Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

 

Provision to Know, Believe and Remember

Exodus 16: ¹¹ And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹² “I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ”

 

¹³ So it was that quail came up at evening and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the camp. ¹⁴ And when the layer of dew lifted, there, on the surface of the wilderness, was a small round substance, as fine as frost on the ground. ¹⁵ So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was.

 

And Moses said to them, “This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. ¹⁶ This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: ‘Let every man gather it according to each one’s need, one omer for each person, according to the number of persons; let every man take for those who are in his tent.’ ”

 

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

 

A couple of weeks into the journey from Egypt, the children of Israel began complaining. GOD heard the complaints and told Moses what HE would do. HE wanted the people to know HE is GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Knowing that GOD is powerful and is loving and caring, seems to be important to HIM.
• Believing that GOD wants humans to succeed seems important to HIM.
• Remembering what GOD did for mankind seems important to HIM.

 

The children of Israel had a mindset that cruel slavery was better than freedom with GOD. “At least we had meat” was their sentiment. Their complaint was probably taken by GOD as an insult to HIS methods and intelligence. As if to say, “YOU obviously don’t know what YOU are doing.”

 

GHOD heard the complaint and did not say if HE liked it or not. HE simply provided and said that HE wanted to be known. Knowing GOD in this instance includes believing in HIS power and trusting that HE knws what HE is doing at all times. Their complaint placed them over GOD. They felt they knew what was best for them and could tell GOD to fix the deficit.

 

GOD made the deficit and needed the children of Israel to change their mindset the Egyptians forced on them. GOD takes free will seriously. HE allows us to complain, sin and walk away from HIS loving protection. To us, it’s strange, to GOD it’s love.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE said about the children of Israel?
• Have you complained and GOD provided for you anyway?
• How will you know, believe and remember that GOD is GOD over your situation?

Only What’s Revealed

 

Only What’s Revealed

Revelation 10: Then I saw another mighty angel coming down out of heaven. He was wrapped in a cloud and had a rainbow around his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like columns of fire. ² He had a small scroll open in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, ³ and called out in a loud voice that sounded like the roar of lions. After he had called out, the seven thunders answered with a roar. ⁴ As soon as they spoke, I was about to write. But I heard a voice speak from heaven, “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

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

 

Sitting in the room of executives, I heard some things that were being planned, but not ready for customers to hear. After saying what was planned, I was sworn to secrecy

 

• I was trusted with strategic information.
• I heard information that would affect a lot of people.
• I was able to say only what I could reveal to the public.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation that he was about to write down. It was between a powerful angel and seven thunders. John was about to write down the reply of the seven thunders when a voice, perhaps JESUS emphatically said “Keep secret what the seven thunders have said; do not write it down!”

 

My Observations

• GOD has revealed what HE wants mankind to understand about HIM.
• GOD has not revealed everything HE is going to do.
• GOD is sovereign, meaning HE has the right to conceal or reveal what HE wants to.

 

Protecting humans is GOD’s forte. I mean, when I try to think like GOD or question HIS actions, I find myself in trouble. I cannot figure out “why” or ”what” HE is doing. HE knows I cannot handle the future, nor can I repair the past, BUT HE can.

 

GOD’s thoughts and ways are far about any thought you and I can come up with. HE protects us from knowledge that would be harmful to us, but necessary to complete HIS plan. Knowing there is more to GOD than what is revealed helps me let go of trying to get my way.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer put emphasis on being told not to write down what was said?
• Have you ever been told a secret that would affect other people?
• Will you seek to understand GOD in the way HE revealed HIMSELF in the Bible, and have faith that HE has given enough information to help you in any situation you may face?

Able to Hear

Able to Hear

1 John 2: ²⁰ But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. ²¹ I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth.

 

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

 

“You are going to have fun” were the words I got excited over. Fun, at this point was amusement parks and games. But the fun described by this group was getting drunk, having sex and missing many classes.

 

• Something inside me said “You shouldn’t go down this path” but I would not listen.
• Something inside me said “There is another way” but I wanted to go the way “everyone else” went.
• Something inside me said “What is being told to you is a lie” but I didn’t believe the warning.

 

John turns from speaking about those who follow the “Enemy of CHRIST” to those who truly follow HIM. He gives his reason for writing to this group, implying that it is because they could “hear the real truth.”  He may have also addressed uncertainty because the believers were being persecuted.

 

My Observations:

• Today’s relative truth will get me in trouble, BUT GOD’s truth has always been a foundation I can count on.
• Today’s strong belief in something outside of JESUS will make me fall, BUT JESUS is the Truth I can believe in without fail.
• Today’s focus on self can cause me to not even want to listen to GOD, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT opens the ears to my heart so I can hear.

 

Ability to hear GOD begins with wanting to hear HIM and knowing I need HIM. I mean, when I do not want to change or want to get my own way, I quickly listen to people who say what “I” want to hear. When I find myself in trouble, I may stay there or seek “true” help from GOD.

 

Humans think they have the answer, BUT JESUS provided the truth, because HE is the answer. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to those who believe in HIM and they can hear from GOD and adjust their lives. I am glad GOD is so generous and is willing to continue to pour out HIS SPIRIT on you and me.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer address uncertainty?
• Have you ever done something wrong that you knew you should not be doing?
• If you have sought after relative truth, will you seek the real truth by asking JESUS to come into your life and to pour out the HOLY SPIRIT on you today?

Grace and Peace

Grace and Peace

2 Peter 1: From Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ—

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have been given a faith as precious as ours:

² May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

 

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

 

After leaving court, I got my driver’s license back. I had exceeded the maximum number of speeding tickets that year and had to get my license reinstated. Since that pressure was over, I decided to celebrate. I threw the usual party and made the theme, “Able to Drive Again!”

 

• I made any excuse to hold a party.
• Having a group of people with loud music, laughter and drinks, temporarily reduced the pain of reality.
• Monday would arrive every week and I had to face whatever situation I was trying to escape from.

 

Peter writes another letter. This time he addressed it to a broader audience of believers which included Gentile believers. His opening statement was a small prayer for everyone to receive grace and peace in “full measure.”

 

My Observations:

• My sinful efforts bring temporary relief, BUT knowing GOD gives me peace that I don’t understand.
• Vacations, celebrations, and parties seem like a nice escape, BUT knowing JESUS  gives me grace that sustains me during difficult times.
• Getting to know about GOD and the SON of GOD is worth the work, because it shows me grace and peace that is different than the world’s temporary, pleasure filled approach.

 

Indulgence is temporary, BUT GOD is forever. I mean, avoiding the “bad” situation for a moment of pleasure can sometimes make things worse for me. Bad decision after bad decision during my pursuit of pleasure can sometimes leave me with more problems that pleasure can’t fix. BUT GOD has a different way.

 

GOD wants me to get to know who HE is so I will not fall into a trap of blaming HIM or misunderstanding who HE is. Getting to know about JESUS shows me how much I a really loved. I am glad I can receive grace and peace in spite of my bad thoughts of who GOD is. I receive HIS love by learning about HIM.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you in the writer’s greeting?
• Are you trying to pursue grace and peace through the world’s methods?
• Will you pursue a relationship with JESUS by getting to know HIM so you can receive grace and peace that rises above all of your situations today?

Return Experienced

 

Return Experienced

Philemon 1: ¹⁵ It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. ¹⁶ And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

 

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

 

Anxious to grow up, I would not wait to be on my own. When I got out into the world, life was not quite as I expected. It had brutal turns and difficult situations. There were times when I had lost hope. But that’s when people reached out to me inviting me to church. A change was presented to me well enough for me to understand and take action.

 

• Things were not going well for me, so I had to change.
• My life was falling apart, so I needed something different.
• Life was more difficult than I thought, so I needed some help that was greater than any human could provide.

 

Paul sends the equivalent of a reference letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. He tells Philemon that Onesimus has experienced life in CHRIST and is now a different “employee” because of his belief. Paul wants Philemon to see Onesimus as more than an employee, rather someone who has experienced life and can help others by spreading the Gospel.

 

My Observations

• Life can be difficult, BUT GOD is always the answer.
• Life can seem scary and present multiple troubles, BUT GOD is always there with me presenting solutions.
• Life can seem unfair because of my belief in CHRIST, BUT GOD explains to me that I will sometimes be persecuted because of JESUS.

 

Some situations caused by other humans are rotten. I mean, there are some situations that are out of my control that affect me and I feel helpless. BUT GOD is there to provide hope. HE picks me up and shows me that I am protected by HIM.

 

HE safely guides me through life’s experiences and grows my faith along the way. After I have gone through something, I can return to others and help guide him or her through that same thing. I am grateful GOD provides HIS plan for me and guides me through life’s experiences.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to the recipient?
• Have you ever had a difficult experience and came through it?
• What advice would you give people who are going through a similar situation?
• Will you take your life’s experiences and guide others to GOD today?

It Is Who You Know

It Is Who You Know

1 Corinthians 15: ²⁰ But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised. ²¹ For just as death came by means of a man, in the same way the rising from death comes by means of a man. ²² For just as all people die because of their union with Adam, in the same way all will be raised to life because of their union with Christ. 

 

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

 

“Wow, we have box seats at the game!” I said with glee. Our team was being rewarded for some hard work. “Let me explain the rules” said the gift giver’s assistant. A list of do’s and don’t followed because we represented the gift giver’s reputation. We would not have been there if it were not for the gift giver.

 

• I have been places because I knew the right person.
• I have seen things because of my relationship with the right person.
• I have benefited from things because I knew the right person.

 

Paul explains that just being born is just cause for GOD to send a person to an eternal death. One human took all humans down to death. But one sinless human restored the relationship, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants an everlasting relationship with me so HE volunteered to die for me.
• GOD wants me to be united with HIM so HE provided a way back to HIM.
• GOD wants all to be saved so HE made a way for all who accept JESUS to be raised to life.

 

Being united with CHRIST has to mean something. I mean, JESUS is the most powerful, all knowing all seeing being there is. HE is united to the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT. HIS resurrection gives HIM all authority. Knowing JESUS means a lot.

 

But knowing “of” JESUS is different than knowing JESUS. I can know a celebrity’s name but may not get the benefit that a relationship would bring. Having a relationship with JESUS requires that I admit I need HIM as my Savior and that I surrender my life to HIM. I am grateful HE wants a relationship with me because I would not have chosen HIM.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer use the word “union?”
• Have you ever respected someone so much that you were willing to act a certain way around him or her?
• Will you be united with JESUS and give your life to HIM little by little so HE can use you to reach many to raise them to life?

Feeling Better Afterwards

 

Feeling Better Afterwards

Romans 6: ¹⁵ What, then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under God's grace? By no means! ¹⁶ Surely you know that when you surrender yourselves as slaves to obey someone, you are in fact the slaves of the master you obey—either of sin, which results in death, or of obedience, which results in being put right with God.

 

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

 

“Ugh! It’s raining outside” I groused to myself. I had a long day and I felt a bit tired. But it was time to go exercise. This meant leaving comfortable surroundings to do something hard. I quickly put aside the complaint and went to the gym. I felt better for going and it stopped raining when I got out.

 

• Many times I felt better by doing what I was supposed to do.
• Many times I felt better by sticking to the plan.
• Many times I felt better by avoiding the negative words that would have stopped me from doing what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul asks a rhetorical question. “Shall we sin, because we are not under law but under GOD’s grace?” He then answers “By no means!” He then shows a decision that has to be made. Either obey sin leading to death or obey GOD, leading to life.

 

• GOD wants me to obey HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to guide my actions.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM, even when HE says “No” or “wait.”

 

When I sin I feel good for a moment, but feel worse afterwards. I mean, the guilt of the sin surfaces and I when look for relief from the guilt, it is nowhere to be found. BUT GOD provides another way.

 

When I struggle through and stop listening to the sin that knocks on my door daily, or hourly, I feel better. Then, when something goes “wrong” in my life, my conscience is clear and I can see GOD grace in the storm “with me” rather than wondering if it is HIM punishing me. I am glad GOD gets excited when I obey HIM.

 

• Is GOD trying to tell you something, but you are not being obedient?
• Is your hidden sin causing problems all around you, yet you are too scared or proud to confess?
• Will you stop choosing sin as your comfortable place and be uncomfortable with a clear conscience by following what GOD wants you to do today?

Comes with a Guarantee

 

Comes with a Guarantee

Romans 4: ¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ¹⁷ As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

 

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

 

Disappointed with the product I was using. I complained. But I looked on the container and saw a guarantee. I could return the product, no questions asked. I did return it and purchased a cheaper brand. This one did not have a guarantee. I used that product and it was much worse, only this time I could not return it. I underestimated the product with the guarantee.

 

• There have been times when I did not believe in guarantees.
• There have been times when I went after a substitute versus using the real thing.
• There have been times when I wondered how could something be guaranteed unless they knew the future.

 

Paul keeps going with his explanation of Abraham because many Jews tried to boast about heritage. Paul keeps trying to explain that it was not just Abraham’s faith that GOD would fulfill HIS promise to make him father of many nations, it was GOD’s faith.

 

• When GOD tells me a promise, HE has already seen the outcome.
• When GOD promises something to me HE has already seen the difficulties and cleared the path.
• When GOD says HE will do something great in my life, HE means it.

 

GOD does not say anything HE cannot do. HIS power is unstoppable. When HE says “I will be with you always”, my response should be “Thank YOU!” Unfortunately, I say, “Where are YOU LORD?” in times of trouble. GOD is not disappointed with me during these times of doubt.

 

HE knew I would not believe in HIM fully and try to make things happen under my own power. HE gently lets my plans fail and picks me up anyway. HIS promise to me is guaranteed and HE took no chance of letting me fail. HE saved me when I was not looking for HIM. I am glad HE guarantees HIS love for me.

 

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you feel GOD can leave you when you sin and return when you don’t?
• Will you put your full trust in the LORD and allow HIM to grow you so more faith can be added to you daily?

Truly Understanding the Misunderstood

Psalm: ¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

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

“Misunderstood” is probably the most common name for GOD. I mean when HE tries to help me grow, I mistake it for an attack on my person. I try to recall my sins from the last time I asked for forgiveness and when I come up with no recollection, I try to convince GOD that I have been righteous and deserve better treatment. BUT GOD understands and holds no blame.

• GOD has forgiven me of ALL my sins, even tomorrow’s.
• GOD heals me in HIS time, HIS way and sometimes leaves me in the fire when HE sees a need to heal emotional and spiritual wounds.
• GOD has redeemed me from the pit by looking at my entire life, assessing every sin I ever did and stating “I will die in my child’s place.”
• GOD crowns me with love and compassion daily and satisfies my desires when pointed at HIS.
• GOD works righteousness and justice for me, even in my foolish ways.
• GOD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger abounding in love for me.
• GOD does not always accuse me so when I feel accused over and over, it is not from HIM (He need only tell me once).
• GOD does not harbor HIS anger towards me forever, in fact, HE does not treat me as I deserve, nor does HE repay me for my iniquities.
• GOD’s love for me is endless, as high as the heavens are above the earth.
• GOD has removed my transgressions away from me as far as the east is from the west.

I really need to change GOD’s name from “misunderstood” to “Thank-YOU LORD!”

• Are you feeling pitiful?
• Do you think GOD has it out for you?
• Can you stop having selfish, negative thoughts about GOD and believe HE has your best interest in mind?
• Will you praise HIM for who HE really is?

Simple Praise takes Awareness

Psalm 52: ⁸ But I am like an olive tree
    flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love
    for ever and ever.
⁹ For what you have done I will always praise you
    in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name,
    for your name is good.

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

“Something” made me desire to plant an avocado tree in my house from an avocado pit. I followed the instructions meticulously. It took weeks for the first sprouts to appear and in about three months I had a twiggy looking plant. Not quite the plant I had hoped for. I nurtured it over the winter and it survived but only produced a few leaves.

I sat the plant outside in the summer. The very first day a huge thunderstorm came through. I watched the poor little twig blow around in the gale. The next day searing heat seemed to bake the pit from which the twig protruded. I stopped looking. It seemed harsh. Weeks later I noticed the plant had huge leaves and more on the way.

• Sometimes it’s hard to see why I am in the storm.
• Sometimes it seems like I barely growing and the wind is beating me up.
• Sometimes I feel like the searing heat of life is burning too much.

“For what you have done” are the words that caught my attention. This requires that I remember the things GOD has done which necessitates that I notice what GOD is doing. The difficult times are not there to break me because of my horrible failure of being human rather they are there to grow me. Each tempest that comes against me strengthens my weak dexterity. 

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me so HE takes me through the storm rather than around it.
• GOD knows exactly what it takes to grow me so HE places me in the position to squirm.
• GOD sends searing heat to burn off the things that are childish and the items that don’t belong.

It will take ten years for my avocado tree to reach maturity, but I notice the tree is flourishing. Only GOD can grow a tree. Only GOD can grow me. I will remember to praise GOD for the things HE is “doing” because I now notice them.

• Do you see GOD daily?
• Can you recognize that GOD is growing you because you asked to be taken to the next level?
• Will you let GOD blow the winds of life against you to mature you and bless you?
• Will you sing praise to GOD for choosing to grow you, HIS way?

Knowing Gives Peace

Psalm 29: ¹⁰ The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
    the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
¹¹ The Lord gives strength to his people;
    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

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

Nervous, scared and shaking like a leaf, I was frightened to go outside. I mean the thugs who had chased me might still be outside.  When the police arrived I felt somewhat comforted. I could go back outside, meet up with my friend and continue the journey home.

• Sometimes I get scared, especially when drastic things happen.
• Sometimes I get nervous, especially when big situations pop up.
• Sometimes I get frightened, especially when the situation is huge in my mind.

Outnumbered, defenseless and pitiful, I cowered in the place I worked, wondering if these guys were outside. Did they have it in for me? OH no, did they have a gun? My mind raced. BUT GOD doesn’t want me to panic, instead HE has other thoughts.

• GOD says to me, “By knowing ME you can have peace.”
• GOD says to me, “I have all things in my hand.”
• GOD says to me, “Stand still and watch MY deliverance.”

Too many times I think I can “think” my way out of situations or do something under my own strength. But when a very large situation pops up that I can’t think my way out of or fix with my ability, I wonder where GOD is. HE says “I’M right here where I’VE always been… with you.” HIS power to protect is fantastic. HIS power to lift is unmatched. HIS power to bless is unyielding.

GOD can do what HE promised, I only have to trust in HIM.

• Are you facing something huge?
• Do you think your “thinking” will get you through the situation?
• Can you accept the fact that your thinking has faulty doubt in it?
• Will you place a small amount of your thinking to the knowledge that GOD is strong and wants to give you peace?

I know that I know that I know

1 John 5: ¹³ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

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

“GOD please wake me up at 5:00 A.M.” I was told to say as an exercise in faith. I woke at 7:00 A.M. “Heal my eyes” I said with hopes of a self-claimed miracle. I still wear glasses to this day. “Please let my fantasy football team win” I lost. I could have used the cash to buy new golf clubs. I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even listening to me.

·         There are times when I doubt HE even cares because it seems like HIS answer is always “no.”

·         Sometimes I think I shouldn’t even pray because it seems like I’m wrong anyway.

My doubt in prayer leads to doubt in GOD.  It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom when I say to GOD “YOU wouldn’t want to give me what I want, would YOU?” After doubting my prayer then I walk away doubting my relationship with GOD. Then the thought popped in my head, “I wonder if there is a GOD?”

·         GOD says to me “Believe and I will forgive” and HE has never let me down.

·         GOD says to me “I love you and have a great plan for you” and HE has never steered me wrong.

·         GOD says to me “Have a little faith and I will show you MY unfailing, unchanging faith” and I have seen HIS greatness in action.

GOD isn’t a made up being for my amusement and sanity, rather HE is the creator who loves me and guides me daily. I can ask HIM whatever I want that is in alignment with HIS will and HE will provide it abundantly. I have learned to ask HIM “What do YOU want me to have” before asking for my item.

I now know that GOD loves me dearly and HIS answer is usually “yes” but it may be in a form I wasn’t anticipating.

·         Do you believe you will have eternal life through belief in JESUS being GOD and dying for your sins?

·         Do you believe GOD will answer your prayers?

·         Can you start seeking HIS will by asking HIM “is this what YOU want for me?”

Being Blessed

Romans 4: ⁶David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

 ⁷“Blessed are those

   whose transgressions are forgiven,

   whose sins are covered.

⁸Blessed is the one

   whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

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

Someone asked me to pray that they got a particular job. I prayed they didn’t get the job. Someone asked me to pray for their marriage. I prayed they got divorced. Someone asked that I pray for their spouse to be cured. I prayed and the person passed on.

Wow! I don’t “feel” blessed. “Didn’t I do a lot for YOU GOD? Why don’t YOU hear me?”

• When I think I can “work” my way into GOD’s graces, I fail miserably.
• When I think I can be “good” for a period of time in order to get what I want, I am trying to manipulate GOD.
• When I think I can perform supernatural tasks without GOD’s permission, I am trying to draw the attention to me rather than pointing to HIM.

I often wondered why my requests were being ignored by GOD. I mean they seemed good at the time. Then I wondered if I was “blessed.” If HE ignored my prayer am I really blessed or even worse, am I saved? Oh no! What shall I do?

• When GOD says I am blessed, there is nothing I can do to not be blessed.
• When GOD says my transgressions are forgiven, HE means all my transgressions.
• When GOD says my sins are covered, every sin I have committed or will commit “are covered.”
• When GOD says HE will not count my sins against me, HE WILL NOT COUNT MY SINS AGAINST ME!

One thing I can count on is GOD cannot and will not lie to me. When HE says something HE will do it. My “feelings” and “attitude” and “emotions” sometimes get in the way of seeing how “blessed” I am. No matter how bad the situation seems, “I am blessed!” This is the Great News I can tell someone else.

• Do you “feel” blessed or do you “know” you are blessed?
• Do you doubt GOD can forgive you or do you know GOD “has already” forgiven you?
• Do you tell GOD what to do or do you ask GOD what HIS will is?
• Do you realize GOD knows you are special so can’t you try to act like you “are’ special to GOD?

I can’t see you my assumptions are in the way!

John 1: ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

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

“I’m late and this guy isn’t here” I thought to myself. I waited in the hotel lobby and there were only a few people. “I’m sure a man of his wealth would be on time because he has to be a busy person” I surmised.  

A guy dressed like a wrinkled farmer caught my eye and said my name. “Are you looking for me?” he politely said in a calm tone. “I watched you for ten minutes but I wasn’t sure you were looking for me” he said.  “This is the guy who makes $2 Million a month; you’ve got to be kidding?” I thought.

• How many angels who were dressed as a person in need have I passed?
• How many people who I assumed didn’t “deserve” my help have I turned down?
• How many names have I conjured up for those who annoy me or have gotten in my way?

Assumptions are little packaged expectations wrapped in prejudiced and ignorance. GOD operates with “fact” and I never have to assume anything about HIM.

• JESUS came to Earth as a human to HIS chosen people who rejected HIM.
• JESUS, who is GOD, volunteered to die for the sins of all humans no matter how heinous the sin.
• JESUS knocked on the door of my heart and it was up to me to let HIM in

Sometimes I expect GOD to speak to me in a loud echoing voice and appear with some sort of blinding light. I think HE is going to give me some strange, yet specific, message to drop everything and go on some wild pilgrimage. I keep waiting but all these needy people keep interrupting!

• GOD wants me to help the needy, that’s how HE is speaking to me.
• GOD wants me to deliver HIS message of deliverance, that’s how HE shows HIS love.
• GOD wants me to keep my heart soft for others so HE puts me in circumstances that enable me to empathize.

When I assume how GOD is going to work, I am usually wrong. I look for HIM in the wrong places and I definitely mistake how HE is going to guide someone’s life. But when I don’t assume and accept HIS plan, HE never disappoints me!

• Are you trying to manipulate GOD into getting your way?
• Do you assume that since you are following HIM things would be better?
• Are you willing to follow GOD even if it means “that” person would leave you?

I want to know JESUS!

Philippians 3:¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.


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

"What a strange dream I'm having" I thought to myself. I dreamt that a choir was singing and a person was preaching then the usher woke me up because church was over. Well, I guess I missed that sermon, but at least I did my duty of going to church that day. “I hope next week the sermon will be better” I thought smugly.

• JESUS forgave me for a reason.
• JESUS forgave me to have a relationship with me.
• JESUS forgave me so that I could get to know HIM.
• JESUS forgave me so that I could spend eternity with HIM.

For many years I thought church was a place developed for me to hear great sermons, feel good about myself and go home to do it all again the next week. Little did I know JESUS wants something much greater.

• JESUS wants me to want HIM
• JESUS wants me to learn about HIS ways.
• JESUS wants me to grow up spiritually so I won’t fall into the same traps.

Once I started reading the Bible for myself and seeking GOD I learned that HE wants my heart transformed. HE wants me to know HIM intimately and in an understanding way so I can help others do the same. HE knows my sin nature blinds me to HIS love so it takes extra effort for me to actually give HIM credit when HE deserves it and to stop blaming HIM when He shouldn’t.  

• To know JESUS is to know GOD.
• To know GOD is to know love.
• To know love is to know compassion.
• To know compassion is to serve others.

Now that I know JESUS I can join in HIS suffering. HE suffers when one of HIS humans denies HIS salvation or even HIS existence. It’s not up to me to beat lessons about GOD over their heads, rather it is up to me to absorb HIS teaching and apply it to my life so others can see GOD working in my life.

Money, fame and power are the things I try to obtain, BUT knowing JESUS is the best thing to obtain.

• Do you need a change in your life?
• Are you making efforts to know JESUS?
• Can you change your life to join in HIS adventure?