Live In

 

Live In

2 John 1: ⁴ How happy I was to find that some of your children live in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. ⁵ And so I ask you, dear Lady: let us all love one another. This is no new command I am writing you; it is the command which we have had from the beginning. ⁶ This love I speak of means that we must live in obedience to God's commands. The command, as you have all heard from the beginning, is that you must all live in love.

 

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“Once you join the group, you have to follow the rules” a group leader said. I wanted to be part of the prestigious group so I did everything the group said. Once inside I became an ambassador for the group, taunting people to join and to be like “us.”

 

• I was totally invested in the group.
• I believed in the group so much, that I talked about the group’s decisions all the time.
• I even thought the group was the answer to some problems people were having in life.

 

John expressed the excitement of seeing “some” people living in the truth of GOD. He could see their lives were different than others because they took GOD’s words to heart and were loving one another. They were no longer living outside of GOD’s love.

 

My Observations:

• I may try to leave GOD, BUT HE will never leave me.
• GOD loves when I live in HIS truth and obey what HE says in HIS word, which is the Bible.
• Obedience to GOD requires that I surrender my life to HIM which gives me more freedom than I thought.

 

At one time I thought GOD was a restrainer who couldn’t wait to punish me. I mean, isn’t the Bible a list of rules that hypocrites use to control people? No! GOD revealed HIS love and spoke to many writers to reveal HIS SON, JESUS as the Savior from blindness of HIM.

 

Sin caused all humans to be blind to GOD’s love and we needed help. JESUS took our punishment and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to open the wyes of believers. This causes you and me to be able to “live in” the truth, obedience and love. I am glad GOD made a way.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer used the words “some of your children?”
• Have you ever wanted to be part of an organization, so you learned the rules and stuck to them?
• Will you take whatever battles you are creating and surrender them to GOD so you can live in HIS truth, by obeying HIS commands so you can live in HIS love today?

Living Stone

Living Stone

1 Peter 2: ⁴ Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. ⁵ Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For the scripture says,

“I chose a valuable stone,
    which I am placing as the cornerstone in Zion;
    and whoever believes in him will never be disappointed.”
⁷ This stone is of great value for you that believe; but for those who do not believe:
“The stone which the builders rejected as worthless
    turned out to be the most important of all.”
⁸ And another scripture says,
“This is the stone that will make people stumble,
    the rock that will make them fall.” 

They stumbled because they did not believe in the word; such was God's will for them.

 

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Knowing there was something wrong with the decision, I felt kind of nervous. A friend of mine found a way to get some groceries without using his money. I thought it was not right, but volunteered to drive him to the store and threw in my list of items. On the way home, my car broke down. Coincidentally, the cost of the repair was almost half the amount we spent on groceries.

 

• I rejected the warning thought and went with the bad decision.
• I thought that I could participate in something partially and not be guilty.
• I could have said “No” and walked away from the bad decision.

 

Peter invites everyone to give their lives to JESUS. He mentions that JESUS was overlooked as the one and only solution to all problems. The world has a better way than JESUS so therefore they reject HIM as valuable. BUT GOD has chosen HIM as the most valuable.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is more pleased when I ask HIM, “What would YOU like me to do?”
• When I make decisions that do not include GOD, I tend to stumble and fall.
• JESUS is the cornerstone of my faith and I can build HIS kingdom without ever being disappointed.

 

Disappointment, blame and fear develop when I leave GOD out of my decisions. I mean, there is a way that seems right to me, but I end up falling down and hurting myself. GOD gives me a decision, I can be a stone for HIM or fall on the stone, which is JESUS.

 

Being a stone means, life’s challenges will not move me from believing in HIS power. It also means I totally rely on HIM to resolve my problems HIS way and in HIS time. HE then makes me a holy servant simply because of my belief in HIM. I am glad JESUS stands firm for me.

 

Challenge

• What rejection does the writer mention?
• Have you ever thought that some things that GOD wants are worthless?
• Will you become a living stone for JESUS today and live by HIS example today?

Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

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Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

Genuine Magnet

Genuine Magnet

Hebrews 11: ⁷ It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see. He obeyed God and built a boat in which he and his family were saved. As a result, the world was condemned, and Noah received from God the righteousness that comes by faith.

 

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Hearing my assignment, I groused a little. The projects that were high visibility seemed to go to other people and I seemed to get the leftovers. Someone said to me, “Just do a good job”, so I did. After a while, the higher ups asked me to help them out on their projects.

 

• I originally thought I had to complain in order to get my way.
• I thought I had to be someone else in order to be seen.
• I thought I was unfavorable and others were getting all the favors.

 

Paul, the assumes writer, gives a different example of faith, namely obedience. He used the example of how Noah chose to stay away from violence and was not trying to get his way, rather he lived a peaceful life and worshipped the LORD. GOD blessed Noah’s obedience.

 

My Observations:

• I don’t have to broadcast my abilities to GOD when I genuinely serve HIM.
• I don’t have to tell GOD where I am, when I am genuinely doing what HE wants me to do.
• I don’t have to wonder if GOD sees me when I am genuinely being who HE wants me to be.

 

Sometimes I want to be “found” by the right people. I mean, I work hard and want my work to be noticed. But when the work is overlooked, I may be too tired to tell “the right people” what I have done. BUT GOD sees and knows what I do for HIM.

 

GOD gets excited when I do things for HIM that no one sees or acknowledges. HE finds me even when I am not seeking HIM. HE wants my love to be genuine so HE can use it to draw people to HIM. I am glad GOD can use a sinner like me to do HIS marvelous works.

 

Challenge

• What type of faith is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever done the right thing simply because it was supposed to be done, even though no one would see your action?
• Will you be genuine with your relationship with GOD and seek those HE wants to draw to HIMSELF through you today?

More Than Just Living

More Than Just Living

1 Thessalonians 4:¹ Finally, our friends, you learned from us how you should live in order to please God. This is, of course, the way you have been living. And now we beg and urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to do even more.

 

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After a hard week’s work, I sat down to get some rest. Suddenly the weekend was over and I had to get up and work hard again. I was doing what was expected of me, but felt there had to be more than “this” to life.

 

• I was simply making a living.
• I was not causing anyone any harm or trying to do wrong.
• I went to church, work and tended to my family, but felt something missing.

 

Paul Silas and Timothy modeled behaviors that were pleasing to GOD. Believers in JESUS saw their dedication and did the same. Their lives were focused on CHRIST. Then the writers gave a strange challenge to “do even more.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to model a life that is pleasing to HIM.
• Making disciples to follow JESUS should be my goal.
• Having others do more than I ever could Is GOD’s goal for me.

 

Leaders who want other people to act like him or her is not the best thing. I mean, leaders make mistakes and could cause others to do the same. Pointing our lives to JESUS is the goal. I may meet someone who just became aware of their belief in JESUS and may have some ideas on how to live. But this advice should be short lived.

 

GOD has gifted others to surpass any advice I could give. Who knows the great and wonderful things GOD has in store for you. I am glad HE wants me to have abundant life. I am also grateful you can do even more.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writers were doing to live a life pleasing to GOD?
• Have you gotten stuck in the rut of just living?
• Will you step out on faith and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you to “do even more” than just living by seeking HIS Kingdom today?

All the News

All the News

Colossians 4: ⁷ Our dear friend Tychicus, who is a faithful worker and fellow servant in the Lord's work, will give you all the news about me. ⁸ That is why I am sending him to you, in order to cheer you up by telling you how all of us are getting along. ⁹ With him goes Onesimus, that dear and faithful friend, who belongs to your group. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

 

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Blurting out “Didn’t we have a great time at the club last night?” seemed inappropriate in church, but that’s what the guy asked me. I was trying to live a double or triple life. One segment I appeared to be one way another segment I appeared a different way.

 

• I tried living a segmented life.
• I wanted to “have pleasure” and “have CHRIST” and “have money” even though sometimes they conflict with one another.
• I was embarrassed that one segment of my life was exposed to another.

 

Tychicus and Onesimus were dear friends of Paul. He mentions both in other letters in the highest regard. They observed his life and were witnesses to his actions in CHRIST. Paul had given up his life to follow CHRIST fully. To him, it was more profitable to follow the LORD.

 

My Observations

• My life was given to me by the LORD for HIS purpose.
• Any part of my life that I may be ashamed of will be exposed painfully or easily.
• GOD uses my life to be an example one way or another.

 

“All the news” is scary to me. I mean, it seems like a huge amount of pressure to be “good” when I am not. Only GOD is good and I could never live up to any expectation that others may place on me by following HIM. Fortunately GOD does not require “good” people to mention HIM.

 

GOD uses sinners like me to say “I am forgiven by JESUS for all my sins, past, present and future!” By believing in JESUS, I have hope. I can now bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how much I have messed up, GOD is there. I am glad “All the news” includes JESUS forgiving me.

 

Challenge

• What news do you think the writer is speaking about?
• Do you feel you do not measure up to other people or are not meeting the expectations of those who have given their life to the LORD?
• Will you let go of your life and place the burden of perfection on the only one who is, namely JESUS today?

Reputation

Reputation

Philippians 1: ²⁷ Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. 

 

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Trying to fit in was not easy. It seemed like the “in” crowd had a mysterious criteria that I never could meet. I decided to do what “they” were doing so I could be accepted. Maybe I could get a “good” reputation by being in the right crowd..

 

• I wanted to be known by association.
• I wanted to be part of a group who other people admired.
• I wanted to be seen as I saw other people.

 

Paul wanted to see the people he wrote to. He knew everyone would act “nice”  in his presence, but what about when he was not there? He gives everyone instructions to live “as the Gospel requires” whether he was there or not.

 

My Observations

• Character is what GOD looks at in me.
• GOD sees what I do when I am alone, or in a crowd.
• My heart will shape my reputation.

 

“Standing firm” and “fighting together for the faith of the gospel” are two important elements of a reputation GOD wants me to have. I mean, the “in” crowd may have a reputation that is counter to the faith in CHRIST at times and other times it aligns with it. This wavering is not “firm.”

 

Each day the world throws another challenge that faith in GOD could easily solve. Unfortunately, reputations become more important than serving HIM and praising HIM in public. GOD wants my reputation to be aligned with HIS so others may know I serve HIM. I am glad to give up a popular reputation and to be known as a servant of GOD.

 

Challenge

• What is the way of life the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever heard “your reputation proceeds you?”
• What kind of reputation would you like to have?
• Will you serve CHRIST sincerely so others may know HIM through you today?

Living It Up

 

Living It Up

Philippians 1: ²¹ For what is life? To me, it is Christ. Death, then, will bring more. ²² But if by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. ²³ I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; ²⁴ but for your sake it is much more important that I remain alive. ²⁵ I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

 

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“You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden our roller coaster” was the ad that made me curious. Up until then, my life was mundane, but this rollercoaster ride will solve everything. The same was said about vacation spots, cars and other experiences.

 

• I was told what living was all about from sales people.
• I was jealous over pictures of people who seemed to be having “fun.”
• I thought “living” was indulging in as much of what the world had to offer, with no limits.

 

Paul addresses “life” and “death” from the perspective of “purpose.” To the world, Paul would look like a failure. He was a criminal who was despised by churchy people. He dedicated his entire life to preach the message of CHRIST. This made life worth living.

 

My Observations

• Life with CHRIST as a purpose, leaves me not wanting or missing anything.
• Life to GOD is me having the pursuit of bringing HIS creations back to HIM.
• Life is more than what the world has to offer.

 

Having things or going places is not a problem when it is not the only pursuit in life, I mean, it is okay to go on a vacation or buy stuff, but when I get nervous that I cannot buy more stuff, or when most of my thinking is guided by living for more of the “world” I reduce living to see people come to the saving knowledge of JESUS.

 

My blinders cause worry which can lead to thinking no one loves me, not even GOD, when things are going wrong. Mental and physical pain can sometimes grow to the point where I cry out, “Just take me!” BUT GOD is merciful and wants me to stay for HIS purpose. I gladly serve GOD with vigor and determination.

 

Challenge

• What state of mind do you think the writer is in?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on life because things are not going your way?
• Will you know that GOD loves you dearly and that you were made unique to reach specific people only you can reach for CHRIST?
• Will you live your life with purpose that extends beyond the things of this world today?

Eager Longing

 

Eager Longing

Romans 8: ¹⁸ I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his children. ²⁰ For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope ²¹ that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God.

 

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“Did the mail come?’ I asked. I checked the mailbox but it was empty. I had heard from a friend that he was accepted into the one college I applied to. “Yes, but there was no mail for you” was the disappointing reply. I had to keep waiting and hoping.

 

• Many times I waited on something I really wanted.
• Many times I hoped for the future.
• Many times I eagerly longed for the thing, I thought, would provide me with purpose.

 

Paul explains that glory from GOD is far better than the suffering humans face on earth. He then talks about all of creation waiting for GOD to reveal HIS children. The stars that shine so brightly above, wait on GOD to reveal who really love HIM. Even the planets are tired of decay and long for GOD to set them free. Human creations wait with this same longing.

 

• GOD wants me to understand that HE is worth waiting for.
• GOD wants me to know HE has a purpose for me.
• GOD wants me to believe HE has set me free.

 

“How long?” is the question to GOD. This question is a longing to be with HIM for eternity, yet accepting the current state of suffering through life. I mean, GOD still has a purpose for me even though I wait eagerly on JESUS to return.

 

GOD gave me hope by placing the HOLY SPIRIT inside me and inside those who believe in JESUS as Savior. HE will one day reveal, to all of creation, who chose HIM and HE chose. I eagerly wait and hope for GOD’s deliverance.

 

• Did GOD promise you something and you are waiting for HIM to deliver it?
• Does it seem like it is taking forever for GOD to fulfill HIS purpose in you?
• Will you gain peace today, knowing GOD loves you and has chosen you to be HIS child and will one day reveal you to all of creation?

 

Clear Conscience

Acts 23: Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” ² At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

 

⁴ Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”

 

⁵ Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.

 

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After telling the lie, immediately I asked myself… “What do I have to gain from this lie?” I mean, I had gotten in the habit of lying to cover myself. I was insecure about everything and I felt a lie was easier to live with. I even lied to myself.

 

There were lies I told myself to hide from the truth of my sins.

There were lies I told others to hide the fact that I was an imposter when it came to “being good.”

There were lies I told by withholding my sin and looking at everyone else’s.

 

Paul spoke directly to the church leaders and said his actions were done “in all good conscience.” This meant Paul was as open about his sin as he could be. His motive was purely based on speaking about JESUS being GOD.

 

With this, the high priest had Paul to be punched in the mouth. The high priest did not act like one of GOD’s servants, so Paul acknowledged what he had done based on the scripture.

 

GOD wants me to learn about HIM so I can live with a clear conscience.

GOD wants me to understand what true freedom means.

GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom so my conscience can remain clear.

 

Sin throws me off. I mean, when I sin, my conscience feels guilty and I look for GOD’s punishment. When I do that, it means I do not fully understand HIS grace. HE forgave me once and for all when HE said “It is finished.”  

 

Yes, there will be consequences to my sin, but knowing JESUS forgave all my sins clears my conscience. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, guiding me away from the stronghold of sin. I may not be perfect, but I am taking a step in GOD’s direction each day.

 

What are you hiding?

Are you looking at someone else’s sins and not your own?

Will you admit your sins to others so your conscience can be clear to speak about JESUS today?

 

Compelled and Warned

Compelled and Warned

Acts 20: ²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

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Tired of living a lie, I took a deep breath and started telling people about my relationship with JESUS at work. I noticed a freedom I had not felt in years. I started telling “the” truth versus “a” truth. No longer could I settle for spinning bad news into some kind of positive myth.

Many people noticed and like hearing the truth. BUT the SPIRIT warned me there would be wealthy, powerful people who did not like the truth being told. HE prepared me to lose the job.

• There was a time when I had to say “no more of this.”
• There was a time when I had to stop cowering and pretending to live for GOD.
• There was a time when I had to choose who I really served.

Paul spoke to the elders of Ephesus after bypassing their city. He told them of the hardships he faced, speaking about JESUS. He said he was “compelled by the SPRIT” to go to Jerusalem where he would surely face imprisonment. Why would he do that? Because he had purpose.

• GOD wants me to give my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to accept the task of testifying the good news of GOD’s grace.
• GOD wants me to complete the task the LORD JESUS has given me, namely to tell everyone about HIS death and resurrection to eternal life, saving anyone who believes in HIM.

When my life matters to me more than GOD, then I make fear filled decisions. I say “What if I get hurt?” or “What if I lose my job?” or “What if I am not liked?” GOD is not harsh, HE simply wants dedication to HIS SON who did so much for me that I cannot ever repay HIM.

My life is not “mine” it’s HIS. My family, business, home, friends, neighbors, job and stuff are all HIS. As much as I’d like to hold onto those things, they are HIS to take or expand. True freedom is being able to be led by the HOLY SPIRIT in spreading the news about JESUS. I am grateful GOD thinks enough of me to give me this task.

• Are you trying to hold onto something?
• Are your decisions based on fear?
• Will you allow GOD to guide you into letting go of what you are trying to hold onto; so HE can lead you to the true plan HE has for you, giving you abundant and eternal life today?

Should I Obey GOD?

1 Kings 13: ¹⁶ The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place.¹⁷ I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”

¹⁸ The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) ¹⁹ So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.

²⁰ While they were sitting at the table, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet who had brought him back. ²¹ He cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You have defied the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. ²² You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your ancestors.’”

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It sounds like I’m double-talking when I say “Do what GOD says” and then later I say “GOD’s grace is sufficient.”  It seems like the two statements contradict one another. GOD says if we live by “the Law” then if we break even one, we are guilty of the entire law.

Does this give me the freedom to sin as much as I want? Not quite.

• GOD knows the destructive power of sin so I should understand “the Law” but not depend on it to save me.
• GOD knows the plan HE has for me so I should follow HIS ways and examples but not depend on my righteousness to save me.
• GOD knows I will fail over and over and over so I should be excited about HIS everlasting forgiveness but not depend on “not sinning” as a method to remain close to HIM.

When I believed that I needed to be saved from eternal separation from GOD, I was given the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me and will never leave me nor forsake me. Actually, GOD gave this to me before I was born, but that’s another story. Since the HOLY SPIRIT lives in me, I can’t get “away” from GOD.

GOD does however allow consequences to come in my life. My fear shouldn’t be on the consequences rather I should fear “not” following GOD’s ways for many who call on HIS name will not enter HIS kingdom.  GOD wants a real relationship with me rather than one of manipulation to get my way. GOD wants me to obey out of love for HIM.

• Are you walking on eggshells with GOD in hopes to get your way?
• Are you trying to remain ignorant to what HE wants you to do in hopes that HE won’t have a hard task for you?
• Can you seek what HE desires for you so you can truly be successful?
• Won’t you obey HIM today just to show HIM your love?Can you add to your faith that HIS grace is sufficient?
• Can you add to your faith that HIS grace is sufficient?

At least make an effort

Leviticus 10: ⁴⁴ “‘I am the Lord your God. Set yourselves apart. Be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves “unclean” by eating any creatures that move around on the ground. ⁴⁵ I am the Lord. I brought you up out of Egypt to be your God. So be holy, because I am holy.

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There is absolutely no way for me to make myself holy! My very birth was sinful so every action I have, will have a sinful motive. CHRIST took my eternal punishment away and I believe this fact. I break HIS rules daily but I am Holy because HE is Holy! 

Crossing the finish line feels great!

Acts 28:  ²⁸ “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” ²⁹After he said this, the Jews left, arguing vigorously among themselves.

 ³⁰ For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. ³¹ He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

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Rounding the bend I could hear cheering off in the distance but I couldn’t see anyone. My legs were so tired and I was out of breath, I felt like giving up! Finally as I turned the corner I could see the crowd and I got a little renewed energy to continue.

The distance was no longer an obstacle and adrenaline shot through my body. “Maybe I can finish”, I thought. As I crossed the finish line from the race I had just run, it was exhilarating!

• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that sometimes seems too difficult to finish.
• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that seems like the enemy is winning and I am alone.
• Living for CHRIST is like running a race that seems full of obstacles that hinder me.

Paul had been wrongfully jailed and told to “shut up” his persistent discussions about JESUS. The message he presented caused riots amongst those who could not accept the Gospel. Paul appealed his sentence all the way up to Caesar and was able to present the Great News about JESUS to a much greater crowd.

After all the pain he went through, Paul was finally able to live amongst those who wanted to hear the message GOD sent. He had crossed the finish line “with boldness and without hindrance.”

• When an obstacle appears, GOD enables me to finish strong by going around it.
• When enemies attack, GOD enables me to remain in the race by praying for them.
• When life seems too difficult, GOD enables me to see HIS power as HE removes harmful things from my hands.

Freedom is what we all aspire to have and one day it is coming, but until then I would rather be chained to GOD and finish the race than continuing down a losing path.

• Are you trapped?
• Do you feel closed in?
• Can you connect your plans to GOD and finish HIS way?
• Are you willing to start over and try GOD’s plan this time?
• Are you willing to “lose” your life so you can “gain” it back, this time more fully?