Dead to Alive

Dead to Alive

Revelation 20: ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and the one who sits on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence and were seen no more. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small alike, standing before the throne. Books were opened, and then another book was opened, the book of the living. The dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ Then the sea gave up its dead. Death and the world of the dead also gave up the dead they held. And all were judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and the world of the dead were thrown into the lake of fire. (This lake of fire is the second death.) ¹⁵ Those who did not have their name written in the book of the living were thrown into the lake of fire.

 

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Seeing what seemed to be an ocean of people without homes, I decided to go another route. I only had enough in “my” wallet for “my” lunch. After a while, I was good at avoiding poor people. And besides, they were just going to take my money and use it to get drunk or buy drugs, right?

 

• I had figured out ways to not help the poor.
• I had justified why it was important for me to keep “my” money.
• I had labeled people in ways that made “me” feel good for not helping.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the throne of JESUS. The sight was so incredible that Earth and heaven fled from HIS presence. John saw two sets of dead people, but only one set of books. The first set of dead were raised to “life” and the second set were raised to “death.”

 

My Observations:

• By believing in JESUS, all my deeds, will be replayed and I will be judged accordingly.
• For those who do not believe in JESUS as the Savior, even “good deeds” will be erased and counted against him or her.
• JESUS has a book of life that HE keeps and records the deeds we do that are precious to HIM.

 

“When did we feed YOU?” We will ask, JESUS will turn to a page and say “See, right here… When you gave that child a cup of water and some food.” “When did we clothe YOU?” we will ask. HE will flip to another page and say “See, its when you donated clothes.” JESUS cannot wait to show HIS people what they have done. Unfortunately HE also remembers what unbelievers have done.

 

HE will bring up all the deeds of those who manipulate, lie, cheat, harm and kill. These people will be thrown in the lake of fire with Satan, the beast and the false prophet. This “second death” will be an eternal death. I am glad you and me will be raised to an eternal life!

 

Challenge

• What deeds does the writer mention?
• Have you considered doing something good for someone, without desiring something in return?
• Have you given your life to CHRIST so your good deeds can be recorded as endearing to JESUS today?

Least Important Became Most

Least Important Became Most

Revelation 5: ⁶ Then I saw a Lamb standing in the center of the throne, surrounded by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb appeared to have been killed. It had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that have been sent through the whole earth. ⁷ The Lamb went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who sits on the throne. ⁸ As he did so, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each had a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people.

 

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When problems hit, I began to plan. “My” plans had worked before, so why not now. But the problem got worse and seemed to split into multiple problems. The more “I” tried to fix things the worse thing got. “Pray” someone said. Everything else failed, so I did. The problems started going away.

 

• I thought my plans would work.
• I thought I needed to take action.
• I realized that prayer should have been first.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw JESUS as the sacrificial Lamb standing, not sitting, in the center of the throne. HE had been viewed as the least important and was murdered by HIS own creation. The Lamb was able to take the scroll from the one who “sits” on the throne. Twenty-eight bowls filled with prayers of GOD’s people were there.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was overlooked and was labeled the least important.
• JESUS volunteered to be blamed, slandered, and murdered for our sins.
• Prayer, surprisingly, is the only thing I can create here on earth that makes it into heaven.

 

One item that seems to be most valuable to GOD is prayer. HE loves prayer so much that HE stores each prayer up in a bowl. It makes me realize that it is not about the situation, rather it is about my prayer that GOD adores.

 

HE loves when I see beyond the circumstance to ask, or praise, or simply to give thanks. Every work I speak in sincere prayer makes it into the bowl. People say “You can’t take it with you” referring to money. But prayer is something I can take with me to heaven.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about the seven continents of world?
• Have you ever been in a situation that you thought more money or more fame would get you out of the problem?
• Will you pray to GOD and “ask” or “praise” or “thank” HIM for what HE’s already done so your prayer can be placed in a bowl before GOD’s throne today?

Water Symbol

Water Symbol

¹⁸ For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death physically, but made alive spiritually, ¹⁹ and in his spiritual existence he went and preached to the imprisoned spirits. ²⁰ These were the spirits of those who had not obeyed God when he waited patiently during the days that Noah was building his boat. The few people in the boat—eight in all—were saved by the water, ²¹ which was a symbol pointing to baptism, which now saves you. It is not the washing off of bodily dirt, but the promise made to God from a good conscience. It saves you through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, ²² who has gone to heaven and is at the right side of God, ruling over all angels and heavenly authorities and powers.

 

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“Put this tee shirt on” was the statement from the group I volunteered for the day. It had the name of the organization and their slogan. When we were working together, everyone could tell we were all part of a group.

 

• My shirt told others I belonged with the group.
• I wore the shirt without shame.
• While I wore the shirt, I was supposed to be doing what the group was doing.

 

Peter goes into some heavy theology as guided by the HOLY SPIRIT. He explained that JESUS, the only sinless human, died and was raised from the dead to save anyone who would believe in HIM. He then compared Noah’s family being saved to baptism. Both events are symbolic to the salvation through the resurrection of JESUS. Both events required faith and belief.

 

My Observations:

• Just like Noah, who completed his task of building an ark all his life, GOD wants me to be steadfast and not give up.
• Just like water baptism in front of people, GOD wants me to declare my relationship with HIM versus hiding it at convenient times.
• Just like showing up to work, GOD wants me to hold up my end of the promise by living for HIM and keeping a “good conscience.”

 

Living for GOD can be hard these days. I mean, the symbols can be twisted from love to hatred. Some godly symbols can be misunderstood or even thrown in the dirt. BUT GOD is above any symbol.

 

HE got excited when I chose to be baptized because I declared to the world that I belong to HIM. Now HE wants me to wear HIS clothing for all to see. Meanwhile, JESUS is on the throne ruling over all authorities. I am glad I will one day see HIM through cleaned eyes.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention baptism?
• Have you ever tried to hide your relationship with GOD in order to gain something from people?
• If you are hiding your relationship with JESUS, will you unhide it little by little to save those around you today?

Wanted Provided

Wanted Provided

Hebrews 10: ⁸ First he said, “You neither want nor are you pleased with sacrifices and offerings or with animals burned on the altar and the sacrifices to take away sins.” He said this even though all these sacrifices are offered according to the Law. ⁹ Then he said, “Here I am, O God, to do your will.” So God does away with all the old sacrifices and puts the sacrifice of Christ in their place. ¹⁰ Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sin by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all.

 

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After a number of hot days, I noticed the duct tape was peeling on one of my car “repairs.” I finally got tired of the temporary nature of taping things together. I went to the junkyard and found a replacement part. It wiped out the few dollars I had, but fixed the car.

 

• I needed a permanent fix, but was using a temporary one.
• I got used to the temporary fix and was willing to keep doing it for a while.
• I finally reached a point where I could see the futility in a temporary fix.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, discussed the futility of animal sacrifices. GOD didn’t want those. HE wanted a pure sacrifice from a sinless human. JESUS volunteered to be the perfect sacrifice. HE said “Here I am, O GOD, to do YOUR will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD would prefer my admission to sin versus me trying to hide the fact that I cannot follow the rules.
• GOD provided me with a way to have an everlasting relationship with HIM, namely JESUS.
• GOD got exactly what was needed by JESUS becoming a sacrifice, all HE wants me to do is recognize this act of love.

 

Trying to follow the rules feels good to me. I mean, I can measure when I “did” stuff, but I cannot measure when GOD took care of it all. I want to be part of my salvation, so I jump in with moments of abstaining from sin. I then look to GOD for my pay as if to say “See how good I was, now give me more of life’s comforts.”  HE sees through my righteousness and is forgiving.

 

GOD knew I could not handle what it would take to have a loving relationship with HIM. HE was only satisfied with the act JESUS did. This selfless act of love was just right. I am glad JESUS was just what GOD wanted.

 

Challenge

• How are we purified according to the writer?
• Have you ever thought your being “good” give you more of GOD?
• Will you focus your praise on what JESUS did so HE can guide you today?

Something Precious

Something Precious

Hebrews 9: ¹⁶ In the case of a will it is necessary to prove that the person who made it has died, ¹⁷ for a will means nothing while the person who made it is alive; it goes into effect only after his death. ¹⁸ That is why even the first covenant went into effect only with the use of blood. ¹⁹ First, Moses proclaimed to the people all the commandments as set forth in the Law. Then he took the blood of bulls and goats, mixed it with water, and sprinkled it on the book of the Law and all the people, using a sprig of hyssop and some red wool. ²⁰ He said, “This is the blood which seals the covenant that God has commanded you to obey.” ²¹ In the same way Moses also sprinkled the blood on the Sacred Tent and over all the things used in worship. ²² Indeed, according to the Law almost everything is purified by blood, and sins are forgiven only if blood is poured out.

 

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After wearing some clothes for a while, I found them dated and out of style. It was easy for me to donate the dated clothes because I did not “want” to wear them anyway. But when I ran out of money, each garment became more and more precious.

 

• I gave when it was easy to give.
• I did not feel that anything was precious when I had plenty.
• I understood, on a small scale, when something was precious and highly valued.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains a very complicated subject, namely death. He begins by explaining that a will does not go into effect until a person dies. He then explained that Moses placed extreme importance on bloodshed as a symbol of redemption.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS was the most precious being to GOD, yet HE accepted HIS SON’s request to die for the world.
• A tremendous loss had to happen to gain all humans back.
• My belief in what JESUS did is precious to GOD.

 

My life is precious to GOD. I mean, JESUS want through all the trouble of dying just for me. HE was raised from the dead and placed over everything, just because HE was obedient to HIS own word. JESUS was precious and HIS bloodshed paid for the atonement of my sins.

 

Satan, who wants to be GOD, tried to stop JESUS from choosing to die for humanity. He tempted HIM and tried to scare HIM on numerous occasions. JESUS was relentless. I am glad JESUS followed through with HIS own sacrifice. I owe HIM everything!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the sacrificial ceremonies in the Law as the example?
• What would happen if you lost what is precious to you?
• Will you try to understand GOD, knowing HE lost something extremely precious and can empathize with you enough to provide eternal life through JESUS, who was raised from the dead?

Don’t Worry, It’s Witnessed

Don’t Worry, It’s Witnessed

1 Timothy 3: ¹⁴ As I write this letter to you, I hope to come and see you soon. ¹⁵ But if I delay, this letter will let you know how we should conduct ourselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. ¹⁶ No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion:

 

He appeared in human form,
    was shown to be right by the Spirit,
    and was seen by angels.
He was preached among the nations,
    was believed in throughout the world,
    and was taken up to heaven.

 

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Running into the group, I felt I needed to explain what I saw. “We saw it too” were the words given to me as if to say, “Don’t worry about trying to convince us.”

 

• I thought I was going to have to prove what I saw.
• I got myself ready to try to explain something that people would not believe.
• I was relieved other people saw what I saw so there could be no denial of the truth.

 

Paul gives some assurance to Timothy that he would try his best to come there but if he couldn’t, this letter is all he needed. Paul also attempted to rest Timothy’s mind by letting him know that people, angels and GOD HIMSELF gave witness to JESUS who was taken up to heaven in front of many.

 

My Observations

• JESUS appeared as a human to many people.
• JESUS was announced as “right” by the SPIRIT.
• JESUS was and is preached  throughout the world so I do not have to worry about proving it.

 

There is no need to “prove” GOD or what JESUS did for humanity. I mean, three were enough witnesses who saw HIS miracles, spoke about what happened and watched HIM be taken up to heaven. HIS words were powerful and permeates the soul to this very day.

 

No one can deny that “love one another” is the cure for all ills. Unfortunately, humans have a difficult time doing so. I am glad JESUS took care of that too. HE forgave me for all my sins and raises me up with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Who do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Have you ever seen something that was amazing and hard to explain, yet had witnesses?
• Will you rest assured that JESUS died for your sins and is now alive, forgiving you for all your sins, past present and future, today?

Brought Back to the Right Place

Brought Back to the Right Place

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹³ Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. ¹⁴ We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.

 

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Driving around in circles, I asked for directions twice. I could not find my way to my destination. Finally I stopped a third time and asked for directions. “This place is confusing, but I will help you” were the comforting words I received from a stranger.

 

• I was lost and did not know how to get unlost.
• I was getting frustrated with being lost.
• I watched the time more intently as I drove around, seemingly aimlessly.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke about life after death. This confusing subject has been met with all sorts of philosophies, but they brought the truth. They spoke of eternal life through belief in the resurrection of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• This place is not my home, rather GOD’s kingdom is my desired home.
• Life can be confusing, BUT GOD is the only truth I can believe.
• JESUS was murdered, yet HE rose from the dead and now that I believe, I can have everlasting life.

 

GOD is in control. This statement is more difficult to say when things are going wrong or falling apart. Life can be confusing and directionless. BUT GOD made a way back to HIM, namely JESUS.

 

HE pursues us, knocks on us and asks us to surrender our lives to HIM. HE cares deeply for us, especially when we sin. HE provides for us and cannot wait to take us back to the place JESUS is building to this day. I a glad GOD has us in HIS hands and will never let go.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers opinion about death?
• What is your opinion about death and life after death?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST and seek JESUS as your Savior so you can be taken back when HE returns?

 

Raised From The Dead

Raised From The Dead

Ephesians 2: ⁴ But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, ⁵ that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.

 

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When I think of something that is dead, I see that it can no longer do anything it was meant to do. A dead plant cannot produce fruit. A dead battery cannot produce power. But what about a dead human?

 

• There were times when I thought I was not useful.
• There were times when I thought GOD was tired of me or ready to punish me.
• There were times when I thought I was dead to GOD because I sinned one time too many.

 

GOD’s mercy, love and grace are mentioned here by Paul. These overlooked items show that it was all GOD who did the saving and nothing humans could do to provoke HIM towards or away from HIS plan.

 

My Observations

• We were dead and could not produce fruit, BUT GOD saved us anyway.
• We were dead and were powerless to make an appeal to GOD to show how “good” we have been, yet HE brought us to life with CHRIST.
• We were dead and had nothing to give, nothing to offer and nothing to show, yet GOD’s grace saved us anyway.

 

Looking at our own power is problematic. I mean when I think I am doing well I may be doing extremely poorly in GOD’s eyes. When I think someone else is not doing well, he or she may be chosen by GOD in the middle of their sins.

 

GOD wants me to accept HIS mercy which is more than any sin I could do. HE also wants me to know HE loves me dearly and gave HIS only SON for me. HE sees my disobedience and still says “You are valuable to me” and shows me HIS grace. I am glad HE cares for all of us and I give my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What part do humans play in this verse?
• Can you feel GOD’s love in these words?
• Will you accept GOD’s love for you and know it is not your power that saved you rather it was HIS grace that is sufficient for you today?

Gift of the Broken Curse

Gift of the Broken Curse

Galatians 3: ²¹ Does this mean that the Law is against God's promises? No, not at all! For if human beings had received a law that could bring life, then everyone could be put right with God by obeying it. ²² But the scripture says that the whole world is under the power of sin; and so the gift which is promised on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ is given to those who believe.

 

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Trying to remain dry, we stood under a rare covering at the bus stop. It was raining hard and we still had a long way to get home. My face brightened up as I saw movement of one of the busses. The bus driver ran through a puddle, splashing a wave that thoroughly soaked us. We were all wet.

 

• I was thoroughly soaked and felt miserable.
• I had nothing that could make me dry at that moment.
• I was not the cause of being wet, but I was still wet.

 

Humans face a serious dilemma. We are all cursed under the power of sin. Paul explains that the Law cannot release us from the curse, which is death. He does provide some Good News. There is a way to break the curse.

 

My Observations

• Sin once caused me to lose hope, BUT JESUS died for me and gave it back..
• I was wet with sin from head to toes, BUT GOD dried my tears and made me whole.
• It seemed like circumstances would get the best of me, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT brought me comfort through difficult times.

 

Hopelessness is part of the curse of sin. I mean, when all seems lost and there is no way out, many turn to death as a solution. BUT JESUS is life. HE guides me and everyone else who believes in HIM, to a life of purpose.

 

HE saw my hopelessness that I did not cause, and died for me to save me. HE understands every temptation I can face and has the mercy to accept my confession. HE then pours out grace on me as a gift and I can breathe a sigh of relief that I am forgiven eternally. I am truly grateful for GOD’s wonderful gift.

 

Challenge

• Can you see good news in this passage?
• What does the writer say about “promises” and the “gift?”
• Are you weary trying to get yourself out of the current circumstance?
• Will you receive the gift of life that only CHRIST can provide by believing you need a Savior to guide you in this life and the next today?

Set Free

Set Free

Galatians 1: From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. ² All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

⁴ In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. ⁵ To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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“Read the Bible” were the words I did not accept or want to hear. I felt I had fallen too far away from GOD and it seemed like there was no path to return. But the pleasure of sin was no longer working. It was a path to a “dead” end.

 

• I was tired of being a goody, goody so I tried sin and it felt good for a while.
• I soon found out that more things went wrong than right when I followed my own thinking.
• I felt even more lost and had no place to turn.

 

Paul writes a letter to the church of Galatia. He opens the letter with greeting of hope. He wants everyone to have “grace” and “peace” that only comes from the HEAVENLY FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He knew the people were in bondage to sin.

 

My Observations

• Extreme circumstances seems to make two paths for me, one towards GOD and one away from HIM.
• GOD loves when I choose the right path back to HIM.
• Since the evil of this age is so easy to fall into, GOD made a way out that I never would have chosen, namely JESUS, who is my Savior.

 

Thousands of years ago, the times were labeled as “evil.” But what if the times are getting worse? I mean, what if hope in GOD is disappearing and placed on the waning pursuits of humans? It would seem hopeless and I would turn from one sin to the next trying to be “happy.”

 

Then when I looked at a true follower of JESUS, I would see that he or she was not shaken by the evil times. “What made them keep going?” I asked myself. I surrendered my life back to JESUS and little by little I started to see. HE did not take situations away from me, but protected me through them. I was then set free from the sin I easily fell into. I am grateful for being forgiven.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s greeting?
• What action do you see that is needed from you in this passage?
• Will you accept the fact that JESUS took care of all problems you will face and you do not have to “try harder” to please HIM, but simply believe HE gave HIMSELF for you?

Jealous Moments

Jealous Moments

2 Corinthians 8: ⁸ I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is. ⁹ You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; rich as he was, he made himself poor for your sake, in order to make you rich by means of his poverty.

 

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Hearing when other people were promoted when I wasn’t made me think I was less than the recipients of the “honor.”. Hearing when other businesses got huge deals when I didn’t, I, again, felt less than other people. What was I missing?

 

• I was comparing myself to other people.
• I was vulnerable to try to be someone else rather than myself.
• I was open to becoming frustrated with who I was; meanwhile I saw what other people were doing and got jealous.

 

Paul wrote about how blessed he was by another group of people who gave their all during extreme poverty. He did this to show the dedication other people had for JESUS. He wanted each reader to examine themselves and form their own dedication to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my relationship with HIM to be real.
• GOD wants me to drop my jealousy in exchange for open eyes to HIS love.
• GOD wants me to see that JESUS was not jealous rather confident that HIS love would save anyone who believed in HIS sacrifice.

 

Lack of confidence breeds jealousy which can breed all kinds of not so good actions. I mean, I may try to prove myself, or move too fast on opportunities, or cower in the corner alone, or worse, stop following GOD to follow humans who do not believe in JESUS.

 

HE had enough grace to make HIMSELF a human, giving up extreme power, while keeping that power in check. HE was raised from the dead after being murdered by HIS own creation. HIS patience, while being a human, was worth the wait as HE remained sinless all of HIS life. I am glad I do not have to be jealous over someone else’s relationship with HIM because HE loves me too.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the examples of others?
• What is your reaction if someone challenges your relationship with JESUS?
• Are you easily offended or is your relationship real enough to withstand those who scoff at your actions?
• If you have been or are jealous of others or want other people to change, will you examine your own relationship with JESUS to see how real your own love is today?

Chosen by Choice

Chosen by Choice

2 Corinthians 2: ²¹ It is God himself who makes us, together with you, sure of our life in union with Christ; it is God himself who has set us apart, ²² who has placed his mark of ownership upon us, and who has given us the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

 

²³ I call God as my witness—he knows my heart! It was in order to spare you that I decided not to go to Corinth. ²⁴ We are not trying to dictate to you what you must believe; we know that you stand firm in the faith. Instead, we are working with you for your own happiness.

 

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Standing in a line, I awaited being called. I was clumsy and not athletically capable. But somehow I was chosen early. Was this the start of my athletic career? No! But it felt good to be chosen.

 

• I dreaded the thought of not being chosen.
• I did not like being embarrassed.
• I feared not being chosen but I also feared being chosen and not living up to why I was chosen.

 

Paul gives everyone a word of relief. “It is GOD” who did everything to save mankind. He explains that unity, assurance and a guarantee of eternal salvation all come from GOD. We were chosen.by HIS choice.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to accept the gift of unity HE has given me through CHRIST.
• GOD wants me to stand firm in the faith, knowing HE has placed HIS mark of ownership on me.
• GOD wants me to act like I have been set apart by seeking to work for others.

 

Being chosen is more than being saved from eternal pain and misery. I mean, I am chosen for a purpose that is far greater than I could ever dream. GOD uses my sins as examples to others that it is possible for anyone to be saved. It does not matter about the skill or knowledge.

 

GOD saw my entire life, with all my sins and failures, and decided to die for me anyway. This is great news! I am glad HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you notice the love of GOD that the writer is trying to express?
• Why would GOD go through so much trouble if HE wanted you to fail?
• What words of assurance do you see?
• Will you provide these words of assurance to someone today? 

Promises Kept

Promises Kept

2 Corinthians 1: ¹⁵ I was so sure of all this that I made plans at first to visit you, in order that you might be blessed twice. ¹⁶ For I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and again on my way back, in order to get help from you for my trip to Judea. ¹⁷ In planning this, did I appear fickle? When I make my plans, do I make them from selfish motives, ready to say “Yes, yes” and “No, no” at the same time? ¹⁸ As surely as God speaks the truth, my promise to you was not a “Yes” and a “No.” ¹⁹ For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was preached among you by Silas, Timothy, and myself, is not one who is “Yes” and “No.” On the contrary, he is God's “Yes”; ²⁰ for it is he who is the “Yes” to all of God's promises. This is why through Jesus Christ our “Amen” is said to the glory of God.

 

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“I will call you” and “I will pray for you” and “I will be there on time” are words I threw around with well-meaning intent. But sometimes, life got in the way of me keeping those words. My reliability was not quite where it needed to be.

 

• I was saying “Yes” and “No” at the same time.
• I was not dependable with something valuable and important.
• I was fickle.

 

Paul was so sure that the people he wrote to had an amazing relationship with JESUS, that he planned to visit them twice. Once on his way to Macedonia and again on the way back. He then explains the importance of keeping promises. He explains that JESUS “is” the one and only “Yes” to all of GOD’s promises.

 

My Observations

• GOD has already kept HIS promises HE made for me.
• GOD gave me eternal life and has solidified it with a promise through JESUS CHRIST.
• GOD said “Yes” to me by giving me HIS SON as a special gift, just for me.

 

Making plans is only as good as the ability to keep the plan. I mean, I can say “I plan to” all day long, BUY GOD is the only one who can say “I will” and mean it. Nothing can stop GOD’s plan and the promises HE made to all humans has already been kept.

 

HE promised to save humanity and HE already did this. There is nothing left for HIM to do. We can focus our attention on praising HIM, even when we cannot keep our small promises. I am grateful GOD is faithful and has kept ALL of HIS promises for me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appear sensitive about keeping promises?
• How do you feel when someone does not keep their promise to you?
• Can you praise GOD for always keeping HIS promises and for HIS relationship with you that is loving and pursuing towards you today?

Creator’s Choice

Creator’s Choice

1 Corinthians 15: ³⁵ Someone will ask, “How can the dead be raised to life? What kind of body will they have?” ³⁶ You fool! When you plant a seed in the ground, it does not sprout to life unless it dies. ³⁷ And what you plant is a bare seed, perhaps a grain of wheat or some other grain, not the full-bodied plant that will later grow up. ³⁸ God provides that seed with the body he wishes; he gives each seed its own proper body.

 

³⁹ And the flesh of living beings is not all the same kind of flesh; human beings have one kind of flesh, animals another, birds another, and fish another.

 

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Art was my favorite class. I could do something very different than the next person and my work would still be appreciated. I learned to color outside the lines in coloring books. Doodling helped me rest my mind and drawing cartoon style soon became a desire.

 

• I love creativity.
• I appreciate what people can come up with.
• I enjoy seeing other people’s talents.

 

Paul attempts to address questions people may have about the after-life. One question is “What kind of body will they have” in reference to being raised from the dead. He harshly points us to the Creator. He uses an analogy that humans can plant seeds but only GOD can make the seed that is planted.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to reduce my wondering “Why HE made me the way I am.”
• GOD wants me to be excited that HE created me with excitement.
• GOD wants me to appreciate that HE created me one of a kind and was pleased.

 

What I am and what I will become is up to GOD. I mean, HE is the one who shaped me in this body and when HE transforms me into the “proper body”, that too will be HIS choice. The exception will be I will have full appreciation of HIS artistry.

 

HE creates humans with unique nuances as well as animals and birds and fish. Not one thing is the same. GOD’s perfection is an art. I appreciate that GOD enjoys uniqueness.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever asked GOD “Why did you make me this way?”
• What is the writer’s reaction towards questioning the body type in the after-life?
• Which word comes to mind when recognizing GOD’s creation of you or other’s; appreciation, harmony or purpose?

It Is Who You Know

It Is Who You Know

1 Corinthians 15: ²⁰ But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. ²¹ For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. ²² For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 

 

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“Wow, we have box seats at the game!” I said with glee. Our team was being rewarded for some hard work. “Let me explain the rules” said the gift giver’s assistant. A list of do’s and don’t followed because we represented the gift giver’s reputation. We would not have been there if it were not for the gift giver.

 

• I have been places because I knew the right person.
• I have seen things because of my relationship with the right person.
• I have benefited from things because I knew the right person.

 

Paul explains that just being born is just cause for GOD to send a person to an eternal death. One human took all humans down to death. But one sinless human restored the relationship, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants an everlasting relationship with me so HE volunteered to die for me.
• GOD wants me to be united with HIM so HE provided a way back to HIM.
• GOD wants all to be saved so HE made a way for all who accept JESUS to be raised to life.

 

Being united with CHRIST has to mean something. I mean, JESUS is the most powerful, all knowing all seeing being there is. HE is united to the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. HIS resurrection gives HIM all authority. Knowing JESUS means a lot.

 

But knowing “of” JESUS is different than knowing JESUS. I can know a celebrity’s name but may not get the benefit that a relationship would bring. Having a relationship with JESUS requires that I admit I need HIM as my Savior and that I surrender my life to HIM. I am grateful HE wants a relationship with me because I would not have chosen HIM.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer use the word “union?”
• Have you ever respected someone so much that you were willing to act a certain way around him or her?
• Will you be united with JESUS and give your life to HIM little by little so HE can use you to reach many to raise them to life?

Hope Actions

Hope Actions

1 Corinthians 15: ¹² Now, since our message is that Christ has been raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? ¹³ If that is true, it means that Christ was not raised; ¹⁴ and if Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe. ¹⁵ More than that, we are shown to be lying about God, because we said that he raised Christ from death—but if it is true that the dead are not raised to life, then he did not raise Christ. ¹⁶ For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins. ¹⁸ It would also mean that the believers in Christ who have died are lost. ¹⁹ If our hope in Christ is good for this life only and no more, then we deserve more pity than anyone else in all the world.

 

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I used the term “I hope I get” a lot, for things I wanted. I said “I hope I get the dorm and my friend as a roommate” not knowing if I had even been accepted into the college. “I hope I get the job” or “I hope this will work out” has sometimes grated against my hope. When the answer was “No” or “Wait”, my hope tended to wane.

 

• I mistakenly placed hope in things I could see like bank accounts and material things.
• I have placed hope in my abilities or “capable” people.
• I tried to control situations rather than using hope as my foundation.

 

Paul spoke indirectly to a group of people known as the Sadducees. These people would be known as lawyers who studied the laws of Moses, given by GOD. Their unwritten motto was “Do everything right and you will have a good life.” One foundational belief that was problematic was, they did not believe in the resurrection of anyone, especially JESUS.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to know there is true life after this life.
• GOD wants me to believe that the same resurrection that happened to JESUS will happen to me, if I die.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE revealed enough of the afterlife to guide my actions in this life.

 

Belief in the afterlife is foundational to those who have a relationship with JESUS. I mean, saying “JESUS” is not enough. I must believe that JESUS died for a purpose and was raised from the dead for that same purpose, namely to save mankind.

 

The power that raised HIM from the dead is the same power that lives in me and will raise countless people to eternal life. Placing hope in this belief should guide my actions. But sometimes I place my hope in “me.” I think of a plan, act on that plan and get discouraged when the plan flops. GOD wants  my hope. I gladly place my hope in HIS power and love.

 

Challenge

• Have you pondered the afterlife?
• Do you think the actions you do daily only pertains to this life or the immediate situation?
• Have you ever acted impulsively and regretted it?
• Will you take time to ponder your existence and seek JESUS as a place to put your hope today?

Proof of Love

Proof of Love

1 Corinthians 15: ³ I passed on to you what I received, which is of the greatest importance: that Christ died for our sins, as written in the Scriptures; ⁴ that he was buried and that he was raised to life three days later, as written in the Scriptures; ⁵ that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles. ⁶ Then he appeared to more than five hundred of his followers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have died. ⁷ Then he appeared to James, and afterward to all the apostles.

 

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Love at eight years old was easy. Take a piece of paper and write a note with one question, “Do you like me?” and provide two answers, “Yes or No”,  if you were super cool or three “Yes, No or Maybe” for the rest of us. The answer would provide solid proof of a match or not. Was more proof needed?

 

• Love is difficult to prove.
• Love can be misunderstood.
• Love seems like it should be easy, but can get very complicated.

 

Paul makes the gospel as clear and simple as possible. He explains that JESUS died for our sins, was buried for three days and was raised from the dead. Why did JESUS do this for us? Because HE loved us. Does HIS love require more proof? No, but HE provides it anyway.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE sent a COMFORTER to keep me from harm.
• JESUS cared for me so much that HE was willing to take my punishment away from me and experience death HIMSELF.
• JESUS proved HE was serious about wanting an everlasting relationship with me by becoming a human to be killed by HIS own creation.

 

Somehow GOD wanted to prove that JESUS was the one and only Messiah. I mean, HE appeared to so many people, HIS resurrection could not be refuted. The news of HIS resurrection solidified that JESUS fulfilled every prophecy, enabling HIM to be the One who could forgive any sin I committed.

 

This news is Good News! This could not be made up. JESUS does not have to die on a cross over and over to prove HIS love for me. I simply have to believe and my sins are forgiven. I am grateful for HIS love and for the HOLY SPIRIT, who guides me daily.

 

Challenge

• Does this passage provide proof of JESUS’ love?
• What do you notice about the urgency written here?
• Could GOD have just saved people without telling them they were saved?
• Why do you think GOD wants humans to know about the event of JESUS’ resurrection and for them to tell others?

Tell It With Power

Tell It With Power

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁴ I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius. ¹⁵ No one can say, then, that you were baptized as my disciples. (¹⁶ Oh yes, I also baptized Stephanas and his family; but I can't remember whether I baptized anyone else.) ¹⁷ Christ did not send me to baptize. He sent me to tell the Good News, and to tell it without using the language of human wisdom, in order to make sure that Christ's death on the cross is not robbed of its power.

 

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An argument over GOD’s existence arose and I felt “prepared.” But when I jumped into the argument, it raised questions that I had no answers. Now I was just trying to get the guy to stop arguing. The argument grew to many people. I have no idea how it ended.

 

• At one time I thought that “I” needed to argue for GOD.
• At one time I thought that “I” was responsible for saving people.
• At one time I thought that “I” had the “power” to change anyone’s mind about their disbelief in JESUS.

 

Paul is thankful he did not seek to baptize a lot of people to build a following. He wasn’t against baptism rather he did not like the results of fame. He knew that humans crave to use their own wisdom to explain the supernatural power of CHRIST’s death and resurrection and a following would further complicate matters.

 

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS power to draw people to HIMSELF.
• GOD wants me to accept the responsibility of being sent to tell the Good News and that is it.
• GOD wants me to have faith in the HOLY SPIRIT who gives the same power to me that raised CHRIST from the dead.

 

It is not me, but the HOLY SPIRIT who lives in me. I mean, I have no wisdom, knowledge or understanding that can explain who and what the HOLY SPIRIT is. I can only say the HE speaks to me daily and I crave to feed HIM regularly.

 

It is the power of JESUS’ death burial and resurrection that I have the honor to speak about. Belief in HIS resurrection is what saved me for eternity. I am glad my wisdom does not rob JESUS of the credit HE is due.

 

• Are you trying hard to use your persuasion to get someone to believe?
• Do you think that if you follow a person or if people follow you, then they will have a chance for salvation?
• Will you relook at human wisdom and power and give JESUS more credit for HIS sacrificial death on the cross to save you and the people you are worried about today?