Realized Mistake

Realized Mistake

Genesis 38: ²⁰ And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. ²¹ Then he asked the men of that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the roadside?”

And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.”

²² So he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her. Also, the men of the place said there was no harlot in this place.”

²³ Then Judah said, “Let her take them for herself, lest we be shamed; for I sent this young goat and you have not found her.”

²⁴ And it came to pass, about three months after, that Judah was told, saying, “Tamar your daughter-in-law has played the harlot; furthermore she is with child by harlotry.”

So Judah said, “Bring her out and let her be burned!”

²⁵ When she was brought out, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man to whom these belong, I am with child.” And she said, “Please determine whose these are—the signet and cord, and staff.”

²⁶ So Judah acknowledged them and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he never knew her again.

 

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Judah did not know he slept with his daughter-in-law. He thought she was a harlot. Instead of looking for her to pay her, he sent the payment by his friend Hirah, who could not find the harlot. After three months, Tamar was discovered to be pregnant. Judah’s friends accused her of being a harlot.  But Tamar exposed Judah as being the father.

 

My Observations:

• Judah seemed ashamed that he slept with a harlot, otherwise known as a prostitute.
• Judah seemed to want to get the payment over with so his deed could be swept under the rug.
• Judah wanted to burn Tamar for acting like a prostitute, but realized it was him who got her pregnant and it was because he never gave his son to her.

 

When GOD told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, Abraham probably thought his descendants would love the LORD as much as he did. He probably thought his family would be honorable and that GOD would pour out HIS blessings on a clean family who obeyed well. But that was not the case.

 

JESUS came from a messy family who made mistakes like you and me. Judah became the father of the lineage of JESUS through his daughter-in-law Tamar. Deceit, lust, false accusation and many other unexpected things happened, yet GOD chose this family. Judah accepted responsibility and never slept with Tamar again.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Judah’s shameful approach?
• What are your expectations of GOD and are they based on misinformation about HIS grace?
• Will you realize how much grace GOD is showing you today?

Strange Graceful Conversation

Strange Graceful Conversation

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

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

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Fully Receiving Hope

 

Fully Receiving Hope

1 Peter 1: From Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ—

To God's chosen people who live as refugees scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. ² You were chosen according to the purpose of God the Father and were made a holy people by his Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be purified by his blood.

 

May grace and peace be yours in full measure.

 

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Shopping for groceries in the new town was something I had to get used to. I had to find where this store kept everything. I navigated the aisles and finished up with a lot of groceries, since I was just moving into my apartment. “Would you like help to your car?” was a question I had never heard before. “Sure!” I replied. The bagger loaded my trunk and thanked me for shopping there.

 

• I felt that I received great service.
• I could not believe how friendly people could be.
• I was thankful I received help when I needed it.

 

Peter writes to GOD’s chosen people and wishes them grace and peace in full measure. He did not wish for a little grace and peace, but full and perfect grace and peace. This meant GOD would intervene during the troubles each of them were facing.

 

My Observations:

• Peace can only come from GOD.
• Grace can only come from GOD.
• Grace and peace can happen even when times are difficult.

 

Grace and peace can be elusive. I mean, circumstances continue to pop up that can rob me of my peace. Then I may fall, causing me to feel distant from GOD. BUT GOD sees what I am going through and provides grace and peace.

 

HE not only provides grace but says “MY grace is sufficient.” HIS grace is full, everlasting and perfect. There is no flaw in HIS grace. HE then gives me peace in the middle of the storm. This is perfect peace because it cannot be stolen. I am assured by GOD and I am glad for it.

 

Challenge

• What grace and peace do you think the writer was trying to convey?
• Have you ever received a little grace and peace?
• How did it feel?
• Can you ask GOD for HIS grace and peace today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD please provide this reader with YOUR grace and peace in full measure today? amen

Empathy

 

Empathy

Hebrews 2: ¹⁴ Since the children, as he calls them, are people of flesh and blood, Jesus himself became like them and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death, ¹⁵ and in this way set free those who were slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. ¹⁶ For it is clear that it is not the angels that he helps. Instead, he helps the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ This means that he had to become like his people in every way, in order to be their faithful and merciful High Priest in his service to God, so that the people's sins would be forgiven. ¹⁸ And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered.

 

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Difficult times arose and I received advice. “You should do this” or ”you should do that” were the words of well meaning people, but they had not gone through what I was going through. I then ran into someone who had different words. “I went through that and I know how you feel.” This person was someone I could listen to.

 

• I didn’t know I needed empathy versus sympathy.
• I craved to hear from someone who went through my troubles versus someone who guessed at a solution to “my” problem.
• I wanted to hear from someone who got through the pain and was now healed.

 

 

JESUS showed extreme empathy for the world, according to Paul, the assumed writer. HE became as weak as a child for a single purpose, to overcome death. HE was tempted in every way so HE could  become the faithful leader.

 

My Observations

• JESUS loved me so much that HE became a human so HE could understand what I would go through.
• JESUS cared enough for me that HE experienced the range of emotions I would experience.
• JESUS has empathy for me and understands when I fall.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver. I mean, HE is not hovering over me trying to get me to change or to be something spectacular. HE understands my faults and says “ I love you dearly because I went through what you are going through.”

 

JESUS faced it all and knows why I feel the way I feel. HE doesn’t say “Get it together” rather HE has words of empathy. HE understands what you and I have gone through and are going through. I am glad HE knows me so well that I can come to HIM with all my problems. I place my trust in JESUS who gives me empathy.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe JESUS?
• Have you ever received advice from people who meant well, but did not understand what you were going through?
• Will you seek JESUS because HE knows exactly what you are going through right now, so HE can provide the empathy you need today?

Full Patience

Full Patience

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁴ And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, ¹⁶ but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God—to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Stopped at a light, I decided to turn right on red. As I proceeded to turn I felt the car stop. The driving instructor had a separate braking system to keep me from danger. When I looked up, a car, that had the green light, passed through the intersection. He patiently said “Look both ways when turning right on red.”

 

• I was about to make a huge mistake.
• I needed correction and patience at the same time.
• I had to accept that I did something wrong and patiently add this lesson to my skill.

 

Paul recognizes where his talents came from. He regretted his past life, but moved on to the life CHRIST gave him. He spoke about the LORD’s abundant grace, faith and love that is poured out even when we don’t have it for ourselves.

 

My Observations

• Admitting I was and am a sinner enables me to be cleansed by JESUS, who is faithful and just.
• Believing that I need CHRIST to forgive me and guide me daily, helps me not waste time on those who make me feel less than my calling.
• Confessing my flaws to GOD the FATHER, is a privilege I have gained by having a relationship with JESUS.

 

Praise GOD! That had to be said. I mean, HE saw me, pitiful, sinning, scheming, weak and lonely; yet HE said “I want you.” “Why me?” I ask. Then it hit me, it’s because GOD wanted me.

 

HE is so full of grace, that HE can’t seem to contain  it. HE pours it out on me and the result is faith and love because of my union with CHRIST. I am so glad HE has full patience and grace for me and love for me and you!

 

Challenge

• Can you feel how fired up the writer is?
• Have you ever felt like a failure because of the past?
• Are you walking cautiously and not expressing GOD’s faith, nor HIS love?
• Will you confess your doubt and believe that GOD has patience and called you to the most honorable task of speaking about JESUS, the eternal KING, today?

 

Praise

To the eternal KING, immortal and invisible, the only GOD --- to HIM be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen!

Provided For

Provided For

2 Thessalonians 3: ¹⁶ May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

¹⁷ With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul This is the way I sign every letter; this is how I write.

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

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Ready to do a presentation, I pulled out my ancient laptop. “Sorry, we don’t have that type of connection” were the words I did not like hearing, referring to the type of cable needed to connect to a projector.

 

“Search through your bag for a flash drive” were the words I felt. I dug through my bag and, to my surprise, had one I placed there years ago. I copied my presentation and gave it to the organization.

 

• What I needed was there all along.
• I thought my plans would be stopped, but a way was made.
• This small incident taught me there is always another way.

 

Paul specifically mentions he penned the letter that he collaborated with Silas and Timothy. He ends with a prayer for all believers in JESUS. He asks for peace, for the LORD to be with everyone at all times and for grace.

 

My Observations

• Sometimes I forget that the LORD is the source of my peace.
• Grace and peace are always with me even when I mess up.
• I don’t have to look far for peace or grace because the LORD is always with me.

 

Grace and peace can seem elusive, but that is a lie. I mean, when trials last longer than expected, I may think GOD is withholding HIS peace. I may even start believing the lie that it may have been some sin that I did, or some action I did not do. BUT GOD is gentle.

 

HE simply whispers “Here, have peace” in the middle of the storm. When everyone else is worried, losing sleep and harassed, GOD can provide peace that is strange. HE also gives me unusual grace that covers sins I know about and those I don’t. I am so glad HIS grace is sufficient.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s prayer?
• Why do you need peace, the LORD to be with you and grace?
• Will you stop trying to acquire something that is with you at all times and thank GOD for being with you, giving you peace and for HIS grace today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please grant this reader peace today. Grant him or her the knowledge that YOU are there and have been all along. Please let the reader know that YOU will never, ever leave, nor forsake him or her. Thank YOU for YOUR grace. amen

Predetermined Love

Predetermined Love

Ephesians 1: Because of his love ⁵ God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. ⁶ Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! ⁷ For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, ⁸ which he gave to us in such large measure!

 

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Living in an unforgiving world is sometimes difficult. My mistakes are placed in front of me and I place their mistakes in front of them. Mistakes were made all over. This sometimes makes me question if I am truly forgiven.

 

• I sometimes doubt GOD’s love so I try to control my actions to prevent more trials.
• I sometimes think my actions are greater than GOD’s, so I attempt to do “right” so HE will answer my prayers favorably.
• I sometimes question GOD’s love when I and others are met with trouble.

 

Paul is given some powerful words by GOD. He explains that it was GOD who decided to accept HIS SON’s proposal to save all of humanity. JESUS voluntarily stepped up and gave HIS life for all who would accept HIS gift. GOD decided this would serve HIS purpose of loving redemption, well. HE lost everything to save us.

 

My Observations

• It was not my actions that made GOD love me, rather HE loved me first.
• GOD saw all my sins and decided to save me anyway.
• My entire existence needs to praise GOD because of the incredible amount of grace HE has shown me.

 

It is impossible for me to mess up when I was chosen before I was born. I mean, GOD decided HE would make it easy for me to have a loving relationship with HIM by giving me a gift that is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately there is a war inside me and everyone, that fights against this precious gift.

 

Satan tainted all of humanity, causing each and every one of us to desire to be GOD. Our sin nature wants to be in “control” versus accepting the love GOD has poured out in large measure. BUT GOD did something extra. When I surrendered my life to JESUS, HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to fight that battle for me. I am eternally grateful for GOD’s great grace!

 

Challenge

• What actions do you see in this passage of scripture and who did them?
• Do you believe that all your sins are forgiven or just the ones you stopped doing?
• Have you ever felt that GOD is judging you versus loving you?
• Will you stop believing the lie about GOD’s love for you and believe HE loves you dearly and has given you a gift you can freely accept, namely JESUS who died for you and is alive today?

Killed by the Law

Killed by the Law

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Elusive Perfection

Elusive Perfection

2 Corinthians 12: ⁷ But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud. ⁸ Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away. ⁹ But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. ¹⁰ I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

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My prayers felt unheard. “LORD please heal me of…” or “LORD please heal this person or that person” or “LORD please give me a certain amount of money by this date” or something else I would ask for. When the answer was “No” I questioned if I was doing something wrong.

 

• I sometimes got tired of praying and hearing “No” for the answer.
• I kept looking at current circumstances as being hopeless.
• I wondered “why are these things happening to me?” when I was trying hard.

 

Paul was called by GOD in a magnificent way. But he also suffered a lot. He had a problem that he prayed to be released from on three occasions. He was probably thinking “If this problem would just be gone, then I would be able to serve GOD better.” GOD’s answer, “MY grace is all you need.”

 

My Observations

• I keep trying to make my relationship with GOD one sided.
• I have many problems and not a lot of answers.
• I have looked at problems the wrong way and GOD wants me to see HIS power is greatest when I am not in HIS way.

 

Fixing the world’s problems seemed simple to me at one time. I mean, after GOD forgave my rebellious lifestyle, HE had me learn about HIM. I found many promises of protections, wealth and great relationships with everyone. But that did not pan out the way I thought.

 

I ran into problem after problem after problem. “Why aren’t my prayers being answered?” I would ask. Little did I know, my prayers were being answered with “No, because MY grace is all you need.” HE guides me to realize that when I am weakest, I can feel CHRIST’s power over me. I am content with my weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties for CHRIST’s sake.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the anguish of the writer?
• Have you ever prayed for something to change over and over and over, yet it has not?
• Can you follow the writer’s example and look at the situation different by understanding that GOD’s power is greatest when your power is reduced and only HE can solve the situation in HIS time, in HIS way?

Most Grace Required

 Most Grace Required

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Kitchen Inventory

Kitchen Inventory

1 Corinthians 5: ⁶ It is not right for you to be proud! You know the saying, “A little bit of yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise.” ⁷ You must remove the old yeast of sin so that you will be entirely pure. Then you will be like a new batch of dough without any yeast, as indeed I know you actually are. For our Passover Festival is ready, now that Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. ⁸ Let us celebrate our Passover, then, not with bread having the old yeast of sin and wickedness, but with the bread that has no yeast, the bread of purity and truth.

 

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After making s delicious recipe, I stored the seldom used ingredients for another use. Everyone enjoyed the food and I felt a sense of delight that it came out as planned. Months later, I tried to recreate the recipe only to fail miserably. The ingredients had expired and the meal was just not the same.

 

• There have been many times when I gained a strength as an ingredient.
• There have been many times when I was “proud” of the strength and thought I had arrived.
• There have been many times when the strength turned into a weakness because pride caused it to expire.

 

Paul addresses not only sexual sin, but just plain old sin. He tried to explain that no one should ever become “proud” of their own accomplishments relating sin. Just a little sin can ruin the entire body.

 

• GOD wants me to take an inventory daily of my sin.
• GOD wants me to know JESUS forgave all my sin.
• GOD wants me to recognize I can still fall into sin even though I believe in JESUS.

 

“I will never do that again” has been said many times by me. I mean, when I am foolishly bargaining with GOD, I may quickly throw that statement out to “change GOD’s mind” and stop the trial. BUT GOD does not change, I do.

 

HE wants me to recognize when I am on a destructive path and get off the path. Old habits need to change and be replaced with new. But even that has danger as I may become proud of getting rid of an old habit. HE wants me to take an inventory daily and thank HIM for HIS forgiveness. I am glad HIS grace is sufficient.

 

• Have you rid yourself of a certain sin and are proud of it?
• Do you think you have arrived?
• Will you take inventory of your sins daily and allow GOD’s forgiveness to rule so you can point to the true forgiver and release yourself of trying to be perfect today?

Looking for Grace and Peace

 

Looking for Grace and Peace

1 Corinthians 1: From Paul, who was called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Sosthenes—

 

² To the church of God which is in Corinth, to all who are called to be God's holy people, who belong to him in union with Christ Jesus, together with all people everywhere who worship our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Sleep eluded me as I felt the pressures of the pending deadline approaching. Day and night I worked but to no avail. I went to sleep, only to wake up thinking about work. I got up and satisfied the needs of the project. I arrived to work exhausted. I turned in the project, on time. “You misspelled some words” were the only comment.

 

• There have been times when I looked for peace after the turmoil.
• There have been times when I thought I could find peace through accomplishments and money.
• There have been times when I sought grace for mistakes I made.

 

Paul seemed to have a special tie to the people of Corinth. He mentioned Sosthenes, a Jewish leader who suffered a beating because he spoke about JESUS and agreed with Paul. Paul knew that those who were called would be ridiculed and persecuted by those who were supposed to be showing the love of GOD. He gives a solution to prepare those who are called.

 

• GOD wants me to seek grace by admitting I need a Savior.
• GOD wants me to seek peace from HIM alone.
• GOD wants me to confess to the FATHER that JESUS is my Savior so HE can send the HOLY SPIRIT to me, who in turn, brings me grace and peace.

 

Grace and peace will always elude me when I am not seeking it from the true source. Humans think a larger bank account or a certain brand of material things will bring peace. BUT GOD is the only source of grace and peace. HE withholds these precious implements from those who do not seek HIM.

 

GOD does something strange. HE pours out grace and peace to those who are called and who are worshipping our LORD JESUS CHRIST. While the world looks on with judgmental wrong labels, GOD gets excited to those who can mention the name of JESUS as their source of grace and peace. I gladly accept GOD’s grace and peace through JESUS who is my Savior.

 

• What do you think would bring you peace?
• Do you think a larger bank account or a better title or another material trinket will bring you peace?
• Have you taken inventory over your stuff to see if you have received grace and peace yet?
• Will you stop pursuing grace and peace “your” way and allow GOD to pour them out on you in abundance only when you surrender your life to JESUS today?

Real Grace

 

Real Grace

Romans 11: I ask, then: Did God reject his own people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. ² God has not rejected his people, whom he chose from the beginning. You know what the scripture says in the passage where Elijah pleads with God against Israel: ³ “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me.” ⁴ What answer did God give him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not worshiped the false god Baal.” ⁵ It is the same way now: there is a small number left of those whom God has chosen because of his grace. ⁶ His choice is based on his grace, not on what they have done. For if God's choice were based on what people do, then his grace would not be real grace.

 

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Tiptoeing through my career, I tried not to make any mistakes. For years, I practice every speech, worked long hours and denied family, just like I was supposed to. Every penny was accounted for on every expense report.

 

But this day was special, my parents were celebrating a milestone anniversary and I would have to miss an “important” meeting. I missed the meeting and things got tough at work. I found out later, it wasn’t the meeting I missed, I would have been “imperfect” somewhere else according to the new leader’s standards.

 

• There have been times when I needed grace but it was not to be found.
• There have been times when I wanted to be myself, but was chained to be what I was “supposed” to be.
• There have been times when I asked for grace and did not receive it.

 

Paul explains that GOD has not turned on HIS people. He goes into depth about his background of being from the Tribe of Benjamin. He knew he was part of the chosen people. But he also knew the chosen people had turned their backs on GOD by killing JESUS who they overlooked as being GOD. Paul also explains that GOD chose people because of HIS grace.

 

• GOD knows I am imperfect.
• GOD decided to save me even though I could not meet HIS standards.
• GOD poured out HIS mercy on me even though I truly did not deserve it.

 

GOD’s grace is a wonderful gift. I mean, HE has a standard that people take for granted. HE requires no sin. But we are born into sin, so all of HIS creations deserve eternal separation from HIM.

 

BUT GOD showed tremendous grace. HE decided to take on the punishment for my sins. HE knew every sin I would ever commit and died for me anyway. HIS standard is high and HIS grace is higher. O am grateful for HIS saving grace.

 

• Are you angry at someone?
• Do you feel that person did something wrong and you want to see  “justice?”
• Will you ask GOD for the strength to pray for your enemies and provide grace to those who persecute you today?

 

 

Can, Will and Does

 

Can, Will and Does

Romans 9: ¹⁴ Shall we say, then, that God is unjust? Not at all. ¹⁵ For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on anyone I wish; I will take pity on anyone I wish.” ¹⁶ So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God's mercy. ¹⁷ For the scripture says to the king of Egypt, “I made you king in order to use you to show my power and to spread my fame over the whole world.” ¹⁸ So then, God has mercy on anyone he wishes, and he makes stubborn anyone he wishes.

 

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Hearing how others had “gotten away” with stealing. I tried my hand at it. I didn’t have enough money to pay for the pants and I really wanted to join the organization that required all of us to wear the same thing.

 

I lingered around the pants for what seemed like hours but it was probably minutes. I gave the pants to another person who was also joining the organization and he walked out the door. The deed was done.

 

• There were times when I thought I was getting away with something.
• There were times when I thought I was in control.
• There were times when I thought I could do my sins in secret and pretend to be innocent.

 

Paul gives some hard medicine to swallow. GOD takes mercy on whom HE wishes. On the contrary, GOD makes stubborn anyone HE wishes. Is there any hope? Yes! HE gives me choice.

 

• GOD wants me to surrender my stubborn will so HIS mercy can be shown through me.
• GOD wants me to say “I need JESUS as my Savior” so HIS mercy can be multiplied on me.
• GOD wants me to believe that JESUS is the only way to have an eternal existence with HIM.

 

All seeing, all powerful and everywhere is GOD. HE can do, HE will do and does anything HE pleases. The part of me that gets angry at that statement is the sin that fights against HIM. I mean, there is a part of me that wants to be GOD. That is the part of me HE hates.

 

HE still decided to show mercy on me. Mercy means I know I am guilty and fully aware I deserve the consequence of my actions, but the forgiver throws away my sentence and says I am free to go. Looking back, I can see an incredible amount of grace and mercy HE has shown to me. I can only say thank YOU.

 

• Are you fighting GOD thinking you will win?
• Do you think your stubbornness is a good quality?
• Will you surrender your life to the Most High GOD, by believing you need JESUS as your Savior, so HE will not harden your heart any further?

The Cure

 

The Cure

Romans 5: ¹⁶ And there is a difference between God's gift and the sin of one man. After the one sin, came the judgment of “Guilty”; but after so many sins, comes the undeserved gift of “Not guilty!” ¹⁷ It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ.

 

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It was a long week, but it was finally over. I boarded the plane and took my normal restful seat by the window. The flight was full so the middle seat was occupied next to me. The guy coughed and sneezed most of the trip.

 

I tried staving off a cold by drinking extra orange juice, but to no avail. I caught the cold. When I got home, I tried to stay away from the family, but they too caught the same cold. And probably many other kids at their school.

 

• I can remember when one person infected me with a cold or flu.
• I can remember when one person infected me with temptation.
• I can remember when one person infected me with rage, anger, doubt or fear.

 

Paul explains that Adam’s one tiny sinful act caused a disease amongst humans that was not supposed to be there. Any offspring he had would be born into sin and deserve death. This pandemic needed a cure.

 

• JESUS knew that I was born into sin and deserved death.
• JESUS knew that I would commit sin all my life and would never choose HIM.
• JESUS knew HE was the cure, so HE died for me and gave me a transfusion with HIS shed blood.

 

Sin is a disease that cannot be cured by a sinful human. Only a pure human’s blood could provide the right transfusion to erase all sin. JESUS became a human and was murdered for being innocent. HE did not sin, even though HE faced greater temptation than any human.

 

HIS bloody death on the cross was enough to erase all sins to those who receive HIS love. HIS grace was truly sufficient. HE provided the vaccination, namely to believe in HIS cure for death. I believe in JESUS and the sin of one man, or especially my sin, has no effect on me.

 

• Are you struggling with the “good” versus “evil” thinking?
• Are you weary because you cannot be “good” enough to please GOD?
• Will you stop looking at GOD through diseased, sinful lenses and know HE provided a cure for your sin by believing that JESUS took care of your sin today and forever?

I’ll Just Buy It

I’ll Just Buy It

Acts 8: ¹⁸ And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! ²¹ You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³ For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

²⁴ Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of the things which you have spoken may come upon me.”

²⁵ So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

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Hearing the preacher preach about giving, I felt led to fill up the offering plate. I mean if everyone in the small gathering knew what I did the night before, I would be embarrassed. “Maybe if I give money to a church, then my sinfulness will go away” I thought.

• There were times when I gave out of guilt.
• There were times when I thought I could give to a church so I could be forgiven.
• There were times when I tried to buy GOD’s favor because the preaching made me think that’s what HE wanted.

Simon saw GOD’s power being used through the apostles. He wanted to know how they had this special power and was willing to pay for it. Peter condemned Simon’s request because it was rooted from an evil desire to “buy power.”

• GOD wants me to ask HIM for forgiveness of my sins.
• GOD wants me to have a relationship with HIM that is not based on money.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS power but only to point people to HIM.

Wanting a person healed is a great desire. But when I want others to notice it was “my” prayer that healed the person then I start following Satan’s prideful path. GOD wants to be recognized for everything. HE wants me to guide people back to HIM and know HE accepts me just as I am.

I do not have to buy HIS favor for HE has already done enough for me. I cannot pay enough for what JESUS did for me. GOD wants my heart and my possessions. HE leads me to give directly to those in need but wants me to spread the great news about JESUS more than focus on giving money. I cannot buy GOD’s favor, but I can be thankful that HIS grace is sufficient.

• Do you feel guilty so you give to a group who are called a church?
• Can you recognize that the church of JESUS is made up of those who believe in HIM and HIS salvation cannot be purchased?
• Will you stop trying to buy forgiveness and praise GOD for salvation by telling people about HIS SON versus trying to get people to come to “your” gathering?

Great Grace

Great Grace

Acts 4: ³² Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ³⁵ and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

³⁶ And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, ³⁷ having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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Getting into the light, I could see that my tie was not matching. It was too late as I rushed to get to work. Unfortunately the traffic was thick that particular day. With stuffy nose, I went to the office medicine cabinet and took a decongestant so I could focus on the meeting.

In the middle of the meeting, my nose started bleeding. I had to excuse myself. “Could this day get any worse?” I said to myself. When I returned, the person who I met with said, “”Relax, the world is not falling apart as you may think. Let’s do this again later.”

• There have been many times I have messed up and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not had myself together and received grace.
• There have been many times I have not done the right things, been at the right places or said the right words and received grace.

The apostles preached about JESUS with “great power.” I can only imagine the excitement in their voices. Every detail they could remember was recorded in the minds of those who believed. They too became so excited they wanted to do something for those in need. Selfishness was thrown away and replaced with something else.

• GOD wants me to replace my selfishness with a desire to be generous.
• GOD wants me to trade in my fear of self-preservation and help other people.
• GOD wants me to remove my focus on just “me” and include “us” in the equation.

What is interesting is the progression that took place. Genuine preaching about JESUS excited the crowd to give directly to those in need in the community. From there, “great grace” followed. Their hearts were so full, they did not care about getting more, rather seeing the community flourish in time of need. I am grateful for GOD’s great grace HE has poured out on me.

• Are you in need of GOD’s great grace?
• Have you messed up in a huge way and think you are beyond grace?
• Will you look to GOD who’s grace is greater than any sin you could have done?
• Will you believe in JESUS who has the greatest grace just for you?