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.

 

============

 

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?

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.

 

============

 

“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.

 

============

 

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?

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.

 

============

 

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.

 

============

 

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?

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.

 

============

 

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?

Something to Strive For

 

Something to Strive For

1 Timothy 6: ¹¹ But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. ¹² Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. 

 

============

 

Not fitting got old. I wanted to try what ”everyone else” was doing. I tried dating a lot, seeking the best grades, wealth and pleasure. All of these came up empty. I wanted to be noticed, so I made stuff up to look more exciting.  “Why can’t I be like ‘that’ person? I said with jealousy!.

 

• I wanted to be someone else.
• I got tired of being measured and coming up as average or worse.
• I considered how people became successful and I wanted to do “anything” to do so, even if it meant being immoral.

 

Paul gives Timothy another word of encouragement. He provides Timothy with a list of great behaviors that model what JESUS stands for. He urges Timothy to keep going with his faith because he professed it publicly and people would expect him to follow GOD without wavering.

 

My Observations

• I may not have it all together, but GOD gives me something to strive for.
• I may not be perfect, BUT GOD shows me what I can try to become.
• I may want to give up, or fall down, BUT GOD gives me a foundation to always come back to.

 

Sin stinks! I mean, because of my sin nature, I may think less of GOD and more of self. I may seek what I want, when I want it without regard to what GOD wants. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE picks me up and says “You can do this.” He showed me HIS righteousness, Godliness, faithfulness, love, everlasting endurance and premium gentleness. When I compare myself to HIM I think, “impossible.” BUT HE only says “strive” for it. Even when I get it wrong, HE is pleased because I am trying. I am glad GOD is pleased firmly with my attempts.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer stress striving for?
• Have you ever wanted something and worked hard to get it?
• Will you strive for a life that is pleasing to GOD by serving others and learning about HIM 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.

 

============

 

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?

Finished What Was Started

Finished What Was Started

Philippians 1: ⁶ And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus. 

 

============

 

Another large obstacle felt daunting “again.” The first few obstacles seemed easy to overcome, but after days turned into months and months turned into years, another obstacle seemed harder to get over. Even small setbacks seemed large.

 

• I felt like giving up when I was faced with an obstacle that would take time to get over.
• I wanted to stop trying when others walked away.
• I considered letting go when I did not see measurable results the world was expecting.

 

Paul slips in a word of encouragement that could easily be overlooked. New believers in JESUS may start off with zeal, but when life’s challenges get to them, many want to give up and fall away. BUT GOD sees something different.

 

My Observations

• It takes “faith” that only comes from GOD to keep going when the odds are against me.
• It takes “letting go” of things that belong to GOD so HE can remove the barriers to HIS plan.
• It takes “belief” that HIS plan includes me and my mistakes and my successes.

 

There are good days and bad days, successes and failures. Both live together. It’s when the bad days meet with my failures that make me want to give up. BUT GOD opens my eyes to something special. Reading the sentence without pointing to myself make me see that GOD has a plan that cannot be stopped.

 

“And I am sure that GOD”… “will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of CHRIST JESUS.” GOD will carry it on, not me. HE began the work in me and will finish HIS work with extreme success through me because HIS plans never fail. HE chose me with my weaknesses, frailties and faults to do HIS perfect plan. I am glad HE carries out HIS plan to the finish.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer sure about?
• What “good work” has GOD began in you?
• Have you ever felt like giving up?
• Will you continue to the end and allow GOD to carry the plan until it is finished?

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.

============

 

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?

Get Back Up

Get Back Up

Acts 14: ¹⁶ In the past, he let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷ Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

¹⁹ Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

============

After the accident, I was shaken up. The car was smashed beyond repair. Having no money to buy another car, I had to walk to work. “If you are more than five minutes late, you will be fired” were the words I remembered that haunted me. Exhausted from the extra walking, I overslept and kept missing class. “Why did this happen to me?” I cried out.

• There were times in my life that seemed extremely low.
• There were times in my life that seemed like everything was going wrong.
• There were times in my life that seemed as if nothing would go my way.

Paul kept trying to convince the people not to worship him, but the more he spoke, the more they insisted on bowing don to him. Church leaders from other cities heard about what was going on and decided to put an end to the situation. Ignoring the miracle of Paul healing a lame man, they stoned him to near death. BUT GOD had other plans for Paul.

• GOD knows I will face difficulty in life.
• GOD knows I need HIM daily.
• GOD knows I will fall down, or get hurt, or be persecuted, BUT HE is there for me.

Instead of asking “Why does GOD allow pain?” people rarely ask “What happened to make GOD curse humanity?” I mean it must have been something extremely wrong that made GOD want to put limits on humans. Unfortunately, when Satan desired to be like GOD and tricked the humans into doing the same, it caused all humans to fall. What could be done?

JESUS, being GOD, had to volunteer to take the blame, even though HE did nothing wrong. HE died for the sins of mankind and was raised from the dead. Speaking about HIM is a blessing, but the curse makes people and demons extremely angry. They fight and harm those who truly speak JESUS’ name. I am grateful GOD picks me up when I am down.

• Are you down because you speak the truth about JESUS?
• Have you been persecuted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you get back up or ask GOD to pick you up so you can continue with the purpose HE has given you?

Hope Kept

Hope Kept

John 5: After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. ³ In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. ⁴ For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. ⁵ Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

============

When the news of a friend getting a job reached me, I reacted unexpectedly. I was supposed to be excited and celebratory but instead I was upset and angry. “What about me?” I questioned GOD. With bills piling up and no income for years I wondered if my prayers were even being heard.

• When problems go for a long time, I feel like giving up.
• When issues stay around longer than expected, I feel like I am being blamed for something.
• When obstacles seem to get higher and higher, I feel like I cannot even lift a finger.

Unintended consequences occurred when an angel stirred up the Bethesda pool. First one in wins great health. I can only imagine how selfish I would have been if I were sick. I mean I would have given up living life to wait on the pool to magically stir and then I would be ready to jump in at any given time. BUT JESUS did not want that kind of dependence.

• GOD wants me to understand HE knows what I am going through.
• GOD wants me to know HE can heal my situation at any time.
• GOD wants me to place my hope in HIM and live life instead of waiting on “this” situation to be fixed.

“Do you want to be made well?” seems like an obvious question, especially from GOD, who knows everything anyway. This question made me think. “What is HE asking?” GOD seems to be questioning the desire versus the method.

People will do anything and spend any amount of money to be made “well” and I am no exception. GOD wants me well, but HIS method is to heal me spiritually first. When my spiritual eyes are opened, I can see HE has already healed me of any circumstance but this may not be seen through worldly eyes. GOD is where I place my hope, not on what I can see.

• Do you want to be made well?
• Where are you placing your hope?
• Can you trust the process that GOD has you in and know HIS reason for keeping you in this place is to reward you and not hurt you?

Prayers Are Heard

Luke 18: Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.”

⁴ ‘For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, “Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!”’

⁶ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?’

============

After months of trying, I finally gave up the search. I was destined to be stuck in the town I despised. “I guess I’d better start liking this town” I said to myself. I stopped applying for jobs, but my prayer life, while new, was still going. My prayer changed from “Get me out of this town” to “If it is YOUR will, then guide me.” Months later I moved.

• There have been many times when I felt like giving up.
• There have been many times when I had no resolution to my situation.
• There have been many times when I thought my world was collapsing while everyone else was doing well.

JESUS told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. HE explained how a persistent widow kept going to a godless person and got what she wanted. How much then would GOD, who cares for you, give you what you want?

• GOD says to me “Keep praying, for I hear you.”
• GOD says to me “Keep asking, and I will come into your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Keep trying, for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you hope.”

“Are we there yet” was my childish question on, what I thought was, a long drive. But as I matured and had to drive myself, the drive seemed shorter than I thought. The same goes with spiritual maturity. “Is my prayer answered yet?” is my immature question. BUT GOD knows the areas of my life that I need to grow.

HE wants me to have the faith that sustains all extended problems of life. HE wants me to have persistence in my prayer. When JESUS returns, I would like HIM to find me with faith rather than with blame. I will continue to pray and believe.

• Do you feel like giving up?
• Has life gotten very difficult?
• Will you stop, take a deep breath and continue to pray and believe in GOD to deliver you in HIS time and in HIS way?

Not What it Seems

Luke 6: ²⁰ Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
²² Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

============

Phone call after phone call, the creditors relentlessly pressed me for my debts. Also, some of my peers were beginning to slander me. On top of that, the door that the insurance paid for on my car was rusting. When I tried to roll the window down, it fell into the door. And to top it all off, I stepped in some poop. “What else?” I screamed!

• There were times when I felt like I was drowning.
• There were times when life seemed to come at me too fast.
• There were times when I felt like giving up.

JESUS looked at HIS disciples and could see their hearts. HE knew just what to say at the right time. HE let them know that things are not what they may seem.

• GOD says to me when you are poor or in debt, I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are hungry, hurt or crying I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are slandered and thrown out because you follow ME, I AM with you.

Following GOD means problems. When GOD threw the devil to the earth from heaven, HE allowed him to keep the ability to tempt, confuse and hurt humans for a short period of time. As confusing as that may seem, it shows me HIS love for even the devil.

This adversary tries to devour me daily. BUT GOD fills me up with HIS power. HE tells me that life is not what it may seem. HE says, “Just keep going and you will receive the MY kingdom, you will be filled, you will laugh and you will receive a great reward in heaven.” This fills me with hope.

• Are you facing issues?
• Does it seem like problem after problem?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful words of hope and turn to HIM today?

Hearing Quantities

Luke 4: ²³ He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” ²⁴ Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. ²⁵ But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; ²⁶ but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.²⁷ And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”

============

“How many people showed up?” was the question of the church leaders posed to me. “Two” was my answer. I could see the disappointed and disgusted look on their faces and I felt like they thought I should have done more to make the event successful. “Maybe we should serve free hot dogs” were the next words out of their mouths.

• People have measured my success on their view of the numbers.
• People have based their opinions of my success by looking at quantities.
• People have tried to find the root cause of the problem by looking at numbers.

JESUS told the people, who did not believe HE was the Messiah, that prophets are not accepted in their own neighborhoods. HE sighted two examples of the most powerful prophets, Elijah and Elisha, being rejected and the consequences of the rejection was death, famine and lack of healing. Only small quantities were saved.

• GOD does not want me to focus on quantity rather quality.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM with faithfulness rather than measuring everything HE does.
• GOD wants me to preach HIS word no matter how small the crowd.

Faith is the missing ingredient when it comes to numbers. GOD sends me the number of people HE wants me to talk to and HE sends me to the number of those HE wants me to serve. Whether it’s one or one thousand, my focus should be on what HE wants me to say and how HE wants me to act. Quality is more important than quantity with GOD.

• Are you ashamed of how many people you serve for GOD?
• Are you not being heard even though you desire your friends and family to believe fully in CHRIST?
• Can you have enough faith to allow GOD to work in their lives and you stop trying to force the situation to happen?

Heart Timing

Luke 1: ⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

============

“LORD can I please have ___” was a prayer I prayed numerous times. The first time I prayed it, I opened my eyes and was immediately disappointed with GOD because whatever I asked for did not magically appear. I tried something different. I tried being good for a while so maybe GOD would put the answer to my prayer in my stocking. HE was silent for years.

• Sometimes I got mad at GOD for HIS slowness.
• Sometimes I prayed in desperation to GOD only to be met with silence.
• Sometimes I asked GOD over and over and nothing came to fruition.

Zacharias and Elizabeth walked with the LORD and GOD was pleased with them, but they had no child because Elizabeth was barren and they were both well advanced in years. It sounded like they wanted children, but, alas they relegated their expectations to serving GOD without getting the desires of their heart.

• GOD wants me to place the desires of my heart in front of HIM without timing expectations.
• GOD wants me to ask for anything and expect to receive it, but not in my frantic timing.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIM for all my answers but do it with patience and endurance.

Temporary goodness is easily seen by GOD. HE can tell when I am trying to get something from HIM and when I manipulate the situation by straightening up for a second then immediately go back to my old ways once I get what I want. GOD wants me to truly follow HIM without pouting over HIS timing. HE deserves praise daily.

• Are you tired of waiting so you have started complaining about GOD?
• Has GOD taken care of you and you have not recognized HIS care?
• Can you continue to walk blameless before the LORD by telling people about the grace HE has given you today?

Drive and Determination

Mark 16: Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. ² Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. ³ And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” ⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. ⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

============

Ignoring all the rules, I noticed one person rise to the top. He pushed at people and ignored what they did and who they were. “Maybe I should be pushy so I can get ahead” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I wanted to be the one who pushed people around.
• There were times when I wanted to be on top.
• There were times when I wanted to “do what it takes” to be perceived as strong.

When everyone who followed JESUS was in hiding, two Mary’s were still plotting how to serve HIM one last time. They had no tomb to give HIM so they wanted to do something special for HIM even though HE was dead.

On Saturday the two Mary’s began their plan by buying the best spices they could. On Sunday, at the crack of dawn, they put their plan into action, but they ran into a snag. “Who will roll away the stone?” They did not know it was already taken care of for them.

• JESUS wants me to have drive to follow HIM especially when it seems like HE is silent.
• JESUS wants me to have determination to serve HIM even when it feels hopeless.
• JESUS wants me to have fortitude to continue especially when life puts huge stones in front of me.

Gentleness instead of pushiness is a great way to demonstrate determination. The two Mary’s, while determined, did not plot to hurt people in the process of serving GOD, Their plan took drive that only came from GOD and they would not stop until they did what they sought out to do. I appreciate their gentle example.

• Are you willing to give up when GOD wants you to continue?
• Do you think drive and determination looks like pushiness?
• Can you change your perspective of drive and determination to add faith and fortitude to continue in the plan GOD has for you?

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.”

============

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?

Response to the Plea

Hosea 2: ²¹ “In that day I will respond,”
    declares the Lord—
“I will respond to the skies,
    and they will respond to the earth;
²² and the earth will respond to the grain,
    the new wine and the olive oil,
    and they will respond to Jezreel.
²³ I will plant her for myself in the land;
    I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’
I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

============

Some days I wondered if GOD was even listening to me. I mean some trials lasted longer than others. “Where are YOU?” I would cry out, only to hear silence and remain in my present state.

• There have been times when I have wondered if GOD is listening.
• There have been times when I thought GOD seems to not care.
• There have been times when I have thought GOD must be punishing me because things are not going the way I want them to in the time I want them to.

Looking back on my doubtful thinking I was venting at the one who put me in the situation in the first place. I did not know what HE was doing or why, I only knew I wanted out of the trial and into something ”better.” BUT GOD said something to calm me down.

• GOD says “I see you.”
• GOD says “There will come a day when I WILL respond.”
• GOD says “I WILL say you are MY people and you will say YOU are my GOD.”

Throughout my waiting period I can see GOD was there sustaining me, yet HE was growing me to become patient and more understanding of those who are going through circumstances. HE wants me to slow down rather than speeding up so I will not miss those around me.

GOD also wants me to have the faith to keep pressing forward and to plea with HIM daily. I will keep my measure of faith HE has given me and place my total trust in HIM. HE is my GOD and I am HIS.

• Are you still in a trial that has been going on for a while?
• Do you want out of the trial but it seems to still linger?
• Can you praise GOD for what HE is doing to sustain you?
• Will you stop feeling ashamed and speak about GOD boldly?