Journey Through Life

Journey Through Life

Genesis 47: ⁷ Then Joseph brought in his father Jacob and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. ⁸ Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

 

⁹ And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” ¹⁰ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.

 

¹¹ And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. ¹² Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.

 

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Joseph brought “Jacob” to Pharaoh and the first thing out of Jacob’s mouth was a blessing. Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was. Jacob’s answer was interesting.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob mentioned he was younger than his father’s age who died at one hundred eighty and his grandfather died at one hundred seventy five.
• Jacob said his days were “few and evil” as if he regretted being a swindler.
• Jacob finally changed into the leader GOD wanted him to be, so he blessed Pharaoh.

 

All of his adult life, Jacob pursued what he wanted. He tried to circumvent tradition from a swindler who gave him a wife he did not want. He took his brother’s birthright and blessing. He lived in fear of many people groups because of his actions.

 

Jacob seemed to have regrets. BUT GOD used him anyway. GOD was the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. HE is the same GOD to you and me. Once we truly realize we are inadequate to save ourselves, we can turn to CHRIST for salvation.

 

But it does not stop there. We then have to realize that we are HIS creation and our lives are not to be squandered with our own pursuits. As we approach the finish line, we have an opportunity to serve GOD to our fullest each day!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Pharaoh?
• Have you ever looked back on your life in regret?
• Do you realize that today is given to you to start serving GOD despite the past?

Longest Life

Longest Life

Genesis 5: ²⁵ Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lamech. ²⁶ After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters. ²⁷ So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died.

 

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“You are as old as Methuselah” people would say as a reference to being very, very old. Methuselah lived to a ripe old age of nine hundred and sixty-nine years. His father was taken by GOD at three hundred and sixty-five years of age.

 

My Observations:

• To be on this list, I believe these people all walked with the LORD.
• Methuselah walked with the LORD the longest.
• Methuselah saw his father’s excitement for the LORD and may have been influenced to pass this excitement on to his family.

 

By the time Methuselah died, the population had grown significantly. But somehow GOD spent time with Methuselah and other people. Methuselah did the same as seven generations before him by calling on the name of the LORD.

 

His long life may have been the pattern for a commandment that would be later given to Moses, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”

 

Challenge

• Do you think GOD told Methuselah about taking HIS father?
• Are you worried about your life and about how you will make it tomorrow?
• Have you considered placing your life in GOD’s hands so HE can manage it better than you think?

A Woman of Purpose

A Woman of Purpose

Revelation 12: ¹³ When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he began to pursue the woman who had given birth to the boy. ¹⁴ She was given the two wings of a large eagle in order to fly to her place in the desert, where she will be taken care of for three and a half years, safe from the dragon's attack. ¹⁵ And then from his mouth the dragon poured out a flood of water after the woman, so that it would carry her away. ¹⁶ But the earth helped the woman; it opened its mouth and swallowed the water that had come from the dragon's mouth. ¹⁷ The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus. ¹⁸ And the dragon stood on the seashore.

 

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“You shouldn’t go for it” was the bad advice I almost listened to. A person, who I thought was in my corner, was trying to convince me to not take a promotion because it was “uncertain.” But I took the position anyway. Later I found out that he wanted the position.

 

• I was being deceived.
• I was being pursued by someone who did not have my best interest in mind.
• I was being protected.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued the vision he was given about Satan being thrown out of heaven to earth. He calls him “the dragon”  who displayed great powers. Since the birth of JESUS could not be stopped, the dragon tried to harm “the woman” or GOD’s people who obey HIS commands and are faithful to the truth revealed by JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gives us purpose of spreading HIS message of love.
• GOD knows the obstructions we will face because of Satan’s fury.
• GOD gives us wings and tells the earth to swallow up the attacks of the enemy in order to protect us.

 

Protection is required when we profess JESUS as the Savior. I mean, I used to think life would be easier if I accepted JESUS as my Savior, but it got worse! Attack after attack, I wondered if GOD was listening or if HE had the power HE said HE had. Fortunately for me, GOD is gracious.

 

HE sees to attack of Satan from way off and provides you and me with the right thing at the right time. HE gives us “wings” when we need to fly and summons the earth to absorb the enemy’s attack. I am glad to be part of HIS bride as I continue in my faith.

 

Challenge

• What protection does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been attacked and did not know how to respond?
• Will you seek GOD’s protection by believing in JESUS and know that HE has given you purpose, so HE will protect you today?

Living Inside

Living Inside

1 John 1: ⁵ Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. ⁶ If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. ⁷ But if we live in the light—just as he is in the light—then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.

 

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Wanting to live outside for a while, I grabbed a blanket from the house to fashion as my tent. I draped it over a clothesline and placed bricks on the edges. “That was easy!” I thought to myself. But then I got hungry and bored. I went back inside and grabbed food from the cabinet and took my favorite comic books outside. But then it threatened rain. I went inside.

 

• I thought I could live outside by using my wits.
• I thought I could live outside by my own effort.
• I thought that I thought of everything to live outside, but I was very mistaken.

 

John poetically describes GOD as light, as told by JESUS. He implies light as knowledge, love, holiness, purity and everything great about GOD. He also implies darkness as misinformed, full of lies, infused with hatred, prideful and everything evil brings. He gives the bad news that living in darkness while thinking we are living in light is a lie.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has revealed HIS SON JESUS who gave us one command to live by, namely love one another.
• GOD provides love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control to anyone who believes in the SON for salvation.
• GOD is the only one who can give our minds rest when all else is turbulent.

 

Living inside of GOD brings shelter from the storm. I mean, when the storms of life hit, GOD can grant me peace that doesn’t make sense. HE can also give me joy when others are looking for happiness and cannot find it. When I try to live outside of GOD I find myself in trouble.

 

“My” plans fail. “My” insecurities grow. “My” lies increase because I may pretend to live inside of GOD, but in fact may be living outside of HIM. Fortunately for me, GOD sees my heart because JESUS died to erase my sins. I am glad I can live inside of GOD because of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe GOD?
• Have you ever thought you knew something and were far, far from the truth?
• Have you ever tried to get your own way, knowing that it may bring trouble?
• Will you consider following GOD’s way by believing you need JESUS to guide you, protect you and grow you inside of HIM so HE can have fellowship with you today?

Legacy of Purpose

Legacy of Purpose

2 Peter 1: ¹² And so I will always remind you of these matters, even though you already know them and are firmly grounded in the truth you have received. ¹³ I think it only right for me to stir up your memory of these matters as long as I am still alive. ¹⁴ I know that I shall soon put off this mortal body, as our Lord Jesus Christ plainly told me. ¹⁵ I will do my best, then, to provide a way for you to remember these matters at all times after my death.

 

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“What would you do differently if you knew you were going to die in the next two weeks?” was the poignant question posed to us at the Promise Keeper’s conference. I really hadn’t thought of that, but after pondering I realized I would love more, spread the Gospel more and praise more. The next statement was the game changer. “Then why don’t you start doing this right now.”

 

• I wanted conditions to be perfect for me to do what I should have been doing all along.
• I felt bad that I could not blame anyone but myself for not doing the things I should have been doing.
• I realized then, that I need to make a change in my life that would actively include GOD’s love spread to my family, friends and strangers.

 

Peter got some startling news directly from JESUS. After leaving the ministry, Peter went back to fishing. JESUS appeared to the disciples in a miraculous encounter. HE told Peter about his death after reinstating him in the ministry. Peter, from then on, spoke boldly about JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• People are important, BUT GOD is most important.
• Being busy doing life is okay, but following GOD is the ultimate.
• Working hard to stay alive and healthy is not bad, but showing people the way to believe in GOD is the pinnacle of existence.

 

Selfish people redefine what is important. I mean, when people ask the question “What would you like to be known by?” they may answer by saying “Money” or “Fame” or “Acquiescing to selfish needs of greedy people.” They may not come out directly and say those things, but it may be at the heart of the matter. GOD wants something different.

 

Each and every day, GOD wants HIS people to remember JESUS. HIS death and resurrection is the most important event that ever happened to mankind. All GOD wants us to do is to love one another so people would turn their eyes to HIM. I gladly leave a legacy of spreading JESUS as the most important gift I could give my family, friends and strangers.

 

Challenge

• What do you think is the writer’s definition of being “firmly grounded in the truth?”
• Have you examined your life’s purpose to see if it includes what GOD wants you to do?
• Will you live your life with GOD’s purpose from this day forth so you can be used to being many people to HIM from now on?

 

Give an Account

 

Give an Account

1 Peter 4:  ⁵ But they will have to give an account of themselves to God, who is ready to judge the living and the dead. ⁶ That is why the Good News was preached also to the dead, to those who had been judged in their physical existence as everyone is judged; it was preached to them so that in their spiritual existence they may live as God lives.

 

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After I woke up, I realized that an hour had passed. The supervisor came by and asked “What have you been doing during this time?” I was supposed to be counting surveys, but the job was repetitious and boring. “I don’t know” was my childish reply.

 

• I didn’t do what I was supposed to be doing.
• I wasted my time sleeping.
• I had to give an account for what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Peter continues his theological explanation by stating why JESUS spoke to those who died without believing in HIM for salvation. Their spiritual existence is permanent so, unfortunately, their judgment is also permanent and eternal. After physical death, those who did not believe in JESUS will be judged.

 

My Observations:

• Salvation through JESUS is necessary for my current life.
• GOD wants all believers to spread the Gospel to everyone so that all may be saved.
• Those who reject the message of JESUS, unfortunately will not be saved.

 

Each of us has to give an account for our short time on earth. I mean, at some point I will stand in front of GOD and have HIM ask me “What did you do with your time on earth?” or HE will tell me “This is what you spent your time on earth.” Either way, I have to give an account for what is important to HIM, namely spreading the Gospel of HIS SON.

 

JESUS became a human to be murdered by HIS creation. HE was raised from the dead, showing GOD has all power over life and death. JESUS now rules at the right hand of GOD and they are waiting for the last person to accept HIM as Savior. I am glad GOD includes me in HIS plan to reach people with the Gospel.

 

Challenge

• What account is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever looked at your time to assess how much of it you are giving to GOD?
• Will you give more time to GOD during the week to intentionally spread the Gospel of JESUS today?

Purpose Given

Purpose Given

1 Timothy 2: ³ This is good and it pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved, ⁷ and that is why I was sent as an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, to proclaim the message of faith and truth. I am not lying; I am telling the truth!

 

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“Please take notes” were the words asked of me that I was insulted by. I had been invited to a meeting with the highest executives in the company and they only wanted me to take notes!? But after doing it for a while, I realized, I was learning about concerns that I never would have.

 

• I admit, I did not like my purpose.
• I wanted to “be” something other than someone else’s lacky.
• I almost missed something huge by not wanting to start out small and learn.

 

Paul explained purpose. Not just his, but all humans. He explained that GOD “wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.” JESUS took this purpose seriously and took on the sins of mankind to redeem the whole human race. He then proclaims that he too wants this as his purpose.

 

My Observations

• Without understanding GOD’s desire, I cannot “be” what HE made me for.
• I have to love what GOD loves in order to see the purpose HE made me for.
• GOD’s purpose for me may be simpler than I would like it to be, but I may be missing a lesson that would grow me.

 

Wanting to “be” something else can get in the way of my purpose. I mean, wanting to be a celebrity, or have a different shape or to not be what I am can cause me to miss out on the purpose I have been given right here and now.

 

I may be given the opportunity to reach the person in front of me with the greatest message one could ever hear, namely JESUS died for you and me and is alive! Instead, I may grouse about my business or job or family state. GOD forgives me and fills me up to see HIS purpose and wants me to be thankful for being chosen to go out and seek HIS Kingdom.

 

Challenge

• What do you think is “good and pleasing” to the LORD as the writer puts it?
• Have you ever wanted to take classes or read books on how to be a better you?
• Be honest, do you like you?
• Will you see yourself as GOD sees you and accept your purpose which is to save the lost today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank you for giving this reader purpose. Help him or her accept YOUR purpose so abundant life can be given. amen

New Identity

 

New Identity

Philippians 3 ⁴ I could, of course, put my trust in such things. If any of you think you can trust in external ceremonies, I have even more reason to feel that way. ⁵ I was circumcised when I was a week old. I am an Israelite by birth, of the tribe of Benjamin, a pure-blooded Hebrew. As far as keeping the Jewish Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee, ⁶ and I was so zealous that I persecuted the church. As far as a person can be righteous by obeying the commands of the Law, I was without fault. ⁷ But all those things that I might count as profit I now reckon as loss for Christ's sake. 

 

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Being ridiculed, I did not want to be seen or known. But after being recognized for positive achievements, I craved more accolades. The more “I” achieved, the higher “I” went. Soon my entire identity was wrapped in ”my” title.

 

• My thoughts were only on my title.
• My plans centered around my title.
• My conversations, lack of sleep, decisions and time were based on my title.

 

Paul sounded harsh on those who pushed the need to be circumcised as an implied closeness to GOD. This male oriented action was debunked by Paul as he admitted his own faults. He was extremely zealous for following the scripture but lacked its true meaning, namely CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When GOD made me, HE said “Very good.”
• My identity is made whole by pointing all lives to CHRIST.
• Only CHRIST deserves the attention and my achievements mean nothing.

 

Having a title or lineage or popularity is not bad unless I place it over what GOD wants for me. I mean, GOD gives me free will to choose HIM or “me.” When I choose “me” I get the spotlight, the accolades and “my” name is mentioned more than HIS.

 

Fortunately GOD understands this and HE gently guides me back to a place of true peace. HE opens my eyes to the need for CHRIST to have the honor of the spotlight. My achievements, accomplishments and accolades mean nothing in comparison to JESUS. I look at the immense time I have wasted as loss and I am grateful GOD hs given me a chance to speak about HIM now.

 

Challenge

• Can you sense regret from the writer?
• Have you ever wanted the attention, maybe even in a passive way?
• What do you cry out to GOD for?
• Will you seek a new identity by placing JESUS over every aspiration in your life today?

Boundless Power

Boundless Power

Ephesians 4: I urge you, then—I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. ² Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.

 

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“Are you okay?” I asked one of the thugs who’s life seemed to be centered on making everyone miserable. He had fallen after holding onto a car and sliding on his heels down the icy street. Years later he reminded me that I said a kind word. I did not even remember saying it.

 

• I wanted to react with a fight or rage when being bullied.
• I wanted to point and say “That’s what you get” when someone I did not like got hurt.
• I wanted to finally “win” when it felt like I was losing to the bullies, tormentors and tyrants.

 

Jailed for speaking about JESUS, Paul wrote a letter. His chains could not stop his love for the people. He urged everyone to stay focused by showing humility, gentleness and patience. These could not be stopped.

 

My Observations

• The HOLY SPIRIT gives me an alternative way that is humble.
• The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me to be gentle.
• The HOLY SPIRIT tells me to slow down and be patient.

 

Humans may trap me in ways that seem unfair. I mean, overt and passive bullies try to get their way instead of GOD’s way. BUT GOD gives me a standard that I can follow. I do not have to look at my circumstance as “the measure” rather I can choose humbleness, gentleness and patience as my “measure” for success.

 

When I have shown these to others who may not even be receptive, GOD says “Well done good and faithful servant.” It also relieves me of how the world constantly says “You don’t measure up.” I am glad GOD’s measure of me is through HIS SON and not my actions.

 

Challenge

• What is the heart of the writer?
• Have you ever wanted to fight or get back at someone or been enraged?
• Will you seek any part of the small list given in this passage as an alternative to your first reaction to fulfill GOD’s calling on your life today?

Given a Task

 

Given a Task

Galatians 2: ⁶ But those who seemed to be the leaders—I say this because it makes no difference to me what they were; God does not judge by outward appearances—those leaders, I say, made no new suggestions to me. ⁷ On the contrary, they saw that God had given me the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews. 

 

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When my parents said “clean up this” or “clean up that” it felt like drudgery, but I would do it. But when the teacher was passing out “tasks” she overlooked my raised hand and picked someone behind me. “What about me?” I asked. She said “Okay, you can clean up the book area.”

 

• I was delighted to be chosen!
• I was excited to be part of something.
• I was willing to do what it took when I was given a task to do.

 

Outward appearances were not what Paul was going for. He had run into phony people who spoke about GOD on the surface, but were seeking fame and praise. Those who were truly following JESUS saw Paul’s actions from his heart. He was given a task by GOD to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.

 

My Observations

• GOD looks at my heart actions versus surface actions.
• GOD knows when I am being sincere versus self-serving.
• GOD gives me tasks because HE wants me to succeed in growing HIS kingdom.

 

Getting tasks from GOD happens daily. I mean, HE wants me to pray for those around me and hope that all I encounter in a given day, accept JESUS as the Savior. The task HE gives to us is usually not small,

 

HE wants all to be saved. Unfortunately there are times when I get distracted by the days worries or a season or even a specific day. GOD loved me so much that HE gave me HIS one and only SON so I could believe in HIM and be saved. I am glad I can look beyond the day and see HIS eternal love.

 

Challenge

• What task is the writer given?
• Why is his task different than Peter’s?
• What task do you believe GOD is giving you?

 

Dear LORD, please give the reader a clear task for today. Let him or her know YOUR love. amen

Choice to Live For

Choice to Live For

2 Corinthians 5: ¹¹ We know what it means to fear the Lord, and so we try to persuade others. God knows us completely, and I hope that in your hearts you know me as well. ¹² We are not trying again to recommend ourselves to you; rather, we are trying to give you a good reason to be proud of us, so that you will be able to answer those who boast about people's appearance and not about their character. ¹³ Are we really insane? It is for God's sake. Or are we sane? Then it is for your sake. ¹⁴ We are ruled by the love of Christ, now that we recognize that one man died for everyone, which means that they all share in his death. ¹⁵ He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake.

 

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“We may lose the account” were the words that sparked my effort. I stayed at work for 36 hours, trying to finish the proposal for new work. The effort was wasted as the client had already made an agreement with some other firm.

 

• I lived to work and worked to live.
• I used all of my waking hours working or thinking about work.
• I was on a cycle of working to take vacations, buy stuff and live it up, so I needed to work hard.

 

Paul speaks of a choice to live for. In this passage he spoke about people who were wealthy enough to focus on their appearance. But they were not concerned about their character. He tried to persuade everyone to “fear the LORD.” Why? Because HE died and was raised to life.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to live for only JESUS.
• GOD wants me to see everyone around me as HIS possession.
• GOD wants me to seek those who are actively rejecting HIM because JESUS died and was raised from the dead for all who believe.

 

It’s alright to work, buy nice things and go on vacations. But sometimes the “it’s alright” thought pattern leaves no room for GOD. I mean, it was alright to work hard, but never at the detriment of seeing people who need to hear the message of the “love of CHRIST.”

 

“It’s alright” can sometimes blind me to actually living for JESUS. It takes surrender to reduce the “It’s alright” enough to see what GOD wants me to do and say and “be.” Sometimes the battle is against comfort rather than the obvious things humans label as evil. I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT is patient with me and guides me little by little to live for HIM.

 

Challenge

• What do you recognize in the writers words?
• Have you ever assessed the conflict of living in comfort versus reducing some comforts to help others?
• Is there anything you can surrender that is “alright” to do so you can focus more on living for JESUS?
• What does it look like to live for CHRIST more and more each day?

Answer the Call

 

Answer the Call

Romans 8: ²⁸ We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. ²⁹ Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. ³⁰ And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.

 

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Avoiding the phone became a normal occurrence. I let the answering machine screen the calls because I did not have any money and could not see getting any money in the near future. Yes, I said answering machine. I would hear the creditors asking for money I did not have. The call would only make me feel worse.

 

• Many times I avoided calls because I was afraid of the caller.
• Many times I avoided calls because I thought I could not do what the caller was asking.
• Many times I avoided calls because I knew I would have to confess that I owed something, but could not repay.

 

Paul says something that can be a little hard to understand. He talks about GOD choosing people. The sinful question that tries to negate GOD choosing people is “Why?” Paul does not explain “why”, rather he encourages those who have been chosen by GOD to know the calling has purpose. This purpose brings the good of GOD, so HIS calling is one that gives power.

 

• GOD has called me for HIS purpose.
• GOD has chosen me to become like JESUS.
• GOD has put me right with HIMSELF so I can do HIS will.

 

Answering GOD’s call is strange. I mean, HE seems to call at the wrong time, in the wrong way. Just like a creditor calling when I have no money, GOD seems to call when I am not ready or have nothing to give. BUT HIS call needs to be answered.

 

GOD wants me to be powerless so I can truly point to HIS power. HE gives me purpose and shares HIS glory with me. The purpose is to share the love of JESUS with as many as GOD has given me. I accept GOD’s calling on my life.

 

• Is GOD trying to speak to you but you are too busy or worried with life?
• Does your bills or desires make you not want to hear GOD’s calling?
• Will you let go of the control you have on your life and allow GOD to give you purpose that is meaningful today?

Growing Up

 

Growing Up

Romans 6: ¹² Sin must no longer rule in your mortal bodies, so that you obey the desires of your natural self. ¹³ Nor must you surrender any part of yourselves to sin to be used for wicked purposes. Instead, give yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life, and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. ¹⁴ Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law but under God's grace.

 

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“Oh, grow up!” were the insulting words hurled at me. “How dare she!” I thought. I blew off her statement because she was mean and crabby anyway. I was simply complaining and wanted someone to hear my complaint. After hearing her unexpected reaction, I wanted to complain about that too.

 

• When I was a child I spoke like a child.
• When I was a child I justified my sinful actions.
• When I was a child I had a lot to say about everyone else, and little to say about my flaws.

 

Paul appeals to every reader to give up sin and give the entirety of life to GOD. He then explains, that GOD did an incredible thing for humans so we should acknowledge what HE did and act like HE wants us to.

 

• GOD wants me to examine my sinful self, daily.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I need HIM to guide me and correct me daily.
• GOD wants me to grow up little by little, making decisions that would please HIM instead of feeding my sin.

 

Growing up means taking responsibility. Blaming GOD for HIS righteousness will not cut it when I stand before HIM. One day I will need to account for my sins. I will have no excuse. The only reply I will have to GOD is “I believe in YOUR SON who took away that sin and that one and that one.” HIS reply will be “Well done MY faithful servant.” I am please to surrender to JESUS.

 

• Are you acting like a child, trying to hold onto a life you think you are in control of?
• Do complaints roll off your lips more than praise?
• Will you examine yourself and ask GOD to help you let go of your sin, little by little so HE can use you for HIS purpose today?

An Obligation

 

An Obligation

Romans 1: ¹³ You must remember, my friends, that many times I have planned to visit you, but something has always kept me from doing so. I want to win converts among you also, as I have among other Gentiles. ¹⁴ For I have an obligation to all peoples, to the civilized and to the savage, to the educated and to the ignorant. ¹⁵ So then, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who live in Rome.

 

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“No” was my sharp answer to her rudeness. She spoke in a very demanding tone that I did not appreciate. She could see a box addressed to her sitting on the shelf but I refused to give it to her. “Come back in a few hours when I am off work and maybe that person will be able to help you.”

 

• There have been some people who have been very rude to me.
• There have been some people who treated me poorly.
• There have been some people who I felt justified by not helping them.

 

Paul continues writing his letter, expressing his eagerness to visit, but was delayed from doing so. He kept the letter upbeat by not mentioning the beatings he had received for speaking about JESUS as the one and only Savior of the world. Instead, he spoke about his obligation to preach the Good News to win converts for the LORD.

 

• GOD wants me to have a life filled with HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be obligated to speak about JESUS to those who ignore HIM.
• GOD wants me to be able to speak to someone who is too educated to believe in HIM.

 

Living an obligated life means I grow up to think about my reaction versus reacting immediately. GOD wants me to live for HIS purpose so that means I may have to speak to people who do not look or act like me.

 

HE loves when I pray for those who speak down to me and who curse at me. This is not weakness but a display of surrender to GOD’s power to handle the situation. I am grateful GOD has given me purpose that obligates me to desire salvation through JESUS for all.

 

• What do you feel obligated to do?
• Do you serve your family or go to work regularly?
• Can you add speaking about JESUS as the world’s Savior to your list of obligations today?

Along for the Ride

 

Along for the Ride

Acts 27: ²¹ After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²² But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³ Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴ and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ ²⁵ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶ Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

 

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Being part of the team felt great. One person in particular was being groomed to run the entire company. He surrounded himself with a lot of people who would work hard and remain honest. I was on his team and was successful because he was successful.

 

• There have been people who protected me because of their success.
• There have been people who brought me with them because of their purpose.
• There have been people who raised me up from very low places.

 

Paul reminded the crew that they should have listened to his warning, but they did not and almost lost their lives. He then encouraged them even though there was no food and everyone was feeling low. He was told let them know they would be saved.

 

• GOD wants me to encourage people.
• GOD wants me to tell people “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM because HE has given me a purpose.

 

When GOD gives a purpose to someone, it benefits many. I have seen people encourage the lost and their lives were changed for good. GOD wants me to do the same. HE wants me to live my life with purpose, bringing those around me to HIM. HE will do just as HE promises. In HIM I place my trust.

 

• What is your purpose?
• Will you stay stuck on the problem or look forward to GOD’s deliverance?
• Will you encourage people around you and love those who are hard to love, so JESUS can save you and them today?

What’s Important

 

What’s Important

Acts 27: ¹³ When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. ¹⁴ Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. ¹⁵ The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. ¹⁶ As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, ¹⁷ so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. ¹⁸ We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. ¹⁹ On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. ²⁰ When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

 

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When the thug put the gun down, I was scared and relieved. He walked away laughing as it was not really a gun, but a cigarette lighter shaped like a gun. Still, I thought “What if I got shot?” “What if I got killed?” “What if this was my last day?”

 

• There have been times when I did not see what was important.
• There have been times when I carried useless anger, hatred and worries around.
• There have been times when I thought I was going to die, so nothing else was important other than survival.

 

Luke continues to document the treacherous trip. A hurricane tossed the ship around with ease. The experts tried everything within their knowledge to keep the ship and the cargo together to no avail.

 

They soon realized the cargo was not important as their lives so they threw it overboard. This was not enough. They had to tear down parts of the ship that made them money, namely the cranes to load the ship.

 

• GOD allows storms in my life to grow me.
• GOD allows storms in my life to force me to throw away unimportant things.
• GOD allows storms in my life to show me where I really place my hope, but gives me a way to see I need HIM.

 

When life is really easy and I have plenty, it seems like I don’t cry out to GOD for help as much. I mean, I may mumble “Thank you” in a prayer here and there. But I also mumble “forgive me” as I fall into the sins of wealth.

 

GOD allowed storms in my life that seemed to last for years. Day after day, the worries of life would beat on me. I felt like giving up. BUT GOD showed me where to place my hope. The HOLY SPIRIT said “In the middle of the storm, praise GOD.” I did this and the storm felt less scary. I am thankful GOD is there with me in the storm.

 

• Are you going through a long period where things are going wrong?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, because HE is there with you, feeling your pain and knowing how HE will deliver you if you place your trust in HIM today?

Cause an Investigation

 

Cause an Investigation

Acts 25: ¹³ A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. ¹⁴ Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. ¹⁵ When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

 

¹⁶ “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. ¹⁷ When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. ¹⁸ When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. ²¹ But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

 

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“How did he get promoted?” I questioned. I mean, this guy was not leadership material. Now I was curious. I asked him what changed. He said I needed to attend a specific leadership class offered at the company. I took the class and was promoted five times afterwards.

 

• When I want something, I look into it.
• When I seek something, I ask questions.
• When I desire something I investigate it.

 

Festus had company arrive. King Agrippa and Bernice came to pay their respects to him. He discussed this high profile case, telling them what Paul had done. He was shocked to learn what the dispute was about. The Jews claimed JESUS was dead and Paul told the truth about HIS resurrection. Festus did not know how to investigate the matter.

 

• GOD wants me to stand firm for HIS truth.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to live a life that causes people to investigate JESUS.

 

People seek something meaningful in their lives. GOD has shown me that HE is the most meaningful pursuit I could ever chase. No matter where I go, GOD wants me to be ready to explain that JESUS is the Savior and anyone who believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. I hope my life points people to JESUS.

 

• Are you living your life for GOD?
• Are you pointing people to HIM so they can investigate JESUS for themselves?
• Will you let go of trying to control people to GOD and allow them to seek HIM for themselves today?