Strange Graceful Conversation

Strange Graceful Conversation

Genesis 3: ²⁰ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

²¹ Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

²² Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— ²³ therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. ²⁴ So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

 

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

 

After creating a place that had everything and people who could enjoy it, Satan tempted humans to sin, possibly to avoid the sealed up sentence of his demise. He was sentenced anyway but so was the man and woman. The ground would no longer respond the same and the garden was off limits to humans. The trees that brought life and knowledge were off limits. This portal to heaven was closed off.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS held a conversation with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT saying “Behold, the man has become like one of US.”
• JESUS sacrificed an animal to make clothes for the man and woman.
• JESUS drove them out of the garden and placed a cherubim, or a guardian angel, in the way of the entrance.

 

It seems harsh at first glance that humans had to leave the garden. BUT GOD could have immediately intensified the punishment with immediate death. BUT HE didn’t. Instead, HE showed grace by hiding their nakedness and providing, only in a way that would be more difficult.

 

The land would need more attention outside the garden. Humans would be different too. Knowledge of good and evil would prove to be a problem because now there was a war inside of every human ever born. This war is called free will. Choice between GOD’s way versus being GOD became the battle. Fortunately JESUS saw this and knew what HE was going to do.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation?
• Can you see the grace that HE showed to HIS creation, even thought the stakes were extremely high?
• Can you look back on your life to see where GOD has shown you incredible undeserved grace?

What About Them?

What About Them?

James 4: ¹¹ Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. ¹² God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?

 

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

 

Speeding along in a friend’s car, it felt great to be behind the wheel of something that could really go fast! We were racing each other on the road when suddenly we cam upon several cops who were waiting for us. We were all pulled over. When one of the cops came to my car, I said in my defense, “What about them?” referring to the other speeders who were not pulled over. The reply, “But I caught you.”

 

• I was trying to use comparison as my defense.
• I thought I could use “judging someone else” to defend my breaking the law.
• I also thought I could do what I wanted to do.

 

James addressed judging other Christians. He specifically spoke to this group, probably due to them gathering together in small groups after being scattered by those who persecuted them. They may have begun to judge one another.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to look at myself instead of pointing out what other people are doing.
• GOD wants me to realize I have flaws that I need repaired by HIM.
• GOD wants me to let go of trying to change people who are not willing to change themselves.

 

Being critical of other people can be a defense mechanism for my own shortcomings. I mean, when I look at someone else and talk about him or her negatively, I am taking the lens off of me. BUT GOD sees my shortcomings clearly and wants me to see them too.

 

HE wants me to back off of looking at someone else and to ask HIM for forgiveness for my clear and blatant sins. HE is willing to forgive me and wants me to grow up to do the same. I am glad HE is the ultimate forgiver.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer’s warning important?
• Have you ever been critical of someone and been guilty yourself?
• Will you take some time away from being critical and spend it asking GOD to continue to grow you in areas HE would like to grow you today?

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs

Hebrews 9: The first covenant had rules for worship and a place made for worship as well. ² A tent was put up, the outer one, which was called the Holy Place. In it were the lampstand and the table with the bread offered to God. ³ Behind the second curtain was the tent called the Most Holy Place. ⁴ In it were the gold altar for the burning of incense and the Covenant Box all covered with gold and containing the gold jar with the manna in it, Aaron's stick that had sprouted leaves, and the two stone tablets with the commandments written on them. ⁵ Above the Box were the winged creatures representing God's presence, with their wings spread over the place where sins were forgiven. But now is not the time to explain everything in detail.

 

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

 

Having freshly learned a fable about someone dropping breadcrumbs on a path to find the way back home seemed like a good thing to pay attention to. In the fable the birds ate the breadcrumbs and the person was lost. I figured I would correct this flaw by remembering street names on my route versus temporary landmarks. It worked until the street signs were removed or the street was renamed.

 

• I had a false sense of security following a rule I made for myself.
• I was proud of myself for being able to follow “my” rule.
• I did not get lost and I felt pretty secure, until the street names changed or they were not listed or the sign was too small to read.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, lists parts of the covenant of the Law. He lists instructions given by GOD, that humans followed. Following these instructions were important, and were carried out by flawed humans.

 

My Observations:

• Something would be missed when the list of rules was long.
• Looking back at the breadcrumbs  of following the Law can give me a false sense of security.
• I needed something more permanent than looking at the holy acts, humans can do.

 

Following the Law feels good because I can measure it. I mean, I can tell when I am doing right or wrong, so I carry all the holy actions around with me. This seems like a good idea, but when life happens and I fall, I drop the holy items on the ground and soil them. BUT GOD cleanse me up.

 

HE has the real “inner sanctuary” that cannot be dropped on the ground and stolen by birds. HIS holy place remains holy and it can be found because HE is the one who seeks me. HE saves the lost and guides us back to HIM I am glad I no longer have to marvel over what was made or done by humans because I can focus on JESUS as my path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer begin explaining the sacred tent?
• Have you ever felt better by trying to be holy or trying to follow the Law?
• Will you focus your mind on JESUS, who fulfilled the Law in a way that when you fall, HE forgives you today?

Imperfect to Perfect

 

Imperfect to Perfect

Hebrews 7: ²⁶ Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens. ²⁷ He is not like other high priests; he does not need to offer sacrifices every day for his own sins first and then for the sins of the people. He offered one sacrifice, once and for all, when he offered himself. ²⁸ The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God's promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

 

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

 

Being the boss for the first time felt cool and scary at the same time. I relied on a few mentors to provide advice. “What do I do about this situation?” or “What do I do about that situation?” were my constant questions. An external observer approached me and said “At some point, you will have to let go of your mentor.”

 

• I was dependent on something familiar.
• I was nervous about taking on the responsibility.
• I felt better being told what to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, mentions JESUS meeting our needs versus human high priests. JESUS, who remained faultless, sacrificed himself. He did what imperfect high priests could not do, be perfect forever.

 

My Observations:

• I try to control GOD by following the Law, BUT GOD loves when I rely on JESUS.
• I try to be holy by following the Law, BUT GOD enjoys when I place my faith in HIM.
• I try to get close to GOD by doing what the Law says, BUT GOD is faithful and saved me through JESUS.

 

After the Law was given, JESUS died for all the sins of humans. HE fulfilled the Law to the letter. I can turn from the Law and place my faith in something perfect, namely JESUS. I mean, when I break one Law, I am guilty of breaking all of them. JESUS made a way for me to be forgiven of the statutes of the Law.

 

This does not give me freedom to sin as I please. HE loves when I use one part of the fruit of the Spirit which is “self-control.” Being able to recognize I need a Savior every day makes me hand my sinful desires over to HIM so we can have a harmonious relationship. I am glad HE is helping me not depend on the Law, and to place my faith in HIS act of love.

 

Challenge

• What problem is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever needed to use “faith” but were reliant on a person or money or something else?
• Will you place your faith in JESUS, who “meets our needs” and loves you dearly today?

Different Thinking

 

Different Thinking

Hebrews 7: ¹¹ It was on the basis of the levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek,^[a] not of Aaron. ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. ¹³ And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. ¹⁴ It is well known that he was born a member of the tribe of Judah; and Moses did not mention this tribe when he spoke of priests.

 

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

 

“Why go to church?” was my question. I finally got tired of the same messages of “being good” or “giving money.” There had to be more to life that what was being said. I stopped going and started “having fun.” My “fun” became more of a problem than I thought.

 

• I did not have a place to put my hope.
• I did not fill the hole that was in my heart.
• I had to rethink “church” versus my relationship with GOD.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, may have tried to address a way of thinking that could have been detrimental to many. People may have relied on a human priest to cleanse them of their sins through confession and sacrifice. He explained, there is a “different kind of priest”, one who did not belong to the tribe of priests, who would be the one to follow.

 

My Observations:

• Humans struggle trying to understand GOD, BUT HE reveals enough to show me HIS love.
• Love is greater than keeping the law, because the law was founded by love.
• I do not have to worry about trying to be perfect, because JESUS was perfect for me.

 

Blaming GOD or blaming people who believe in GOD is a problem. I mean, when I question why GOD does things, or I question those who are supposed to believe in GOD, yet act duplicitous, I can fall away from HIM. BUT GOD knows there are many things that can come up against my relationship with HIM.

 

HE patiently allows me to fall into holes that I think can pull me away from HIM. HE gently lifts me up and dusts me off to serve HIM and praise HIM another day. I am glad HE is willing to renew my mind and show me HIS love!

 

Challenge

• What way of thinking is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever tried to blame GOD or blame “churchy” people?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and think differently about how you approach church and the beliefs you may or may not have today?

Hidden Teaching

Hidden Teaching

1 Timothy 1: ⁸ We know that the Law is good if it is used as it should be used. ⁹ It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. ¹¹ That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.

 

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

 

Another wave of trials was hitting. People I knew were getting sick, bills mounted higher and higher and technology was failing. “What is going on!” I said to GOD. I thought maybe I wasn’t  being “good” enough, so I retraced my sinful steps so I could stop doing whatever I was doing.

 

• I thought I could manipulate GOD into giving me what I wanted by following the Law.
• I felt even worse when I could not keep the Law well.
• I wondered if GOD was out to punish me for even the slightest mistake.

 

Paul gives Timothy a warning we can all heed. He tells everyone the difference of the Law versus the Gospel of JESUS. The Law tells us what we did wrong, while the Gospel of JESUS tells us we are forgiven.

 

My Observations

• JESUS saved me from the consequence of sin.
• JESUS saved me from the sins I do not know I commit.
• JESUS saved me from eternal separation from HIS love so I can be with HIM forever.

 

It’s all about JESUS. I mean, when I think I can be “good” enough to change GOD’s mind and have HIM stop the trial, my fake righteousness smells like excrement to HIM. BUT GOD provided me with another way.

 

JESUS is the answer to all my situations. HE took care of all consequence of my sins, past, present and future. HE removed my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE delights in providing grace to me and showers me with peace and hope. I am glad the teaching of the Good News is no longer hidden, rather can be scattered to everyone HE sends me to.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of the Law according to the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and tried to be good for a short period of time?
• Will you let go of your life and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you so you will stop trying to “feel” forgiven and simply know you ARE forgiven today?

Raised From Exhaustion

 

Raised From Exhaustion

Philippians 3: ⁸ Not only those things; I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be completely united with him. I no longer have a righteousness of my own, the kind that is gained by obeying the Law. I now have the righteousness that is given through faith in Christ, the righteousness that comes from God and is based on faith. ¹⁰ All I want is to know Christ and to experience the power of his resurrection, to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death, ¹¹ in the hope that I myself will be raised from death to life.

 

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

 

After running out of gas again, I vowed to keep a couple of gallons in the tank. Being on the side of the road without gas was frustrating! I woke up, needing to be someplace; jumped in the jalopy of a car and it would not start. The battery was dead. “Ugh! I just got gas!”

 

• Just when I thought I did everything right, something else went wrong.
• “When will it all come together for me?” was my cry in disappointment.
• I had lost hope and was exhausted because there were too many things “I” needed to fix.

 

“Achievement” and “Self-Righteousness” were attitudes Paul addressed. Following the Law to the letter was something he no longer wished to “achieve.” GOD had opened his eyes to the fact that he had become “self-righteous” and was persecuting those who sought JESUS. He looked at his actions as a loss.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my only true salvation.
• Believing that I can change GOD’s mind by acting good for a short period of time, causes me to be exhausted.
• Connecting my “dead battery” of trying too hard to the power of JESUS’ resurrection gives me endless hope that cannot be exhausted.

 

Running on empty could mean I was trying too hard to please GOD. I mean, JESUS died for me, was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me. I had nothing to do with that. I should praise HIM continually, but I find a way to attempt to control GOD so everything will go “my” way.

 

When “bad” things happen, I try to do the Law “better.” BUT GOD sees through this filthy righteousness. All HE wants me to do is to place my faith in JESUS. I am glad I can place my hope in HIS resurrection and look forward to being with HIM eternally.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer consider a complete loss?
• Have you ever thought you were doing things perfectly and still not pleasing GOD?
• Have you ever tried to convince GOD that you deserve better because you sinned less last week?
• Will you place your full hope in JESUS and allow HIM to guide you through life without needing to achieve HIS love that HE already has for you?

What Matters

What Matters

Galatians 5: ² Listen! I, Paul, tell you that if you allow yourselves to be circumcised, it means that Christ is of no use to you at all. ³ Once more I warn any man who allows himself to be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the whole Law. ⁴ Those of you who try to be put right with God by obeying the Law have cut yourselves off from Christ. You are outside God's grace. ⁵ As for us, our hope is that God will put us right with him; and this is what we wait for by the power of God's Spirit working through our faith. ⁶ For when we are in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor the lack of it makes any difference at all; what matters is faith that works through love.

 

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

 

One more thing went wrong that day. “LORD, what!?” was my frustrated cry. “Aren’t I doing enough? I’m trying to live right and it seems like those who easily do wrong are getting ahead in life!”  When I calmed down, the situation remained the same but I could quiet down to listen to GOD.

 

• I thought I could live right to make everything go “”my” way.
• I was doing “good” for me versus serving GOD.
• I wanted something from the “deal” with GOD instead of simply living as HE wants.

 

Paul urges the Gentiles not to half-follow the Law by picking and choosing certain parts in efforts to feel closer to GOD. He warns everyone that by trying to depend on the Law to measure how “good” one can be brings judgment of the whole Law rather than freedom.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see that HIS grace is what saved me.
• GOD wants me to recognize that there is nothing in me that is worthy of HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS wonderful gift, which is HIS only SON.

 

When things go wrong, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to pick me up. I mean, because I believe that JESUS died to save me eternally, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and anyone else who believes. Comfort, guidance, discernment and peace is what is given to all who believe.

 

Unfortunately there is a war inside me that tries to take over the situation, causing me to doubt GOD’s true love. I think “I” have to do something rather than simply having faith in HIS ways. I am glad JESUS forgives me for those weak moments and restores my faith in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you think was going on with this group of people?
• What does it mean to be “put right” with GOD?
• Will you seek unity with CHRIST through faith versus trying to be “good” enough to please GOD who is already pleased with you?

Rest From Perfection

Rest From Perfection

Galatians 3: ¹⁰ Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, “Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God's curse!” ¹¹ Now, it is clear that no one is put right with God by means of the Law, because the scripture says, “Only the person who is put right with God through faith shall live.” ¹² But the Law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, as the scripture says, “Whoever does everything the Law requires will live.”

 

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

 

Holding it together was becoming a task. My junk car had seen better days. I had to drive it perfectly for it to work. It wouldn’t always start, so I kept tools in the car, just in case. I also kept jumper cables in case the battery died. I had extra engine coolant because the radiator leaked and cans of oil and transmission fluid for the same reason. If one thing went wrong, the car would not work.

 

• I spent most of my time trying to be perfect when it was a losing battle.
• I felt hopeless because I could not afford to get out of my precarious situation.
• I needed something new that was dependable and reliable.

 

Obeying “The Law” was not the problem rather depending on it for salvation. Paul clarifies this by using “The Law” to prove how impossible it was to be saved. If one law was broken, then all laws were broken. Picking and choosing favorite scriptures was not an option.

 

My Observations

• When I am exhausted I need to examine if I am trying to live perfect instead of believing I am forgiven.
• GOD took care of all my sins, needs and desires, all I have to do is have faith in HIS plan for me.
• Thinking I, or others, can be perfect is the problem GOD wants me to let go of so I can have rest.

 

Sin is a nasty, sticky opponent that is relentless. I mean, when I think I have one area of my life under control, another situation I never would have expected pops up. I find myself in new sins I never would have dreamed of. When I focus on the situation, it seems hopeless. BUT GOD says different.

 

HE has me focus on the true and mighty solution, namely JESUS. When the world spits out new hatred and fights one another, JESUS says to us “Have faith, I have overcome the world.” Placing my faith in JESUS does not mean I am out of touch, it simply means I have hope. I am glad JESUS gave me the COMFORTER so I can rest.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about “depending on the Law?”
• Have you ever self-examined what you place your dependence on?
• Will you reduce your control, fears and doubts enough so you can add trust, faith and belief in JESUS today so you can rest from trying to be “perfect?”

Start With It, Stay With It

Start With It, Stay With It

Galatians 3: You foolish Galatians! Who put a spell on you? Before your very eyes you had a clear description of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross! ² Tell me this one thing: did you receive God's Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? ³ How can you be so foolish! You began by God's Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power? ⁴ Did all your experience mean nothing at all? Surely it meant something! ⁵ Does God give you the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do what the Law requires or because you hear the gospel and believe it?

 

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

 

With tears flowing down my face I accepted the invitation to believe in JESUS as my Savior and be baptized. While I was young, I could tell the difference between right and wrong. It was a relief that I was forgiven “forever.” But somewhere along the way, I doubted being eternally forgiven.

 

• I started thinking GOD was ready to punish me at the slightest mistake.
• I started believing that the “good” I did came from “me” and GOD would leave me for sinning.
• I started complaining about how GOD would allow “sinners” to get ahead in life, meanwhile those who were trying to follow HIM were getting pummeled.

 

Paul addresses an issue that remains today. He spoke about “belief” versus “works.” He noticed the people were favoring following the Law for redemption to GOD. He called them foolish for giving up on their “belief” in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• When GOD chose me, HE did it before HE created me.
• GOD is not the author of confusion and HE warns me that I have an adversary who spreads lies about HIM.
• Belief is the beginning of the relationship with JESUS and I need to also believe HE will never, ever leave me for making mistakes.

 

Getting to know JESUS can be confusing at times. I mean, one writer says “Faith without works is dead” another writer says “You began by GOD’s SPIRIT; do you now want to finish by your own power?” Both are correct, but how?

 

Faith leads me to want to serve others so they too can believe in JESUS. But is it the HOLY SPIRIT who sustains me, comforts me and begs for me before the FATHER in words I don’t understand. Belief needs to be total. JESUS saved me in the middle of my sins, not after I stopped sinning as Satan would have me believe. I am glad this is the Good News JESUS wants me to spread.

 

Challenge

• What is the trap the writer is trying to get the readers out of?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love or plan for you?
• Will you go all the way back to when you first believed in JESUS and celebrate the fact that HE took care of it all, especially the sins you are concerned about today?

Killed by the Law

Killed by the Law

Galatians 2: ¹⁹ So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, ²⁰ so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. ²¹ I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing!

 

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

 

Feeling awkward, I introduced myself to a group of people who seemed to know each other well. They had inside jokes that I was not privy to and they seemed to know what they were doing. When I made a mistake, it seemed like “they” were looking at “me.”

 

• I had no guidance.
• I had no protection from harm inflicted by myself or others.
• I had no purpose so I felt insecure.

 

Paul spoke about the mistake he made by being zealous for “The Law” and his desire to fit in with those who wanted to kill people who believed in JESUS as the Savior. His perspective was changed by JESUS and now he believed that “The Law” sentenced him to death versus bringing life. He found out there was only one way to life, namely through belief in JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Living by “The Law” can kill me and others around me.
• Understanding “The Law” guides me to see my shame, as I have broken all the laws by breaking one.
• Praising GOD for being saved from the death sentence “The Law” dictates is now my purpose.

 

“I live by faith in the Son of GOD” is a huge statement. I mean, I usually want my hand in the outcome of things so I try to use bits and pieces of “The Law” to manipulate GOD into giving me my way. BUT GOD sees through my filthy righteousness.

 

JESUS died for all my sins, past, present and future. HIS resurrection is the only thing that gives me the power to live. When I think I am being “good”, more than likely I am being abysmal. The only place I can turn is to JESUS, who graciously lives in me. I am grateful I am forgiven by JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean about being “Killed by the Law?”
• What is your perspective on “death” as it pertains to this passage?
• Is there a part of you that rejects the grace of GOD so you cling on to your own abilities to follow “The Law?”
• Will you let go of your exhausting efforts to please GOD and simply know the HE loves you dearly in spite of your sins and know you are forgiven by JESUS today?

Most Grace Required

 Most Grace Required

1 Corinthians 11: ⁶ If the woman does not cover her head, she might as well cut her hair. And since it is a shameful thing for a woman to shave her head or cut her hair, she should cover her head. ⁷ A man has no need to cover his head, because he reflects the image and glory of God. But woman reflects the glory of man; ⁸ for man was not created from woman, but woman from man. ⁹ Nor was man created for woman's sake, but woman was created for man's sake. ¹⁰ On account of the angels, then, a woman should have a covering over her head to show that she is under her husband's authority. ¹¹ In our life in the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. ¹² For as woman was made from man, in the same way man is born of woman; and it is God who brings everything into existence.

 

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

 

Again, Paul continues on a confusing subject. He continues to discuss the structure GOD put in place during the curse in Genesis 3. But where is he going with this? Looking at it from an authoritarian position, it looks like there is a hierarchy to win arguments and to blame. BUT GOD is in there.

 

• GOD wants me to not be independent of my wife.
• GOD wants me to take HIS creation process seriously.
• GOD wants me to reflect HIS image and HIS glory.

 

Wait, what did that last part mean? Reflect the image and glory of GOD? This is a tall responsibility. The only thing I can see is, the closer the person, the more the grace is required.

 

But this passage doesn’t talk about how to do that. Well, it kinda does. “Our life in the LORD” is the statement that shows us how to fight life’s phobias and fears that each person brings into a marriage.

 

Forgiving and serving a neighbor is easy, but how about a spouse? It takes a special kind of grace to remain married in the structure of a curse. JESUS showed this grace and wants man to reflect it to his wife, who was made specifically for him.

 

Grace needs to be taught and cannot be achieved. It is undeserving and requires admittance. It should be given in large doses and expected when two people are dependent on one another.

 

Again, no challenge questions because pondering grace is hard enough.

Versatility

Versatility

1 Corinthians 9: ¹⁹ I am a free man, nobody's slave; but I make myself everybody's slave in order to win as many people as possible. ²⁰ While working with the Jews, I live like a Jew in order to win them; and even though I myself am not subject to the Law of Moses, I live as though I were when working with those who are, in order to win them. ²¹ In the same way, when working with Gentiles, I live like a Gentile, outside the Jewish Law, in order to win Gentiles. This does not mean that I don't obey God's law; I am really under Christ's law. ²² Among the weak in faith I become weak like one of them, in order to win them. So I become all things to all people, that I may save some of them by whatever means are possible.

 

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

 

Seeing what was wrong was part of my job. I was taught to spot broken operations and unsanitary conditions. On the missions trip, all of my training went out the window. I was in a place that had no sink and a makeshift stove for cooking. Guess who had to adapt.

 

• There have been times when I needed to become flexible in my beliefs.
• There have been times when I needed to do things a little differently because of where I was at.
• There have been times when I needed to become versatile as a good example to others.

 

Paul explains that he uses his freedom to serve people for JESUS. He shows flexibility within the confines of obeying GOD’s law. He knew his salvation was solid, so with the Jews he was careful to obey the Laws of Moses. With the Gentiles, he did not observe the Law because they were not taught. He was versatile to win people for CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to be flexible versus being a people pleaser.
• GOD wants me to reduce my thinking of how things should be so I can win a variety of people for HIM.
• GOD wants me to be able to speak to as many people as possible about JESUS, so I must learn to be versatile.

 

Being versatile does not mean I have to become something I am not. I mean, I still have to obey GOD and love HIS people, so joining a hate group would be out of the question. But what about the many ways people justify their sin by belonging to groups where the sin is accepted? GOD has the answer. Love “them” as part of “us.”

 

The main goal is to win people over for CHRIST, not win arguments on how people should live their lives. The HOLY SPIRIT is the one who is the guide. I am grateful GOD has given me the task of being a seed planter.

 

• Are you trying to make someone live as you do?
• Do you feel people are not following GOD correctly?
• Will you become more versatile so you can win more people to CHRIST today?

Remove Obstacles

Remove Obstacles

1 Corinthians 9: ¹² If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we have an even greater right?

 

But we haven't made use of this right. Instead, we have endured everything in order not to put any obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ. ¹³ Surely you know that the men who work in the Temple get their food from the Temple and that those who offer the sacrifices on the altar get a share of the sacrifices. ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord has ordered that those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.

 

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

 

“But I don’t have any money to get there” was my statement. “Don’t worry about that, we will pay for you to get there” was the reply from the company. “But I don’t have a place to live” was my reluctant reply. “Don’t worry. We will put you in a hotel for a couple of weeks to find a place.” I had no other barriers so I took the job.

 

• I have seen the world remove barriers when it came to making money.
• I have seen the world remove any excuse for not getting something accomplished.
• I have seen the world remove any obstacle to the success it wants to achieve.

 

Paul speaks about “those who preach the gospel should get their living from it.” He speaks about the Law of Moses that GOD put into place stating those who tend to the temple are able to eat part of the sacrifice. In other words, they received part of the donation. But Paul did not force this right.

 

• GOD wants me to remove barriers to hearing HIS word.
• GOD wants me to remove excuses to listening to the Gospel of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to remove obstacles to following CHRIST as the Savior.

 

Removing obstacles requires additional sacrifice to help immature or blind people see. I mean, when I cannot grasp how to do something, I sometimes need an example to show me how it is done, then I can do it willingly. GOD removed an impossible to overcome obstacle for me.

 

HE needed a sinless human to die for the sins of humans. JESUS, being GOD the SON, volunteered. HE became a human, was tempted in every way and did not sin. HE was murdered and was raised from the dead as the risen Savior. I am grateful HE removed this obstacle so now I can have an everlasting relationship with HIM.

 

• Are you within your rights, but these rights may be a barrier?
• Are you at a decision point where you have to choose GOD or “the right” which could be an obstacle?
• Will you temporarily remove any obstacle to seeing or hearing GOD so “those people” will someday mature to follow HIM on their own?

Chained to the Rock

 

Chained to the Rock

Romans 7: Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? ² For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. ³ So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

 

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

 

Looking outside, I could see a warm inviting setting. Butterflies flapping and birds chirping made me want to be out there. But I was stuck in class. “When I grow up, I’ll be able to go outside when I want to.” I said to myself. I grew up and started working. “When I grow up, I will retire and go outside” I said to myself, looking out the window again.

 

• There have been many times I just wanted to be free.
• There have been many times I felt imprisoned.
• There have been many times I wanted to do as I pleased, but was bound by something.

 

Paul tries to explain what the Law does, to a male dominated group of religious leaders who knew it well. His example was a married woman being “bound” by the Law to not have sexual relations with any other man while the husband is still alive. But she is released from the Law of marriage if her husband dies.

 

• GOD wants me to know that when HE cursed the earth, all humans were “bound” to the Law.
• GOD wants me to understand that when the first human sinned, it caused me to be guilty of all sins written in the Law.
• GOD wants me to know that while I am alive, I have to be “bound” to something, otherwise I would be as wild as my sinful heart wants to be.

 

All humans are chained to the rock of the Law. GOD placed the Law in every human’s heart, giving me no excuse for not knowing. I am guilty as charged. How can I be freed from the guilt that wasn’t even caused by me? JESUS freed me from the death sentence the Law brings.

 

I am free to do as I please. But my heart is still sinful. GOD made it easy. Just believe in JESUS and HE will clean my heart and I can live to please HIM. I am grateful JESUS set me free.

 

• Are you looking for a better life?
• Do you think that if you got that car, house, job or mate, that your life would be “better?”
• Will you stop looking for happiness in things or people and invite JESUS into your heart so HE can clean it and focus you on the purpose HE made you for today?

Bad Introduction

 

Bad Introduction

Romans 5: ¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

 

¹³ To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

 

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

 

“Go ahead, try it”, were the words of the dare. I had not used a “curse” word in my life and I was dared to do so. I said the word and received laughter. I then tried all kinds of “curse” words and soon they were part of my normal language. What’s the big deal? I fit in.

 

• There was a time when I wanted to fit in.
• There was a time when I would follow what the crowd did.
• There was a time when I did the wrong thing and felt part of the crowd.

 

Paul mentions the beginning of sin through Adam. His sin was disobeying GOD by eating from the one tree he was told to stay away from. Satan tempted Adam into eating the fruit, twisting GOD’s command.

 

What’s the big deal? Adam fell for the temptation and death was introduced to humans. All humans now deserved to be separated from GOD because of one simple act that did not seem to be a big deal.

 

• GOD knew sin was introduced to me before I was born.
• GOD knew I would choose sin over HIM because everyone around me are sinners too.
• GOD knew HE had the only remedy to my sin, namely HE had to die just for me.

 

It’s not fair, one would say. I mean, everyone has to go to hell just because of one person? Yes. BUT GOD wasn’t having it. JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to take on the punishment HE decreed. Anyone who sins deserves death, no matter how small the sin.

 

This, seemingly extreme, sentence was overcome by JESUS. “I’ll die for everyone”, HE volunteered. JESUS enabled me to not suffer for eternity.  I am truly grateful HE broke the pattern of death for me.

 

• Are you excusing what you are doing because everyone else is doing it?
• Have you or others declared you as “good?”
• Will you look to JESUS as the only one who is good and seek HIM for salvation and guidance today?

Fighting Rumors

Fighting Rumors

Acts 21: ²⁰ When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. ²¹ They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs. ²² What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, ²³ so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. ²⁴ Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. ²⁵ As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”

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

Someone reported a rumor about me. I was highly insulted so I reacted quickly in defense. It seemed the more I reacted the worse the rumor got. In fact, more rumors got added because I was shaken.

• There were times when worried about what people thought of me.
• There were times when I tried to please everyone.
• There were times when I thought rumors could hurt my reputation.

The crowd at Jerusalem was excited to finally see Paul. He told them about all GOD had done. After hearing what Paul had to say, they warned him about the rumors of him preaching against the Laws of Moses. They vowed to clear his name and tell everyone he lived according to the law. They also instructed the Gentiles to have self-control.

• GOD wants me to know my reputation with HIM is spotless.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE forgave me and that is all that matters.
• GOD wants me to embrace HIS protection, especially when people lie about me.

Rumors and lies are very similar. I mean the motive behind both do not come from a good place. The enemy used rumors and lies to trick humanity into sin. He wants to do the same today. GOD holds my reputation.

HE sees my prayers, service and efforts to resist sin. While I fail in everything I do, the HOLY SPIRIT fortifies my relationship with JESUS. I am grateful I cannot be removed from GOD’s hand, even by rumor.

• Is someone slandering you?
• Do you feel your reputation is in trouble because someone is lying on you?
• Will you focus on what GOD wants in your life so you can stop worrying about what people think about you today?