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?

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?

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?

Purposeful Perseverance

 

Purposeful Perseverance

2 Timothy 1: ¹¹ God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, ¹² and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. ¹³ Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.

 

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Quitting the track team was easy. I simply told the coach, I would not be back the next year. Years later, I found myself doing other things that were stressful or unfulfilling. I quit those things too. And when I did not get my way, I quit GOD.

 

• I wanted life to be a certain way and it wasn’t.
• I made excuses for not following GOD because it seemed like HE wasn’t listening to me.
• I prayed about things and they did not go “my” way so I felt “Why serve GOD?”

 

Paul impressed on Timothy the importance of perseverance. He used himself as an example of how things could get in life, but to persevere  because of purpose. HE mentioned his appointed position as an apostle and teacher of the Good News. Because of this, he suffered, yet persevered.

 

My Observations

• There is a part of following JESUS that I don’t like, but know I have to accept, namely suffering.
• When I feel like giving up on GOD I am reminded that HE never, ever, ever gives up on me.
• Having purpose within CHRIST makes me endure.

 

Perseverance is a necessary component of following JESUS. I mean, true belief in HIM leads to a fight directed by Satan. He wants to be GOD and wants you and me to want the same, so he turns up the heat of feeling stressed out, haggard and worn. After a while, I get so tired, that I murmur the words “I feel like giving up.” BUT GOD says otherwise.

 

HE sent HIS SPIRIT to live inside me to pick me up when I am down. HE protects me and keep me :safe” until the Day of our LORD. Humans redefine the word “safe” to fit his or her likes and wants versus understanding their relationship with GOD will never be severed. I am “full of confidence” that my life, in union with CHRIST is worth persevering.

 

Challenge

• How many ways does the writer imply “keep going?”
• Have you ever stopped trusting in GOD because you haven’t seen a situation get any better?
• Be honest, is there a part of you the trusts human ingenuity more than prayer?
• Will you place your hope and trust back in the LORD who works all life situations out in ways that are far beyond our understanding, yet keeps a solid relationship with you eternally?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please keep this reader through difficult times. Let him or her know your love and provide perseverance through difficult circumstances. Pour out YOUR blessings in ways unimaginable. amen

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. 

 

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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?

From the Heart

 

From the Heart

1 Timothy 4: The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons. ² Such teachings are spread by deceitful liars, whose consciences are dead, as if burnt with a hot iron. ³ Such people teach that it is wrong to marry and to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten, after a prayer of thanks, by those who are believers and have come to know the truth. ⁴ Everything that God has created is good; nothing is to be rejected, but everything is to be received with a prayer of thanks, ⁵ because the word of God and the prayer make it acceptable to God.

 

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Sitting at the dinner table, we all said “grace” before we ate. This was an effort to instill in us to say thank you for the food. But when the food came out, I was all but thankful. As the conversation went on, I sat, not eating. Then when everyone got up, I took the food off my plate and hid it under a seat cushion. “I’ll throw that away later” I said to myself. I forgot, and someone sat on it.

 

• I was not thankful.
• I wanted something else, but got what I needed.
• I went hungry instead of being filled.

 

Paul addressed a concern regarding false teaching. Some people had abandoned the faith and were susceptible to listening to lying demons. Marriage and eating certain types of food was being attacked and taught as a way of life. He explained that food was created by GOD and can be received with a heart of thanks, bot just words.

 

My Observations

• My thankfulness can be felt by GOD.
• Even the tiniest bit of thankfulness is pleasing and acceptable to GOD.
• Receiving things should prompt me to have a spirit of thankfulness.

 

Sometimes it’s heard to be thankful. I mean, when I want that thing over there, but get this thing right here, I may be disappointed. BUT GOD wants me to have a different perspective. HE wants my heart to be ful of thankfulness for HIS creation, namely the people who give to me, versus the gift itself.

 

HE wants me also to see food as acceptable because HE made it.. My heart has to be able to give GOD thanks and HE will be pleased. I thank GOD for all HE provides.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means by “people will abandon the faith in later times?”
• Have you ever been worried about certain foods or marriage?
• Will you be thankful for what GOD has given you and see the many gifts HE has poured out on you throughout your life, so you can praise HIM today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please forgive us for not seeing the many gifts YOU have given us. Thank YOU for all foods YOU provide. YOU make us whole so we can serve you with our whole heart. Thank YOU for blessing this reader. Make him or her whole. amen

Conscience Choice

Conscience Choice

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁸ Timothy, my child, I entrust to you this command, which is in accordance with the words of prophecy spoken in the past about you. Use those words as weapons in order to fight well, ¹⁹ and keep your faith and a clear conscience. Some people have not listened to their conscience and have made a ruin of their faith. ²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have punished by handing them over to the power of Satan; this will teach them to stop their blasphemy.

 

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Tired of being a “goody-goody”, I dabbled in some things I was taught to avoid. When I tried them out, nothing happened. I thought a bolt of lightning would hit me in the head, but I was able to “get away” with what I was doing. Though something inside me said “you shouldn’t be doing this” I ignored the words of heed. Soon I found my life in a mess.

 

• I was on a path to destruction because I would not listen to my conscience.
• I got practice at not listening to my conscience and became good at doing things that were not good for me.
• My heart began to turn to stone as I did what I wanted to do.

 

Paul gave a pep talk to Timothy, who may have been experiencing worry over not being listened to as he preached about JESUS. Paul provides Timothy with a balanced approach which included a Godly prophecy, faith and a clear conscience. He taught Timothy to stand firm without harming people.

 

My Observations

• GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside me to guide me to a better place.
• I can choose to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT or ignore HIM.
• I always, always do well when I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Listening to GOD means surrender to my plans. I mean, when I want to do something that is contrary to GOD, I have a choice to listen to my conscience or not. Unfortunately, many times I have chosen to not listen and I found myself with bigger problems. BUT GOD understood.

 

HE corrected me, picked me up from the ashes and gave me a better path. HE provided for me a path to be able to stand firm against things that cause bigger problems. HE fights my spiritual battles and always wins. I am glad HE cares enough to speak to me and you.

 

Challenge

• What weapons do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever been doubted because of your belief in JESUS?
• Will you stand firm in your belief in JESUS and allow GOD to guide your thoughts so HE will fight your battles 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?

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. 

 

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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.

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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?

Keep in Mind

Keep in Mind

Romans 1: ²⁸ Because those people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about God, he has given them over to corrupted minds, so that they do the things that they should not do. ²⁹ They are filled with all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and vice; they are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, and malice. They gossip ³⁰ and speak evil of one another; they are hateful to God, insolent, proud, and boastful; they think of more ways to do evil; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they have no conscience; they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or pity for others. ³² They know that God's law says that people who live in this way deserve death. Yet, not only do they continue to do these very things, but they even approve of others who do them.

 

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When I took the exam, I did well. I studied and memorized all the facts. Years later, after not having used the subject, I struggled to remember the content. When someone asked me questions, I could not help. I had forgotten everything.

 

• There have been many things I used to know that I have forgotten.
• There have been many practices I used to do that I no longer do.
• There have been many things that were good for me, and I did at one time that I stopped doing.

 

Paul continues explaining what GOD revealed to him. He says that some people refuse to keep in mind the true knowledge about GOD. Because of this, GOD allows those people to have a corrupt mind, doing anything evil that feels right to them.

 

• GOD wants me to keep HIM top of mind every day.
• GOD wants me to know I would choose evil every time if it weren’t for HIS guidance each day.
• GOD wants me to recognize I would choose greed, vice, jealousy, murder, fighting, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, pride, boasting, disobedience and hatred unless I speak to HIM each day.

 

Having done many evil things on this list, I can testify that Paul’s writing is true. I mean, when he puts jealousy next to murder, it really makes me think that I am hopeless. BUT GOD gave me a way out of my mess.

 

Only GOD HIMSELF could save me from my sin. I would never choose HIS way, so HE chose me instead. HE died just for me and was raised from the dead. JESUS then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me to guide me back to HIM. I still want sin, but I keep in mind what GOD wants.

 

• Are you doing what you want, never asking GOD what HE wants you to do?
• Do you see things only from your perspective, justifying your actions along the way?
• Will you keep GOD in mind, knowing you could fall to the things HE does not want you to do, so you could be given your perfect purpose today?

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.

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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?

Expect Backlash

Expect Backlash

Acts 12: Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. ² Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

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It felt pretty good to see this person get reprimanded. I mean the lies this guy told were phenomenal. I had enough. I caught this person his lies and told our bosses. They did act on what I told them. Little did I know, one of them was his friend. Life started getting hard for me thereafter.

There were times when I received backlash for doing something I thought was right.

There were times when I received backlash and I did not expect it.

There were times when I received backlash and I did not know how to handle it.

Saying “JESUS is GOD who died and was raised for the sins of mankind” seems harmless. But there was another force at work that wanted this message to be stopped. Herod, a political leader, decided to show his power by killing people who believe in those words. Political church leaders agreed, so Herod went after the biggest threats, namely the disciples.

• GOD wants me to expect trouble because I believe in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to know people will question HIS power because they do not know HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE can and will protect me, but I am not to fear speaking about HIM.

Believing in JESUS is somewhat easy in certain areas. I mean, there are places in the world where I can hand out a bible and hear “thank you” as a response. But there are other places where just the mention of JESUS could get me killed.

GOD knows the battle I face is supernatural. The harder part of belief is knowing there is a demonic force that tries to stop me from saying “JESUS is LORD” to everyone I meet. The fear of ridicule over believing in demonic forces may keep me from preaching about the enemy, Satan, who at every turn tries to use misdirection to fool even those who are chosen. I am grateful GOD protects me and opens my eyes to the battle.

• Are you helping GOD’s kingdom or hurting it with your messages?
• Are you experiencing backlash for speaking the truth?
• Will you continue listening to GOD and speaking the truth about JESUS to as many as HE sends you to, expecting backlash for doing so?