Active and Effective

Active and Effective

2 Peter 1: ⁵ For this very reason do your best to add goodness to your faith; to your goodness add knowledge; ⁶ to your knowledge add self-control; to your self-control add endurance; to your endurance add godliness; ⁷ to your godliness add Christian affection; and to your Christian affection add love. ⁸ These are the qualities you need, and if you have them in abundance, they will make you active and effective in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But if you do not have them, you are so shortsighted that you cannot see and have forgotten that you have been purified from your past sins.

 

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After learning the basics I felt pretty good about myself. It was very hard to get over the hump of learning the basics and I felt I deserved to remain right where I was. “Now we want you to learn this other thing” was the challenging statement.

 

• I was worn out just learning the basics.
• I did not think I needed to go any further than the basics.
• I felt I was doing enough by simply doing the basics.

 

Peter challenges believers to go further than “faith” in JESUS. He may have seen behaviors that seemed childish when it came to spiritual growth. His challenge was to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, Christian affection and love. He also challenged everyone to be “active and effective.”

 

My Observations:

• Accepting JESUS as my Savior was the beginning of my faith.
• GOD wants me to grow up by adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, Christian affection and love.
• GOD also wants me to not think more highly of myself so I can point people to HIM for the remainder of my life.

 

Wanting to feel like I have arrived is a problem. I mean, instead of reaching a point, in my walk with GOD, that I think I have done enough and learned enough and I can just coast; I should constantly look for ways to grow in the LORD.

 

GOD expects HIS children to grow. HE knows the huge responsibility that is out in the world and HE needs people who are willing to do more than the basics of belief in JESUS. HE wants “Active and Effective” believers to seek HIS kingdom. I am willing to grow in the LORD by adding these things.

 

Challenge

• What is the opposite of the writer’s appeal to be “Active and Effective?”
• Have you ever thought you have arrived with CHRIST?
• Will you continue to grow spiritually so you can be “Active and Effective” in growing GOD’s kingdom today?

Up Close and Personal Love

 

Up Close and Personal Love

1 Corinthians 13: ¹¹ When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am an adult, I have no more use for childish ways. ¹² What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete—as complete as God's knowledge of me.

 

¹³ Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

 

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Driving became very difficult because salt was all over my windshield and the car was out of washer fluid. I had to slow down because the road was partially covered with snow and I could not see very well. I used my best understanding of that road to navigate, but I  really did not know if I was in one lane or another.

 

• My understanding of life is blurry.
• My knowledge of life is only partial.
• My wisdom used in life is like a dim image in a mirror.

 

Paul concludes his explanation of true love. Many people think this love is something that humans can do and do well. Paul explains that we will not really know what we are doing until we see JESUS face-to-face. But what am I supposed to do until then?

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to place my faith in HIS promises that HE will always be with me.
• GOD wants me to place my hope in JESUS, who I will one day see fact-to-face.
• GOD wants me to grow up and understand that true love has already been shown to me through JESUS.

 

Imagine a house on fire in the middle of a hurricane and a child asking “Why can’t I watch cartoons right now?” I mean, this child is not even on the road, let alone able to drive. Now think of what the adult should do. Focus on getting everyone to safety with the best knowledge he or she has.

 

GOD has given each of us a second chance. When we were in the middle of our sins, we were doomed to die an eternal death. BUT JESUS took care of that. HE saved me and anyone who will believe in HIM. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me. This act of love only gives me partial abilities. I need other people to complete the mirror. I place my faith and hope in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about faith and hope being mentioned?
• What does it mean to speak and act as a child or an adult in terms of CHRIST?
• Will you stop seeking what you want as a child and seek what GOD wants you to do with your gifts HE has given you today?

Perfect Love

 

Perfect Love

1 Corinthians 13: ⁸ Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. ⁹ For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; ¹⁰ but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear.

 

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“You can do it” were the words of inspiration I told someone. When the person accomplished what was set out to do, I wondered if my words had any part in the success. I wonder this because I could not do what the person was attempting.

 

• My inspiration is a partial solution to someone’s circumstance.
• My speech is a partial solution to someone’s situation.
• My sharing of knowledge to help someone is flawed because I only have partial knowledge.

 

Paul says “Love is eternal.” This love he speaks about is JESUS. When HE returns, then there will be no need for humans to use their gifts to point to perfection.

 

My Observation

• JESUS is love and HE gives HIS perfect love to me.
• JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead to wipe away my sins.
• JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me because sin is part of me.

 

Being born into sin is difficult. I mean, my thoughts are usually not on GOD, rather they are on myself. But every once in a while, I am prompted to use a gift GOD gave me to point people to JESUS. This is temporary. I fall into sin, repent, and seek to be better day by day.

 

JESUS knows I have this issue. HE knows that sin will be present in me until HE returns and I am with HIM eternally. Until then, HE wants me to know humans are not perfect, but HIS love is perfection. I am grateful for HIS love for anyone who can give their heart to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What messages or actions inspire you from a person who is not alive?
• Have you ever been inspired for a short period of time and discouraged during another?
• Will you ease up on your pursuit of temporary solutions and seek the perfect, eternal solution which is JESUS, who will guide you into all truth today?

Philosophically Speaking

Philosophically Speaking

Acts 17: ¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. ¹⁸ A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. ¹⁹ Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? ²⁰ You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” ²¹ (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.)

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Having bought into the philosophy, I immersed myself deeply. I spoke day and night about the views and opinions that mattered most for the group. I found myself leaving my family to bow down to the group’s symbols. Work had become my god and prominent figures had become my idols.

• It was easy for me to fall into a philosophical hole.
• It was easy for me to follow a group that seemed to reward me.
• It was easy for me to become something that satisfied my need for pleasure, affirmation and assurance.

Paul faced a difficult group of philosophers in Athens. They followed prominent figures like Epicurus or aligned with stoic beliefs. Fighting against hedonistic, mental rating, knowledge seeking people would be a challenge. They laughed at Paul because he spoke about JESUS saying he was a babbler. But Paul spoke anyway.

• GOD wants me to speak about HIS SON anyway.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS way as the only philosophy.
• GOD wants me to value HIS word as the thing I need to worship.

So many human philosophies come and go. BUT GOD remains the same. HE wants me to value HIS love for humanity by telling people JESUS died for my sins and is now alive. I can place my trust in HIM to provide and protect. I am grateful for JESUS, in whom I place my trust.

• Are you fighting for a certain philosophy that comes from humans?
• Do you doubt certain aspects you hear about GOD?
• Will you seek GOD and learn about HIM so you will have an everlasting purpose?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Acts 11: ²⁷ And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ³⁰ This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

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“Please list your KSA’s” was the direction given to me when applying for a job. “KSA’s?” I questioned. “Yes, your knowledge, skills and abilities” she replied. I was willing to do this because a job awaited on the other side of this activity, or at least I hoped.

• Many times I used my knowledge at work so I could get a paycheck.
• Many times I used my skills at work so I could get a raise.
• Many times I used my abilities at work so I could get a promotion and have a bigger paycheck.

Agabus, a prophet, was warned by the HOLY SPIRIT that there would be a terrible famine. Relief was needed in Judea. The disciples became that relief, each according to their abilities.

• GOD wants me to use my knowledge to bring relief to people.
• GOD wants me to use my skills to help people in need.
• GOD wants me to use my abilities to serve people.

Gifts and talents are not to be wasted. From simple skills to complex, GOD wants me to use what HE provided to me to assist others. It’s not always about money. GOD may want me to do something as simple as picking up the trash off of the parking lot of my apartment while praying for my neighbors.

GOD sent me into the world, not to become part of the world, but to bring HIS message of love. When times are difficult, HE wants me to use what HE gave me to help. I am grateful for the purpose HE has given me.

• Do you have knowledge, skills and abilities that you are only using for work?
• Do you have gifts and talents you have not used in a while because you work a lot?
• Will you use what you have learned or your natural talents to help someone in need for GOD today?

Moment of Clarity

Moment of Clarity

Acts 11: ⁴ But Peter explained it to them in order from the beginning, saying: ⁵ “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object descending like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me. ⁶ When I observed it intently and considered, I saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. ⁷ And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ ⁸ But I said, ‘Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.’ ⁹ But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’

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“You got it! Said the math teacher to me. I understood what was being said and I was able to explain it back to the teacher, clearly. I understood the principle and could apply the concept.

• There have been times when I understood something at a certain moment.
• There have been times when I got it after putting the pieces together.
• There have been times when I could point to the moment of clarity after wrestling with something.

Peter explains a very strange vision. For years he had been taught one way but was told to do something that seemed opposite. He was told to eat some very strange animals and insects which would make him ritually unclean. BUT GOD explained the concept of clean to him.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so HE can provide clarity.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so HE can teach me.
• GOD wants me to study HIS ways so HE can correct my broken thinking about HIM.

All of heaven rejoices when one human has a moment of clarity regarding the belief in JESUS as the Savior. GOD loves when I look for HIM and find HIM sitting right next to me, never having left to go anywhere. This moment of clarity grows my faith in HIM and builds my trust. I am grateful GOD provides clarity in my purpose for HIM.

• Are you confused right now?
• Do you spend most of your time talking about someone else, never talking about your relationship with GOD?
• Will you ask GOD for a moment of clarity for your purpose?

Head Knowledge

Head Knowledge

Acts 8: ¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵ who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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“Why do I have to know this?” I asked myself. I mean, I will never use this information. I sat in class and daydreamed, thinking of things I could be doing. I looked forward to my next class that was in my major and was only minutes away. I stopped listening and opened a book for the next class.

• There were times when I learned the information only to take the test.
• There were times when I understood the concepts but did not care about the information.
• There were times when I heard the information but did not take it to heart.

Philip preached about JESUS and many people understood and took action by being baptized. It was the right thing to do. But Peter and John were sent to pray for those who had this fresh knowledge. Many people accepted the HOLY SPIRIT in their hearts after the prayer and laying of hands.

• GOD wants me to plant seeds in the hearts of many.
• GOD wants me to know that someone else may water the seeds.
• GOD wants me to know that even someone else may see the increase of the seeds I planted in their heart.

Preaching about the great news of how JESUS saves  can sometimes be a group effort. Something I say can help a person stop rejecting JESUS, but this may only be temporary. Someone else may come along and say just the right thing to make it permanent.

When it comes to free will, we all have a choice to accept the HOLY SPIRIT or reject HIM. My life’s purpose is to help people accept HIM by believing they need to be saved by JESUS who died for us all and is alive because HE was raised from the dead. I have this belief in my heart.

• What do you know about JESUS and are rejecting?
• Are you trying to be GOD by thinking of your own concepts of what GOD is?
• Will you obtain “heart knowledge” by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can receive the HOLY SPIRIT today, gaining everlasting life?

Recognizing Where Talent Comes From

1 Kings 10: ⁴ When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, ⁵ the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.

⁶ She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. ⁷ But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard. ⁸ How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! 

⁹ Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”

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As the fancy cars pulled up, I marveled over the list of names who paraded in the caravan.  The CEO and top officers met with Wall Street and the media was there in full. I sat there with my eyes opened wide as their smooth answers flowed from their lips. Someone mentioned, “Millions of dollars are sitting on that stage right now.”

I then got intimidated.  How was I going to ever reach that?  My career seemed hopeless so I went back to my cubicle and pouted.

• When I think I am responsible for reaching the top, I can get intimidated.
• When I set my goal on being at the top with my own skills, I can get intimidated.
• When I look at others with envy, I can get intimidated.

Sometimes I see the rich and famous and wonder, “How did this person get where they are?” “I mean they can’t think their way out of a wet paper bag” is usually my envious insult. “And besides, they aren’t even using the money to glorify GOD” is my added judgment. BUT GOD wants me to act different.

• GOD wants me to praise HIM for someone else’s talent.
• GOD wants me to be excited to see how HE raises people up to places only HE can reach.
• GOD wants me to recognize the talent HE has given me and be excited about where HE has me.

“Get rid of the envy and strap on the excitement” is what GOD says to me. Being excited about life rids me of complaints and generates enthusiasm, encouragement and euphoria!

• Are you complaining?
• Do you have a negative view on life?
• Can you praise GOD for someone else’s talent?
• Do you recognize the talent HE has given you?
• Can you accept where GOD has you?

I have talent

1 Kings 7: ¹³ King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram, ¹⁴ whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was from Tyre and a skilled craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

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“You are good with math” is the one tiny statement that spring-boarded my career.  If it wasn’t for that statement, I never would have gone into the career I went into.  Looking back, I wasn’t really “good” with math, but somehow I was able to enter the world of technology. “Somehow.”

• It is GOD who gives me talent.
• It is GOD who gives me skills.
• It is GOD who gives me purpose.

GOD gives each person a unique talent that only they can do. Sometimes it is wasted in the pursuit of money so the talents and skills blend in and look similar, thus competition begins.  GOD sees me as an individual and has granted me an exquisite assignment that only I can accomplish.

I am sent to be at the right place, at the right time to say the right words to the right person. Only I can do this, no one else. All of the situations and circumstances of my life are unique to me and only my words can penetrate the heart of the one person I was put here to communicate with.

God has given me a mission and I shouldn’t waste it.  I have a finite time to be on this earth. I should use some of it to further GOD’s kingdom with the talent HE has bestowed on me.

• Where do you think your talents come from?
• Do you feel you are “self-made?”
• Can you give GOD credit for your skills?
• If you feel you have no skills then can you ask GOD to show you what your special purpose is?
• Won’t you stop trying to be special and realize your are special to GOD?

GOD knows science

1 Kings 4:²⁹ God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 

³¹ He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³² He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. ³³ He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴ From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

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Staring at the test, my mind raced. “Should I answer the question with my belief?” was my quandary. The question was steeped in evolution and, while I had not been in church, I was taught that GOD created everything. I answered the question the way I was supposed to and received a good grade, but felt a sense of loss, kinda like I betrayed GOD.

• I have strived to be “smart” but I was pointed in the wrong direction.
• I wanted to gain “knowledge” but it didn’t carry faith.
• I desired to “understand” but at the end of each road I was left with more questions.

In my opinion, belief in GOD isn’t as popular as it used to be. Scientific discoveries mixed with the endless possibility of money seem to drown out the message of GOD. It’s easy for me to blend in rather than stand out, BUT GOD wants recognition.

• GOD is the source of wisdom so I must credit HIM with all I know.
• GOD is the source of knowledge for it is HE who made everything.
• GOD is the source of understanding because HE sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to live inside of me to lead and guide me in HIS ways.

Scholars, business people and those who are highly respected would scoff at my beliefs, approaches and practices. Instead of relying on the world, GOD wants me to ask HIM for direction first. HE even sends unlikely people my way and says “here is your person.” EVERY time I have listened to GOD’s strange ways, I came out on top!

• Are you seeking to be “smart” or “wise?”
• Is the knowledge you are seeking on GOD’s path?
• What will you do with the knowledge you acquire?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom, knowledge and understanding so HE can use your talents for HIS purposes?

Does GOD stop giving skills?

Exodus 35: ³⁴ “And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab the ability to teach others. Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, is from the tribe of Dan.

³⁵ “The Lord has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work. They carve things and make patterns. They sew skillfully with blue, purple and bright red yarn and on fine linen. They use thread to make beautiful cloth. They have the skill to work in all kinds of crafts.

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The ability to carve, sew or smelt seemed like great things way back in history because they had a purpose. Are my skills from GOD? Yes they are! They are to be used for HIS purpose because HE wants me to continue to grow HIS kingdom.

• What skills and talents has GOD given you?
• Are you using your skills for HIS purpose?
• Can you praise HIM for the skills HE has given you?

GOD made me skilled!

GOD made me skilled!

Exodus 28:3 “Speak to all of the skilled workers. I have given them the skill to do this kind of work. Tell them to make clothes for Aaron. He will wear them when he is set apart to serve me as priest.

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It's amazing that GOD has given me the skills I use on a daily basis. I can't brag about accomplishing anything for it was GOD who enabled me to do everything I do. I also cannot complain that my skills are not adequate because GOD made me with a purpose that only I can fulfill!

I have a new goal

Colossians 2: ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

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Achievement was my staple as I won another award. When I surveyed the plaques, trophies and medals I had won I felt proud of where I had climbed. I was so proud of myself that I couldn’t get enough of hearing how well I was doing from others. I would set lofty goals and climb high to achieve them and wait for the applause. “I wonder if anyone is in pain” never crossed my mind.

• When I focus on self-achievement I can lose focus on others.
• When I focus on “me” getting ahead I can forget to serve people in pain.
• When I focus on gaining treasures on earth I can get caught up in lusts that derail me from seeing GOD.

Many times I sought power, position and payment as my goal of success. Once I achieved my goal, it never seemed like it was enough. My monetary goal had to become greater and I had to have a bigger title. This left little time for me to see who was hurting or in pain. BUT GOD saw them and wanted me to act different.

• GOD sees people in pain and wants me to open my eyes to them as well.
• GOD sees people who are discouraged and wants me to encourage them to believe in HIM.
• GOD sees people who are thrown away and wants me to show united love as an example of how much GOD loves all.

Many times I get so caught up in trying to get people to stop doing a certain sin that I never look at how much compassion GOD wants me to have on others.  I think I can solve their problems by making more money and fighting a cause so my goals are geared towards sin eradication and wealth. BUT GOD wants me to have new goals of encouragement, compassion and united love to draw those who really need HIM.

GOD wants me to point at HIS SON instead of pointing at me.

• What are you trying to achieve?
• Are you feeling discouraged that you have not achieved what you think you should have achieved?
• Won’t you set goals to be more compassionate for someone today?
• Can you take a moment to encourage someone today?

A growth prayer

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

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GOD will provide knowledge of HIS will through the HOLY SPIRIT HE placed inside me.

GOD will give me understanding so I can live a life worthy of the LORD, pleasing HIM daily.

GOD will guide me to bear fruit when I do good works for HIM.

GOD will place situations in front of me that stretch me to grow.

GOD will exercise my emotions strengthening my faith while understanding my fears, doubts and worries.

GOD will use HIS might to enable me to patiently endure the hardships of life.

GOD will accept my joyful thanks because HE took me into HIS family forever.

amen

Where does my confidence come from?

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ Such confidence we have through Christ before God. ^5 6 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant —not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

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After hours of study I felt prepared.  You would think I would have done this kind of studying my entire academic career but this time it was do or die.  My vigorous study came after I had been placed on academic probation which meant if I did not pull my grades up I would be kicked out of college. “LORD I need your help” I cried out.  

I actually got on the dean’s list for great grades that semester.

• Sometimes I think “I” am smarter than I give GOD credit for.
• Sometimes I believe it takes extra effort from “me” instead of asking GOD.
• Sometimes I surmise that I know it all and I need not consult GOD on my affairs.

GOD says “it is a fool who says there is no GOD” and I was acting as if HE didn’t exist. I never consulted HIM, never reflected on HIM and did not commune with HIM but when I wanted something I was willing to act deserving and then blame HIM when the answer was “No.”

When I got on probation in the first place I asked GOD to give me all the knowledge I needed at the last minute. Obviously “no” was the answer. That situation made me think about GOD a little differently.

• My wisdom comes from GOD but I should ask for it instead of expecting it.
• My competence comes from GOD but I still have to work at honing my craft.
• My confidence comes from GOD but I still have to face the issues and solve the problems of today.

My expectations should be centered around GOD and HIS power.  Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are gifts I cannot take credit for.  At all turns, I need to thank GOD for what HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you think you are smart?
• Do you believe you have it all together?
• Can you stop looking at yourself and give GOD credit for your wisdom?
• Won’t you use the wisdom HE has given you to further HIS kingdom?

I want to be productive.

2 Peter 1: ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Strange requests were tossed at our department that seemed quite uncommon.  We were being asked to do things far outside of our responsibility. When I dug into the matter I found a couple of departments had formed an alliance to bog our department down in hopes that we would not complete our responsibilities. This was a slick way to steal our budget.

We took the high road and accepted the extra work. Not only did we complete the work, but our budget was increased to include a portion of the sneaky malefactors.

Good will always win! GOD wants me to grow up and see circumstances and situations as opportunities to mature in the faith.

• When I have faith to believe in JESUS, HE wants me to be good to others.
• When I am good to others, JESUS wants me to get to know HIM by reading HIS Bible.
• When I learn from HIM, then HE wants me to control my sin as best as I can.
• When I control my sin then I will be tested and tempted so JESUS wants me to persevere.
• When I persevere and not fall back to my old ways, then I model godliness.
• When I understand and practice godliness, then I learn to treat GOD’s people with affection!

It’s amazing it takes “me” being transformed to serve GOD’s people properly.  The more I give of myself, the more I gain from GOD. This is a process that cannot be circumvented.  When I try to serve GOD or live for GOD in my own terms then I fail miserably.

• GOD will more than likely change me before HE changes “that” person.
• GOD will more than likely allow trials in my life to help me persevere and grow my faith.
• GOD will accept my growth and bless me.

It doesn’t matter how small my growth is as long as I am growing. GOD gets excited when I do even the smallest thing for HIM. When I pray a little more or read a little more or reduce my sin a little more GOD is there with wide open arms to congratulate me on my efforts!

• Can you add a little goodness, knowledge, self-control to your walk today?
• Will you persevere through your trial?
• When you learn how GOD works, will you seek people you can serve?

I heard about how good you are!

Colossians 1:  ⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,

 ¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹ being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹² and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

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Orientation was long that day especially since it was a conference call because we lived in different states. When they announced my name several people said “Oh I’ve heard of you! We can’t wait to have you join us on this mission’s trip.”

My sister had told the people of her church about my prior mission’s trips and a good reputation had been established. This trip with her church was headed to China for the purpose of spreading the gospel through teaching English. The prayers for the trip were carefully chosen and I am glad because we did face a spiritual battle.

• People should know me as a person of GOD instead of another reputation.
• People should know my good works without me telling them.
• People should know I am consistent with my beliefs no matter the circumstance.

I have to admit I want a prayer like the one Paul gave to the Colossians. Listen to what I desire.

• Pray that GOD fills me with the knowledge of HIS will otherwise I will make my own plans.
• Pray that GOD gives me understanding through HIS SPIRIT otherwise I will jump to conclusions.
• Pray that GOD blesses my life that I may live to please HIM otherwise I will pout and run away from HIM.
• Pray that GOD enables fruit in my life otherwise I will try to control my circumstances.
• Pray that GOD grows my endurance and patience otherwise I will give up too soon.

The LORD should still be praised even through difficult tumultuous times. I have to thank GOD for giving me a great inheritance instead of complaining that I didn’t get my way out of the latest trial. GOD you are awesome and I thank YOU for the blessings You have given me this day!

• Do people know about your love of GOD?
• Can people see HIS light shining through you?
• Are your complaints or helplessness preceding you?
• Can you serve others without bragging about it?

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.


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"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?

My prayer for you!

Ephesians 3: ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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Dear LORD,

YOU are the only one who is truly rich. YOUR power is what I need to focus on, not my circumstance. Please strengthen my weaknesses and dwell in my heart. Become the root of my love and remove the things I put in place as a substitute.

Give me the strength and YOUR power to spread YOUR kingdom the way YOU want me to.

• Help me teach people how WIDE YOUR LOVE is.
• Help me teach people how LONG YOUR LOVE is.
• Help me teach people how HIGH YOUR LOVE is.
• Help me teach people how DEEP YOUR LOVE is.
• Help me teach people that YOUR LOVE is beyond human knowledge and surpasses understanding.

I don’t know how to get out of the messes I get myself into, but I rely on YOU for salvation on earth and in heaven. I know YOU love me, but help me “know” YOU love me.

Bless all those who read and repeat these words to YOU.