No More Death, Grief, Crying or Pain

No More Death, Grief, Crying or Pain

Revelation 21: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. ² And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. ³ I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: “Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. ⁴ He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.”

 

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My shirt was missing, so I cried. This was a shirt that I stuffed with other shirts and I carried it around while sucking my thumb. That was the beginning. Over many years, there were circumstances that really made me cry.

 

• I have felt grief.
• I have cried over situations and with people.
• I have seen death and watched how pain  overtook joy.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an incredible sight. He saw a new heaven and a new earth. He also saw the first heaven, earth and sea disappear. Just as GOD spoke everything into existence, it was all gone in a moment. He saw the Holy City descend from the new heaven. Then he heard a declaration that would never be broken.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will wipe away my tears.
• GOD will give me life forever.
• GOD will protect me from grief, crying or pain.

 

Imagine a world where there is no more scheming, greed, loss, hurt, malice, lying or disturbing thoughts. I cannot imagine, because that is what is in the world today. Each and every day, more pain is shown on the news and devastation abounds all around us. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS rose and ascended to heaven. HE said HE had to go to make a place for all who believe in HIM. This new heaven and new earth contains everything that is needed, so there will be no more disappointment because of lack. GOD will be our GOD and we will be HIS people.

 

Challenge

• What exciting thing does the writer point out?
• Have you ever experienced a death of a loved one or grief or crying or pain?
• Can you set your mind on GOD wiping away all your tears because there will be no more death, grief, crying or pain?

Joy May Be Full

Joy May Be Full

2 John 1: ¹² Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

¹³ The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

 

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Going through life’s trials, I wondered when I could have some peace. It seemed like everything was crashing around me. Something inside me said “Go to church”, but I ignored it. A neighbor who rarely spoke to me asked me if I had been to the church on Anthony street. “Why did she ask me that question?” I asked myself. I went and felt joy!

 

• My problems were still there, but I felt better.
• I felt all alone at first, but for a moment, I felt I was part of a family.
• I had a lot to learn about how to fill the empty space in my heart.

 

John concludes his second letter with anticipation. He expressed excitement by saying he has a lot to talk about, but he would rather do it face to face. He knew that by meeting together, he would bring good news and so would they. Joy would be made full.

 

My Observations:

• Joy is far greater than happiness, because it can be present when problems are there.
• Gathering with people who seek GOD’s SON can bring me joy, and I can bring joy to them.
• GOD enjoys when I seek HIS kingdom and HE fills my heart with joy.

 

Joy keeps my hope strong. I mean, when life deals out its vicious, poisonous blows, I can withstand them with joy. But where does joy come from? GOD! HE is the owner of joy and is ready to hand it out in plentiful portions. HE knows you and I have an adversary who wants to steal our joy and turn against GOD and one another. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to be the Comforter who resides in me. HE puts out the fire that I am facing with joy. HE leads me to calm places, similar to still waters and HE restores my emotional state so I can have clarity to not blame GOD and to love those around me who may be struggling too. I am glad GOD owns joy and is read to give it to you and me in full.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer is excited about?
• Have you ever felt better even though your problems remained?
• Will you ask GOD for joy over happiness so you can face many difficult situations life may throw at you today?

Complete Joy

Complete Joy

1 John 1: We write to you about the Word of life, which has existed from the very beginning. We have heard it, and we have seen it with our eyes; yes, we have seen it, and our hands have touched it. ² When this life became visible, we saw it; so we speak of it and tell you about the eternal life which was with the Father and was made known to us. ³ What we have seen and heard we announce to you also, so that you will join with us in the fellowship that we have with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this in order that our joy may be complete.

 

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When the new amusement park opened, everyone asked the same question, “Have you been there yet?” When the family got tickets, I was elated! We went and the experience was amazing! When I got home, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone how great the experience was!

 

• I was excited, so I wanted to tell everyone.
• I was amazed, so I described my experience in great detail.
• I was enamored, so I recommended that if you had not tried it, you should consider it.

 

John, the disciple whom JESUS loved, starts off his letter with amazement! He goes into detail about something that everyone had been waiting on for centuries, namely the arrival of the Messiah. This cure for misery, problems and troubles had been manifested as a human known as JESUS. He then said that sharing this Good News would make his joy complete.

 

My Observations:

• Good News is not Good News unless it is shared with other people.
• GOD did something truly amazing by becoming a human, allowing HIMSELF to be murdered by HIS own creation and being raised from the dead to conquer all sins.
• JESUS is the Word of Life whom I can place my full trust in.

 

Everyone wants to spread some good news, but unfortunately there is a lot of bad news. I mean, when life hits, it seems like there is nothing good to say. BUT GOD loves when I open my mouth to tell others how exciting it is to be saved by the MOST HIGH!

 

GOD wants everyone to be saved and has given you and me the task of spreading the Good News. In spite of trouble, fear and doubt, GOD’s wonderful message of love can ring from my lips. I gladly tell everyone about GOD’s love for me, which is CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

 

Challenge

• How excited is the writer?
• Have you ever received some good news and could not wait to tell people about it?
• How do you feel when you have a lot of bad news?
• Will you consider how amazing GOD’s love is for you, enough to tell people about it, to encourage someone today?

Great and Glorious Joy

Great and Glorious Joy

1 Peter 1: ⁶ Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. ⁷ Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸ You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express, ⁹ because you are receiving the salvation of your souls, which is the purpose of your faith in him.

 

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“Why me?” was my cry. It seemed like “everything” was going wrong in my life at the time. I began to explain to GOD what I was doing for HIM as I tried to get my life back on track with HIM. My explanations were met with more pain.

 

• I was tired of facing more problems.
• I was tired of being in pain.
• I was tired of the situation I was in at the time.

 

Peter gave some hard to hear advice. He told those who were chosen by GOD to be glad, even though they were facing some difficult times. He then explained the purpose of the difficulty. Each person’s faith would be tested with the fires of trials to make it genuine.

 

My Observations:

• Life is far more than what I can see when I am in the middle of a trial.
• Looking back on the trials in my life, I understand more than I would, had I not gone through the trial.
• GOD gives me the ability to praise HIM now instead of waiting on the day when JESUS returns.

 

Let’s be honest, trials are not fun. I mean, when I am in a trial, I want it to be over as quickly as possible. BUT GOD allows me to stay in the trial long enough to strengthen my faith in HIM. I cry out early in the trial, but later I see that HE is in the fire with me. HE protects me and guides me.

 

I can rejoice during the trial versus waiting for it to be over. This is a sign of “joy” over “happiness.” I can see GOD at work even though the results have not come to fruition. I praise GOD for what HE has done, is doing and will do!

 

Challenge

• What purpose is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever gone through something difficult and came out stronger?
• Will you praise GOD with “joy”, knowing JESUS has won the victory over all your trials and your salvation is more precious to HIM than you could ever imagine?

Contented Faith

Contented Faith

Hebrews 13: ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” ⁶ Let us be bold, then, and say,

 

“The Lord is my helper,
    I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”

 

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After assessing my “needs” I got frustrated and nervous. My car was approaching 300,000 miles and I still had bills. A position at work came with a car. I fixated my thinking on this position as my way out. I did not get the position at first so I complained to GOD.

 

• I looked at “everything” as being a mess.
• I was exhausted trying to keep up with expenses.
• I was not content with where I was with anything.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some extremely sound advice. He probably saw how society focused on the latest thing, causing people to have an insatiable desire for more and more. Discontent over food, living arrangements, clothes and amounts of money needed to be addressed. He said “be satisfied.”

 

My Observations:

• Discontentment makes me deaf to GOD, but when I am content, HE speaks softly to me.
• Thanklessness makes me look at my stuff as old, worn out and embarrassing, but when I am thankful, GOD provides what I need at the right time.
• Unhappiness makes me see GOD as the problem, but when I seek joy over happiness, I see problems differently and know I need GOD to fight my battles with the enemy.

 

Satisfaction can be a fleeting thing. I mean, the world presents satisfaction as receiving pleasure over seeking GOD’s kingdom. Each moment needs to be compared to someone else’s life with visual proof that life is great, when it isn’t. GOD has a remedy for this quandary.

 

Contentment, thankfulness and joy opens my eyes to a special part of GOD that is beyond salvation. Yes, JESUS died for my sins and I am eternally saved, but what about this life? GOD knows there will be trouble and wants me to use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attempt to rob my great relationship with GOD. I am satisfied with where, what and who I am in GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention abandonment when it comes to money?
• Have you ever thought GOD was not with you because of your lack of funds or things or people were not acting like you wanted them to?
• Will you use contentment, thankfulness and joy as weapons against the enemy’s attack on you so you can be satisfied wherever GOD sends you today?

Getting a Do Over

 

Getting a Do Over

Titus 3: Remind your people to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, and to be ready to do good in every way. ² Tell them not to speak evil of anyone, but to be peaceful and friendly, and always to show a gentle attitude toward everyone. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, and wrong. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of all kinds. We spent our lives in malice and envy; others hated us and we hated them. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed, ⁵ he saved us. It was not because of any good deeds that we ourselves had done, but because of his own mercy that he saved us, through the Holy Spirit, who gives us new birth and new life by washing us.

 

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After taking the bait of an argument, I said all the wrong words. My apology could not erase what was said. After sliding on ice, I hit a pole, damaging the passenger and my car. Grousing about the weather could not undo the damage. After taking a test, I realized I made a costly mistake. It was too late.

 

• I wish I could have a do over in many instances.
• I wish I could rewind time and not do or say what was done or said.
• I wish I could install a second chance button for times when life seems to go wrong.

 

Paul reminds everyone to act peacefully because “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient and wrong.” He then explains the root of the solution, namely JESUS. He said “HE saved us.” Paul then explains that the HOLY SPIRIT “give us new birth and new life by washing us.”

 

My Observation

• I was foolish until I met the LORD.
• I was lost and a slave to my own passion and pleasures until JESUS rescued me.
• I was the problem BUT GOD gave me a second chance.

 

Getting a do over in life would be nice. I mean, I look back at the mountain of mistakes I have made and would love to erase them. But they linger. JESUS decided to do something about them. HE died for every mistake I have made. HE was raised from the dead and placed in authority over all. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me so I could get a second chance on eternal life.

 

This do over enables me to live a life that is pleasing to the one who sacrificed HIMSELF. This is a loving relationship that knows no bounds. There is no limit to the amount of love poured out on me when I realize where true love comes from. I gladly give my life to HIM and I am thankful for a second chance.

 

Challenge

• Why do people need to be reminded by the writer?
• Have you ever done or said something that you regretted?
• Will you give your regrets to JESUS today by believing you need HIM for salvation so HE can give you a new life through the HOLY SPIRIT?

Question Answered

Question Answered

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹⁶ Be joyful always, ¹⁷ pray at all times, ¹⁸ be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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Walking outside to the parking lot, I noticed my window had been broken out and my cassette tapes had been stolen. Yeah I said tapes. At work, I got news that the project was not going well. I got home and all I had in the fridge was eggs. I boiled them and fell asleep. I woke up to exploded burnt eggs. “What do YOU want from me!” I angrily said to GOD.

 

• I had plenty to complain about.
• I told people about one calamity, then another would hit.
• I questioned why I was going through this by asking “What do YOU want from me?”

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some advice to everyone who asked the question “What does GOD want from me?” Their simple words are not so easy to put into practice, but the perspective can change how circumstances are seen.

 

• GOD wants me to be joyful versus happy because joy cuts through pain.
• GOD wants me to pray at all times, asking HIM how HE wants to handle the bad and good situations.
• GOD wants me to be thankful in all circumstances, seeing HIM work through very difficult situations as well as peaceful ones.

 

Joy, prayer and thankfulness do not seem like powerful weapons, but they are. I mean, when I seek happiness, fulfilled desires and accolades, I run into those who seek the same and would do anything to rob others of theirs. I also rely on my own thoughts and power which makes me run out of fuel and question GOD. BUT HE has another way.

 

GOD wants my life to have light burdens, but understands there is an enemy, Satan, who will stop at nothing to keep me from praising JESUS. GOD gives me joy, prayer and thankfulness to battle worry, hatred, doubt and all ills of life. I am glad GOD wants me to have a relationship with HIS SON and wants simple things from me.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers use “always” and “all times” and “all circumstances?”
• Have you ever felt like not praying or wanting to be angry or wanting to just be alone in your pity?
• Will you take the burden off of yourself and replace it with joy through prayer and thankfulness so GOD can unite you with the power of CHRIST JESUS today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for keeping him or her in the palm of YOUR hands. Thank YOU for joy and for opening the door to listen. We praise YOU today. amen

Traveling Example

Traveling Example

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You imitated us and the Lord; and even though you suffered much, you received the message with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. ⁷ So you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For not only did the message about the Lord go out from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but the news about your faith in God has gone everywhere. There is nothing, then, that we need to say.

 

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Ridiculing people had become my niche. After years of being the recipient of degrading nicknames, I decided to become the master of creating them. I quickly came up with a name for a guy and everyone laughed. Soon the name spread all over campus and back to my home town.

 

• I didn’t mean to humiliate him on that level.
• I didn’t know the nickname would affect him.
• I didn’t know people were listening to me on that scale.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were examples to many people. After a while the people started imitating them and suffered for their beliefs. Through joy, they expressed their faith in JESUS, no matter what was happening to them. Their faith became known “everywhere.”

 

My Observations

• My words should be an example that points people to GOD.
• My actions stem from things in my heart, so GOD chooses to live there and guide them.
• My thoughts can be controlled through use of joy when difficulties arise.

 

Serving GOD can sometimes be difficult. I mean when I can say, “everyone else is having fun”, or “everyone else is rich” or “everyone else is doing it” I could easily open myself up to fall into sin, shame and regret. I then isolate myself so no one can see me. BUT GOD wants me to be seen.

 

HE made me for HIS purpose and wants others to follow HIM. Whether I like it or not, people see me and I am providing an example with every word, action and thought. Fortunately for ma, GOD does not place pressure on me to live perfect, rather HE wants me to point to perfection, namely JESUS. I am grateful I do not have to be perfect, but provide an example which is the SON of GOD.

 

Challenge

• What examples do you imagine the writers provided?
• Have you ever thought that you are being an example to people through your words, actions and thoughts?
• Will you allow GOD to live in your heart so your example can be guided with “joy” by the HOLY SPIRIT today even if you are going through a rough time?

Old Friends

Old Friends

Philippians 4: ¹⁰ In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me—you just had no chance to show it. ¹¹ And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have.

 

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Returning to the country, I was told things had changed in only two years. An evasive attitude of “self” had began to penetrate this once pristine group of people who would give their last when I met them before. But then I ran into a person I met before. He was warm and friendly. We picked up where we left off.

 

• I was thankful to see him.
• I was served by him and I felt welcome.
• I felt cared for, even though I had not been there in two years.

 

Paul expresses his joy over those who served him again after a long period of being apart. He was excited about their reason for serving him, namely their union with the LORD. He was not seeking to be served because he was satisfied with what he had. But it did feel great.

 

My Observations

• Old friends who are united because of CHRIST can pick up where they left off.
• Satisfaction with what I have can enable me to have joy with or without someone serving me.
• GOD wants me to care for those who pop in and out of my life.

 

“Friends of the road” is a term I heard years ago that meant we meet people who are fast friends, but drift apart as life goes on. This does not mean we did not care for one another, rather life’s circumstances may keep us from directly serving one another.

 

Whenever we reunite, GOD wants joy. HE loves when I pick up where we left off and express care for one another rather than disappointment. I am glad GOD gives me a path to be an old friend to those who come and go in and out of my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the thankfulness of the writer?
• Have you ever reunited with someone who you could pick up where you left off?
• Are you satisfied with your life?
• Will you point your satisfaction in life to CHRIST to reduce expectations of others so joy can be the bond of your friendships today?

Supported

Supported

Philippians 4: ² Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. ³ And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.

 

⁴ May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

 

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Not knowing what I was doing, I stayed up late trying to understand my next move. I had never led anything, and now it was my turn to lead a group. Someone must have saw my struggles so he or she paired me up with a more experienced person.

 

• I was glad to have the help.
• I did not know what I was doing and felt overwhelmed.
• I was relieved to be supported.

 

Paul begs two women to agree. He, himself had disagreements that he regretted. He later saw that agreeing with a variety of approaches is far better than everyone doing things the same way. He then requests support for the two women who had a disagreement because they were passionate about the LORD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be passionate about spreading the Gospel.
• GOD wants my passion to be focused with discernment and agreement with a variety of approaches.
• GOD wants me to appreciate many styles so I can support versus debate.

 

“There is the right way and there is your way” is most people’s approach. I mean, when it comes to GOD, it seems like worship is the most segregated, gender and age biased thing we can do. Disagreements over music types, racial examples and “young” or “old” thinking keep us separated and weak. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

Unity with the LORD breaks down arguments about GOD. When I unite with the LORD, HE is the center of attention, not me. HE gets presented in the way that is best for all and I can rejoice even when it is not sung or said the way I would expect. I am glad to be supported and I will support the efforts of those who seek the spreading of the Gospel of our LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer wants these two women to agree?
• Have you ever been passionate about something and were met with someone who was just as passionate about an opposing, yet correct, view of the Savior?
• Will you unite under CHRIST and figure out how to support one another’s views so “more” people can be reached for HIM today?

Celebration

 

Celebration

Philippians 3:  In conclusion, my friends, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. ² Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. ³ It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 

 

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Preparing for the celebration was hard work. Lists were made, lots of things were prioritized and budgets were blown. Large groups of people were involved in this frenzied experience. Lost sleep, meetings and stress ensued. “It’s tradition” someone said, trying to make sense out of the madness.

 

• We had placed high value on ceremonies.
• We placed a lot of trust in the tradition.
• We made sure the photo opportunities looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

Paul repeats himself by saying “Be joyful in your union with the LORD.” He then warns everyone about trusting in “external ceremonies” versus simply trusting in the union with CHRIST JESUS. He knew that looking holy did not make a person holy.

 

My Observations

• My external actions may look good to people, BUT GOD rates my righteousness as filthy.
• GOD saw my sinful actions and saved me anyway.
• Only my union with CHRIST JESUS can save me.

 

Celebrating special days or people may have its value, but can sometimes be prioritized over the One who deserves celebration, namely JESUS. I mean, it is alright to recognize leaders or to be circumcised or to celebrate accomplishments, but placing trust in these ceremonies could make us think that we holier than we are.

 

Being “joyful” in union with the LORD can happen every day. No special day or moment is needed. GOD made it possible for me to celebrate the LORD each and every day. Traditions are nice, but I am glad I can recognize CHRIST without the need for anyone to see it.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer warning everyone about?
• What is the “true circumcision?”
• Will you celebrate your relationship with CHRIST as often as you can without the need for a special day or person triggering an event?

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Philippians 2: ¹⁷ Perhaps my life's blood is to be poured out like an offering on the sacrifice that your faith offers to God. If that is so, I am glad and share my joy with you all. ¹⁸ In the same way, you too must be glad and share your joy with me.

 

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Working hard, day and night, seemed to pay off. Our team won an award and we were recognized throughout the company. We came together and traded “war” stories. “Remember when things seemed awful?” we reminisced.

 

• I worked hard to accomplish something for a job.
• I poured many hours into something I believed in at the time.
• I was part of a team who also shared in the pain and the reward.

 

Paul considers the hard work and hardship he went through as his “life’s blood.” He was not looking at this like a trophy or an accomplishment for a workaholic. He knew it took sacrifice to give up a life for GOD and the believers in JESUS were worth it.

 

My Observations

• It took JESUS’s blood to save me for eternity.
• It took HIS sweat like blood as HE prayed for me to be saved.
• It took HE tears as HE cried over me knowing I did not know what I was doing while sinning.

 

Blood, sweat and tears is a human term for someone’s life’s work. I mean, many people pour themselves into something they may or may not be known for. GOD sees how we spend our time and has criteria unknown to us that creates rewards for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

We fight, get knocked down and get back up because we serve people to bring many to CHRIST. We do not do this alone. We serve JESUS together and share in the joy when we see HIS fruit. I am glad to be part of an adopted global family who seeks joy through CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer excited about?
• What does faith have to do with life’s work?
• Can you share your joy with others so they can be encouraged that you are serving the LORD and are determined to continue at all costs today?

Good Fruit

Good Fruit

Galatians 5: ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

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Continuing on my thought of going to college, bearing the fruit of human nature and getting kicked out, I felt lost, let down and angry. I started thinking of excuses like “Nice guys finish last” and “They are simply trying to control people into being slaves.” I began searching for racial freedom and other forms of freedom, but I remained thirsty. Tired of “my” efforts I asked “What do YOU want from me?”

 

• I was losing hope but ready to hear GOD.
• I was always angry or frustrated but was now ready to surrender to GOD.
• I felt like people were letting “me” down but realized “I” could be part of the solution with GOD.

 

“But the fruit of the SPIRIT” are words that provide hope to everyone Paul wrote to. It takes pressure off of trying to be perfect by performing the Law correctly. One singular fruit is produced by nine wonderful actions.

 

My Observations

• Good fruit gives me rest assurance that GOD loves me dearly.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is responsible for guiding me to bear good fruit.
• I can rest well when I put aside my human nature and follow what the HOLY SPIRIT says.

 

Keeping “in step with the SPIRIT” is hard but doable. I mean, when I want things to go “my” way I usually want to speed the process up. When it does not happen as quickly as I would like, I lose patience and bear bad fruit.

 

BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT steps in and says, “Use patience” when I want to go fast or “Use joy” when I want to be happy but things are going wrong. All nine actions bear a single fruit which draws people back to GOD. I am grateful GOD gave me an alternative to “my” actions.

 

Challenge

• What part of the fruit could you use today?
• Do you have a problem with this list if people showed these actions towards you?
• Will you slow down and show these actions towards others without thinking you will get something in return?

Praying for Everyone

Praying for Everyone

2 Corinthians 7: ² Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one; we have ruined no one, nor tried to take advantage of anyone. ³ I do not say this to condemn you; for, as I have said before, you are so dear to us that we are always together, whether we live or die. ⁴ I am so sure of you; I take such pride in you! In all our troubles I am still full of courage; I am running over with joy.

 

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Today is a different day. It is about you. Some of you have told me of the troubles you are facing and some have remained silent and in pain. I just want you to know GOD hears you.

 

• GOD sees your heart and loves you dearly.
• GOD has seen the decades of prayers you have given to HIM and is pleased with you.
• GOD knows you have spent hours not sleeping and is concerned about you.

 

Paul spoke about running over with joy because of those who made room in their hearts for others who speak about JESUS as the Savior. He went through a lot of trouble living for CHRIST. He was blamed for living for CHRIST but had a supportive cast who prayed for him.

 

My Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader to a place of peace. No matter what poisonous words enter their ears, let the power of the HOLY SPIRIT guard the heart. Search us O LORD. Examine each of us individually and forgive us of our sins.

 

Please guide this child of YOURS today. Help this child let go of anything that builds a wall between YOU and him or her. Help bitterness, hatred, confusion, power seeking, lust, fear, addictions, greed, and disbelief in YOUR SON be taken away from your child.

 

Please give us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Help us think on the good YOU give and the truth YOU provide. Amen

 

Challenge

• Do you see the heart of concern the writer has for the readers?
• How many people can fit in a prayerful heart?
• When you feel like complaining about a person, are they in your heart for “love?”
• Will you pray for many people today and focus on listening to GOD’s soft, gentle voice today?

Fixed Attention

Fixed Attention

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁶ For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. ¹⁷ And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. ¹⁸ For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

 

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Short pants were in and it was hot! Notice I didn’t say shorts. I wore them outside as we played. Unfortunately, my fashion choice gave mosquitos more opportunities for their evening snack.

 

With tens of bites on each leg, I sat inside miserable. The itching was overwhelming. Dinner didn’t seem to taste good because of my distraction. Sitting was uncomfortable and we had another six days to be there. “Don’t think about them” someone said. All I could think about were the bites.

 

• Mosquito bites seem small but somehow draw my attention.
• When I am uncomfortable, I only want to see a path to comfort.
• My focus on scratching the problem made the healing process extended.

 

Because JESUS died and was raised from the dead, we can have eternal life. Paul says “for this reason we never become discouraged.” He was the poster child of going through trouble. His troubles were very large in comparison to mosquito bites, yet he provides some great advice for facing large and small troubles.

 

My Observations

• Faith is something GOD loves for me to focus on.
• Joy is a gift GOD loves to give me daily.
• Eternal rewards are the true prizes GOD wants me to seek.

 

The unseen things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are what GOD wants me to have in abundance. This fruit is the best meal to place my attention on.

 

Whenever life becomes challenging, GOD wants me to seek the fruit of the Spirit, so I can endure and persevere. I am glad GOD loves the unseen fruit to focus my attention on.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt more rested when you were not focused on the problem?
• What does the writer say about never becoming discouraged?
• What things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous or praiseworthy can you focus on today?

Blessing, Love and Peace

 

Blessing, Love and Peace

Romans 15: ²⁸ When I have finished this task and have turned over to them all the money that has been raised for them, I shall leave for Spain and visit you on my way there. ²⁹ When I come to you, I know that I shall come with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.

 

³⁰ I urge you, friends, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love that the Spirit gives: join me in praying fervently to God for me. ³¹ Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to God's people there. ³² And so I will come to you full of joy, if it is God's will, and enjoy a refreshing visit with you. ³³ May God, our source of peace, be with all of you. Amen.

 

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Seeing ants crawl on the counter made me curious. “How are they getting in?” is what I asked. I spent time looking around the edges of the house and I found where they were crawling in. It was an easy fix once I found the source.

 

• Many times I look for the source of the problem.
• Many times I seek out problems so “I” can fix it.
• Many times I find the source of the problem, but need help getting the source of the solution.

 

Paul finishes explaining his plans. After he gives this money to the poor, he planned to visit those he wrote to. He knew the roads were treacherous and laced with thieves, so he asked for fervent prayer, not just a onetime ask. He also knew he needed the prayer of many.

 

• GOD wants me to ask for prayer when HE shows a difficult road ahead.
• GOD wants me to finish the task HE gives me to do.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM for blessing, love and peace.

 

The full measure of blessing of CHRIST is the Good News that should be preached all over the world. Love should be used when praying for one another. And peace comes from the source, namely GOD. I gladly ask everyone for prayers and that you receive peace from GOD.

 

• Have the many worries of the world made you lose your focus on GOD?
• How are you seeking peace?
• Will you speak about the blessing of CHRIST and ask others to pray for you with the love that comes from the HOLY SPIRIT so GOD may provide you with peace that only comes from HIM?

From Praise to Hope

 From Praise to Hope

Romans 15: ⁷ Accept one another, then, for the glory of God, as Christ has accepted you. ⁸ For I tell you that Christ's life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true, ⁹ and to enable even the Gentiles to praise God for his mercy. As the scripture says,

 

“And so I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing praises to you.”
¹⁰ Again it says,
“Rejoice, Gentiles, with God's people!”
¹¹ And again,
“Praise the Lord, all Gentiles;
    praise him, all peoples!”
¹² And again, Isaiah says,
“A descendant of Jesse will appear;
    he will come to rule the Gentiles,
    and they will put their hope in him.”

 

¹³ May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

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“Let’s go on a bike hike” someone older said to us. Having only been out of the neighborhood a few times, I was excited to go on this adventure. We rode further than I had ever ridden in my life. We crossed the railroad tracks and the neighborhood looked different.

 

When we arrived at a park, the people called us by names of racial hatred. We were chased. I didn’t know much about prayer, but I started saying “Our FATHER…”

 

• There have been times when I just wanted to live together.
• There have been times when I just wanted to enjoy life together.
• There have been times when I just wanted to have peace, but could not find it because I was not accepted.

 

Paul’s plea was primarily to the Jews, but was universal in nature. He expressed something that is hard for humans, namely “accept one another.” But how? He then explains why do it. “For the glory of GOD, as CHRIST has accepted you.”

 

• GOD wants to show me that HE is faithful to make HIS promises come true.
• GOD wants to enable me to praise HIM for HIS mercy.
• GOD wants to be the source of my hope.

 

Praising GOD for HIS mercy is only the beginning of the relationship. I mean, when I confess I am in need of a Savior, JESUS accepts me, because HIS resurrection to life gave HIM all authority. Now that HE has accepted me, HE wants me to accept others, even those who do not look or act like me.

 

GOD then wants me to grow beyond confession. HE wants to fill me with joy and peace. But there is one caveat. I must place my faith in HIM. But what if my faith is small and wavering? HE has that covered by placing the HOLY SPIRIT in me. Now my “hope” will continue to grow and I can accept others as CHRIST accepted me.

• Is your hope small because you feel oppressed?
• Do you think there is no way out because of another group?
• Will you add “acceptance” to your heart and believe in JESUS so HE will provide the HOLY SPIRIT, who will grow you with HIS power today?

Problem Purpose

Problem Purpose

Acts 8: ⁴ Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. ⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. ⁶ And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

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Running as fast as my out of shape body could go, I got to the gate too late. I missed the flight and was a bit frustrated. Fortunately, there was another flight so I asked to be placed on the list and got accepted. Parallel to this, my friends at home and I were going through a book, trying to grow in GOD. I read this on the flight.

The person next to me, on the rebooked flight, asked me about the book. We talked about GOD the whole flight and I was able to pray for her husband and son. I then told her about my quiet time with the LORD. She was retiring in another country and asked for the blog address. It is read quite heavily in that country to this day.

• Some problems I have faced have actually been a blessing.
• Some situations I have faced turned out to be exactly what I needed.
• Some trials I have faced happen for a great reason.

Because the people could not meet together, they spoke about JESUS where they were scattered to. Philip spoke so boldly in Samaria that many believed, were healed and unclean spirits fled. The city had great joy!

• GOD scatters me when I am complacent.
• GOD moves me when I am very comfortable.
• GOD send me when I am not expecting it.

“Be ready” is the term GOD wants me to carry. HE may send me out to speak about HIM, HIS SON and the HOLY SPIRIT at any moment. The responsibility is not on a church leader, rather it is on me. GOD wants me to preach HIS great news, especially during times of problems. I am grateful HE sends me during trials.

• Are you going through a large trial?
• Do you ask “Why is this happening?”
• Will you accept where you are and allow GOD to speak through you so you can be used to bless someone with encouraging words today?

Adversity Cheer

Adversity Cheer

Acts 5: ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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“You” the chooser said as they pointed at me. I could not believe it. I was chosen early to participate by the star. The game required a lot of running and catching people and I was scrawny. “Go” someone shouted to start the festivities.

I caught someone immediately but this person was pretty strong and flung me to the asphalt. I hit my head and started bleeding, a little. I got up and my teammates cheered. Wanting to cry, I grimaced and then smiled. What a delightful game.

• Some pain doesn’t feel as painful when I am on the right side.
• Some pain feels worth it when I am on the winning side.
• Some pain seems like it will not go away, but bearable because I’m on the side that has the glory.

The church leaders had the apostles beaten thinking this would discourage them. But something very different happened. The apostles cheered, rejoicing they were associated with CHRIST and worthy of suffering because of HIM. They knew everything JESUS said would come true.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me dearly.
• GOD wants me to understand that adversity comes from the enemy, who tries to make me blame GOD.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom and face adversity with cheer, knowing JESUS has already won.

Being beaten feels horrible. In fact, all pain is not welcome. BUT GOD shows me a different way to look at some pain. When the pain is caused because I am standing firm for JESUS, it feels more like honor. It almost feels like GOD is cheering when I get back up and not blame HIM but rejoice that I went through a little of what JESUS went through.

GOD wants my comfort. HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside of me. HE also knows there is a real and active spiritual battle that happens daily. JESUS has already won the war. I am grateful to be in the battles that are HIS.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like you have been beat up because of your belief in JESUS?
• It may be hard, but will you rejoice, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and is cheering because you got back up and stood firm for HIM?