Called to Hope

Called to Hope

Ephesians 1: ¹⁸ I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, ¹⁹ and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 

 

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Needing cash, I thought of a plan. I would buy a lottery ticket, win and all my troubles would be over. I bought one ticket and waited for the weekly numbers to be announced. All of the numbers I selected were either one number higher or lower than the chosen. What are the odds?

 

• I had lost hope and wanted a quick fix.
• I prayed over the lottery ticket and did not win.
• I was reminded that my hope should be greater than money.

 

Paul writes a request to the LORD on behalf of the people . He wants everyone to have their mind opened by the HOLY SPIRIT to be enlightened to the “hope” GOD has called us to.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s hope is far greater than me being rich and powerful.
• Spreading GOD’s hope is valuable to HIM.
• Believing in JESUS gives me access to the same power that raised HIM from the dead.

 

Hope can be fleeting when placed in money, jobs, people or something other than GOD. I mean, even when I get money or a job or a group of people, all of these things change and sometimes have issues. BUT GOD is still there.

 

GOD is far greater than coping or getting a few dollars. HE has promises that can never be taken away. HIS power is unmatched and blessings are rich. HE opens the eyes to those who believe, so they may see HIS light and hope HE has called them to. I am grateful for HIS power and place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things is the writer asking for?
• Have you ever lost your hope?
• Will you know that it is alright to acknowledge how hurt you have been and ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS rich and wonderful blessings for you that are far greater than anything the world has to offer?

Voluntary Open Heart Surgery

Voluntary Open Heart Surgery

2 Corinthians 6: ¹¹ Dear friends in Corinth! We have spoken frankly to you; we have opened our hearts wide. ¹² It is not we who have closed our hearts to you; it is you who have closed your hearts to us. ¹³ I speak now as though you were my children: show us the same feelings that we have for you. Open your hearts wide!

 

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At one point, I would do anything it took for this particular organization. I would arrive early and leave late. All day long I focused on their needs, shunning precious time with family and most of all, GOD time. But one day the leaders of the organization changed for the worse as blame and insults became the norm. It was no longer the same place of merit and honor. My heart wasn’t into it as much.

 

• My hurt heart was closing.
• My eyes were opened to the blindness of “success.”
• My feelings toward giving my all had changed.

 

Paul warns the people to open their hearts wide. His emphatic appeal was probably prompted by the dull reactions to the message he and others had provided through the words GOD placed in their hearts. He could see the people as they turned their hearts away from valuing the message that JESUS is LORD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me keep my heart open to HIM.
• GOD wants me to let the HOLY SPIRIT in my heart so HE can make room for others.
• GOD wants me to appeal to others to voluntarily open their heart to JESUS so HE will send the COMFORTER to live in their heart.

 

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” is what GOD said to one of the prophets to tell everyone. Since the heart is capable of hurting others or being hurt, it is easy for me to close it when I perceive the world around me is going to make things worse.

 

BUT GOD sends people to me that HE wants me to trust. Their message, while mixed with their sin, comes from HIM. GOD uses imperfect people like me to spread HIS perfect message of true love. I gladly open my heart to the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with flaws, but from the heart.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning that comes from the writer?
• Have you ever practiced closing your heart so often that you do not know what it looks like to have an open heart?
• Why does the writer look at the group as his children?
• Will you open your heart, knowing the HOLY SPIRIT will enter it and protect you from harm, especially from those who intentionally try to poison hearts today?

Closed and Open Gates

Closed and Open Gates

Acts 16: ⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

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“Keep the gate closed” were the words directed to me. “Yeah” was my response. Our house was not in the middle of the block, but if someone wanted a short cut, this yard was a good choice.

After riding my bike I ran into the house, leaving it on the side of the house. The next morning I wanted to ride. I noticed the bike missing and the gate wide open. I had forgotten to put the bike away and close the gate.

• There have been times when I left something open and allowed the wrong element to come in.
• There have been times when I went to a gate and it was closed, so I could not get in.
• There have been times when I went to another gate and it was opened to me by the owner.

Paul and his companions traveled throughout one region, preaching about JESUS with much success. But when they reached one area, the HOLY SPIRIT prevented them from entering. JESUS did not want them to enter a specific area. They passed by the area. Paul then received a vision to help a specific city. He went, ready to preach the gospel.

• GOD wants me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to be ready to stay where HE sent me or to leave when HE tells me to.
• GOD wants me to be ready with the gospel of JESUS.

Being led by the HOLY SPIRIT is a wonderful opportunity. Getting direction from GOD to tell people about HIS SON is an amazing thing to be part of. JESUS gives me this opportunity time and time again.

HE sends me to people and wants me ready to speak about HIM. Unfortunately, there will be places GOD has closed off to hearing about HIM. HE sends me to hearts that can hear. I am grateful GOD has included me in HIS purpose.

• Are you being sent but are facing opposition?
• Are you ready and prepared to speak about JESUS at a moment’s notice?
• Will you listen to the HOLY SPIRIT and go where HE leads you and stay away from the places HE does not want you?

Led

Led

Acts 8: ²⁹ Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”

³⁰ So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

³¹ And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

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Watching the pins fall, I was amazed at the bowler. Strike after strike, I watched in awe. “Can you show me how to do that?” I asked. I paid for lessons. Every word spoken to me was like gold. I was thoroughly interested and absorbed the information like a sponge in water.

• When I seek knowledge, I look for some help.
• When I want to know something, I am open for suggestions.
• When I desire to learn, I look for a guide.

Two people were led in this passage of scripture. Philip was led to the desert and then the SPIRIT led him to the Ethiopian eunuch, who was reading the prophet Isaiah out loud.

The Ethiopian must have desired some help from anyone who would assist, because he read out loud, possibly in an inquisitive way. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Ethiopian requested his guidance.

• GOD wants me to be open to learn about HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS ways so I can have rest.
• GOD wants me to be led by the SPIRIT to receive teaching or to give it.

Surrender is required when being taught. It is difficult or impossible to teach about GOD to someone who is not open to hearing the information. GOD sends people to me to teach me about HIM when my heart is open to hearing from HIM.

It is not just about learning. GOD wants me to take what I learned and be willing to teach someone. HE then will send me to the right person at the right time. I am grateful for the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT.

• What are you looking for?
• Are you seeking knowledge to fill your desires?
• Will you steer your seeking to learn about JESUS who loved you enough to die for you and is alive, willing to save you today?

Devout Contrast

Devout Contrast

Acts 2: ⁵ And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” ¹² So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

¹³ Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

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Not as vested, I blew off another class. I mean the prior classes were boring and gave no vital information, or so I thought. When I decided to go to class, there was a pop quiz on what was discussed in the class I missed. I failed miserably.

• There have been times when I was not dedicated to what I was doing.
• There have been times when I decided not to listen to what was being said.
• There have been times when I have been present physically, but my mind was somewhere else.

People devoted to GOD from every nation, gathered in Jerusalem. Perhaps the news of JESUS healing the sick and performing other miracles brought them there. GOD spoke to those who were devoted to HIM and to those who were not. Only the devoted could hear the marvelous works of GOD. Others made fun of what they could not understand.

• GOD wants my devotion so I can hear HIM.
• GOD is excited to speak to me as long as I am willing to listen.
• GOD speaks to me with purpose in mind.

When GOD speaks, it is special. HE wants every nation to be saved and has plenty to say about this. Unfortunately when I am not devoted, I cannot hear what HE has to say. My worries and my concerns block out HIS message of purpose. BUT GOD still speaks every day. HE never gives up. I am glad HE cares for me and comes after me daily.

• Are you hearing GOD but are not listening?
• Do you mock those who hear from GOD?
• Will you stop trying to make GOD speak the way “you” want to hear HIM and devote yourself to HIM so you can hear what HE has to say?

As You Are

As You Are

John 21: ¹¹ Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. ¹² Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.

¹⁴ This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

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Thinking I had to be just like other people, I mimicked several folk’s moves. I wore the styles of one person, talked like another, and discussed car desires of another. An observer, who knew me before I started mimicking, asked “What are you doing?” I said I wanted to be successful. They replied, “Just be yourself.”

• At one point I thought I did not have what it took to be successful.
• At one point I thought I had to be like someone else, because I felt the way I was could not possibly be successful.
• At one point I desired to be successful, but was scared that people would see my flaws.

Peter came to his senses and started helping drag the huge catch of fish to shore. Not only did they catch one hundred and fifty-three fish, something amazing happened. The net did not break. The net was just as it was before, but did amazing things.

• GOD wants to use me just as I am.
• GOD wants to do amazing things through me without needing me to be someone else.
• GOD wants me to point people to HIS power and only I can reach a certain group of people HE has given to me.

When JESUS called HIS disciples, HE never said, “Change for ME” rather HE said “Follow ME.” This bold statement enables me to remain who I am, yet follow HIS examples. HE also takes care of the miracles. The miracle of the net shows me HE can take my pitiful efforts and use them for miraculous things. I am glad GOD delivers, every time, in miraculous ways.

• Do you feel inadequate?
• Do you think you cannot possibly be used for something large?
• Will you stop thinking it is your power that makes you succeed rather GOD’s power?

Full of Something

Full of Something

John 14: ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”

²³ Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

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“Buying some clothes will make you happy” was one salesperson’s philosophy spoken to me. I went along with it and it did make me feel a little better. “Buying a new car will make you feel better” another salesperson said to me. I bought the car and did feel better.

Eventually the car needed maintenance. Then the cycle repeated. I still owed money on the car. I looked at my elbow and the clothes were getting frayed.

• One time I thought things would make me feel good.
• One time I followed the philosophy of getting more things.
• One time I felt great when I had things and miserable when I did not.

Judas, the believer, asked JESUS “How will you manifest YOURSELF to us and not to the world?” JESUS explains that if a person loves HIM, they would keep HIS Word. By keeping HIS Word, the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT would get excited enough to live inside of the person.

• JESUS made me similar to an empty vessel.
• JESUS wants to fill me up with HIS Word.
• JESUS desires that I open my heart to HIS guidance.

Keeping GOD’s Word is impossible for the world to do. With the emphasis on self and money and power, the world cannot listen to “Love one another.” GOD is not a philosophy, HE is GOD. HIS power, grace and love is beyond any human religion or attitude.

JESUS knows I will fill myself up with something. Will I fill myself up with HIS love and be hated by the world? Yes! Those who are blind will hate HIS love and complain about how HE guides me. I accept GOD’s guidance and will honor HIS home inside me.

• What philosophy are you filling yourself up with?
• Are you seeking GOD’s kingdom daily?
• Will you stop listening to the world for a moment and listen to GOD so HE will guide you today?

Good Reception

John 1: ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

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Excited to test them outside, I handed one to a friend. We were camping and I wanted to see just how far I could be heard on my walkie-talkie. As we moved away from each other I said “Can you still hear me?” “Yes!” the other person said in the two way radio. My message was heard.

• Sometimes when GOD speaks I am too far away to hear HIM.
• Sometimes when GOD speaks I have too much interference to listen to what HE is saying.
• Sometimes when GOD speaks I voluntarily turn my “receiver” off so I can do my own thing.

The WORD was in the world and while the world was made by HIM, it did not recognize HIM as GOD. They turned off the radio’s of their hearts so they could no longer hear HIM. BUT GOD gave the right to become HIS children to those who allowed themselves to have “good reception.”

• GOD wants me to keep the ears to my heart open so I can hear HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to receive HIS marvelous blessings each and every day.
• GOD wants me to see HIM with my heart so I can do the things I was “born” for.

Receiving GOD means believing in HIS name or reputation or status. I mean I must believe HE is who HE says HE is and recognize HIS power over everything. HE is my guide and I should believe HE can handle any and every problem that arises. Everything must be place under HIS decisions so that they can be “born” of GOD. I give GOD my all.

• Can you hear GOD in your life or are you listening to yourself?
• Has GOD been speaking to you, telling you to spread HIS great news?
• Will you open your heart to HIM and allow HIM to speak through you today?

Ready

Luke 12: ³⁵ “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; ³⁶ and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. ³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.³⁸ And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. ³⁹ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁰ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

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After the meeting I scheduled another meeting as a follow up to make sure I understood everything. I was being left “in charge” for the short period and I wanted to make sure I understood everything that was going on. During the follow-up meeting I was asked “Are you sure you are ready for this?” “Absolutely” I answered.

• Many times I had to prepare.
• Many times I had to sit and wait for the unknown.
• Many times I had to be confident that something may occur at a moment’s notice.

JESUS says some confusing words to HIS disciples. HE spoke in a parable like tone and told them to be ready for the master’s return. Ready for what? I mean what should I be doing?

• GOD says to me “Prepare yourself daily by speaking to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Seek the kingdom everyday and you will be prepared.”
• GOD says to me “Your life is mine so be prepared to be with ME eternally.”

More and more responsibility is what GOD wants to give me. HE understands my limits and will only give me as much as I can handle. If I as ready as a child then I may not be given much responsibility for GOD’s kingdom. But if I am growing in GOD then HE will help me prepare myself and others for what HE has in store. GOD wants me to be ready daily.

• What are you preparing for?
• Are you preparing to be accepted by humans more and more?
• Can you take some time to prepare yourself for GOD’s kingdom by seeking those HE wants you to seek today?

Service Clarity

Luke 2: ³⁶ Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; ³⁷ and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. ³⁸ And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

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“Would you serve on this committee?” someone asked. “Yes, of course” was my answer. “Would you serve as a lead” “Yes, of course” I said. “Would you run a special project, help with the books, lead another group and teach?” “Um… yes?” I said.

• There were times when I got burned out because I could not say not to the church leaders.
• There were times when I got burned out because I thought I “had” to serve.
• There were times when I felt I must be closer to the LORD because I was working so hard.

Anna was a prophetess who was dedicated to the LORD. She served the LORD in a way that was different from most thinking. She fasted, prayed and told people about JESUS becoming a human to redeem the world. Her service was easily done.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM.
• GOD wants me to fast, pray and tell people about HIM.
• GOD wants me to not burn out rather serve HIM with my current gifts, talents and financial situation.

“MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light stands out to me, yet many people in the church are worn out because the leaders are hard task masters. GOD never said “Work your fingers to the bone” nor did HE say “Try harder.” GOD says “I made you just as you are and I AM pleased with you, just speak of MY SON, fast and pray.” My service is simplified this day.

• Are you worried that you are not pleasing GOD?
• Do you think you are not doing enough because someone judged you into guilt?
• Can you stop trying to please GOD so hard as the task masters dictate and just be who HE made you to be?