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?

Will

Will

Philippians 2: ⁸ He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—
    his death on the cross.
⁹ For this reason God raised him to the highest place above
    and gave him the name that is greater than any other name.
¹⁰ And so, in honor of the name of Jesus
    all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below
    will fall on their knees,
¹¹ and all will openly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

 

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Walking into a quiz was a surprise to me. I had missed the previous class that announced the quiz and was unprepared. I walked out and applied for an extension to take the quiz the following week. During that week, I felt like giving up. I was asked to go to a party. “I wonder if I should” I thought to myself.

 

• I was discouraged and felt like giving up.
• I wanted to finish, but was easily distracted by people and circumstances.
• I felt alone with no guidance.

 

Paul continues to describe what JESUS did after becoming a human. He talked about the humility and obedience JESUS carried as HIS normal way of living. HE could have said, “I AM GOD, so you better do as I say.” But HE never uttered those words. Instead HE remained obedient all the way to death.

 

My Observations

• My “will” can cause me to lose focus of “GOD’s will.”
• GOD wants me to align my desires to HIS “will” so I can see true success.
• One day I “will” bow my knees and proclaim JESUS is LORD.

 

“Will” can mean leaving stuff to people, an act of kindness, a strong desire or a future state of being. All of these definitions were fulfilled by GOD through JESUS. HE gave everything to HIM because of HIS obedience and humility. JESUS showed immense kindness to HIS creation, even though they hated HIM. HE was determined to accomplish HIS task and walked with perfection, though tempted at every decision.

 

One day all “will” fall on our knees and all “will” openly proclaim that JESUS CHRIST is LORD. Whether we like it or not, it “will” be revealed to us who JESUS really is. I am thankful GOD enables me to do HIS “will” by giving me the HOLY SPIRIT. I believe what JESUS did was necessary.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer amazed about?
• Have you ever wanted to be noticed for your title or accomplishments or some other status?
• Have you ever been forced to submit to authority when someone you did not like received a title?
• “Will” you openly and “willingly” point your life to JESUS without any expectation and begin proclaiming that HE IS LORD 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?

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?

Amazing News Told

Luke 2: ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

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“I have to see this for myself” I said to the messenger. I was still in a bit of shock when they said, “Your name is posted, and you have made the Dean’s List.” Considering the semester before was a disaster, I was thoroughly surprised. I told everyone!

 

• When I have great news I want to tell everyone.
• When I have some awesome news I want to tell the world.
• When I have awesome news I want to sit everyone down and tell them what is going on with me.

Being chosen by GOD was one thing, but the shepherds had to go see the amazing news for themselves. They raced to the barn and saw GOD as a baby in the dirty feed trough, just as the angels said. They told everyone of this amazing event and excitement filled the town!

• GOD wants me to spread HIS amazing news.
• GOD wants me to ignite excitement throughout the land.
• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM enough to tell others about HIM.

What was missing from this passage was complaints about the sheep or ailments of the shepherds or the shepherds not having enough of whatever their fears dictated. It was all about JESUS coming as a human to save mankind. They were excited and so should I. GOD wants me to tell people about HIS amazing news!

• Are you stuck in complaint mode?
• Do you have blame on your mind?
• Can you remove your negative language and replace it with the great news about JESUS?

Significance

Luke ²⁶ Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

²⁹ But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³ And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

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“This is my chance” I said to myself many times in my search for significance stage. As I grabbed the mic, I stood in front of the judges and confidently gave my audition. I stayed and watched the next person because I just wanted to see who would lose to me. The person was significantly better than me.

• There were times when I sought significance amongst humans.
• There were times when I wanted humans to place esteemed labels on me above other humans.
• There were times when I searched for significance in what I did.

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” this ultra-scary being said to Mary. She was a poor and unknown person who may not have done anything worth noting in the community. By all accounts Mary would at best be labeled “regular.” BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD says to me “I made you for MY purpose.”
• GOD says to me “I created you with a purpose that only you can do.”
• GOD says to me “I rescued you out of MY grace and mercy so you can show others the same.”

The only significant one is JESUS. My name can remain unknown. HE grows me to point others to HIM and not to myself. HE doesn’t want me crowding the news, grabbing all the attention.

HE wants me to say “HE is great. HE is the SON of the HIGHEST. HE is the ONE who has the throne. HE is the ruler of the kingdom that has no end.”  My significance comes in pointing to the ONE who is truly significant.

• Are you looking for the spotlight?
• Do you seek significance in your title or your job or amongst your family?
• Can you stop thinking you are insignificant and start pointing to the ONE who is truly significant, namely JESUS?

Correct Description

Mark 3: ²⁰ Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. ²¹ But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”

²² And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”

²³ So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? ²⁴ If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵ And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶ And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. ²⁷ No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

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“May I have a glass of water” was my question posed to my aunt. “Sure” she said distractedly as people were pouring into her place for fun and laughter. She went off to take coats to another room and was gone for a while.

I went into the kitchen and saw a chilled glass filled with just the amount I liked. I reached up to the glass on the counter, took a swig and quickly realized it was not water so I cried out! It was vodka.

• Sometimes things appear as the right thing to me.
• Sometimes I misinterpret what is in front of me because of my desires.
• Sometimes I need a clear description.

Mislabeling JESUS was the problem of the Scribes. They tried to call HIM a follower of Satan and the people were going to fall for their deception. JESUS used common sense to correct their trickery. HE gave the right description.

• JESUS says to me “I AM the way, the truth and the life.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the only way.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM the good shepherd, you are MY sheep.”

“How can I cast out demons if I am a demon?” was the logical question JESUS asked the scribes. With the question, JESUS placed HIMSELF in authority over the demonic world that I am so blind to. HE is GOD and many people have tried to lower HIS authority by explaining away HIS miracles and HIS power. HE wants me to know HE is my Savior.

• Have you mislabeled JESUS?
• Do you think the thing you are doing will save you?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you to the place HE wants you to go?

Prove Yourself

Matthew 16: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

² He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ ³ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. ⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

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“If YOU are GOD then…” were the immature words out of my mouth as if to say, “Prove YOURSELF to me.” Looking back on these words, I can see why they were a problem with GOD.

• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I don’t believe who YOU are.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “YOU should bow YOURSELF at my demands.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I am a better judge than YOU so prove YOURSELF to my standards.”

“Prove it” was the approach the Pharisees and Sadducees took towards JESUS. Their expectation of a military genius and a mighty, muscular, king was thwarted by this insignificant looking being who spread love and peace versus conquering enemies.

Since JESUS did not meet “their” expectation, they put up barriers to make HIM prove HIMSELF as being GOD to them. I have done the same. BUT GOD guides me back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIM with childlike belief.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIM with my whole being.
• GOD wants me to obey HIM rather than tempting HIM to prove HIS abilities.

Parlor tricks are not GOD’s style. HE does not bow down to any human no matter their demands. HE deserves praise, honor and reverence from me because HE is GOD. All I need to do is believe.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you try to force HIM to perform a miracle in front of you so you can believe?
• Will you stop trying to get GOD to prove HIMSELF to you and start trusting in HIM today?

No One Knows

Matthew 11: ²⁷ “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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At one point I used to use “GOD” generically. I mean other people worship “god” aren’t they simply talking about the same GOD I’m talking about? No! This scripture caught my eye this morning.

• JESUS said “All things have been committed to me by MY FATHER” meaning HE is GOD.
• JESUS said “No one knows the SON except the FATHER” meaning HE is part of the holy trinity.
• JESUS said “HE chooses to reveal the FATHER to people.”

Knowing GOD is more than book knowledge. There is a supernatural gift of knowing who the FATHER is. JESUS gives anyone this gift if they believe in the need for the gift. What I’m saying is I must believe that I was on my way to being eternally separated from GOD at one point.

I had to acknowledge that I do not deserve a relationship with GOD but I could have one if I believe the SON became a man, was murdered for my sins, was raised from the dead and was given all power. This I truly believe and I could only believe this because the SON has given me the gift of salvation.

No one knows GOD except those GOD has revealed HIMSELF to.

• Are you lost?
• Are you trying to relate to GOD your own way?
• Can you stop trying to do things your way and follow GOD through JESUS who is GOD?

Knowing Gives Peace

Psalm 29: ¹⁰ The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
¹¹ The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

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Nervous, scared and shaking like a leaf, I was frightened to go outside. I mean the thugs who had chased me might still be outside.  When the police arrived I felt somewhat comforted. I could go back outside, meet up with my friend and continue the journey home.

• Sometimes I get scared, especially when drastic things happen.
• Sometimes I get nervous, especially when big situations pop up.
• Sometimes I get frightened, especially when the situation is huge in my mind.

Outnumbered, defenseless and pitiful, I cowered in the place I worked, wondering if these guys were outside. Did they have it in for me? OH no, did they have a gun? My mind raced. BUT GOD doesn’t want me to panic, instead HE has other thoughts.

• GOD says to me, “By knowing ME you can have peace.”
• GOD says to me, “I have all things in my hand.”
• GOD says to me, “Stand still and watch MY deliverance.”

Too many times I think I can “think” my way out of situations or do something under my own strength. But when a very large situation pops up that I can’t think my way out of or fix with my ability, I wonder where GOD is. HE says “I’M right here where I’VE always been… with you.” HIS power to protect is fantastic. HIS power to lift is unmatched. HIS power to bless is unyielding.

GOD can do what HE promised, I only have to trust in HIM.

• Are you facing something huge?
• Do you think your “thinking” will get you through the situation?
• Can you accept the fact that your thinking has faulty doubt in it?
• Will you place a small amount of your thinking to the knowledge that GOD is strong and wants to give you peace?

Sometimes GOD just needs to be praised!

David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. ² He said:

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
³     my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
    from violent people you save me.

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³¹ “As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
³² For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
³³ It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
³⁴ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁵ He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁶ You make your saving help my shield;
    your help has made^[i] me great.
³⁷ You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.

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This is the day in which JESUS was handed over and falsely accused. Preachers, ministers, deacons, deaconesses and elders of the church were the primary accusers of GOD in the flesh saying HE is not GOD. Their expectation of a worldly leader had not been met.

Instead of praising HIM for all of the miracles HE performed, they accused HIM of trickery and deceit. HE said nothing and absorbed the pain hurled at HIM as HIS own creation looked at HIM with wrongful eyes.

• GOD should be praised not blamed.
• GOD should be exalted not hidden.
• GOD should be talked about not implied.

Saying the name JESUS has power. Just speaking HIS name out loud has far more meaning than any “helps” program that could come from any church. Praising GOD means nothing else matters at this moment.

• Are you praising GOD?
• Can you stop asking HIM for stuff for one day and praise HIM?
• Won’t you focus your attention on GOD’s worthiness to be praised instead of looking at what’s going on around you?
• Can you open your mouth and say “JESUS thank YOU for being my savior”?

Never lose heart

Hebrews 12: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

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With bills piling higher and higher, I just sat on my couch wondering how I was going to pay them. I mean with tuition, a raggedy car and a janitor job, things looked a little bleak. I felt lost then the dean sent me a letter stating I wasn’t doing so well in school. Can anything else go wrong?

• When it looks difficult I feel like giving up.
• When it looks bleak I feel like throwing in the towel.
• When it looks like I should stop fighting I feel like just sit there and take my blows.

I’m glad I didn’t just sit there and do nothing because GOD wanted me to persevere in the race. By focusing on HIM I see that even I can endure the little opposition I face because HE endured shame, humiliation and false charges from those who called themselves religious leaders.

• GOD wants me to fix my eyes on JESUS who perfected faith.
• GOD wants me to fix my eyes on JESUS who sent the HOLY SPIRIT to guide me away from hindrances.
• GOD wants me to fix my eyes on JESUS who provides a way out of the sin that so easily entangles me.

When I look back I realize I faced a multitude of opposition that could have easily made me throw up my hands and give up. BUT GOD says focus on JESUS and I will always be fine.

• What opposition are you facing that GOD can’t handle?
• What situation are you enduring that GOD is not in control of?
• What circumstance can you take your eyes off of to focus on JESUS who is the perfecter?

Do you like the “Me” team?

Hebrews 3: ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

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After many hours of work we finally released our new product.  At the convention, people crowded into our booth clamoring to see it. Some of those people came over to me and pat me on the back. “Yeah I did do a good job” I thought to myself. I mean “I” oops we put a lot of hard work into this!

• When I look for accolades I sometimes point to myself.
• When I build a group I sometimes want those who follow to follow “me.”
• When I am part of a group I usually want that group to be the “winning” group so I can be associated with winners no matter how the group is acting.

Team “Me” is a wonderful team that I try to promote as often as I can.  Either I’m voicing my stance on something to be associated with a group or I’m just dropping subtle hints to make sure people know I’m pretty great. Don’t get me wrong, I treat my people well as long as they like “me.” I wonder if I should be pointing to team “Me.”

• GOD says everything I own is HIS.
• GOD says every group given to me was given by HIM.
• GOD says every leader put in place was placed there by HIM for HIS purposes.

I am not greater than GOD so I need to point all of my accomplishments to HIM.  Every team he has me lead I need to point to HIM and not team “Me.” Every group I am associated with I need to point to GOD and not in a false, selfish way.

GOD needs to receive the accolades for everything accomplished. If HIS SON is falsely followed then HE will know and not respond. I need to point my team to GOD for HE is the builder of everything.

• Are you pointing at yourself?
• Are you trying to push a human into the spotlight without pushing GOD into the spotlight?
• Are you mentioning the sins of others without examining your own sins?
• Can you mention the name “JESUS” with the way you are acting towards “that” person?

Where does true godliness come from?

1 Timothy 3: ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

    was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

    was preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

    was taken up in glory.

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Trust is something that can be easily lost with me. I mean if a person is inconsistent with me then my trust level goes way down.  I know this is my defense but when a person wants to “win” my trust back, they have to “prove” they won’t do that thing again.

I wonder if I treat GOD the same way. Do I trust HIM or am I making HIM “prove” HIMSELF to be as faithful as HE says?

• JESUS appeared as a human.
• JESUS was blameless according to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS was seen by angels in HIS glory and humanity.
• JESUS miracles and teachings were preached throughout the nations and was believed all over the world.
• JESUS was taken up to heaven where HE is building a place for me.

Many times I want GOD to prove HIMSELF to me because I face situation after situation. I want answers and I want them immediately. Fortunately for me GOD is faithful and HE allows me to test HIM with my faithless lenses. HE says “try ME and you will not be disappointed.”

This act of faith on HIS part increases my faith in HIM. HE took the first step of love toward me and all I have to do is believe and “trust” that HE will take care of me.

• Have you lost your trust?
• Are you suspicious about something or someone?
• Can you increase your trust that GOD has the situation or person handled?
• Will you release whatever is holding you back and “trust” GOD today?

Who should I be focused on?

Colossians 1: ¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

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Generosity was taught to me by my in-laws. Investing was taught to me by one of my best friend’s parents. Cooking was taught to me by many of my “mothers” and “uncles” from neighborhoods far and wide. My parents taught me about GOD.

These were people to admire yet they do not quite match up to the ONE I am supposed to look at.

• JESUS is the SON of GOD who created all things with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.
• JESUS is the one who all things were created for.
• JESUS is the authority who puts rulers in charge of governments.
• JESUS is the one who is supreme over any force or power.
• JESUS is the glue that holds all things together.
• JESUS is the church and HE chose to die just for me.

In these days of people looking at other people to admire, it’s difficult to find someone who is truly in my corner. I mean what is the hidden agenda “that” person holds? JESUS is above everything so HE has no need to have a hidden agenda.

HE willingly and purposefully died for me to serve a sentence HE declared. HE said I should die because of my sins yet HE turned around and died for me.  Now that HE is alive HE is busy building a place for me and those who believe in HIS supremacy.  HE is the one I should focus on.

• Are you wearing yourself out trying to be a role model?
• Are you disappointed in someone?
• Have people pulled away from you?
• Can you focus on JESUS today and ponder what HE has done for you?
• Will you give HIM your cares today?

These three words

Romans 10: ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” ¹² For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

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We had just returned from our tour of the city and at that moment I knew she was “the one.” Looking at her beauty inside and out made me finally say these three words… “I love you!” Wow, that was great! I finally professed a desire to have a super special relationship with the love of my life.

• I can declare a special relationship to humans easier than I can declare a relationship to JESUS.
• I can tell everyone about loving someone easier than I can tell someone I love JESUS.
• I can speak about my love for a human and not feel embarrassed but hide my relationship with JESUS.

When I’m in a group of people who are doing some things that are not of GOD but looks “fun” I want to join in.  I mean everyone over there is laughing and it seems like they don’t have a care in the world, meanwhile I’m over here struggling to follow JESUS.  Is HE even listening to me?

• The three words GOD wants to hear from me are “JESUS is LORD!”
• The three words that GOD adores me to say publicly are “JESUS IS LORD!”
• The three words that are very difficult to say to those I have “sinned” with are “JESUS is LORD!”

When I say “JESUS is LORD” out loud, with people watching something strange happens. They start watching me. People want to see if I will really try to follow HIS ways and they want to see if oceans will part in front of me. Well I haven’t seen oceans part in front of me but I can tell you HE truly is LORD.

My advice to those watching me is to take their eyes off of me and put them on the one who deserves to be watched, namely JESUS.  I sin, HE never sinned. HE is the only one who can declare me righteous as soon as I call on HIS name. I now have no shame to say “JESUS IS LORD!”

• Can you open up your mouth right now and say “JESUS is LORD!?”
• Does it feel weird saying “JESUS is LORD” out loud?
• Can you get more practice saying “JESUS is LORD” especially around those you sin with?
• Can you look “that” person in the face and say “JESUS is LORD” without being embarrassed?