Outward Appearance

 

Outward Appearance

Hebrews 9: ⁶ This is how those things have been arranged. The priests go into the outer tent every day to perform their duties, ⁷ but only the high priest goes into the inner tent, and he does so only once a year. He takes with him blood which he offers to God on behalf of himself and for the sins which the people have committed without knowing they were sinning. ⁸ The Holy Spirit clearly teaches from all these arrangements that the way into the Most Holy Place has not yet been opened as long as the outer tent still stands. ⁹ This is a symbol which points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, ¹⁰ since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time when God will establish the new order.

 

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“You’re too skinny” were the cutting words I did not like. “Your hair is nappy” and “Your glasses look like professor glasses.”  At the time I felt I could do nothing about my appearance, but really wanted to change.

 

• I found myself insecure about my appearance.
• I wished that people would have looked on the inside instead of focusing on the outside.
• I thought that if I focused on the outer appearance, then maybe people would investigate the inner me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer,  discussed the “outer” and “inner” tents that were used by priests and the high priest for sin offerings. Special rituals were performed to atone for sin, but this atonement was temporary. They could never truly cleanse the heart.

 

My Observations:

• Following the Law temporarily gives me relief from the enemy, but following GOD gives me eternal relief.
• Trying to do what the Law says makes me look good in front of people, BUT GOD knows my inner heart and is the only one who can cleanse it.
• JESUS became the sin offering for me and the HOLY SPIRIT dwells in me to protect the inner sanctuary.

 

Trying to be perfect only appeals to the outer appearance. I mean, when I try to look good in front o everyone, yet I carry sin that he or she does not know about, my righteous appearance carries an odor of stench to the LORD. BUT GOD has a way to cleanse me.

 

Through JESUS, I am cleansed. HE does not look at my outer appearance, rather searches deep in my heart. HE then sends the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me and cleanse me of all my sins. HE even protects the inner sanctuary from the enemy. I am glad I do not have to look good to GOD for HIM to love me.

 

Challenge

• What futility is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever tried to be “good” or look “good” in front of people?
• If you are focused on your outer appearance, will you begin to ask GOD to cleanse your inner appearance that is naked before HIM anyway?

Celebration

 

Celebration

Philippians 3:  In conclusion, my friends, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. ² Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. ³ It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 

 

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Preparing for the celebration was hard work. Lists were made, lots of things were prioritized and budgets were blown. Large groups of people were involved in this frenzied experience. Lost sleep, meetings and stress ensued. “It’s tradition” someone said, trying to make sense out of the madness.

 

• We had placed high value on ceremonies.
• We placed a lot of trust in the tradition.
• We made sure the photo opportunities looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

Paul repeats himself by saying “Be joyful in your union with the LORD.” He then warns everyone about trusting in “external ceremonies” versus simply trusting in the union with CHRIST JESUS. He knew that looking holy did not make a person holy.

 

My Observations

• My external actions may look good to people, BUT GOD rates my righteousness as filthy.
• GOD saw my sinful actions and saved me anyway.
• Only my union with CHRIST JESUS can save me.

 

Celebrating special days or people may have its value, but can sometimes be prioritized over the One who deserves celebration, namely JESUS. I mean, it is alright to recognize leaders or to be circumcised or to celebrate accomplishments, but placing trust in these ceremonies could make us think that we holier than we are.

 

Being “joyful” in union with the LORD can happen every day. No special day or moment is needed. GOD made it possible for me to celebrate the LORD each and every day. Traditions are nice, but I am glad I can recognize CHRIST without the need for anyone to see it.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer warning everyone about?
• What is the “true circumcision?”
• Will you celebrate your relationship with CHRIST as often as you can without the need for a special day or person triggering an event?

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?

Dare to be Foolish

Dare to be Foolish

2 Corinthians 11: ¹⁶ I repeat: no one should think that I am a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, just so I will have a little to boast of. ¹⁷ Of course what I am saying now is not what the Lord would have me say; in this matter of boasting I am really talking like a fool. ¹⁸ But since there are so many who boast for merely human reasons, I will do the same. ¹⁹ You yourselves are so wise, and so you gladly tolerate fools! ²⁰ You tolerate anyone who orders you around or takes advantage of you or traps you or looks down on you or slaps you in the face. ²¹ I am ashamed to admit that we were too timid to do those things!

 

But if anyone dares to boast about something—I am talking like a fool—I will be just as daring.

 

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Going with the crowd felt good. I finally fit in, even to the point where people expected me to act a certain way. I was finally considered a leader. But something happened. Someone challenged me to give up my partying ways and focus my life on CHRIST. This seemed foolish. Give up being popular?! Yeah, right!

 

• I felt there was safety in numbers.
• I wanted to be seen and noticed in the big ocean of people.
• I wanted “my” way to be followed.

 

Paul seems to get sarcastic with his words. He points out that people so easily followed “fools” who used the right words at the right time. Then he says he will be daring at what the crowd says is foolish.

 

My Observations

• Surrendering my life to JESUS may seem foolish to many, but not to HIM.
• Following HIS word may seem foolish to the world, but not to HIM.
• Seeking CHRIST every day may seem foolish to the greedy, the power hungry and the controllers, but not to HIM.

 

Daring to follow CHRIST means being looked at by the world as foolish. I mean, JESUS died trying to tell HIS creation HE loves each and ever one. This message of surrender could not be heard so they killed HIM, looking for a political giant to follow.

 

JESUS was raised from the dead and those who believe in this resurrection are labeled as foolish. “Why would GOD die?” The world does not understand HIS love and it seems foolish to the power hungry for HIM to give up everything to save HIS own creation. I gladly accept HIS foolish gift and will be just as daring to speak about HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about a form of wisdom?
• Is it tempting to follow the rich and powerful?
• Do you think you would be different if you were rich and powerful?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST and accept the weapons that are considered weak by the world, such as the fruit of the Spirit today?

Religious-ship

 

Religious-ship

Romans 10: Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. ² For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. ³ Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. ⁴ Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

 

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Dressed in my “Sunday clothes”, I went to church. Songs were sang from a book that smelled like a musty cave. Announcements were made about upcoming events. I sat and listened to a person talking about an old car. I walked away remembering there was an event that would serve frappe. I liked sherbet and 7 UP!

 

• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I went to church.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I looked the part.
• There were times when I thought I knew GOD because I sang the songs, quoted the speaker and attended the events.

 

After being beaten, slandered, and stoned by the Israelites, Paul says his desire is that they may be saved. He remembered his own zeal to persecute anyone who didn’t act “religious.” He watched men women and children being murdered because they weren’t doing GOD right, at least according to his way. BUT GOD had another way.

 

• GOD wants me to have a real relationship with HIM through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to submit to GOD’s righteousness through JESUS.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS one and only SON so HE can declare me as righteous.

 

Reading the bible every day and quoting scriptures does not save me.  I mean, if I read the words and say them without truly believing them, I may as well read and quote any other manuscript that makes me feel good. BUT GOD wants something different.

 

JESUS died for me just to have an everlasting relationship with me. No one else has ever done something so wonderful for me. HE said things that have been true all my life like; “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and “Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I no longer want religion, because I have a relationship with JESUS.

 

• Are you looking at people, thinking they are doing GOD the wrong way?
• Do you feel you know GOD better because you listen to songs and read scripture a lot?
• Will you ask JESUS into your heart so you can desire HIS salvation for those who persecute you 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.”

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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?

Political Suicide

Political Suicide

John 12: ⁴² Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

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“Will you say a brief word of encouragement about GOD to a large group of employees?” someone asked me. Thinking this would be political suicide, I declined. I mean, people possibly know I believe in GOD and that should be enough, right?

• I have hid my belief in GOD, in the past.
• I have been bold about GOD when no one could see or hear my words, in the past.
• I have gone to church and felt that was enough, in the past.

There were some who believe in JESUS, but were too afraid of their political or social standing among the crowd. For some, their titles were more important than speaking boldly about GOD, Mine was. BUT GOD wanted something different from me.

• GOD wants to say “well done” when I follow HIM.
• GOD wants to give me heavenly rewards for serving those HE sends me to.
• GOD wants to praise me like when all of heaven rejoiced when I accepted CHRIST as my Savior.

All powerful, all knowing, all seeing and everywhere are a few attributes of GOD. Yet, this incredible being wants to praise me. HIS only desire is that I mention that JESUS decided to become human and take my punishment of death. While it seems easy, it isn’t.

The social status and political praise of humans can sometimes get in the way. GOD wants my whole heart and sometimes I have to decide whether I will serve HIM or men. I choose GOD.

• Who are you serving?
• Are you afraid to tell people you fully believe in GOD?
• Will you drop your façade today and tell someone about your belief in JESUS?