Big Dreamers Look Forward

Big Dreamers Look Forward

Hebrews 11: ²² It was faith that made Joseph, when he was about to die, speak of the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, and leave instructions about what should be done with his body.

 

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Reasoning with GOD, I thought of the things “I” had done for HIM. “Remember the time when I…” was my argument that I thought of. I was going through a rough time and I wanted GOD to clear it up immediately. Not only did the problem persist, other problems piled on.

 

• I wanted out of the trial I was going through.
• I looked back on a few times when I thought I was being “good.”
• I expected GOD to get me out of the trial if HE would simply realize “I” have been trying.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives another example of faith. This time he mentions Joseph, who had the gift of interpreting dreams. He also was given huge dreams by GOD. He was hated, lied on and falsely imprisoned, yet he rose up to heights unimaginable. He did not look at his achievements as a fulfilled dream.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s plans far exceed my life.
• I am only a part of GOD’s entire plan.
• Any accomplishment I do is only part of the dream ahead.

 

Dreaming brings on faith and faith brings on dreams. I mean, when I look forward to a better place, my dreams and thoughts brings on faith that GOD will provide that better place. I then hear from GOD through problems HE wants me to solve. HE provides the plan that sometimes seems overwhelming.

 

GOD wants me to look forward to HIS solution rather than looking backward at “my” accomplishments. HE was the one who enabled me to accomplish everything, so I cannot take credit. I gladly look forward to what HE will do and what HE will provide.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer focus on the time when Joseph was about to die as an example of faith?
• Have you ever had a big dream and got nervous that the dream was much bigger than you?
• Will you ask GOD for the faith it will take for HIS plan to be manifested through your efforts in HIS time and HIS way?

Facing Forward

 

Facing Forward

Hebrews 11: ¹³ It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth. ¹⁴ Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. ¹⁶ Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.

 

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As I dug through a box of stuff, I found trophies, ribbons and paper awards from a previous job. “All of these achievements and I am out of work!” I said with anger. More and more thoughts played through my mind that day. I got nothing done.

 

• I loved the kingdom “I” had built for myself.
• I thought I had already “achieved” the most that I could.
• I did not consider that there could possibly be anything better than the past.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, summarizes his first list of faith examples. He implied that these people did things in faith of a promise by GOD, never once hoping for the old way. They stopped looking for a better place here on earth, to seek a better relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD heals me from past wounds so I can look forward to HIS kingdom.
• GOD opens my eyes to HIS promises, so I can keep moving forward, away from the old.
• GOD renews my strength by showing me there is a better place ahead.

 

Looking forward is scary sometimes. I mean, the future sometimes does not have any answers, but a lot of questions. When I begin to ask questions, I get nervous and want to run back to the past where it was comfortable. BUT GOD has something else in mind.

 

HE wants me to leave the past kingdom with a definitive “thanks.” I can say to HIM “Thank YOU for what YOU have done!” and move on. I can then say “Thank YOU for what YOU are going to do”, not knowing if I will receive HIS promise or not. I am glad HE puts me on a new path and always keeps HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• What did the people in the writer’s example long for?
• Have you ever started something and someone else finished it?
• Will you say “Thank You” for the past and move on to facing  forward so you can allow GOD to place you on HIS path to HIS promise in HIS timing today?

Going Forward

Going Forward

Hebrews 6: Let us go forward, then, to mature teaching and leave behind us the first lessons of the Christian message. We should not lay again the foundation of turning away from useless works and believing in God; ² of the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; of the resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgment. ³ Let us go forward! And this is what we will do, if God allows.

 

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After learning my numbers, I was proud that I could count. But the next grade taught me addition and subtraction. Grades beyond taught me multiplication, division, percentages, arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus (or trigonometry), calculus, and differential equations (Thermal dynamic heat equations).

 

• I could not imagine sitting in a class to learn how to count.
• I struggled with the other lessons and some I failed.
• Once I finished learning one concept, it was on to the next.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, urges believers to “go forward” from the basic lesson of salvation of JESUS. He implies that there is more to learn about JESUS than, salvation, baptism, and the resurrection.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is far greater than eternal life.
• JESUS cares about the life I live now and the life I will live in eternity.
• JESUS is more complex that I think and I should learn about HIM daily.

 

“Does GOD even care?” is the question I have asked many times. I mean, when things seem to be going horribly wrong it, is tough to rely on the promise that I am saved for eternity. “What about this horrible situation?”  I would ask. GOD hears and addresses everything.

 

HE cares about my current life and the life beyond this life. HE knows what I am going through and has empathy through JESUS who was tempted in every way. HE cares about the large and small and is involved in every moment of my life. I am glad GOD cares about me holistically.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer use “go forward?”
• Have you ever learned the basics of something and found yourself in the basic class again?
• How did you feel?
• Will you “go forward from salvation, baptism, and the resurrection, and learn how GOD interacts with you daily so you can mature in faith today?

Keep Going "Froward!"

Keep Going "Froward!"

Philippians 3: ¹² I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself. ¹³ Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. ¹⁴ So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

 

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Wearing newish shoes was special to me because it happened once a year. This pair was cloth with rubber soles. I accidentally stepped in some dog poop. It got all over the shoes. I tried wiping the shoe on the grass to no avail. The stench wreaked the entire day at school, so much so that it brought unwanted attention to me.

 

• I was constantly reminded about my mistake.
• I was upset that my newish shoes were ruined and I had to wait a whole year for another pair.
• I was embarrassed because I distracted other people with my problem.

 

Paul gives everyone a great suggestion. “Keep striving to win the prize for which CHRIST JESUS has already won…” He then states he is not perfect, which implies that he made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes. He gives a solution for making mistakes. “Reach what is ahead.”

 

My Observations

• The enemy constantly reminds me of my mistakes, BUT GOD reminds me HE has forgiven me.
• I replay mistakes over and over with regret, BUT GOD shows me I am still on HIS path.
• Embarrassment plagued my thoughts BUT GOD gave me purpose which wiped away my shame.

 

“GOD’s call through CHRIST to life above” is the one and only true goal. I mean, all other goals I set for myself will be riddled with problems and failures. Like stepping in dog poop, these issues remind me that things could be better or “new” or “different.” I then complain to GOD which takes me off HIS path.

 

Fortunately GOD picks me up and places me back on HIS path. HE bends down and washes my feet, making everything new. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. I am glad GOD is the goal and HE allows me to make mistakes because HE can clean up any mess and make me new.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer think he is perfect?
• What does perfection look like in your mind?
• Have you ever been disappointed with yourself for falling or failure?
• Will you be forgiven through CHRIST JESUS so you can run straight towards HIS purpose and allow HIM to wipe the sticky mess off your feet today?

Keep Looking Out

Mark 13: ³² “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. ³⁴ It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. ³⁵ Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— ³⁶ lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. ³⁷ And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

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“Watch the food” said someone from another room. “Um Hmm” was my response but the message was clearly not received. I soon smelled something burning. I ran over to the stove only to see charred food. “Ohhh, I was supposed to watch the food” I realized in dismay.

• Being distracted can make me unaware.
• Being unaware can cause me to daydream.
• Daydreaming may cause me to miss something.

JESUS gives HIS final warning summarized in one word, “watch.” HE is referring to the ultimate demise of the earth, but it goes on a deeper level. JESUS also knows that life is fleeting and there is a specific day and time appointed for every human to die.

• GOD says to me “Watch for me daily.”
• GOD says to me “Stay on guard and do not get weary.”
• GOD says to me “Keep trusting because I AM with you always.”

Losing faith and giving up can cause me to fall asleep to GOD’s amazing works. When I fall asleep I cannot hear HIM or see HIM. I cannot be amazed rather I fall into feeling devastated. GOD says “Watch!” When I do watch, I notice GOD all around me. I can see HIS deliverance and protection and love. When I watch, I can see.

• Have your senses gotten dull?
• Have you lost your way and are blaming GOD for where you are?
• Can you take time today to quiet down and watch for GOD?

Unseen Solution

Matthew 14: ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

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“LORD, please grant me my prayer” is what I asked. Days later I got exactly what I asked for but got nervous that I would mess up. “What If I don’t do well?” “What if I can’t handle this?” More questions flooded my mind and I began to falter.

• Sometimes GOD gives me exactly what I asked for.
• Sometimes GOD instantly grants me favor.
• Sometimes GOD does some amazing things in my life that I am not quite ready for.

“If you don’t really want it, don’t ask for it”, don’t ask it is what I learned. GOD has said “Okay” to some of my prayers and I found myself in over my head and overwhelmed. I looked around and suddenly began to sink. BUT GOD pulled me through.

• GOD hears me when I earnestly cry out to HIM.
• GOD knows I need saving even before I get into a mess.
• GOD saves me from the turmoil’s of life even when I ask for them.

Faith was the unseen solution to Peter’s problem and mine. When I place my faith in GOD I can face enormous challenges. I have to tell myself constantly, “Don’t look left, don’t look right, just keep looking straight towards CHRIST.” When I focus on GOD my worries diminish. GOD saves me from the waves.

• Are you sinking?
• Do you have worries and doubts?
• Can you stop looking around at your situation and look at CHRIST as your Savior?

You Can Only Move Forward

Ezekiel 46: ⁹ “‘When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.

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After the accident I said “I wish I had anticipated the patch of ice.”  After getting stitches I said “I wish I hadn’t tried to smash that brick on the ground.” After failing the test I said “I wish I had studied more.”

• There have been times I have regretted.
• There have been things I have done I wish I could have taken back.
• There have been paths I have gone down I wish I never went.

Regret has the same beginning as rewind or replay. The tape keeps playing over and over in my mind and I just sit there and brood over the mistake. Is there a way to fix my past? Yes!

• GOD says to me “I AM the alpha and omega, beginning and the end.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL wipe away all of your tears.”
• GOD says to me “I WILL take your sins and remove them as far as the east is from the west.”

Forgetting is something that is virtually impossible to do. BUT GOD gave me a remedy. HE says “Let ME take care of the past and I will guide you in the present to provide for you a wonderful future.” HE wants me to stop looking back and start looking forward to what HE is doing and is going to do. GOD has a plan for me and has taken into account all the mistakes I will ever make.  HE wants me to move forward!

• Are you stuck in the past?
• Are you constantly making the same mistakes over and over?
• Can you stop looking back and move forward with GOD?
• Will you start trusting GOD’s plan HE has for you rather than being crushed by “that” mistake?