Priorities

Priorities

Revelation 22: ¹² “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. ¹³ I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were asked “What are the problems you are facing?” We gave a list of thing, large and small. Each of us were assigned to deal with various problems. When the year was up, we were rewarded for our accomplishments.

 

• We had no time for frivolous activities.
• We had to focus on the main problems and develop action plans to address them.
• After we fixed many problems, we received rewards based on what we did.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard HIM reiterate something important. JESUS said again “Listen!” HE then said “I AM coming soon!” John had just finished a conversation with an angel about what he was writing and after the conversation, JESUS emphasizes HIS return.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• JESUS holds all time in HIS hands, so when HE puts emphasis on coming soon, I should listen.
• JESUS will reward me for the service I do in belief in HIS words.

 

When something is said twice, emphatically, it must be important. Once I was working for a company that provided food for first responders of forest fires. As I was taking the food out, I was warned that fire was not in control. They emphasized the danger and would only allow me to go through because food was needed on the front lines. Same with GOD.

 

JESUS emphasizes the need for us to prioritize our lives for HIM. HE has been risen and provided a prophecy of HIS return. Whatever problem we think is a priority, JESUS says, “Listen, I AM coming soon!” I gladly live my life as if today were my last.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS emphasize what HE already said to the writer?
• Have you ever been told to do something and did not prioritize it high enough?
• Have you assessed your priorities and aligned them with CHRIST’s so you can do what HE wants versus trying to get HIM to do what you want today?

Timing

Timing

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. ¹¹ They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. ¹² And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”

 

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After giving up my desire to leave, I was resolved that I would spend the rest of my days in the town I moved to. I decided that I needed GOD in my life rather than the party scene I was known for. One day I got a phone call at my desk. “We would like for you to come work for us” were the words I was waiting on for months.

 

• I was stunned and didn’t believe it at first.
• I had been waiting for so long, that after a while I stopped thinking it would happen.
• I was filled with new energy, knowing that it was finally time!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a voice in heaven talking about the arrival of the Messiah! John spoke about the timing being “Now” meaning there would be no more waiting and all that needed to be done was done. He also said that those who were accused by Satan “won the victory!”

 

My Observations:

• Waiting on GOD with my own expectations can make me feel disappointed sometimes.
• When GOD arrives with HIS solution, I can sometimes be a bit stunned.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so I can celebrate “now!”

 

Being glad in the middle of a storm seems hard. I mean, when the time is tumultuous and it seems like nothing is going right, it doesn’t seem like a good time to celebrate. BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the storm.

 

JESUS won the victory over yours and my circumstances. While we cannot see it, HE has taken care of everything, even “that” thing that looks impossible to you. GOD formally declared that all was right so all we have to do is proclaim HIS victory until JESUS returns. I gladly am willing to speak about JESUS, even unto death.

 

Challenge

• What timing does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been waiting on something to happen for so long, that you just gave up?
• Will you continue to proclaim GOD’s message of love and salvation even though your circumstance may not have cleared up today?

Time has come

Time has come

Revelation 11: ¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The power to rule over the world belongs now to our Lord and his Messiah, and he will rule forever and ever!” ¹⁶ Then the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones in front of God threw themselves face downward and worshiped God, ¹⁷ saying:

“Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was!
We thank you that you have taken your great power
    and have begun to rule!
¹⁸ The heathen were filled with rage,
    because the time for your anger has come,
    the time for the dead to be judged.
The time has come to reward your servants, the prophets,
    and all your people, all who have reverence for you,
    great and small alike.
The time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth!”

¹⁹ God's temple in heaven was opened, and the Covenant Box was seen there. Then there were flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.

 

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Knowing I had the job was comforting, but the changes in the organization had not been announced. I was one of many who were starting a new division in the company. I could act like an entrepreneur in the company, while being paid as an employee.

 

• I could not wait for the time for us to get started.
• I could not wait for the time for us to be empowered to do what we wanted to do.
• I could not wait for the time to be rewarded for my hard work.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the seventh and final angel blow his trumpet. JESUS, the Messiah, was announced as the one who is in “power.” He then wrote down what the twenty-four elders were saying about the power JESUS has.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had a formal ceremony to announce JESUS being placed in power.
• JESUS has the authority to judge you and me.
• People may react to JESUS being placed in power, in a negative way, BUT GOD is sovereign and has declared HIM to be revered.

 

People want power. I mean, look at how people act during election time or when a king or queen dies. People act horrible. The worst comes out and power struggles increase over race, gender, age and may other divisions that keep disunity at the forefront. BUT GOD has a solution. JESUS!

 

At the right time, JESUS will be announced as the Savior everyone should have placed his or her belief in. At this time, it will be too late to change sides over to the winning side. JESUS will look at every word spoken, every thought acted out. HE will judge some and reward others who follow HIM to their best ability. JESUS rules!

 

Challenge

• What time, described by the writer, sticks out to you?
• Have you ever seen a human ceremony, like a coronation or inauguration?
• Will you seek JESUS as your Savior today, knowing HE has been placed in authority and will show HIS power when HE returns soon?

Fish and Ships

Fish and Ships

Revelation 8: ⁸ Then the second angel blew his trumpet. Something that looked like a huge mountain on fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea was turned into blood, ⁹ a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

 

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Fishing at a stocked lake was enjoyable. We caught several fish that were noteworthy. We went to other lakes that had fish at one point, but upon returning, the lakes seemed dead. “What happened to all the fish?” I pondered.

 

• I enjoyed fishing.
• I have seen lakes with fish jumping out of the water.
• I never wondered what it would be like if there were no fish.

 

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears the second of seven trumpets blown. This second step of taking down Satan’s kingdom, was focused on the sea. A third of the fish and ships were killed and destroyed, more than likely to affect tourism, commercial fishing and goods and services trading.

 

My Observations:

• GOD doesn’t seem to be afraid of destroying the earth HE created, because HE is powerful enough to protect humans.
• Once GOD cursed something, there is no power to turn it back into being blessed.
• GOD’s people who believe in JESUS as the Savior will not have to experience a second death.

 

Destruction is usually an attribute we do not like to give to GOD, but is necessary. I mean, HE tells us what is coming and how HE will do it. We have to believe HE is going to do what HE says HE will do.

 

GOD warns us so we can have plenty of time to get in alignment with HIM. HE laid out HIS plan as clear as possible, showing us HE will take down Satan’s kingdom and bring HIS kingdom into full glory. This is not a time to be scared, but it is not a time to rejoice either, for GOD does not wish anyone to perish. This is a time to prepare.

 

Challenge

• How do you think the writer felt about writing this?
• Have you ever asked GOD to show HIS plan to you?
• Since HE has shown HIS plan, do you agree with HIS methods or does it raise more questions?
• Will you seek a different set of questions and allow HIS plan for your life to be shown to you without trying to steer GOD into getting your way but HIS?

Unpopulated

Unpopulated

Revelation 6: ⁷ Then the Lamb broke open the fourth seal; and I heard the fourth living creature say, “Come!” ⁸ I looked, and there was a pale-colored horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades followed close behind. They were given authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill by means of war, famine, disease, and wild animals.

 

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Visiting relatives years ago, I saw a town that was busy. I didn’t think whether the town was thriving or not. Years later after a few major companies moved away, I went back and found a town that was no longer thriving.

 

• I saw empty buildings.
• I saw sickness escalating.
• I saw animals start to invade.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard the third living creature say “Come!” after the fourth seal of Satan’s sentence scroll was opened. This time two spirits were unleashed, namely Death and Hades respectively. This step in demolishing Satan’s cushy kingdom will cause many to die.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s devastation will not harm those who believe in CHRIST.
• GOD’s sentence on Satan will not affect those who believe in JESUS.
• Death has no power over those who believe in JESUS.

 

Death is scary but helps me grow up. I mean, who wants to go through the pain of dying? No one. It is not a fun subject, but necessary for believers to understand that JESUS is now the authority over eternal life.

 

While death may happen, believers will be raised from the dead, just like JESUS! GOD’s sentence, unfortunately, will be poured out on Satan and those who reject HIS SON as the Savior. This should give us fire to pray, teach and be sent to seek the lost with urgency.

 

Challenge

• Are the writer’s words scary?
• Is death a subject you would like to avoid?
• Will you believe in JESUS so you can have a healthy, less scary, view of death; knowing you will be raised from the dead or possibly will avoid death all together if JESUS returns before you die?

Letting Go

Letting Go

Jude 1: ¹⁴ It was Enoch, the seventh direct descendant from Adam, who long ago prophesied this about them: “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels ¹⁵ to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that godless sinners have spoken against him!”

 

¹⁶ These people are always grumbling and blaming others; they follow their own evil desires; they brag about themselves and flatter others in order to get their own way.

 

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After the third interview, I wondered if I got the job. My handler said to me “A third round of interviews is strange, but they seem ready to extend an offer.” I got comfortable with those words and stopped interviewing. I was about to be hired for one of the largest companies in the world! About a week later they told me the position was put on hold. A week after that, the company announced they were laying off tens of thousands of people.

 

• I may have gotten my way but would not have wanted what I got.
• My way was going to end in disaster.
• I was mad that it was taking so long to get “my” way but I am glad I didn’t.

 

Jude focused on a prophecy that has not yet come to pass. He warns against grumbling, blaming others, following selfish evil desires, bragging and flattery to get their own way.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s ways are not my ways until I can let go of getting “my” way.
• Trying to get “my” way may blind me to what GOD wants.
• Letting go of “my” way opens me up for GOD to provide “the WAY.”

 

JESUS is “The Way” according to HIM. HE needs no other explanation with HIS statement. All things that are made were made through HIM. GOD revealed HIM as HIS SON for whom HE is well pleased. GOD gives me ample time to brag about JESUS. But unfortunately I don’t use my time wisely.

 

Instead I grumble and complain about what I don’t have versus what I do. I then ask GOD “What’s YOUR problem?” or “Why aren’t you giving me ‘my’ way?” GOD uses HIS patience by not answering because HE is about to do something totally different. I may try to hold on, but I am glad that when I let go, GOD shows me that HE had ‘it’ in the first place.

 

Challenge

• Who is included in the writer’s warning?
• Have you ever gotten mad at GOD or GOD’s people because you were not getting “your” way?
• Will you add “surrender” to your life so you can let go of getting “your” way, replacing it with “The WAY” today?

Strangers and Refugees

Strangers and Refugees

1 Peter 2: ¹¹ I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. ¹² Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

 

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Trying to fit in again, I listened to the crowd. They suggested the type of “fun” I should have by getting people drunk enough to have sex. I thought this was a good idea. My words sounded better when everyone was drunk.

 

• I thought I was having “fun.”
• I felt I was fitting in.
• I did not know I was damaging the way people viewed me and the way GOD viewed me.

 

Peter gives a very stern warning to not give in to bodily passions. He then gives a reason, namely reputation. He knew that people would lie and accuse the followers of JESUS of doing evil. One day they will recognize.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to enjoy life by following HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to have an abundant life by seeking what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to reduce the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life, trading them in for the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control.

 

Following GOD has to be intentional. I mean, when I fall to temptation, I do nothing but harm. I harm myself and possibly others. BUT GOD has a remedy. Follow HIS ways. GOD knows I feel guilty when I fall into sin. HE also knows HIS forgiveness is important.

 

GOD not only forgives me, HE provides a plan that includes a life of actively pursuing people to bring them back to HIM. HE gives me the right words at the right time. I am grateful GOD is willing to guide me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer sound so serious?
• Have you ever desired to do something that your heart is telling you “this is wrong?”
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to reveal the awesome plan HE has for you today?

Believing the Delusion

Believing the Delusion

2 Thessalonians ⁵ Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? ⁶ And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. ⁹ The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, ¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

 

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Meeting with the new leader, I quickly understood where he stood. He wanted to use his work title to have wild parties at any occasion. I wanted to move up, so I turned my head to the drunken, lewd, insatiable comments to the staff. But then, the requests to make the parties happen left me with a paradox. Either I cave in or get another job.

 

• I really wanted to get a promotion.
• I thought that I could overlook something that was wrong, as long as I wasn’t participating.
• I figured I could remain unstained by “helping out” and ensuring the “bar and the babes” were available after the conventions (my part was to get the business suite someone else did the rest).

 

Paul mentions some very difficult realities revealed to him by the LORD. He spoke about the coming of the False Prophet that was part of the unholy trinity This being will oppose everything JESUS stands for. Unfortunately, there will be some who will believe in his lies and will perish due to “strong delusions.”

 

My Observations

• JESUS is the only Savior for me to put my trust in.
• Lies, deception and twisted thinking will be exposed by JESUS, so I must confess to HIM I need HIM.
• Receiving the “love of the truth” may be difficult for me, because sometimes my desires match what the world has to offer.

 

What is scary is GOD allowing people to believe in lies and deceit. I mean, can’t GOD just make everyone believe in HIM? HE doesn’t seem to work that way. In fact, HE created humans to have “free will” which is the only condition where love can exist. GOD doesn’t coerce anyone to love HIM, It has to be voluntary.

 

JESUS volunteered to be a sacrifice and save humanity from death. This was a very difficult thing to do and may have been very hurtful to the FATHER. BUT HE allowed it. HE wants all to believe but it has to be a choice. I gladly believe in JESUS and accept the truth of HIS love.

 

Challenge

• Who does the writer speak of when he says “GOD will send them strong delusion?”
• Is there something that you have done or believed in that later you realized was wrong?
• Will you examine your beliefs and see if they align to the salvation, love and truth of JESUS today?

Preparation

Preparation

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁹ All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son to come from heaven—his Son Jesus, whom he raised from death and who rescues us from God's anger that is coming.

 

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Seeing the leaves change color, I could tell the season was fall. I could feel a crispness in the air that let me know winter was on its way. In the region where I live, winter meant snow and very cold temperatures I had to get prepared for.

 

• I had to be prepared for snow, ice and cold.
• I had to change my mindset from wearing shorts to wearing something that would protect me from the elements.
• I had to accept the change and get prepared because I knew it was coming.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were excited about how the Thessalonians stopped worshipping idols to become dedicated followers of JESUS. They had stopped placing their hope in material things that were lifeless. When they heard the Good News, they “received” it and dedicated their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD knows what is in my heart and is please when I choose HIM.
• People, food, clothes, jobs, addictions and other things can become idols that take my mind off of GOD.
• GOD wants to prepare me for JESUS’ return.

 

Wrath of GOD is a difficult but necessary topic. I mean, I try to make HIM a pushover, only forgiving my sins and giving me what I want. When I place GOD in the “Just give me my wish” bucket, I can get disappointed with HIS performance.

 

GOD is sovereign and sinless. HIS wrath can be poured out when I think and act like Satan who chose to try to “be GOD.” Satan was thrown from heaven and his fate was sealed. Sinless resurrected JESUS opened his fate and poured out HIS wrath on him and those who act like him. Confusing? It will happen. That’s what GOD is preparing us for. I am glad JESUS saved us from “GOD’s anger that is coming.”

 

Challenge

• What do you think the people of Thessalonica were searching for?
• Have you ever elevated a person or job or thing above your relationship with CHRIST?
• Will you allow GOD to prepare you for HIS purpose so HE can protect you from any wrath HE may have?

Attitude Power

Attitude Power

Philippians 4: ⁵ Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 

 

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After receiving instructions from the LORD to serve my neighbors, I was a bit confused, but did it anyway. Soon it became routine and something I looked forward to. But there was one neighbor who would let their dog out without supervision. The dog would inevitably “go” on my lawn. “Do I have to serve them too?” I wondered.

 

• There have been many people I wanted to “tell off.”
• There have been many circumstances where I was annoyed.
• There have been many situations that I could have been justified in reminding “that” person about the rules.

 

What a strange statement Paul says. It is just shoved in there but says a lot. “Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon.” Implies being caught in the act of gentleness when the LORD returns.

 

My Observations

• GOD handles me gently when HE could handle my sin with harsh discipline.
• JESUS was gentle with those who sought HIM for their needs.
• GOD wants me to be gentle because HE was gentle with me.

 

Gentleness is extremely powerful. I mean, it takes incredible restraint not to complain about “that” person or even judge him or her. GOD is all powerful and is justified with all HIS actions. HE has and could almost wipe out all of humanity, BUT HE shows us incredible restraint.

 

Instead HE gently nudges me back to HIM. HE is gracious enough to open my eyes to say “Is whatever I gain worth ‘that’ person losing their soul?” The answer is always “No.” I am glad GOD gives me the opportunity to show gentleness each day.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the LORD’s return?
• When hearing the term ‘show gentleness”, do specific people come to mind that you feel do not deserve gentleness?
• How can you align to GOD’s will which includes salvation for all, even those you may not like?
• Will you gain the power the HOLY SPIRIT wants you to have by being gentle to “that” person or “those” people today?

Healing Brokenness Plan

Healing Brokenness Plan

Ephesians 1: In all his wisdom and insight ⁹ God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. ¹⁰ This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

 

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Plans are wonderful to me! I love getting a plan from people who have been where I am trying to go. I can get the steps, follow them and celebrate when I make it to the destination.

 

• Plans make it easier for me to keep going when things seem to be going wrong.
• I feel more confident when I am following a plan.
• Some of the steps of many plans did not make sense until the entire plan unfolded.

 

Paul talks about GOD’s “secret plan.” He explains that one part of the plan as been revealed to humanity, namely JESUS died for the sins of the world. What looked like a FATHER punishing HIS SON for being perfect turned out to be only part of the story. The true plan was to “bring all creation together”  with CHRIST as head.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my brokenness and decided to do something about it.
• JESUS volunteered HIS life to heal me forever.
• All of creation waits on the rest of GOD’s plan which includes placing everything under JESUS.

 

This plan is amazing! I mean, it shows unimaginable love for a creation who turns its back to the creator at a moment’s notice. GOD could not depend on our faith, so HE devised a plan to redeem broken, lost humans through JESUS. JESUS volunteered to lose everything and in the process, gained everything.

 

One part of the plan is still in motion. One day JESUS will return and everything that is broken will be healed under HIM. All questions about “Why did GOD do this in the first place?” will be answered. Until then, I gladly accept the incredible love HE has shown for me.

 

Challenge

• Does the plan the writer speaks of, make you nervous or excited?
• What part of your actions do you see in this plan?
• If you are trying too hard to please GOD, will you accept that HIS plan includes your life and will not fail, because HE has already given everything to JESUS whom you believe in?

Ready for the Return

 

Ready for the Return

2 Corinthians 12: ¹⁹ Perhaps you think that all along we have been trying to defend ourselves before you. No! We speak as Christ would have us speak in the presence of God, and everything we do, dear friends, is done to help you. ²⁰ I am afraid that when I get there I will find you different from what I would like you to be and you will find me different from what you would like me to be. I am afraid that I will find quarreling and jealousy, hot tempers and selfishness, insults and gossip, pride and disorder. ²¹ I am afraid that the next time I come my God will humiliate me in your presence, and I shall weep over many who sinned in the past and have not repented of the immoral things they have done—their lust and their sexual sins.

 

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When the teacher stepped out, it was our chance to get up and act silly. It looked like fun. And for so long, I had never participated in the foolery. This time I decided to join in. Unaware of time, I was caught when the teacher returned; meanwhile the others dashed to their desks.

 

• I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to be doing.
• I got caught in the act.
• I could not say anything because I was guilty.

 

Paul spoke about his impending third trip. He mentions that he is afraid of what he will find when he gets there. While He had taught what was right, he was afraid the people had chosen not to follow GOD.

 

My Observations:

• One day JESUS will return and wants to catch me doing HIS will.
• One day JESUS will return and desires to see me following HIS ways.
• One day JESUS will return and will judge my actions according to HIS standards.

 

Believing in JESUS as the Savior also means believing that HE will return one day with all power. Not even JESUS knows when HE will return, only the HEAVENLY FATHGER. While JESUS has forgiven me of all my sins, past present and future, it does not give me the license to wildly indulge.

 

Sin distracts me. It makes me doubt GOD loves me and I question HIS love. No wonder Satan tries to tempt me. BUT GOD knows where I am. HE provides the strength to follow HIS ways and to seek the imminent return of JESUS. I am grateful so I choose to follow JESUS this day.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever been tempted to sin a little?
• What part of the writer’s list do you see that may be a bit convicting?
• Will you increase your fear of the LORD by desiring to please HIM and follow HIS ways little by little, knowing you will never be perfect?

Wake Up

Wake Up

Romans 13: ¹¹ You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. ¹³ Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day—no orgies or drunkenness, no immorality or indecency, no fighting or jealousy. ¹⁴ But take up the weapons of the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop paying attention to your sinful nature and satisfying its desires.

 

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Seeing the huge stack of paper, my work was cut out for me. I was supposed to look at surveys and input customer responses. I started out with high energy, but as the day went on I started getting tired so I took a “quick” nap during lunch.  I woke up well after I was supposed to and now I was behind in my work.

 

• There have been many times when I started out strong, but soon became tired.
• There have been many times when I fell asleep on something I was supposed to be doing.
• There have been many times when I woke up and still had the responsibilities, but only a shorter time to do what I should have been doing all along.

 

“Wake up from your sleep” Paul says. The sleep he is referring to is a lulled sense of security from doing hidden things. He mentions two serious topics, “dark’ and “light.” The day is almost here and the night is almost over. But what am I getting prepared for? What must I do?

 

• GOD wants me to know JESUS is going to return.
• GOD wants me to prepare the world for HIS return.
• GOD wants me to take up HIS “weapons’ starting with the most powerful one called love.

 

Blindness has made me fall asleep. I mean, when I get lost in the concerns of the world, I get worried, doubt GOD and slip into sin for comfort which steals my joy and feeds mu sin nature. Afterwards, I feel hurt, lost and wandering.  My fighting increases and I grab the world’s weapons.

 

Human weapons hurt, kill and destroy, just as Satan wants us to do. BUT GOD has more powerful weapons, one being love. Love heals, protects, grows and raises people up. It was love that raised JESUS from the dead. GOD said “You must do this” and I accept HIS statement.

 

• Do you have a sense of urgency regarding the return of CHRIST?
• Are you so focused on you own sins that CHRIST is not your focus?
• Will you wake up and take up the weapon of love JESUS so generously poured out on you so you can stop paying attention to your sinful desires today?

Patient Hope

 

Patient Hope

Romans 8: ²² For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. ²³ But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free. ²⁴ For it was by hope that we were saved; but if we see what we hope for, then it is not really hope. For who of us hopes for something we see? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

 

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Standing out in the snow, I leaned my head in the street. There was a certain headlight I was looking for that would bring me comfort. I was waiting on a bus and it seemed like it would never come. I knew it was on its way, but I looked for those headlights, as if to will the bus to come faster. The snow came down harder and I simply had to wait.

 

• There have been many times when I hoped for something to arrive a little faster.
• There have been many times when I knew something was on its way, but I could not see it.
• There have been many times when I felt miserable waiting, yet I could not do anything else.

 

Paul switches from creation to humans in his explanation of how everyone and everything is waiting on GOD to reveal HIS children. He says “We who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his children and set our whole being free.” He then explains that it was hope that saved us and it is hope that will keep us waiting in patience.

 

• GOD gives me patience by believing HE has the situation taken care of.
• GOD provides for me when I cannot see what I am looking for.
• GOD delivers me out of the darkness, even though I sometimes feel like I am stumbling.

 

“Wait on the LORD” are some tough words to swallow. I mean, cant HE just come back and get all this over with? GOD wants the full number of those who will believe in JESUS to be accounted for. Since we are all still here, I have to patiently wait.

 

GOD is gracious in my waiting. HE gives me purpose to reach those who HE sends me to so they can be added to that number. I cannot make JESUS return any faster, but I can serve HIM with hope and patience until HE does.

 

• Are you weary from waiting?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS and stop looking at the current situation that GOD has already taken care of?

There will come a day

There will come a day

Acts 2 ¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. ¹⁵ For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. ¹⁶ But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

¹⁷ ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.

¹⁸ And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.

¹⁹ I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

²¹ And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’

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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” was a common question asked by adults to me. Some would ask with options like “A fireman?” or “A policeman?” Later in life people asked the same question, but with different options like “A doctor?” or “A lawyer?” Funny, no one asked “How will you prepare for GOD?”

• I have spent years preparing for a career.
• I have spent decades preparing for employment.
• I have spent a great part of my life focused on making debt and making enough money to clear it.

Peter explains to those who mocked the devoted people of GOD, that they have just witnessed the beginning of something huge. Men and women from all walks of life will proclaim the arrival of our LORD and Savior.

• JESUS wants me to prepare for HIS return.
• JESUS wants me to have others prepare for HIS return.
• JESUS wants me to understand HIS truth and tell others about HIS great love.

There will come a day when every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD. Some will praise HIM for being LORD and some will curse HIM because they chose to never surrender their will to HIM. I choose to Praise GOD!

• Will you surrender your will to GOD?
• Will you choose JESUS as your Savior?
• Will you seek JESUS’s true name so you will be saved?

In Control

Luke 3: Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, ² while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. ³ And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, ⁴ as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough ways smooth;
⁶ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

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A friend of mine became a crossing guard. Ten minutes before the end of day school bell, he would get up and leave class. When I saw him get up, I started getting my stuff together and got up as well.

The teacher asked, “Where are you going?” “To help him” I replied. “Sit down” she replied. When the bell rang I raced to the corner to “help.” I stood there directing students and traffic.

• There were times when I wanted to feel important.
• There were times when I wanted to lead people.
• There were times when I wanted to be in control of something.

John spoke about JESUS in a mighty way. His compelling words resonate today as he spoke of trading in sin for belief in CHRIST. John taught people of the One who would truly be in control.

• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS power over the physical earth.
• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS return will changing the physical properties of the earth as well as the moral attitude of the world.
• JESUS wants me to prepare the way for HIS imminent return.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” is what people say when people speak about JESUS’ return. They place people in the crazy category who speak of what seems to be a Hollywood tale of a higher being returning. BUT GOD wants me to speak about JESUS anyway, despite the labels.

HE is and will always be in control of the heavens and the earth. HE has the power over life and death and one day will show HIS face to all. I, like John must prepare as many people as GOD allows, to help people praise HIM the way HE should be praised.

• Are you ashamed of your calling?
• Do you fit in and look like everyone around you?
• Is GOD calling you to speak of HIS return, bringing life and peace to those who believe in HIM?  

Anticipation

Mark 15: ⁴² Now when evening had come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁴⁴ Pilate marveled that He was already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. ⁴⁵ So when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶ Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. ⁴⁷ And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid.

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“Is the mail here?” I asked again. I was waiting to get a prize of a free kite from sending in some huge number of box tops from the cereal I had been eating. One day there was a box with my name on it. I had not received much mail in my life, let alone to have a “box” addressed to me from a company!  I hurried to open my prize and to my delight there was my first kite.

• There were times when I waited on something special to me.
• There were times when I sat and watched for something special to happen.
• There were times when I was filled with anticipation of something good to come.

Waiting on the kingdom of GOD was probably something Joseph of Arimathea had done since childhood. When he saw the miracles of JESUS, he immediately knew he had seen GOD in the flesh. As short lived as it was, he saw what he had been waiting for and wanted to serve this dead GOD one last time, or so he thought.

• JESUS loves when I wait on HIM with faith.
• JESUS loves when I seek HIS return on a daily basis.
• JESUS loves when I spend a little time with HIM each day waiting on HIS direction.

JESUS has promised HE would return someday. In the meantime, HE wants me to serve HIS kingdom on a daily basis. Yes, I want stuff and sometimes I get stuff and sometimes I lose stuff, but the kingdom of GOD is so much more. GOD gives me peace that stuff cannot.

HE walks with me, guiding my creativity so I can honor HIM for what HE has bestowed on me. I wait on HIM daily.

• What are you waiting on?
• Does the thing you are waiting on cause you grief?
• Can you set your anticipation on GOD instead of putting such high credence in the thing you are waiting on today?