Forced Introduction

Forced Introduction

Genesis 12: ¹⁰ Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. ¹¹ And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. ¹² Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. ¹³ Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”

 

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Abram, his wife Sarai, Lot and all the people who joined them, settled down in the land GOD showed them. But HE caused a great famine. This was no ordinary famine, but one in which nothing would grow for a long time. Something had to be done. Food was getting scarce for humans and animals.

 

Abram was forced to leave the land and go to a neighboring area, namely Egypt. Fear stricken, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie. She agreed.

 

My Observations:

• Abram would have never left the land unless a difficult situation happened.
• GOD may have wanted to introduce the Egyptians to Abram as a precursor to Moses.
• Abram, while faithful, had fears, doubts and worries.

 

Looking back on people in the Bible makes me think they were invincible. But Abram was scared for his life. This is the first time we see him develop a plan that goes outside of GOD’s way of doing things. And it won’t be the last. Abram had a reason to be scared.

 

The Egyptian Pharaohs were possibly notorious for taking the best women for themselves. Abram wanted to stay alive and risked his marriage by asking his wife, Sarai, to say she was his sister. They were now in a predicament that they would not have chosen. They never said “If it wasn’t for the famine, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” They went forward in GOD’s promise.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Abram’s introduction to the Egyptians?
• Have you ever been put in a situation that you would not have chosen, only to find out it was part of GOD’s plan when you look back on it?
• Can you see that some of your difficulties are accounted for in GOD’s plan for you?

Endurance Choice

Endurance Choice

Revelation 14: ⁹ A third angel followed the first two, saying in a loud voice, “Those who worship the beast and its image and receive the mark on their forehead or on their hand ¹⁰ will themselves drink God's wine, the wine of his fury, which he has poured at full strength into the cup of his anger! All who do this will be tormented in fire and sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of the fire that torments them goes up forever and ever. There is no relief day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, for anyone who has the mark of its name.”

¹² This calls for endurance on the part of God's people, those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to Jesus.

 

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Getting mad at the hypocrites in church, I decided to leave and do what “I” wanted to do. It was “fun” for a while, but soon I ran into problems that seemed overwhelming. I listened to advice from those who were struggling like me. After years, someone asked me if I believed in JESUS. I already had accepted HIM as my Savior, but my life did not remotely look like I believed.

 

• My choices in life were usually for my own pleasure.
• My choices in life were usually for my own protection.
• My choices in life were usually for “me” and not for GOD.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the third angel and heard a loud warning. Some people had gotten so desperate about their health and comfort and pleasure that they chose to get the mark of the beast, stating that they no longer belonged to GOD but would rather follow a human. The warning to those who worshiped the beast was eternal pain.

 

My Observations:

• GOD, amazingly, gave us free will to choose HIM or not.
• Free will is the only scenario that love can exist.
• Choosing GOD over the fears the world places in front of me, keeps me focused on HIS endurance.

 

When I want fame, pleasure, comfort and “my” desires, I am quick to leave GOD. I mean, when things are going well, my prayers drop off and sin picks up. After a while, no one can even recognize that I belong to CHRIST because I look like the world HE is trying to save me from.

 

GOD wants me to choose HIM and sometimes that means being uncomfortable. I may stand before the world and say JESUS is my LORD and Savior, only to be met with laughter and sometimes disgust. But HE wants me to endure the ridicule and pressures for more of the world. I place my hope in CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention endurance?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD?
• Will you know that HE will never give up on you and wants an eternal relationship with you, but it is your choice today?

Endurance Paid Off

 

Endurance Paid Off

Revelation 3: ⁷ “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
 
“This is the message from the one who is holy and true. He has the key that belonged to David, and when he opens a door, no one can close it, and when he closes it, no one can open it. 8 I know what you do; I know that you have a little power; you have followed my teaching and have been faithful to me. I have opened a door in front of you, which no one can close. 9 Listen! As for that group that belongs to Satan, those liars who claim that they are Jews but are not, I will make them come and bow down at your feet. They will all know that I love you. 10 Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth. 11 I am coming soon. Keep safe what you have, so that no one will rob you of your victory prize. 12 I will make those who are victorious pillars in the temple of my God, and they will never leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which will come down out of heaven from my God. I will also write on them my new name.

13 “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

 

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Several thoughts ran through my mind as I was formulating my complaints. Instead of blurting out frustrations, I thought it would be wise to put my thought together. Before I could present the complaints, I was met with a greeting of thanks followed by “I know things have been chaotic around here, but because you stayed and did not complain, I am going to put you in charge.”

 

• I was ready to give up, but when I heard this, I could endure a little more.
• I knew I was in a difficult situation, but I could endure more, because it was recognized.
• I thought the bad situation was going to get worse, but endurance paid off.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, gave a message of endurance from JESUS to the church of Philadelphia. JESUS sends HIS love to those who have endured hardship, persecution, lies and slander. HE encouraged them by saying HE is the one who opens doors no one can close, so endure.

 

My Observations:

• GOD goes with me through difficult situations, not around them.
• Turning my complaints into praise helps me endure situations.
• Understanding that there is something better on the other side of endurance helps me to keep going!

 

Enduring trouble may seem worthless, but it’s not. I mean, when problem after problem, after problem happen, it seems like there is no alternative, but to give up. BUT GOD says “endure.” Why? Because HE sees you after HE delivered you from trouble.

 

HE is the one who closed the door you were not supposed to go through but opened the one HE needs you in. No one can close a door that JESUS has opened for you and me! No one! HE rewards you when you endure.

 

Challenge

• What words of encouragement do you hear the writer record from JESUS?
• Have you gone through difficult situations for a long time?
• Will you endure, because JESUS sees you and knows you and loves you?

Keep On

Keep On

Jude 1: ¹⁷ But remember, my friends, what you were told in the past by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ They said to you, “When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires.” ¹⁹ These are the people who cause divisions, who are controlled by their natural desires, who do not have the Spirit. ²⁰ But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, ²¹ and keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.

 

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“What good is it?” was my question. I was running out of gas because it seemed like my efforts were not amounting to anything. In fact, more problems arose than solutions. At every turn, there seemed to be another barrier.

 

• I got tired of hearing the scoffers.
• I got tired of hearing questions that clearly showed a lack of belief.
• I got tired of the problems, barriers and holes I could fall in, but mostly I got tired of those who questioned with their heart “Where is your GOD now?”

 

Jude gives a pep talk after blasting those who infiltrated believers of JESUS. He warns believers that in the last days, people will make fun of those who keep the faith. He mentions their tactics of divisiveness  and their lack of control. He then focuses on what believers should continue doing, namely praying and staying in GOD’s love.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to continue to ask HIM for HIS power to be used in every one of my situations.
• GOD wants me to not get tired of repetition rather to keep on building the way HE told me.
• GOD loves when I use encouragement, prayer and patience as I wait on eternal life through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

 

Waiting on GOD could make me look like a nut to those who have fallen in love with the world. I mean, where is the political takeover or stacks of cash from heaven or super-human powers, scoffs the unbeliever? BUT GOD has another focus for me.

 

GOD wants me to see HIS gentleness, grace and mercy HE has for me and those who laugh at me praying instead of taking matters in my own hands. HE has all the power and wants me to keep on surrendering my plans in exchange for HIS. I gladly keep on building the way HE guides me.

 

Challenge

• What last days is the writer referring to?
• Have you ever been laughed at or questioned by those who clearly do not believe?
• Will you stay with GOD and continue in the work HE has for you until your eternal life is shown?

High Hopes

 

High Hopes

James 5: ⁷ Be patient, then, my friends, until the Lord comes. See how patient farmers are as they wait for their land to produce precious crops. They wait patiently for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord's coming is near.

 

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Seeing the results of growing vegetables, I planted more the next year. I waited in anticipation, but noticed “everything” was not growing fast enough. I added water to the ungrown seeds. Nothing. Later, I found out I was adding too much water.

 

• I was impatient.
• My efforts to speed things up ended up killing everything.
• My high hopes were broken apart because of my impatience.

 

James gives an analogy, comparing hope to farming. He admires how patient farmers are as they tend to their crops, knowing they can’t make things happen in their time, rather they had to wait until the right time.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has extreme patience with me.
• GOD wants me to learn to have patience with HIS plans HE has for me.
• GOD has the power to handle all my circumstances as HE advances HIS plan for me.

 

“Be Patient” are words that are sometimes difficult to hear. I mean, what about “this” trouble or “that” problem? GOD sees everything that can make me scared, worried or doubtful and provides comfort.

 

HE knows all the things that can run through my mind and HE steps in to intervene. HE knows the plans HE has for me. Plans to prosper and not to harm me. I am so glad GOD is in control of my plans. This keeps my hopes high.

 

Challenge

• What is the result of patience mentioned by the writer?
• Has GOD ever promised something to you and you lost patience waiting?
• Will you not get weary and remain hopeful because GOD is in control of all your circumstances today?

Being Sure

Being Sure

James 1:  ⁶ But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. ^7-8 If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.

 

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Facing an offer for a new position, I made a decision to go forward. But then the question came up “Are you sure you want to do that?” Those words were now in my mind and I questioned the decision I was about to make. I went back and started asking questions. I almost lost the position I was about to accept.

 

• I believed what was told to me and I started planning to move forward.
• I was introduced to doubt and I could not stop doubting.
• I lost my assurance when I began to doubt.

 

James addressed fear and doubt. He gave some tough words. “When you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all.” He was taking their hysteria of being chased by religious murderers and giving them a pep talk to keep them focused.

 

My Observations:

• News will say terrible things, BUT GOD is in control of my destiny.
• People may try to add doubt to my journey, BUT GOD gives me sure footing.
• Humans may think they have the answer, BUT GOD is the one and only answer I need.

 

Sometimes the future looks bleak especially when looking through human eyes. I mean, when I look through the lenses of hate, greed, envy, lust, or pride, I get on a path that is always filled with worry and self-doubt. BUT GOD has another way.

 

HIS plan, on the surface, looks weak and pitiful. HE wants me to simply show others HIS love, not human defined love, rather HIS love. GOD’s love cannot be tainted by humans. It is the strongest weapon in the arsenal GOD gives me. HE wants me to believe HE and HE alone loved me and has a plan for me. HE does not want me to doubt that plan. I am glad GOD loves me so much that HIS plan for me is one I can be sure of.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the words “not doubt AT ALL?”
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you or HIS plan HE has for you?
• Will you let go of doubt and believe that GOD’s plan HE told you long ago is still solid ground even though other people may have poisoned your mind with his or her doubt?

 

At Least Try

At Least Try

Hebrews 12: ¹⁴ Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it. ¹⁵ Guard against turning back from the grace of God. Let no one become like a bitter plant that grows up and causes many troubles with its poison. ¹⁶ Let no one become immoral or unspiritual like Esau, who for a single meal sold his rights as the older son. ¹⁷ Afterward, you know, he wanted to receive his father's blessing; but he was turned back, because he could not find any way to change what he had done, even though in tears he looked for it.

 

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Sitting in my apartment, I wondered if anything would go my way. I recalled my past gaffs and I didn’t see how my future could get any better. I went to the mailbox and picked up the bills that left me broke as usual. I wasn’t dating and I did not know many people in the town I lived in. “Sigh” I said.

 

• I felt like giving up.
• I felt like nothing would change.
• I wondered if I should return to GOD because at that time I thought I had left HIM.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues to give sage advice. “Try” was his challenge to those who may have felt like giving up. He knew many people would run into those who like to fight and quarrel. He also knew firsthand, the effects of causing strife in other people’s lives because he was once on a religious quest to murder those who “he” thought were not following GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Sometimes GOD does not seem like the right answer to me, but when I have tried HIM, HE has never disappointed me.
• Prayer sometimes seems like a pitiful action, BUT GOD loves when I turn to HIM.
• Letting go of some of the world’s ways seems like I would become strange, BUT GOD wants me to not “turn back” to things that are harmful to me or other people.

 

Following GOD can seem hard sometimes. I mean, what about people who are mean and nasty and hateful towards me? Am I supposed to just get beat up passively or physically? No! BUT GOD wants me to refrain from initiating fights, or living immorally or ignoring how much the HOLY SPIRIT really does for me every day.

 

GOD doesn’t make the relationship with HIM difficult, I do. I want HIM to act a certain way, meanwhile HE nudges me to act the way HE wants me to. HE guides me away from harmful things and leads me to a place of blessing. I am glad GOD doe not give me my way all the time and guide me to HIS way.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer imply “surrendering” things in your life to have a solid relationship with the LORD?
• Are there areas of your life that seem overwhelming and you are trying to use the world’s tactics to solve them?
• Will you try to be at peace with those who fight you and try to turn away from habits that may not be good for you and try to let go of bitterness that poisons you and others today?

Stick-to-itiveness

Stick-to-itiveness

Hebrews 11: ⁵ It was faith that kept Enoch from dying. Instead, he was taken up to God, and nobody could find him, because God had taken him up. The scripture says that before Enoch was taken up, he had pleased God. ⁶ No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

 

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Looking at the science book the night before the science fair, I chose something easy to do and three pages in. I had given up, but wanted to win the fair. I did not win. Later I joined a team. I practiced, but not to the fullest. I wanted to win but didn’t. I gave up.

 

• I gave up many times.
• I convinced myself, that I would not amount to anything.
• I finally got tired of giving up and eventually stayed the course.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. He chose a strange, extraordinary example named Enoch, father of Methuselah. Twice it said “Enoch walked faithfully with GOD.” He never gave up.

 

My Observations:

• Choosing to stay with GOD versus leaving HIM is the better way for me to go.
• Making choices that align with HIS desire helps me navigate life when it gets difficult.
• Staying with GOD makes me realize there is no other place to go.

 

Thinking that humans can develop a plan without GOD is the problem. I mean, HE should be involved with every aspect of our lives, yet there are many times when I want to try to do things without HIM. I then find myself in a world of trouble. If I get into too much trouble, I blame HIM, doubt HIM and leave HIM. BUT GOD provides faith.

 

HE solves issues and breathes life into our relationship. HE stays with me through tough times and never gives up on me. I had to finally decide if I was going to stay with HIM. I am glad HE increases my faith to stick to HIS plan for me.

 

Challenge

• What was the reward mentioned by the writer, that Enoch received?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD?
• Will you ask GOD for stronger faith so you will not try to leave HIM when times get difficult?

No Turning Back

No Turning Back

Hebrews 10: ³⁶ You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. ³⁷ For, as the scripture says,

“Just a little while longer,
    and he who is coming will come;
    he will not delay.
³⁸ My righteous people, however, will believe and live;
    but if any of them turns back,
    I will not be pleased with them.”

³⁹ We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved.

 

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Changing majors was a thought that ran through my mind. I did not know what the future held, so I figured I would try something different. I met with a counselor. “You have close to enough credits to graduate. Are you sure you want to start over?”

 

• I was about to wander again.
• I was scared of starting over and scared to finish.
• I did not have a passion for anything and felt lost.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives sage advice to everyone. He tells us not to turn back from Gospel of JESUS. He knew the people grew impatient and wanted everything to be fine for a change. He probably saw weary faces and heard discouragement. He lets everyone know that we do not turn back, instead we have faith and are saved!

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return for me someday.
• GOD wants me to live an abundant life for HIM, believing that JESUS guides my life.
• GOD is pleased with me so much that HE saved me and gave me faith in HIS power.

 

Discouraging times makes me want to give up on GOD> I mean, when I am broke, lonely, wounded and in pain, praising GOD seems to disappear from my lips. In fact, temptation pops in and says “there is an easier way than following JESUS.” BUT GOD fortifies my mind.

 

HE wipes away any thought of me turning back to my old way of trying to live life without HIM. HE shows me how I should seek HIM to praise HIM daily. HE helps me navigate difficulties and endure pain. I will never turn back.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention “Be patient?”
• Have you ever wanted to give up on GOD to try things on your own?
• Will you keep facing JESUS so HE will guide you to places you have never dreamed of today?

Hold On Firmly

 

Hold On Firmly

Hebrews 2: That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away. ² The message given to our ancestors by the angels was shown to be true, and those who did not follow it or obey it received the punishment they deserved. ³ How, then, shall we escape if we pay no attention to such a great salvation? The Lord himself first announced this salvation, and those who heard him proved to us that it is true. ⁴ At the same time God added his witness to theirs by performing all kinds of miracles and wonders and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his will.

 

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When things got a little rough, the first thing that I would drop is following GOD. I would look for things I could get into that I knew in my heart, were not pleasing to GOD. “I just needed a vacation from being good.” I justified.

 

• I easily let go of GOD when I wanted to.
• I ran conveniently back to HIM when I got into trouble.
• I saw the value in following GOD’s ways, yet I easily let go of them.

 

“Hold on all the more firmly” is the warning from the writer, who we assume is Paul. This passage also explains that scripture was delivered from GOD through angels to mankind. This message has proven to be true and still does to this very day.

 

My Observations

• Relative truth can reject GOD, JESUS and HIS Word.
• GOD wants me to hold firmly to the solid truth with is JESUS as the Savior.
• The HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me and offers the truth to me daily.

 

Let me say out loud that I am not GOD. I mean the thought that GOD is everywhere and “everything”, so by associative thinking, I am GOD is false. GOD made me a living soul with free will to choose HIM. I can never lay claim to having HIS power, nor diminish it by claiming I am HIM.

 

GOD is all knowing, all seeing and is everywhere, yet, HE made me with free will and the ability to choose or reject HIM I choose HIM by believe in JESUS who is the way the truth and the life. I gladly hold firmly onto the only truth, which is JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer gives this warning?
• Have you heard relative truth statements that go against what GOD says in the Bible?
• Have you ever questioned the Bible yourself, saying this does not make sense?
• Will you ask GOD to reveal the truth to you and open your eyes to any lie you may have been told or believe in so HE can guide you to HIS truth today?

Momentum

Momentum

2 Thessalonians 3: Finally, our friends, pray for us that the Lord's message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor, just as it was among you. ² Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and evil people; for not everyone believes the message.

 

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After church, we were headed somewhere to eat. Distracted by the destination, I overlooked the fact that the car was running out of gas. I glanced at the gas gauge and it was below empty. I quickly got off at the next exit and headed to the closest gas station. The car shut off just as we approached the station, but the momentum carried us a few feet from of the pump.

 

• I am glad the car was already in motion.
• I am also glad my family was not stuck on the side of the road.
• I thank GOD the car had enough momentum to get us to the detoured destination.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy asked for prayer. They knew the Gospel was spreading rapidly and wanted this momentum to continue. They also asked that the barriers of evil people, who try to slow down or stop the momentum, be removed.

 

My Observations

• Tiredness and weariness can set in when I try to spread the Gospel of JESUS.
• Prayer is always welcome, asking GOD to provide resources to spread HIS wonderful message.
• Removal of evil people who make barriers to receiving HIS message of love, is also needed.

 

Spreading the Gospel is a noble and necessary thing to do, but it comes with challenges. I mean, I may work too hard under my own power or face opposition from those who never believed in JESUS in the first place. Both are barriers to spreading GOD’s message.

 

HE wants me to ask for prayer so “we” can have momentum, not just me. When we get excited enough to spread HIS message of love together, HE will provide the increase. HE will also “rescue us from wicked evil people” who oppose HIM at every turn. I gladly accept your prayers to keep the momentum going!

 

Challenge

• What is the prayer request from the writers?
• Have you lost your momentum in service to the LORD?
• Will you pray for “us” so “we” will not lose momentum, rather gain it so “we” can endure those who make barriers to spreading GOD’s message of love today?

Becoming an Unstoppable Force

Becoming an Unstoppable Force

2 Corinthians 6: ⁸ We are honored and disgraced; we are insulted and praised. We are treated as liars, yet we speak the truth; ⁹ as unknown, yet we are known by all; as though we were dead, but, as you see, we live on. Although punished, we are not killed; ¹⁰ although saddened, we are always glad; we seem poor, but we make many people rich; we seem to have nothing, yet we really possess everything.

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Walking into the meeting it felt surreal. For years, I had worked hard and done everything by the book, yet I found myself on my way out. Someone said an obvious lie about me that everyone disputed immediately. While I was protected by many, I was confused. “Why do liars seem to get their way?” I asked.

 

• I felt weak and hopeless.
• I felt like giving up because no matter how much right I did, those who did wrong seemed to win.
• I felt that those who abuse power could disgrace, or insult or punish me at will.

 

Paul gave a “real” discussion. He put it out there that following GOD would sometimes be hard. He did not hold anything back. He spoke about people who would label the followers of GOD as a disgrace, liars, and unknowns who deserve punishment. BUT GOD saw something different.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to honor people who spread HIS word.
• GOD wants me to praise those who follow JESUS as their Savior.
• GOD wants me to look past being unknown and help those who are treated as dead to live on.

 

The world labels people who follow JESUS as weak, insignificant, unimpressive, intolerant, and sometimes uncaring. Unfortunately, many times this is true. BUT GOD sees things differently. HE knew believers in HIS SON would be persecuted.

 

In fact, JESUS said “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” HE knew HE would be lied on, slandered, abused and murdered. BUT HE kept going to live out HIS purpose. The main reason for trouble is to get believers to quit. Little does the enemy know, trouble strengthens. I am glad GOD picks me up when I fall.

 

Challenge

• What do you identify with in this passage?
• Have you ever been lied on or insulted or disgraced because of your relationship with GOD?
• Will you look beyond the pain for a moment to help someone become that unstoppable force who will follow JESUS at all costs?

Expect It

Expect It

John 15: ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

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When I ran a large department of the company, I noticed my peers acting different. The people who rose up with me were fighting against me. I asked a mentor what was going on. “Of course they are fighting” they said. “There is only so much budget to hand out and you are going to have to fight for it, so get ready to grow up!”

• Sometimes hearing I have to grow up makes me upset.
• Sometimes hearing I need to take on huge challenges makes me feel unsettled.
• Sometimes hearing I should be strong makes me want to be weak.

JESUS spoke to HIS followers and said the world would persecute them. These words could be unsettling, but they were meant in comfort. How in the world could news about persecution be comforting?

• GOD wants me to be aware that an enemy will try to stop me from spreading the gospel.
• GOD wants me to be prepared so I will not get discouraged when I face issue after issue.
• GOD wants me to be ready to ask HIM for strength rather than relying on my own.

Readiness is what GOD is teaching when HE tells me that life would bring problems. HE wants me to be prepared to face the world so I can ask HIM for protection. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character produces hope. This is a tough message but necessary. I am glad GOD teaches me what to expect so I can grow.

• Are you going through problems?
• Have you been going through problems for a long time?
• Will you allow GOD to grow you instead of giving up?

Known Belief

Luke 1: ¹⁸ And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. ²⁰ But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

²¹ And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. ²² But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

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“That couldn’t possibly be the answer” is what I said to myself because the solution was too easy. I mean all the other problems on the test seemed excruciatingly hard. Why was this one so easy? I decided to go with my second guess answer and chose to make my answer more complicated than it needed to be. I got that problem wrong, it was as easy as my first thought.

• Sometimes I second guess.
• Sometimes I rethink something that has already been thought out.
• Sometimes my fears make me relook at something that is already planned and in the middle of execution.

Zacharias was a priest and probably knew the history of Abraham and Sarah having a baby in their advanced age, yet he questioned if GOD was able to do the same for him and his wife. Even though he knew an angel was standing in front of him, he still did not believe. I do the same. Sometimes I know what GOD can do and I second guess HIS methods.

• GOD wants me to practice having faith in HIM so it will grow.
• GOD wants me to take baby steps with my faith until I can handle larger amounts of faith.
• GOD wants me to steadily grow in HIM so I can immediately believe what HE says to me without pouting about HIS timing.

GOD fulfills HIS words “in their own timing.” HIS plan is intricate and involves other people. Sometimes other people are not yet ready so the plan HE has for me gets extended. Zacharias motioned to the people to calm down rather than clutching his throat in pain.

He knew this slight gaff in belief caused him to become mute temporarily. This “timeout” more than likely strengthened his belief in what he already knew. He accepted GOD’s power and acted accordingly. GOD wants me to believe without question. This takes practice.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you think HIS timing for HIS promised blessings are wrong?
• Are you angry at GOD because HE chastens HIS chosen ones including you?
• Will you believe in HIS ways immediately more and more each day?

Not Going to Stumble

Matthew 11: ² When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples ³ to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. ⁶ Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

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Wind propelled pellets of ice and snow in my face. I zipped my coat up to my nose and pulled my hat down to my glasses. The mile walk was long and my foot sunk deep into the mucky drifts. I felt like giving up and turning back. “Keep going” were the words that popped in my head. When I arrived at the bus stop, four busses arrived at once!

• Many times I felt like giving up.
• Many times I thought GOD was a waste of time.
• Many times I questioned HIS plan as if HE were the problem versus the Savior.

Giving up on GOD means I refuse to take the next step with HIM on life’s journey. I gave up on HIM and stopped praying to HIM at one point. I mean “What good is it to pray if HE says ‘No’ all the time?” was my immature thought. GOD was gracious enough to me to have patience.

• GOD opened my eyes to my selfishness and showed me just how blessed I am.
• GOD opened my ears to tell me HIS message and to bring other people to HIM.
• GOD repaired my broken spirit and gave me legs to walk to the poor and proclaim HIS good news!

Difficult times bring on a choice. Either I will choose to cling to JESUS or I will blame HIM for my problems. It is that simple. Stumbling happens. My faith gets shaken when the snowy winds of life hits me in the face. BUT GOD blesses me “when” I do not stumble and show a mustard seed of faith.

• Are you ready to give up?
• Do you think the road is too far and life is hitting you in the face?
• Can you keep going in your faith so you can make it to GOD’s destination for you?
• Will you choose not to stumble today?