Love Finally Seen

Love Finally Seen

Revelation 22: The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ There shall be no more night, and they will not need lamps or sunlight, because the Lord God will be their light, and they will rule as kings forever and ever.

 

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When I found a leader I liked, I tried to imitate that person. I would speak, walk and use ism’s I heard from the person. I found men and women who had some great styles that I could borrow from. It was flattery to my ears when I would hear “You are acting just like him or her.”

 

• I wanted to imitate great people.
• I wanted to put what I learned from him or her, into action.
• I wanted to “be” just like those successful people.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the throne of GOD and of the LAMB which is JESUS. He also saw everyone who ever served people for JESUS sake. They had JESUS’ name written on their forehead.

 

My Observations:

• I cannot see my forehead when looking at JESUS, BUT JESUS can see HIS love in me when HE looks at me.
• One day I will not need artificial light, or even sunlight because I will be in the presence of JESUS who is the LIGHT.
• Seeing JESUS face means I will be looking at pure love.

 

Human examples of love are desperately flawed. I mean, when one person acts in love another twists it into hate. One person’s protection is another person’s control. Soon, preferences prevail over pure love. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS, being GOD, showed pure love by taking on the consequence of sin for you and me. HE became a human out of pure love. HE then allowed HIS own creation to murder HIM while not putting up a fight. HE was raised from the dead and was placed in authority of everything. I look forward to one day seeing HIS face.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer keep mentioning light?
• Have you ever observed abusive, manipulative or coercive behavior labeled as love?
• Have you surrendered your life to CHRIST so you can experience pure love today?

Different Thinking

 

Different Thinking

Hebrews 7: ¹¹ It was on the basis of the levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek,^[a] not of Aaron. ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. ¹³ And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. ¹⁴ It is well known that he was born a member of the tribe of Judah; and Moses did not mention this tribe when he spoke of priests.

 

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“Why go to church?” was my question. I finally got tired of the same messages of “being good” or “giving money.” There had to be more to life that what was being said. I stopped going and started “having fun.” My “fun” became more of a problem than I thought.

 

• I did not have a place to put my hope.
• I did not fill the hole that was in my heart.
• I had to rethink “church” versus my relationship with GOD.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, may have tried to address a way of thinking that could have been detrimental to many. People may have relied on a human priest to cleanse them of their sins through confession and sacrifice. He explained, there is a “different kind of priest”, one who did not belong to the tribe of priests, who would be the one to follow.

 

My Observations:

• Humans struggle trying to understand GOD, BUT HE reveals enough to show me HIS love.
• Love is greater than keeping the law, because the law was founded by love.
• I do not have to worry about trying to be perfect, because JESUS was perfect for me.

 

Blaming GOD or blaming people who believe in GOD is a problem. I mean, when I question why GOD does things, or I question those who are supposed to believe in GOD, yet act duplicitous, I can fall away from HIM. BUT GOD knows there are many things that can come up against my relationship with HIM.

 

HE patiently allows me to fall into holes that I think can pull me away from HIM. HE gently lifts me up and dusts me off to serve HIM and praise HIM another day. I am glad HE is willing to renew my mind and show me HIS love!

 

Challenge

• What way of thinking is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever tried to blame GOD or blame “churchy” people?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and think differently about how you approach church and the beliefs you may or may not have today?

Permanent Love

 

Permanent Love

Romans 8: ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

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Collecting frequent traveler points was the norm for me. I stayed in a specific chain, gathering enough points to one day take my family on a lavish vacation. When hard times hit, I spent a long period not traveling. When I looked into the points, the hotel chain said, “You haven’t traveled in a while so you lost all your points.”

 

• There have been times when I felt I would be cast out if I did not do the right things.
• There have been times when I felt I would lose everything if I did not follow the rules of those who were holding me hostage.
• There have been times when I felt so full of fear, that I made excuses for not speaking about the only ONE who truly loved me.

 

Paul says “We are more than conquerors.” Bullies, thieves, liars and those who try to harm others cannot separate us from the love of JESUS. He speaks about permanent love.

 

• GOD wants me to know HIS love for me is permanent.
• GOD wants me to understand that nothing can separate me from the love of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be convinced that all problems caused by humans, demons or powers are temporary but the LOVE of JESUS is eternal.

 

“Problem free” is the lie told by Satan. I mean, the expectation that life would be one long vacation on earth is a false expectation that is placed in front of humans to try to separate them from the love of GOD. Temptation after temptation are placed in front of all humans to get us to turn away from GOD. Who can save us? JESUS!

 

Only JESUS can open my eyes to see HE has the situation under control. Once HE has given me a purpose, that purpose cannot be stopped. It may look impossible, BUT GOD steps in and handles everything for me. I am grateful JESUS loves me so much that even my sin cannot separate me from HIM.

 

• Have you been dumped?
• Do you feel cast out and dejected by circumstances out of your control?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS permanent love for you today by believing in JESUS, who loves you dearly?

Included and Protected

 

Included and Protected

Romans 8: ³¹ In view of all this, what can we say? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² Certainly not God, who did not even keep back his own Son, but offered him for us all! He gave us his Son—will he not also freely give us all things? ³³ Who will accuse God's chosen people? God himself declares them not guilty! ³⁴ Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! ³⁵ Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? ³⁶ As the scripture says,

 

“For your sake we are in danger of death at all times;
    we are treated like sheep that are going to be slaughtered.”

 

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“You wouldn’t be welcome there” were the disappointing words of exclusion said to me from my boss. I was warned he struggled with racism, but I hoped he could see something different in me if I treated him with love. After a while, I found myself looking for a job. I was inclined to ask “LORD, why do those who do bad things, seem to ‘win’ all the time?”

 

• There have been some people who told me I would not amount to anything.
• There have been some people who excluded me from their groups.
• There have been some people who tried to slander me, steal from me and lie about me, just to keep me out.

 

Paul says something fantastic. “If GOD is for us, who can be against up?” He explains that GOD allowed HIS own SON to die and be raised for us. Who can then be an accuser if GOD declares us “not guilty?” He then explains that nothing in this world can separate us form GOD’s love.

 

• GOD says to me, “People will try to exclude you from my love but they cannot.”
• GOD says to me, “People will try to accuse you to ME and I said you are not guilty.”
• GOD says to me, “People will try to harm you so you will blame ME, but I AM with you always.”

 

Even liars who mention JESUS in the wrong way cannot separate me from HIS actual love. I mean, there will be groups of people who make JESUS look false and try to insert their philosophy, blinding many. BUT GOD says, “MY sheep hear MY voice.”

 

No lie, plot, or exclusion tactic can separate those who believe in JESUS from salvation. GOD loved freely and will give freely to anyone who believes in JESUS. I am glad HE does not exclude me because of my sins.

 

• Are you being excluded?
• Has someone, who speaks about JESUS, hurt you and caused you to seek other “truths?”
• Will you turn to the path of GOD’s infinite love for you and allow HIM to come into your heart today by believing in JESUS, who will never leave you nor forsake you?

For the Kids

For the Kids

Acts 13: ²⁶ “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. ²⁷ For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. ²⁸ And though they found no cause for death in Him, they asked Pilate that He should be put to death. ²⁹ Now when they had fulfilled all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. ³⁰ But God raised Him from the dead. ³¹ He was seen for many days by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. ³² And we declare to you glad tidings—that promise which was made to the fathers. ³³ God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.’

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“Jump in the car” a neighbor said. I was delighted to be invited to go to the park. “Come bowling with us” another neighbor said. I was elated to do something I had never done. “Stay for dinner” another neighbor said to me. “Of course!” I answered with stomach growling.

• Many times I have been treated well by my neighbors.
• Many times I have seen generosity in action.
• Many times I have been given gifts and opportunities just because someone wanted to do something just because I was a kid.

Paul continues to preach. He explains that the very person who was lied about, shamed, murdered and put in a tomb was the being they should have paid attention to. JESUS was who Paul spoke about fervently. He also explained how GOD raised JESUS from the dead.

• GOD did amazing things just for me.
• GOD raised JESUS from the dead, just for me.
• JESUS fulfilled all prophecy, just for me.

The FATHER does care. HE watches over me, guides me and loves me so much that HE allowed HIS SON to be murdered for me. HE raised HIM form the dead, giving HIM all authority. HE has shown extreme care. I am grateful for HIS love.

• Are you alone?
• Do you need to be shown love?
• Will you look to GOD and know HE loves you dearly just for being you?

Fulfilling the Plan

Fulfilling the Plan

Acts 1: ¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ¹⁶ “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; ¹⁷ for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

¹⁸ (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,

And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his office.’

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“Come up on stage” were the words I was shocked to hear. The leadership team had acknowledged the efforts of business owners, because it was a convention specifically for them. I was an employee, yet they recognized my efforts. My part of the plan helped.

• Sometimes I think I am insignificant.
• Sometimes I think my tiny part does not matter.
• Sometimes I think I am not part of a large plan.

Peter spoke about replacing Judas but was careful with his words. It wasn’t just about getting another person, but getting the right person. How were they going to choose when GOD was the one who chose everyone else? He relied on the scripture.

• GOD’s plan includes me.
• GOD’s plan has a part in it for me.
• GOD’s plan is laid out for me to read daily.

“What do you want from me?” is usually cried out from those who wants something and are not getting it. GOD says clearly that HE wants everyone to believe in HIS SON for salvation. HE also says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.

Forcing GOD into my plan usually does not work. I mean, usually I want to stay the same and let GOD clean up my mess. BUT GOD wants me to be part of HIS plan, which requires me to change, giving it all to HIM. I am glad HE is gracious enough to keep me in HIS plan.

• Are you trying to make GOD do something and have not yielded your life to HIM?
• Are you praying to get something and have not given your all to HIM?
• Will you join GOD’s plan for you by giving HIM all the things you hold onto so HE can multiply it?

A Prayer for All

A Prayer for All

John 17: ²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

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Searching for a church became a task. “This one is too political” I said about one church. “This one has a terrible singing group” I said about another. “This one is too hypocritical” I said about another. On my way to visit a church, I passed about twenty churches within two miles. “What are we saying to each other? I wondered.

• Sometimes I wonder if we can have unity.
• Sometimes I wonder if we can work together.
• Sometimes I wonder if we will settle for one person going to hell because we found our crowd and “that” person did not.

JESUS prays for everyone who believes in HIM. HE shows HIS heart and love for all of HIS creation by saying a prayer for them.

• JESUS wants me to speak unity in HIM to everyone I meet.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE was sent to save me and the rest of the world.
• JESUS wants me to receive the glory HE has given me.

Be as one, believe the FATHER sent JESUS and receive the glory JESUS gave to us, is the simple request JESUS gives. Working together to bring people to JESUS sounds simple, but I find this very difficult. I mean, JESUS did warn us about manipulators who use HIS name to get what they want, yet bear no fruit. This can be confusing. How can we “Be one?”

JESUS wants me to start by having unity with HIM. HIS peace will enable me to reach others with HIS love, not “my program or my offering.” JESUS wants my love to be pure and solely focused on raising HIS reputation as the one and only cure for every ill to humanity.

Though this task may be overwhelming in a society where belief in JESUS is only done as a club, HE wants me to press on, seeking those HE sends me to and sends to me. I am grateful HE is in me and I in HIM.

• Will you join JESUS in bringing HIS lost people back to HIM?
• Will you believe JESUS was sent to bring back those who left HIM?
• Will you accept the glory JESUS has given you so you can reach those only you can reach today?

Wandering

Wandering

John 14: ⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

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Feeling abandoned, I wandered aimlessly, with no place to go. As I tried different ways of having “fun” I still felt empty. In fact, the more, “fun” I had, the emptier I felt. “What’s the point?” I asked. I mean everyone seemed to be going somewhere in life and I had no place to go.

• I felt church people were phony.
• I felt the establishment was against me.
• I felt I had no direction and no one I could trust.

Thomas told JESUS, “We do not know where YOU are going, so how can we know the “way?” JESUS gave Thomas a bigger destination. Life’s journey should be towards the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to understand that my life should point to JESUS.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM daily even in my earthly pursuits.
• GOD wants me to trade in my wandering for that of a life of purpose for HIM.

JESUS is the way, the truth and the life.” Any other philosophy that distracts people from this statement is false. I mean, if I am focused on fixing a certain sin in people without having JESUS in the middle, then it may be a distraction.

JESUS wants to be first and only destination. Some philosophies want food or health or psyche or pleasure or money or human words to be their god. BUT JESUS wants to be the only truth. There is no other way to the FATHER but through JESUS. I am grateful HE came after me when I was wandering.

• Are you wandering through life?
• Does your life have no good direction?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE can guide you to a much better place today?

Scared

Scared

John 12: ²⁷ “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name.”

Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”

²⁹ Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”

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“I’m not going down there!” I said in terror. With fears of the “Boogey Man” being in the basement of our home, I refused to go downstairs unless someone was with me. All the lights had to be on.

• Sometimes I get scared of the unknown.
• Sometimes I get worried about situations people have told me about.
• Sometimes I get filled with fear over a huge situation facing me.

Death was facing JESUS and HIS humanity showed. HE expressed HIS fear out loud. THE FATHER heard HIS voice and responded with assurance. JESUS accepted the responsibility.

• GOD is there when I have fears.
• GOD is there when I have doubts.
• GOD is there when I worry about big situations.

Worry easily creeps in when the answer to a problem is out of my control. I mean when I cannot do something to resolve the situation, my mind spins, trying to come up with a solution. BUT GOD knows the outcome.

HE wants me to trust that HE has the situation under control and HE can use the circumstance for HIS glory. HE rewards me greatly for obeying HIS plan and for this I am grateful.

• Are you worried?
• Is there a very large situation in front of you that seems too big to handle?
• Will you ask GOD to not only give you strength, but comfort as well?

Compassion

Compassion

John 11: ²⁸ And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” ²⁹ As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. ³⁰ Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. ³¹ Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”

³² Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

³³ Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. ³⁴ And He said, “Where have you laid him?”

They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.”

³⁵ Jesus wept. ³⁶ Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!”

³⁷ And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?”

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Without the scowl, my nemesis looked different this particular day. The air of arrogance was not there. Since I did not trust the guy, I did not listen to the voice inside that said “Go over to him and ask if there is anything you could do?” I passed on the moment. Later, I found out there was a death in his family.

• There have been times when I did not show compassion when I had the chance.
• There have been times when my I lost perspective on what I am supposed to be giving to people.
• There have been times when I was tired of my “kindness” being mistaken for “weakness.”

Mary came to JESUS weeping. She had a similar statement to Martha, only this time it was not laced with blame. “If YOU had been here, my brother would not have died.” The church people around her were crying “with” her. JESUS groaned in the SPIRIT. JESUS wept.

• JESUS wants me to show compassion to everyone HE sends me.
• JESUS wants me to express HIS love to those who annoy me.
• JESUS wants me to be “with” people HE send me to, no matter how different they are from me.

Compassion bubbles over from GOD’s heart. HE wants me to have a healthy portion of this. Instead of “Serves you right” when things go wrong in “that” person’s life, JESUS wants me to desire HIS peace to be placed in their heart. I can fill the hole in my heart with two things, hatred or love. I am grateful GOD chose love towards me.

• Who are you keeping your compassion from?
• Are you refusing to show compassion to “those” people because they look or act different?
• Will you drop your hatred for a moment to show compassion to the person who comes to mind right now?

Food

Food

John 6: ²⁶ Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. ²⁷ Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

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Sitting in the highly decorated restaurant, a number of people waited on our table. We had our own wait staff who promptly brought out any food or drink that we requested. The main course contained a very expensive Kobe beef steak. “This meal is a long way from beans and franks” I thought to myself. “Maybe I should become rich and eat like this more often.”

• I have eaten expensive foods.
• I have eaten at some very high end restaurants.
• I have sought out new foods as entertainment and pleasure.

The crowd sought JESUS because HE fed them when they had no food. JESUS performed a miracle, dividing a boy’s lunch into thousands of filling portions. JESUS saw through their quest to follow HIM. HE warned them not to seek HIM because HE was some sort of food pantry. But what is HE?

• JESUS wants me to seek HIM for everlasting life.
• JESUS wants me to start my eternal life right now by listening to HIM daily.
• JESUS wants me to accept HIS seal that no one can steal or remove, including myself.

Seeking food for pleasure or necessity can distract me from the real food GOD wants to give me. When JESUS said “Man does not live by bread alone” HE was telling me that there is more to life than eating. Preoccupation with staying healthy or gaining new tastes can take up precious time that could be spent with GOD.

HE knows I have to eat and does not mind if I eat a tasty meal, but what about those who have not eaten a meal in a while? GOD wants me to listen to HIS food so I can be nourished with the word enough to execute what it says. HE wants me to share my spiritual and physical food with those in need. I am glad HE feeds me daily.

• Are you hungry for GOD?
• Do you seek physical food?
• Will you take time today and seek GOD’s food which is everlasting?

Rejection Purpose

Luke 9: ²¹ And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, ²² saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

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Girls lined up on one side and guys on the other was the set up for failure I feared when walking into the dance. It seemed like the room grew larger as I walked across the empty space to ask someone to dance. When the word “No” came out I embarrassingly ventured back to the laughing and pointing.

• There were times when I was rejected and felt embarrassed.
• There were times when I was rejected and my feelings were hurt.
• There were times when I was rejected and I was not listened to.

JESUS tells HIS disciples and others around them that HE must suffer, be rejected and eventually killed by those who supposedly led various churches. This sad news was coupled with the reason. JESUS would be raised on the third day.

• GOD wants me to know when I am rejected by humans, HE has accepted me.
• GOD wants me to know that HE will never reject me because I believe in HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to know life will be full of rejection but HIS love for me is everlasting.

Suffering, rejection and death were the gifts given to the CREATOR by HIS humans. Many times I give GOD these gifts by refusing to follow HIM or trust HIM or believe in HIS power over my situation. BUT GOD stays faithful in HIS love for me.

HE decided to take my punishment for me while providing HIS love towards me. It is up to me to accept what JESUS did for me or reject it. I accept HIS loving gift with open arms! Human rejection stings, but is temporary. GOD's love for me endures forever.

• Are you rejecting JESUS?
• Do you feel you can do life on your own?
• Will you stop rejecting HIS guidance and allow HIM to root out the things that do not belong in you?
• Will you ask JESUS to be your Savior and protector today?

Caregiving

Luke 1: ⁶⁷ Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:

⁶⁸ “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people,
⁶⁹ And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of His servant David,
⁷⁰ As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began,
⁷¹ That we should be saved from our enemies
And from the hand of all who hate us,
⁷² To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
And to remember His holy covenant,
⁷³ The oath which He swore to our father Abraham:
⁷⁴ To grant us that we,
Being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
⁷⁵ In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.

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“No one cares” I thought to myself as I sat on my couch. I had been politely dumped from a relationship, I was told I was about to be kicked out of school and I had just got a ticket on my out of commission car. It rained that day.

• There were times when I felt no one cared.
• There were times when I was filled with blame and rage.
• There were times when I felt like giving up because nothing was going the way I planned.

The HOLY SPIRIT spoke through Zacharias’s experiences and observations on life. All of his serving, studying, disappointments and blessings came bubbling out in this exclamation about GOD. He knew who was with him.

• GOD says to me “People will disappoint you but I will never forsake you.”
• GOD says to me “Situations may look difficult at times, but I will always be there for you.”
• GOD says to me “Your enemies may surround you, but I will deliver you from their hands.”

Amazing things kept happening ever since I opened my eyes to GOD. HE shows me how marvelous HE truly is. HE saved me, gave me purpose and protected me from those who meant harm to me. I can serve HIM without fear.

• Do you feel no one cares?
• Are you misunderstood?
• Can you listen to GOD and accept HIS everlasting love for you today?

Truth of Being Good

Mark 14: ²⁷ Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’

²⁸ “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

²⁹ Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”

³⁰ Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”

³¹ But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

And they all said likewise.

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Giving up the clubbing lifestyle was pretty drastic for me. With my renewed faith, I vowed to leave the “hanging out” scene alone. Weeks passed and I was doing pretty good then one person asked, “Do you want to come out with us?” I was single and there were going to be a bunch of women and booze there. “Yes!” I answered, knowing the crowd.

• There have been times I have tried to be good and failed.
• There have been times when I told GOD, “I am not going to ever do ‘that’ again” and did “that” hours later.
• There have been times when I hid my relationship with CHRIST.

JESUS points out the main reason HE became a human, namely to die for our sins. HE tells the disciples that they would deny HIM just like everyone in the world. HE knew the poison racing through their veins causes every human to sin and there was no exception.

• GOD says to me “I know your ways and I forgive you.”
• GOD says to me “I understand how you were made and I love you.”
• GOD says to me “I know the struggles you go through and I have a wonderful plan for you, plans to grow you for the good of the kingdom.”

In the middle of my sin CHRIST died for me. HE doesn’t stop me from sinning rather HE allows me to go right ahead and sin my brains out and turns right around and says “you are forgiven.” HE then draws me to HIM rather than pushing me away. HE comforts me when I do not deserve comforting and heals me when I make the wounds. My good can never match HIS love for me.

• Do you think you are good?
• Do you beat yourself up for your good being faulty?
• Can you stop thinking you goodness can save you and look to CHRIST who has truly taken care of it all for you?

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?

What’s the Good News

Mark 1: ¹⁴ After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ¹⁵ “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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Waiting and waiting, I looked for a reply. When the phone rang I could sense something great was going to happen. I could hardly keep from hollering, but I was at work. I got the job and I was moving out of the city I wanted to leave!

• Getting “Good News” feels great.
• Getting “Good News” makes me want to shout with joy.
• Getting “Good News” is something I heed when I have heard a string of bad news.

An oppressive leader had just put the one ray of hope into prison and the people knew this usually meant death for the person. John was now in jail and those who were baptized by him were probably very nervous. JESUS came out and said “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

• JESUS wants me to repent of my sins and follow HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize the HE IS the Good News.
• JESUS wants me to seek HIM in the middle of all the difficulties of life.

When the oppressor was really putting pressure on people JESUS knew exactly what to say. HE spread a message of true hope and that hope was in HIM. HE wants me to do the same. Many people need hope right now, not just me. HE wants me to give hope to a hopeless world. HE wants me to give the world the Good News of JESUS CHRIST.

• Do you feel down?
• Do you feel low?
• Can you accept the Great News that JESUS cares about you, your current situation and your relationship with HIM?

Pep Talk

Mark 1: ⁹ At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

¹² At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, ¹³ and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted^[g] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

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“What if I lose” ran through my mind as I got ready for my first race. I must have had the look of terror on my face because my teammates started talking to me. “You can do this!” they screamed. I shook off my nervous jitters and ran the race.

• Sometimes I need a pep talk.
• Sometimes I need to be encouraged.
• Sometimes I need someone to say “You can do it!”

JESUS publicly showed HIS ministry by being baptized. This ministry would be far more than healing people of their physical ailments. HE needed to die and be blamed for every sin that ever happened. The FATHER gave HIM a pep talk by saying “YOU are MY SON, whom I love; with YOU I AM well pleased.”

• JESUS knows I need words of comfort.
• JESUS knows I need words of encouragement.
• JESUS knows I need words to pick me up when I am down.

“LORD guide me” are my words to HIM and HE does just that on a daily basis. When those around me are petrified and cannot console me, HE is there to pick me up. HE knows how I am tempted because HE faced temptations of every kind, yet HE resisted. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who speaks on my behalf.

JESUS went through great lengths to protect me. All I can do is praise HIM!

• Are you feeling down?
• Do you need a pep talk?
• Can you understand that JESUS loves you and is well pleased with you?”

Taking on Sickness

Matthew 8: ¹⁴ When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. ¹⁵ He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.

¹⁶ When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. ¹⁷ This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“He took up our infirmities
    and bore our diseases.”

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Sweaty, cold and hot, I did not know which way my body was going. My body was achy and I could barely see. After placing my breakfast and lunch on the floor and in the toilet, I finally cried out, “LORD help.”

There have been times when I felt really sick and could only think about getting better! I never once thought about “Where does sickness go?” Does it stay in my body, ready to pounce again or does it go someplace? GOD has an answer.

• JESUS heals my body but it can be attacked again.
• JESUS touches me to give me strength on a day by day basis.
• JESUS bears my infirmities, meaning HE is the one who gets sick.

I am still pondering this notion, but I actually believe that if JESUS took on all of my penalties of sin, HE may also take on other penalties like sickness. “HE bore our infirmities” means HE took them away from me and became sick, just for me.

I wonder if Peter’s mother-in-law saw HIS symptoms and stopped to wait on HIM because she knew how she felt when she was sick. JESUS may have taken on her fever and felt as rotten as she did. In fact HE may have taken on everyone’s sickness that believed and was in the vicinity that day. JESUS cares enough about me to take on my ailments.

• Do you wish to be healed?
• Do you feel tired and run down?
• Will you ask JESUS to take on your sickness so you can be healed to serve HIM?

Wouldn’t it be nice to have all enemies subdued?

Psalm 81: ¹³ “If my people would only listen to me,
    if Israel would only follow my ways,
¹⁴ how quickly I would subdue their enemies
    and turn my hand against their foes!
¹⁵ Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
    and their punishment would last forever.
¹⁶ But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
    with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

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Wouldn’t it be great to be free from fear, pain, doubt, lust, deception, misunderstanding, pride, covetousness and more? When I look at the list it actually grows longer the more I read. If I could just be sinless then GOD would subdue my enemies, right? Well, sort of…

• I have heard from many people that life can be lived sinless..
• I have heard from many people that they believe they have dropped all of their sins.
• I have heard from many people who feel they are righteous because they have minimal problems so those who have many problems must be sinners.

What a burden! I mean seeking a god who is ready to drop me at a moment’s notice once I sin! This is very bad news because my thoughts are sinful and I complain to GOD about HIS ways. “I’m really in trouble” I thought to myself. BUT GOD said something very different.

• GOD said to me “MY thoughts are not your thoughts. MY ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said to me “MY grace IS sufficient.”
• GOD said to me “There no one who is righteous, no not one.”
• GOD said to me “Confess your sins to ME and I will be faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness.”

If I say I am not a sinner I am a liar to myself and to GOD. HE wants me to realize I need HIM daily and there is no humanly escape for sin because I was born a sinner. No matter how righteous I pretend to be, I will never be righteous enough to “please GOD.” What can I do?

GOD wants me to trust HIS plan for me. HE decided to become a human and be blamed for my sins. HE was falsely accused of what I did and sentenced to death. Then, I turned to HIM and blamed HIM for my situation, casting more sins at HIM. HE said “Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” and HE was right.

GOD wants me to believe HE has the best in mind for me. HE wants me to trust HIS plan and understand the HE was VICTORIOUSLY raised to life and put above everything! HE wants me to believe and trust!

• Do you think you can persuade GOD with your righteousness?
• Can you stop trying so hard to please GOD and simply follow HIS ways because you love HIM?
• Will you drop the pretense of being righteous and tell people about your sin so they will turn to GOD?