Song of Triumph Part 3 – No One like GOD

Song of Triumph Part 3 – No One like GOD

Exodus 15: ¹¹ “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
¹² You stretched out Your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.
¹³ You in Your mercy have led forth
The people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them in Your strength
To Your holy habitation.

 

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After the Egyptian army was destroyed by GOD closing up the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang. This third stanza was about GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Moses recognized that humans try to be gods but they cannot compare to the true GOD.
• Moses points out GOD’s holiness, HIS deserving of healthy praiseworthy fear, and HIS power to do wonders.
• Moses ends the stanza with GOD dismantling the mindset of humans thinking they can do anything above HIM.

 

There is no one like GOD! HE is worthy of all praise! Only HE is holy and HE can do anything, anytime, anywhere. GOD takes down enemies who try to place themselves over one another with the pride of the Enemy. This song speaks about GOD’s triumphant power.

 

Moses also speaks about redemption. GOD rescued HIS people out of Egypt and does the same for you and me. HE rescues us out of a mindset that keeps us as slaves to the world, blinding us from GOD’s tremendous power. GOD was leading them to HIS holy habitation.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about this part of the song?
• Have you marveled over GOD’s incredible power over your life lately?
• What amazes you about GOD’s power, holiness and redemption?

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?

We are Sure

We are Sure

1 John 4: ¹³ We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because he has given us his Spirit. ¹⁴ And we have seen and tell others that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ If we declare that Jesus is the Son of God, we live in union with God and God lives in union with us. ¹⁶ And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us.

 

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“Are you sure?” was the seemingly undermining question that knocked me down. I had a theory that something could work, but no experience. The question easily exposed my inexperience and my theory was brushed off by others.

 

• I was not sure that my theory would work.
• I was not convincing to anyone because I was unsure.
• I had no evidence that my theory would work.

 

John seems like he was addressing insecurity. He may have seen believers who showed faith, only to be met with trouble and difficulties. Some people may have felt discouraged. John provided  a way to have assurance regarding a relationship with GOD. “Declare that JESUS is the SON of GOD.”

 

My Observations:

• Difficult times blind me to the truth that GOD loves me dearly.
• GOD provided the remedy to all my troubles, namely believe in JESUS with all my heart.
• Saying the words “JESUS is the SON of GOD” to someone solidifies my relationship with GOD so I can have assurance.

 

“There is power in the name of JESUS” was what some folks used to say and sing. I can see that. Just saying HIS name is powerful. But believing in my heart and turning my life over to HIM is very different.

 

Usually when I feel unsure about my relationship with GOD is when things are going wrong or I have blatantly sinned and it can no longer be hidden. I start thinking GOD thinks less of me. I could not be further from the truth. I am glad GOD loves me in spite of my sins so I am ready to declare JESUS is the SON of GOD!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize “telling” people that “JESUS is the SON of GOD?”
• When you are sure about something small like directions, are you afraid to tell strangers or are you confident?
• Will you increase your confidence in your relationship with GOD by declaring that JESUS is the SON of GOD to someone today?

Reverence and Awe

Reverence and Awe

Hebrews 12: ²⁸ Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe; ²⁹ because our God is indeed a destroying fire.

 

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Hearing the eloquent words pour out of the speaker’s mouth, I was engaged. I could not get enough of this particular speaker. I purchased recordings and distributed them to as many people as possible.

 

• I was enamored.
• I admired every word of the speaker.
• I took action to tell others about the speaker.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, provides the a very different view of GOD that is quite disturbing. He says GOD is a “Consuming fire” or in this version a “Destroying fire.” Because of this, we need to worship HIM in reverence and awe.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all seeing, all knowing and all-powerful.
• GOD is everywhere and I cannot escape HIM.
• GOD’s power should be revered and not taken lightly by me.

 

I should be a fan of GOD. I mean, I should like HIS style, HIS power and HIS timing. Unfortunately, I don’t like HIS style, the way HE uses HIS power or HIS timing. I easily get upset at GOD when HE doesn’t deliver me when and how I expect. Fortunately for me, HE is patient.

 

GOD deserves reverence and awe from me. HE can do anything, anytime and anywhere. By believing in JESUS, I have access to the Most High GOD. HE loves when I pray and rely on HIS power. I gladly surrender to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by calling GOD a “Destroying” or “Consuming” fire?
• Have you ever seen something so powerful that it memorized everyone?
• Will you look at GOD as the all-powerful being HE is and align your reverence to HIM today?

Presence

Presence

Hebrews 12: ¹⁸ You have not come, as the people of Israel came, to what you can feel, to Mount Sinai with its blazing fire, the darkness and the gloom, the storm, ¹⁹ the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of a voice. When the people heard the voice, they begged not to hear another word, ²⁰ because they could not bear the order which said, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” ²¹ The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling and afraid!”

 

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Music blared with a fast pace. Suddenly fireworks sizzled on stage. Then the speaker came out and delivered a riveting speech. “Wow!” I said to myself. At that point, I wanted to be like the speaker and started thinking of ways to mimic the style.

 

• I was impressed by the speaker’s presence.
• I was enamored by the fanfare.
• I got caught up in the show.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, attempted to explain the reaction of the Israelites when they were at mount Sinai.. They experienced the presence of GOD and were terrified! HIS holiness would not allow even a stray animal to touch the mountain.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s presences is awesome and terrifying.
• GOD is absolutely holy and cannot have sin in HIS presence.
• JESUS washed away all my sins, which allows me into GOD’s presence.

 

Being centuries removed from the encounter Moses had with GOD makes me take it lightly. I mean, GOD terrified those who saw what HE did to the mountain, yet I am not terrified to take HIM to my sinful places. HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT, who also cannot stand sin, inside me.

 

GOD sees all, hears all and knows all I do. I should be terrified!. Fortunately for me, GOD understands and provides sufficient grace. HE withholds HIS wrath and provides for me every day. I am so glad GOD’s presence with me is gentle and forgiving, but I will someday see HIS true glory which is unimaginable.

 

Challenge

• What part of the writer’s illustration sticks out to you?
• Have you ever been impressed by someone with “presence?”
• Will you reflect on the power of GOD and imagine HIS presence, and make changes to how you approach today?

More Honor

More Honor

Hebrews 3: My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. ² He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. ³ A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 

 

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After working hard, I received an award for the thing my team built. It was state of the art and highly desired. Years later, it was mundane and complained about. I heard someone mention how difficult it was to update to the “newest” stuff.

 

• I felt great when I was on top.
• I did not feel as good when my name was associated with something that needed to be thrown away.
• I felt even worse when people felt “I” should be thrown away with the thing that was built.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appeals to those who follow JESUS as their Savior. He knew people had elevated Moses to a place of honor because of the first five books of the bible. Moses had an amazing encounter with GOD and wrote out laws and history that was revealed to him. The writer says “JESUS is worthy of much greater honor than Moses.”

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me with more honor than the projects I complete.
• I am more valuable than the likes I get on social media.
• JESUS is the most valuable being whom I should follow.

 

Before I seek any honor, I must ask myself, “Have I given any honor to the one who created me?” Many times the answer is no. BUT GOD deserves more honor than the thing I am trying to build. HE gave  me gifts, abilities and talents to be able to accomplish whatever I would like.

 

HE guides me and leads me to do things I never would have dreamt of. HE deserves the honor whenever I accomplish something. I gladly give JESUS more honor than the latest project that will one day be outdated.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer compare JESUS to Moses?
• Have you ever felt valuable because of a project or something you did?
• Will you take some time to reassess your value so you can understand JESUS values you to the extreme, so maybe you can give HIM more honor today?

Highest Admiration

Highest Admiration

Ephesians 4: ⁹ Now, what does “he went up” mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth. ¹⁰ So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 

 

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Reaching levels was a thing that was taught to me. One grade gave me golden stars for every level I achieved in reading. This thought of levels translated to types of work I did later in life. I admired those who were “above me” in level. I talked about him or her with high regard.

 

• I thought titles meant importance.
• I thought people were supposed to be treated differently because of their title or academic achievements.
• I thought power meant obtaining a following where people would grab onto every word “I” said.

 

Paul poses a tough question in the letter he wrote. “What does ‘HE went up’ mean?” was the poignant question to provoke thought. He then answers by explaining what JESUS taught him. He talked about levels.

 

My Observations

• JESUS, who was and is GOD, became a lowly human to die for me.
• JESUS sacrificial death and resurrection enabled HIM to be placed above everything.
• JESUS’s act of love is recognized by the entire universe.

 

It’s easy to admire or even envy other humans as gods. I mean, when I want to be somebody, I may look at what others consider somebody. I then try to be like him or her and fail miserably. I may sometimes achieve a level and think I am “above” people.

 

BUT GOD is the only one who is above all. No human level or achievement can match HIS greatness. HE knows all, sees all and is everywhere. JESUS was given the highest honor of being placed above all. I bow down to JESUS who is my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What levels is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever admired someone because of his or her title or accomplishments?
• Will you place a higher admiration on the one who is above race, gender and situations, namely JESUS, today?

Above All

Above All

Ephesians 1:  ²¹ Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. ²² God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. ²³ The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.

 

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Above all seems unfathomable. Above every situation, every trial, above every thing that seems to go right or wrong? Yes. Above it all!

 

This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of JESUS who is GOD who became a human to allow HIMSELF to be murdered for the sins of the world. HE was raised by the SPIRIT and the FATHER placed all things under HIM.

 

HE now holds every situation, past, present and future. All hurts and celebrations belongs to HIM. All things are complete.

 

Enjoy this weekend of worshipping our LORD and Savior JESUS, who is the CHRIST!

Significance

Significance

Acts 18: ¹² While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews of Corinth made a united attack on Paul and brought him to the place of judgment. ¹³ “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”

¹⁴ Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. ¹⁵ But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” ¹⁶ So he drove them off. ¹⁷ Then the crowd there turned on Sosthenes the synagogue leader and beat him in front of the proconsul; and Gallio showed no concern whatever.

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“He’s not playing right!” I protested. I mean, everyone knows you are supposed to put the blocks in the dump truck, then dump them on the floor and start over. This person wanted to kick the blocks. What sense did that make? The teacher came over and listened to both of us.

• There have been people in my life who listened to me.
• There have been people in my life who did not trivialize what I was saying.
• There have been people in my life who treated my concerns as significant.

Gallio was proconsul, so the Jews brought Paul to him in an accusatory way. Gallio scoffed at their anger over Paul’s confession that JESUS was and is GOD. He felt their argument was insignificant so he said “Settle the matter yourselves.”

• GOD wants me to stand firm on my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to know HE is the Most High.
• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS being the most significant choice of life.

Significance in GOD has been watered down by the world. The enemy’s tactic is to fool humans to seek significance within themselves. BUT GOD wants something different. GOD wants me to have unstoppable purpose that teaches people about JESUS.

People may scoff at the name of JESUS, but I know that by believing in HIM, even speaking HIS name brings power beyond measure. HIS word does not go out void, rather it will prosper and accomplish what it was intended to do. My significance is through JESUS, who is the Most High.

• Are you seeking to make a name of yourself?
• Do you shy away from speaking the name of JESUS?
• Will you open your mouth and profess JESUS as LORD so people can believe in HIS Word today?

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?

Rule Hugger

Rule Hugger

John 7: ¹⁹ Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?”

²⁰ The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?”

²¹ Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel.²² Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath. ²³ If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? ²⁴ Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

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“What a reckless driver!” I grunted to myself. As the person darted in and out I could see the imminent danger approaching. Then a morbid thought crossed my mind. “I hope they get in an accident, that will show them.” Moments later I saw police lights coming from a distance. “That’s what they get!” I thought. The police pulled me over. I was speeding.

• Many times I have judged people.
• Many times I wanted people to be punished.
• Many times I desired to see “justice” for others but not for myself.

Angry at JESUS due to their flawed thinking, the Jews sought to put HIM to death for healing a man on the Sabbath. JESUS was not following their controlling ways and as their popularity diminished, their hatred escalated to wanting to kill HIM. When JESUS confronted them, they said to the Most High GOD, that HE had a demon.

• JESUS wants me to see HIM as the one who judges me and others.
• JESUS wants me to see “us” instead of them, when it comes to people.
• JESUS wants me to include myself in the basket of sinners so my desire to judge people will be smaller.

Following the rules does not cleanse me of the rules I have broken. In fact, the more I study GOD’s word, the more I realize I cannot ever clean myself up. BUT GOD can clean me up. JESUS went through life sinless, was murdered to pay for my sin and was raised from the dead to prove HIS power over life and death.

HE wants me to seek HIS grace instead of blaming HIM for not giving me “my” way this time. Time is short and hatred for one another is growing. JESUS wants me to seek those HE has chosen, so I can give HIS words of encouragement. I am glad HE wants me to exchange my judgement for encouragement.

• Are you judging someone?
• Do you spend enormous amounts of time grousing about someone in power?
• Will you stop your negative words and start encouraging people to follow JESUS 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?

Anointed Announcement

Luke 9: ³⁴ While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. ³⁵ And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ³⁶ When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.

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“Here are your new leaders” one of the higher ups said. I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the people on the stage they spoke of. With this announcement came a larger responsibility. Was I ready?

• There were times when I was announced.
• There were times when news about me was heralded.
• There were times when people were told to listen to me.

JESUS was announced as the “SON of GOD” to Peter, James and John. This anointed message was said again to a crowd of people when JESUS was baptized. These important words may have been the last anyone has heard from the HEAVENLY FATHER of the triune GOD.

• JESUS is the anointed CHRIST and I need to listen to HIM.
• JESUS is the SON of the Living GOD and I must obey HIS words.
• JESUS is the HOLY ONE who voluntarily gave HIS life for me.

GOD wants all of humanity to know that life is all about JESUS in spite of our selfish thinking. The ONE who created everything is the same who was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead as our Savior. This is the special announcement GOD wants me to tell everyone.

• Are you looking to be in the spotlight?
• Do you want true success?
• Will you take a moment today and tell people about how special GOD is to you?

Recognition

Luke 8: ²⁶ Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. ²⁷ And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. ²⁸ When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” ²⁹ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness.

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When the top executive walked in, I stopped my conversation with the “hired help” and immediately tried to think of something clever to say. “The project I’m working on is going great” were the first words I could think of. He ignored me and walked past. The admin I was talking to turned away from me as well.

• There were times when I got confused by those who had titles.
• There were times when I felt turned around by people who were put in “power.”
• There were times when I felt lost around those who were supposedly “in charge.”

A certain man who had demons cried out “What have I to do with YOU, JESUS, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD? I beg YOU, do not torment me!” The demons inside the man recognized JESUS’s authority and begged for mercy.

• GOD wants me to recognize JESUS as my savior.
• GOD wants me to know that JESUS has risen from the murder and has all authority.
• GOD wants me to bow before JESUS who is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD.

Sometimes I don’t give JESUS enough credit for who HE really is. I mean I complain to HIM and whine that I am not comfortable enough, but that may not be the right train of thought. JESUS is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD. HE has all authority under HIM and my faith is generated from belief in HIM. No circumstance, situation or state of affairs can stop HIS love for me!

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Do you really believe that HE is the SON of the MOST HIGH GOD?
• Will you recognize HIS power and authority over huge and small circumstances in your life and turn the solution over to HIM today?