of what?” I ask. In the beginning of our relationship with GOD. This eternal being revealed how humanity began to HIS servant Moses, who wrote Genesis.

 

My Observations:

• GOD subtly shows HIS power by simply speaking Light into existence.
• “GOD created” shows HIS complexity and authority.
• GOD thought of outer space, the earth and waters and was very pleased to create light specifically for humans.

 

Excitement is what I read when I see this passage. I see GOD excited for humanity and making special things that would bring life. I see that HE was pleased with HIS creation. I can’t help thinking that GOD is saying to HIMSELF “They are really going to like this!” or “They really will need this!” Either way, I can see a loving, caring GOD who is creative and powerful.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD start HIS dictation to Moses with the creation?
• Can you hear how pleased GOD was to make something for humans that HE did not need for HIMSELF?
• How can you mimic GOD, by using creativity and being pleased with HIS power and HIS provision of light today?

Written Name

Written Name

Revelation 19: ¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True; it is with justice that he judges and fights his battles. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and he wore many crowns on his head. He had a name written on him, but no one except himself knows what it is. ¹³ The robe he wore was covered with blood. His name is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ The armies of heaven followed him, riding on white horses and dressed in clean white linen. ¹⁵ Out of his mouth came a sharp sword, with which he will defeat the nations. He will rule over them with a rod of iron, and he will trample out the wine in the wine press of the furious anger of the Almighty God. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

 

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When I saw my nameplate on the desk, I said “Wow.” I quickly reflected on where I came from and where I was then. I was now responsible for duties of great importance.

 

• I had become a “name” within a company.
• I had my “name” written on a nameplate.
• I was the “name” who had authority.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the most amazing thing happen! He saw heaven open and there was a white horse with a rider called, or named “Faithful and True.” This rider had a name, or authority, that no one knew but HIMSELF. But to everyone else HE wore a name that could be understood with was “The Word of GOD.” HE then displayed a name “KING of kings and LORD of lords.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the KING of kings and LORD of lords!
• JESUS is the Word of GOD that I can follow!
• JESUS is the only authority who deserves a name!

 

Making a “name” for myself can be problematic. I mean, I may start to believe in “my” abilities and “my” title, thinking “I” have authority. Fame blinds me to GOD’s power and authority. JESUS is the only one who deserves a “name.”

 

HE Is above all and loves when I point people away from me and towards HIM. Every ability I have is because of HIM, so I should use them for HIM. I gladly mention JESUS as the authority of my life!

 

Challenge

• How many names does the writer mention?
• Have you ever tried to make a name for yourself?
• Have you given JESUS the authority HE deserves over your life?

 

Everything Craved

Everything Craved

Revelation 5: ¹¹ Again I looked, and I heard angels, thousands and millions of them! They stood around the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders, ¹² and sang in a loud voice:

“The Lamb who was killed is worthy
    to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,
    honor, glory, and praise!”
¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, in the world below, and in the sea—all living beings in the universe—and they were singing:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb,
    be praise and honor, glory and might,
    forever and ever!”

¹⁴ The four living creatures answered, “Amen!” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

 

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After struggling for years to pay my bills, it felt good to be able to pay for rent and a car payment. After a while, I was able to get a house and another new car because I got a “better” job. This wasn’t enough. I needed to be a decision maker so I climbed the corporate ladder in pursuit of a title.

 

• I tied a personal cause to it to justify the enormous amount of hours spent seeking power.
• I thought I needed a title to “help” other people.
• I thought “I” was the answer to other people’s problems and I needed to be strong.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is given another look at the throne area where GOD sat and JESUS was standing. Thousands of millions of powerful angels surrounded the throne, possibly protecting it, but also engaged in worship. Another son was sang, this time with a chorus. The song was about JESUS receiving power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is so powerful and I am so weak and I sometimes want the things JESUS deserves.
• GOD has everything and since HE is made of pure love, is willing to share it with me.
• JESUS did what no other could do and that is die for my sins and be raised from the dead.

 

All the things I want, JESUS has. I mean, I sometimes want power, wealth, wisdom, and strength, honor, glory, and praise!” I may even work a little longer and harder when I get even a couple of these items on the list. BUT JESUS is the only one who deserves these items.

 

JESUS did what no other being did, namely gave HIS life for HIS creation. HE is placed over everything. No power can come up against JESUS. The throne room scene by John shows the FATHER, the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT with all power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise!” My crave is to yield my desires to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Did the writer present the presence of GOD as a weakling?
• Have you ever thought GOD was a pushover because HE is showing you grace and mercy?
• Will you contemplate your view of power, wealth, wisdom, and strength,  honor, glory, and praise so you can give it to JESUS and HE will share it with you?

Three O’s

Three O’s

Revelation 4: Surrounding the throne on each of its sides, were four living creatures covered with eyes in front and behind. ⁷ The first one looked like a lion; the second looked like a bull; the third had a face like a human face; and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each one of the four living creatures had six wings, and they were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day and night they never stop singing:

 

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
    who was, who is, and who is to come.”

 

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Hearing the ice cream truck raised my desire for the delicious cool treat. But I had a problem. I had no money!. I went into my parents room, opened up their makeshift coin bank and grabbed enough to purchase my treat. “Where did you get the money for the treat?” my parents asked. “I don’t know” was my go to lie. “How did they know I was lying?” I asked myself.

 

• My parents were not all seeing, but they could deduce when I was lying.
• My parents were not all knowing, but they knew enough to try to keep me on the right path.
• My parents were not everywhere, but they seemed to be at the right place at the right time to keep me out of trouble.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown four beings that he could barely describe. His gruesome description was probably beautiful in person. These beings sang a song “day and night” about GOD’s holiness. They may represent GOD’s omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all powerful and can handle any opposition I can face.
• GOD is all seeing, so HE knows when I am sincerely serving HIM.
• GOD is everywhere, so I do not have to fear when HE sends me someplace to represent HIM.

 

Omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence are human words we give to GOD because we cannot quite explain HIM. I mean, HE always was, HE is and will always be. Our minds cannot understand this being. And what we do not understand we sometimes blow off or mislabel it.

 

GOD knows my every thought, action and desire. HE knows the bad things and erases them with HIS grace and knows the good things and rewards me generously for them. Night will go away, but until it does, the four creatures will remind us of GOD’s power.

 

Challenge

• Were you creeped out by the description the writer gives of the four creatures?
• What is your view of GOD?
• Will you remove any limits you have of GOD and place your hope in HIM to experience HIS love today?

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?

Problem Solver

Problem Solver

1 John2: ²² Who, then, is the liar? It is those who say that Jesus is not the Messiah. Such people are the Enemy of Christ—they reject both the Father and the Son. ²³ For those who reject the Son reject also the Father; those who accept the Son have the Father also.

 

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Admiring the rich and powerful, I took to listening to his or her words. I picked out a characteristic that seemed to be common about all of them. They seemed to be problem solvers. The bigger the problem, the more people they needed to follow them.

 

• I followed people I thought would solve big problems.
• I quickly stopped following people who were not problem solvers.
• I wanted to solve big problems.

 

John compares those who believe in JESUS as the Messiah to those who do not. He does this by asking a rhetorical question “Who, then, is the liar?” He provides the answer given to him by the HOLY SPIRIT, stating that those who say JESUS is not the Messiah are liars. He also mentions that people who reject JESUS as the Messiah reject GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Rich and powerful people may claim to be problem solvers, BUT JESUS is the only one who can solve every problem.
• Humans have tried to solve problems for centuries, BUT GOD laughs at any attempt to do what HE does.
• Problems, persecution and pain are current situations for many, BUT JESUS is the only one who can heal all situations.

 

Attempting to blind humans into thinking there is no problem is what the Enemy of CHRIST wants. I mean, what better way to keep people from getting his or her problem solved, than to make up multiple lies about “higher powers” or random “universe” occurrences or “relative truth?” GOD sees through it all.

 

JESUS volunteered to solve the ultimate problem, namely eternal death. What does this have to do with current life? Everything! Each day we have a choice, follow the way of the world or follow CHRIST. Each decision can contain pain or promise, thoughtlessness or thankfulness, grudge or grace. I am glad JESUS is my problem solver.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer speak about “rejection?”
• Have you ever placed your trust in humans who claim to have answers to big problems?
• Will you place your trust in JESUS who is the Messiah, the Savior of the world, by accepting HIS love and become adopted into GOD’s true family today?

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?

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?

Status

Status

John 19: ⁷ The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

⁸ Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, ⁹ and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

¹⁰ Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

¹¹ Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

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“Would you like an upgrade?” was the question posed to me. Then they said, “You have enough points so the upgrade would be free.” I said “Of course.” I was hungry and they gave me a meal instead of a bag of peanuts. “I like this!” I said to myself.

In a small way, I had status.

In a tiny way I thought I was in a better position.

In a miniscule way I believed I needed to keep my “status” so I could fly first class over and over again.

Pilate believed HE had the status to interrogate and sentence JESUS. But when he found out JESUS was GOD, he became very nervous. He asked JESUS “Where are YOU from?” JESUS gave no answer. Pilate tried to use his status on JESUS to get HIM to answer. JESUS replied about the status of sin saying Judas and the church leaders had committed the greater.

• JESUS wants me to place HIM as the highest.
• JESUS wants me to bow down to HIS power instead of seeking a higher status amongst humans.
• JESUS wants me to understand HE is the Most High and has the power to forgive sin.

There is no status on earth that can come close to that of JESUS. HE rules every facet of life. Unfortunately, humans seek status and want to feel elevated over others. BUT GOD forgives this behavior in me when I seek HIS face. I elevate HIM above work or family titles.

JESUS is above everything. There is no situation, secret or solution that does not come from HIM. GOD is involved with growing hairs on my head, certainly HE is involved with things that seem like they are in “my” control. I acknowledge JESUS as GOD and LORD of my life.

• Do you seek status and not know it?
• Are you trying to get power over people by trying to control them?
• Will you give the power you seek to JESUS and watch HIM solve all situations, HIS way?

More than information

More than information

John 13: 31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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“Please give us your bio” said an organization to me. Since there was a word limit, I could only put down the information that pertained to the inquiring group. After I spoke to the group, a person approached me. “Oh, you are the person who does… (blank)” She remembered a few items I had written in my bio, but I was so much more than what was written.

• I have been labeled by lazy people.
• I have been boiled down to a few actions from the labels people give me.
• I have been shoved in a corner by the labels people give me.

JESUS begins giving HIS disciples HIS final commands. HE speaks about “the being” who is GOD. HE explains that the FATHER has raised HIM up to the Most High, because the FATHER is the Most High with the HOLY SPIRIT, who is also the Most High.

Since they are the highest and have shown love, we should do the same. But is showing love simply going to a building and listening to information?

• GOD wants me to experience HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to “be” HIS example by showing love to those HE sends to me or I am sent to.
• GOD wants me to know HE is far more than what is written down or spoken by humans.

“Love one another as I have loved you” means more than listening to someone talk about GOD. It means I believe the consequences of pride caused the fall of humans. This fall could only be cured by belief in JESUS dying for me.

I now have sided with the one who wants all humans back, even those with stubborn hearts. Only love can penetrate the stony heart. I am glad GOD loves me .

• Have you labeled GOD as something to try every once in a while?
• Do you see HIM as a being, who can only do a few magic tricks, as written in a bio named the Bible?
• Will you experience GOD’s power, by loving HIM enough, to love those who hate you today?

Total View

Total View

John 10: ³¹ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. ³² Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”

³³ The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? ³⁵ If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), ³⁶ do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? ³⁷ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; ³⁸ but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” ³⁹ Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand.

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Angry at the situation, I scheduled a meeting with my boss’s boss. I was tired of my boss snooping around my desk, looking for ideas to steal and call his own. I voiced my frustrations and left. Later, I found out that my boss and my boss’s boss, were friends. I was now in trouble.

• There were times when I did not have the total picture.
• There were times when I did not see danger coming.
• There were times when I did not have enough information to make a decision.

The entire congregation, especially the leaders, were furious at JESUS. HE clearly called HIMSELF GOD and they labeled HIM a blasphemer. Unfortunately for them, they did not have the total view of the situation. They were gravely wrong.

• JESUS reveals HIMSELF to me through HIS word.
• JESUS shows me all I need to know in order to live an abundant life.
• JESUS discloses HIS will to me by giving me HIS Scripture.

“Scripture cannot be broken” is what caught my eye. This means GOD spoke specific words that HE wanted authors to write down. These words are binding and humans will be held accountable to them.

Since some of the words can be taken out of context, GOD wants me to see the total view of what HE has revealed. HE revealed that one day HE would return to collect those who believe in HIM. HE also said that while I wait for that day, the COMFORTER would be here with me. I seek the total view of JESUS.

• Are you living your life on a couple of scriptures you like?
• Are there parts of Scripture that you don’t agree with, so you discount their meaning?
• Will you seek the total revelation of GOD so you can live an abundant life for HIM today?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

Not Alone

Not Alone

John 8: ¹³ The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”

¹⁴ Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. ¹⁶ And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. ¹⁷ It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true.¹⁸ I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”

¹⁹ Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”

Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”

²⁰ These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come.

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Sitting in a room full of people, I felt alone. Everyone knew each other and no one knew me. I walked around for a while but that became tiresome. I decided to miss the evening festivities and dined in my room, alone.

• There were many times I felt alone.
• There were many times when I was around lots of people and still felt alone.
• There were many times when I had one viewpoint and the majority had another, so I felt alone.

JESUS was challenged by the church leaders stating “HE is bragging about HIMSELF and making up the story.” JESUS, being GOD, answered them back, letting them know how much they did not know about HIM. “You only see with the flesh and not the SPIRIT” JESUS implies. Then HE said “I AM not alone.”

• GOD wants me to live my life for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to stand firm even when it is not popular.
• GOD wants me to believe HE is with me and to help others do the same.

In the days of humans explaining away GOD, it seems quite illogical to believe in this higher being who controls everything. I mean there are explanations for human behavior, weather, volcano eruptions and why a building should remain standing. BUT GOD confounds those who think they are “wise.”

GOD laughs at those who think HE is not involved with everything and wants me to believe HE is. HE sends me to gather those who are in need of HIS love. HE lets me know I am not alone as HE sends me out with HIS purpose. I am grateful HE is with me always!

• Do you feel alone?
• Do you have a view of the love of GOD when no one around you speaks of HIM at all?
• Will you keep trusting in GOD and know HE loves you and is with you today?

In Charge

In Charge

John 5: ¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. ²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. ²¹ For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. ²² For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, ²³ that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

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Desiring to be heard, I scheduled a meeting with my bosses boss. In the meeting I expressed my idea and my concerns. Listening intently, the person took in all of my words. They replied, “Did you talk to your boss about this?” I did not know how to reply. I mean I did not believe in my boss enough to convey the message correctly, and besides why couldn’t I come to the head of the department directly?

• There were times when I was immature with my approach.
• There were times when I thought “my” way needed to be heard.
• There were times when I felt I should be able to go right to the top with my ideas, thoughts and complaints.

JESUS makes HIS position very clear to the church leaders. HE pretty much says “I AM GOD” as HE explains how much the FATHER loves HIM and shows HIM all things. HE also makes it very clear that judgment is all HIS. Anyone who speaks about “GOD” must speak about the SON who is GOD.

• JESUS wants me to recognize that HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the FATHER has given HIM all power.
• JESUS wants me to recognize that the HOLY SPIRIT has been sent by HIM and I should pay attention to HIS voice as well.

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are GOD all in one. There is no separation that I can understand. Three unique beings work together in one as one. But somehow one volunteered to die for me.

It must have hurt to say “Okay, if YOU want to save all of the humans, YOU must become one, be blameless and accept all of their blame.” JESUS said “Yes, I will accept the blame for all their sin.” HE got that kind of grace from HIS FATHER. I only hope I can get a little grace from the both of them.

• Do you think there are many paths to GOD?
• Are you trying to ignore JESUS?
• Will you allow JESUS to be in charge of your soul and accept HIS wonderful gift of eternal salvation today?

The Big Reveal

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.

¹⁵ (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, ‘This is the one I spoke about when I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.”’) 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 the closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

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“Do you know who you were talking to?” someone inquired. “No, who?” I replied. “That’s the famous bowler who is sponsoring this event.” I knew the name from TV and I wanted to meet the pro bowler. It was exciting. I went beck over and said his name. He smiled and shook my hand again. He did not reveal who he was. I should have known.

• I have met many famous people without really knowing who they were.
• I have had my eyes opened to several famous people by someone who recognized them.
• I have sat in the room with famous people and did not recognize them until someone revealed who they were.

John revealed who The WORD was, namely JESUS. John then tells us that JESUS was with GOD and is GOD. He then explains that GOD showed us grace by giving us the law through Moses and HE gave us more grace by giving us HIS SON who died for us.

• GOD says to me “I AM full of grace and truth.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who has the power to rescue you from MY wrath.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who voluntarily gave up MY life to save you.”

“Grace and truth” are wonderful gifts JESUS enjoys giving me. HE guides and provides and shows me how much HE loves me every day. HE is “The WORD” and through HIS actions I am saved. I am grateful JESUS revealed HIMSELF to me.

• Are you searching for famous people?
• Do you want to be famous?
• Will you seek JESUS in the same way as searching for people you want to be around today?

As Accused

Luke 22: ⁶⁶ At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. ⁶⁷ ‘If you are the Messiah,’ they said, ‘tell us.’

Jesus answered, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe me, ⁶⁸ and if I asked you, you would not answer. ⁶⁹ But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.’

⁷⁰ They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’

He replied, ‘You say that I am.’

⁷¹ Then they said, ‘Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.’

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JESUS was led before the church leaders to receive a “fair” trial.  These men of GOD were accusing GOD of being GOD. “Are YOU GOD?” They accused. “You say that I AM by putting me on trial” JESUS implied.

• JESUS wants me to know that HE is the Messiah.
• JESUS wants me to know that HE is my savior.
• JESUS wants me to know that HE is GOD who voluntarily became a human to be murdered for my sins and is now alive with all power.

I have no story that could relate to what JESUS was accused of. HIS actions and words were quite clear, yet sometimes I act like some of HIS words do not apply to me. JESUS came up with the rules to follow and then never broke a single rule, yet we accused HIM.

• GOD wants me to reduce my accusations.
• GOD wants me to add grace to my language.
• GOD wants me to seek salvation rather than condemnation.

Instead of blaming others for what they are doing or not doing, GOD wants me to speak life into as many people as possible. HE wants me to tell people about the accused JESUS and how HE saved the one who needed to be accused, namely me.

• Who are you accusing?
• How often are you speaking negative words about someone?
• Can you use some of your words to speak life into people by talking about JESUS today?