Invited

Invited

Revelation 19: 9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

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Receiving my first invitation to a wedding felt special and strange. I had never been invited to a wedding by myself. I went and saw the couple exchange their vows. At the reception, they sat me with family members who made me feel like I was part of their family.

• I felt honored to be invited.
• I felt special, even though it was not my special day.
• I felt part of the family for a moment.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was told to write something special. He was told how blessed people are who are invited to the marriage feast of the LAMB. John, possibly hearing the words with astonishment, may have needed the angel to add some assurance. The angel said , “These are the true sayings of God.”

My Observations:

• GOD gave me free will to choose HIM.
• My service to HIM includes serving people and telling people about the great news about CHRIST.
• I will be invited based on true belief in JESUS as my Savior and my clothes in heaven will be representative of any service I did that was acceptable to GOD.

Being invited someplace is an honor. I mean, Being wanted, desired and needed really feels great! When GOD invited me, HE wants, desires and needs me. But what do I have to offer? Nothing. HE has it all and still want, desires and needs me.

GOD invites you and me to participate in life HIS way, every day. HE places people in front of us and wants us to show HIS love and listen for opportunities to share the love of JESUS with our mouth to the right person. I am grateful for GOD’s invitation.

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer had to be told “These are the true sayings of God.?”
• Have you ever been invited to something?
• Will you accept GOD’s invitation to live inside you when HE knocks on your heart today?

In the Family

In the Family

1 John 3: ⁹ Those who are children of God do not continue to sin, for God's very nature is in them; and because God is their Father, they cannot continue to sin. ¹⁰ Here is the clear difference between God's children and the Devil's children: those who do not do what is right or do not love others are not God's children.

 

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After playing over a friend’s house I was invited to stay for dinner. Same thing happened at another house. Soon that blossomed into bowling, movies and other events.

 

• I felt I was part of multiple families.
• I felt I belonged.
• I felt I could hear when I was corrected by my adopted parents.

 

John compares two families, GOD’s versus the Devil’s. He gives the criteria for being in GOD’s family first. He says that GOD place HIS very nature inside HIS children. On the other hand, he mentions that those who do not love other people and who do not do what is right are the Devil’s children.

 

My Observations:

• It is valuable to be in GOD’s family.
• GOD’s family gives me joy and peace that are in abundant supply.
• GOD guides me because HE wants me to act like JESUS, who was the ultimate example of love.

 

Being part of a true loving family feels great! I mean, realizing that GOD loves me and wants the best for me really makes me want to do what is right in HIS eyes. Unfortunately, I don’t always want to remain in HIS family.

 

I run away, thinking “I” know what is best for me. Then I face difficulties and have no where to turn. BUT GOD says to me “Turn from your wicked ways and I will hear you and heal your land.” I am glad HE always welcomes me back with open arms.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer only gives two family types?
• Have you ever felt part of an adopted family?
• Will you join GOD’s family and follow the ways of JESUS so you can be sure you have a solid relationship HIM today?

Immeasurable Love

 

Immeasurable Love

1 John 3: See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. ² My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

 

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Teased about my hair, clothes, body size and lack of money, I felt unlovable. There were enough people telling me about what was wrong with me, that soon I wondered if I could ever be “fixed.” “GOD loves you, just as you are” were the words that resonated with me.

 

• I was relieved that I could be loved.
• I did not feel I could be loved until I understood what real love looked like.
• After being rejected by the world, it felt great to be part of a family.

 

John gets excited about telling about GOD’s love. He implies that GOD’s love is so great, that HE can forgive sins and repair broken people by placing them in HIS family. We are then called HIS children.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love is greater than any human love.
• GOD’s love is so great that HE wiped away my sins even though I did nothing to deserve HIS grace.
• GOD’s love is the foundation for human love, because the world’s idea of love is tainted.

 

Measurable love falls short of GOD’s love. I mean, when I say “Remember the time I did…” I am measuring and this falls short of the type of love I really need. GOD’s love is much different. HE saw that I was in trouble and the only way out of my trouble was to die to let me live.

 

JESUS thought nothing of making HIMSELF a human to feel every pain I feel. HE felt the pain of rejection and was murdered, just for me. When HE rose from the dead HE forgave me and adopted me in HIS family., I am glad GOD is not finished with me, but is making me into something great like JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer so excited about?
• Have you ever felt like you do not quite fit in this place or that place?
• Will you accept JESUS as your personal Savior, so you can be adopted into HIS family and experience immeasurable love today?

As For Us

As For Us

Hebrews 12: As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. ² Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.

 

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Joining a gym, I wanted to gain some muscle. I struggled by myself as I guessed at what I should do. After a while, someone at the gym asked me if I would like to join them in their routine. They started me off with embarrassingly light weight and gradually added heavier weight. When I came in with a candy bar, they said “We don’t eat those anymore.” They suggested food that would help me build muscle.

 

• I was part of a group.
• I chose to cut out some things that were not “good” for me.
• I saw results when I stuck with their suggestions.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, pauses to give a word of motivation. He had just provided a list of examples where faith was shown in different forms. He then turned to the present to provide actions associated with faith.

 

My Observations:

• Faith in what JESUS did, helps me to turn away from things that HE died for.
• Understanding that some things may not be good for me, makes me seek what is pleasing to the LORD.
• Fortitude is given to me when I mimic the determination JESUS had for dying just for me.

 

“As for us” is a statement of being in a new family. I mean, my old family included “friends” who had me doing things that were not good for them or me. In fact, when I nervously joined in, I noticed the “fun” did not solve any problem I was going through, rather it magnified them. I needed a real solution.

 

GOD answered my prayer and provided me with a path to see life clearer. HE guided me away from certain things and gave me something more important to focus on, namely JESUS. I am glad GOD cares enough to guide me back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Who is the “us” the writer mentions?
• Have you ever been part of a group that had your best interest in mind?
• Will you accept being part of GOD’s family and examine your life to see if there are things you say or do that could hold you back from experiencing a great relationship with JESUS today?

Special Meeting

Special Meeting

Hebrews 2: ¹¹ He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. ¹² He says to God,

“I will tell my people what you have done;
    I will praise you in their meeting.”

¹³ He also says, “I will put my trust in God.” And he also says, “Here I am with the children that God has given me.”

 

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“All meetings should be cancelled” was the message received. Something big must have happened, was the first thing on my mind. There was a major announcement that the entire company had to hear. We all gathered to hear the announcement.

 

• I couldn’t wait to hear what was about to be said.
• I wondered what was going on.
• I had many thoughts, good and bad, run through my mind so I discussed them with others.

 

Paul, the assumed author, writes about a great gathering that will happen someday. This gathering of those who believe in JESUS will have an announcement. JESUS will tell everyone the great things GOD has done. This meeting is also a great presentation, praising GOD for the “children that GOD has given” JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unimaginable great things are being done by GOD.
• JESUS will need to explain these great things to everyone.
• One day I will value GOD for what and who HE is.

 

Walking through life blindly can be difficult. I mean, it seems like there are difficult decisions that need to be made that require GOD’s intervention daily. It gets tiring. But one day GOD will reveal all that has been done.

 

Those who value GOD for salvation will one day hear what the great plan HE has had for each since before the beginning. Everything done, good or bad, will be revealed in front of everyone and GOD’s grace and mercy will also be revealed. I look forward to the great meeting someday.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer refer to family?
• Have you ever gathered with a group of people to hear some good news?
• Did you celebrate?
• Will you look forward to gathering with those who love JESUS by celebrating HIM today?

Adopted Family

Adopted Family

1 Timothy 1: From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by order of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope—

² To Timothy, my true son in the faith:

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

 

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Smelling the tasty food being prepared, my stomach growled. I kept peeking at the kitchen wondering what was cooking. “Would you like to stay for dinner?” were the words I had never heard before. “Can I?” I replied! “Sure, let’s ask your parents if it is okay.”

 

• I was excited to be able to hang out over someone else’s house.
• I did not know I was being asked into the family versus just getting a meal.
• I remember many fathers and mothers who adopted me as one of theirs.

 

Paul writes a letter to Timothy, calling him a son. Because of their relationship with JESUS, Paul brings Timothy into his family and provides words of encouragement. mentions his calling by the LORD and associates Timothy to that calling. He wished Timothy the best.

 

My Observations

• JESUS is my Savior and my hope.
• I am adopted into a vast family of believers because of GOD’s love for me.
• I can adopt people into the family and provide GOD’s grace, mercy and peace.

 

Family adoption is necessary. I mean, in this world of hurt, words of encouragement are few and far between. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE wants us to believe in HIS SON as the solution. HE guides each of us to be adopted into a family so we can adopt others into the family.

 

HE provides shelter to those who seek a home. HE adopts the lost, stands him or her up again and wipes away all tears. HE gives purpose so life can be abundant. I am truly grateful for my parents, adopted parents siblings and adopted siblings and all who are in my family, physical and spiritual.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer want?
• Have you ever been adopted into a family, even for a moment?
• Are you willing to bring someone into GOD’s family so he or she can experience GOD’s grace, mercy and peace today?

Belonging

Belonging

1 Thessalonians 1:¹ From Paul, Silas, and Timothy—

To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

May grace and peace be yours.

 

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Many schools, churches and other organizations have given me a tee shirt to proudly wear. Each shirt would have the name of the organization and sometimes its colors. People have walked up to me and asked me questions about the shirt I was wearing at the time.

 

• I felt obligated to represent the organization well.
• I felt I was part of something bigger.
• I felt a sense of belonging to a group.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy sent their greetings to everyone who “belongs” to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They had no shirt to pass out so they gave a wonderful gift, grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When calamity hits, GOD steps in and says to me “You belong to ME.”
• When wonderful things happen, GOD says to me “Because I love you.”
• When I need direction or feel lost, GOD says to me “Do not worry or doubt because you are MINE.”

 

Belonging to GOD is amazing! I mean, HE has all the power, knows everything and is everywhere. No person or power or situation can stop GOD’s love for me.

 

Though I may take my eyes off of GOD, HE holds me tight. In fact, HE has written my name in HIS hand and no one can snatch me out. I belong to GOD. I gratefully give my life to HIM and try to act like I belong to HIM by telling people of the grace of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer added the word “belong?”
• Have you ever been part of an organization and wanted other people to know about it or even join?
• Do you belong to JESUS?
• Will you praise GOD for the grace and peace HE provides because you belong to HIM?

Made Specific

Made Specific

Ephesians 4: ¹⁶ Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.

 

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Waking up slightly later than usual, I realized I had to catch a flight. I rushed out the house and sped to the airport. To my dismay, the traffic getting into the parking garage was fierce. I ran to the gate only to watch the plane pull away. I was supposed to present my part to a client that afternoon in another city.

 

• I was not available to present my part.
• I was part of a team and I had a specific role.
• I did not do my part as I should have.

 

Under the control of JESUS, Paul explains that each person has a specific role to play. HE made each person different to play a specific role in the whole body.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to surrender my life so HE can be in control.
• GOD made me specifically to grow the body.
• GOD wants me to do my part to build the body up in HIS love.

 

Human love is incomplete. I mean, one person has a tiny piece of love, but not the totality. Under the control of JESUS, we are put together as one single body. Each person has a specific role to play in HIS love.

 

Every action placed under HIS control has a purpose that HE uses to draw HIS kingdom together. HE knows where the missing pieces fit and each piece is just as important as the next. I am grateful GOD made me to be part of HIS family and has given me a specific purpose.

 

Challenge

• What concern is the writer addressing?
• Do you feel alone or feel as if you are not quite fitting in?
• Will you enjoy the fact that GOD made you for a specific role and needs you to do your part so HE can reach those who HE will draw to HIMSELF through you today?

You are MINE

 

You are MINE

Galatians 4: ⁶ To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Father, my Father.” ⁷ So then, you are no longer a slave but a child. And since you are his child, God will give you all that he has for his children.

 

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“Come on in” were the words I heard throughout the neighborhood. I sat at several tables for meals and played games over their houses. They invited me in as if to say “You are part of the family.”

 

• I had nothing to offer.
• I could only receive gifts and had none to give.
• I felt a sense of belonging.

 

Paul speaks about how intimate THE FATHER wants to be with HIS creation. This passage also speaks about THE SON and THE HOLY SPIRIT working together to provide a family for the lost and weary.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have everything HE has so HE rescued me from my sin.
• GOD wants to give me HIS all so HE died for me and was raised from the dead.
• GOD wants the best for me so HE lives inside me to plead for me, comfort me and guide me.

 

“You are MY child” is something special GOD says to all who believe in HIS SON. Giving up everything for us is quite enough. Unfortunately we have an adversary who wants us to want more. He blinds us to want material wealth or political or social power.

 

GOD says “You are MINE” in spite of my sin and forgive me for my disrespectful behavior towards HIM. HE even takes me into HIS family and dines with me. JESUS said “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears MY voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with ME.” I am grateful GOD brings us into HIS family forever.

 

Challenge

• What elements of assurance does the writer speak about?
• Have you ever had a part of you that you wish you could do better in, but simply could not?
• Will you stop trying the exhaustive path of temporary happiness and seek GOD’s family where HE will give you everything HE has today?

Getting Stronger

1 Corinthians 14: ⁷ Take such lifeless musical instruments as the flute or the harp—how will anyone know the tune that is being played unless the notes are sounded distinctly? ⁸ And if the one who plays the bugle does not sound a clear call, who will prepare for battle? ⁹ In the same way, how will anyone understand what you are talking about if your message given in strange tongues is not clear? Your words will vanish in the air! ¹⁰ There are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. ¹¹ But if I do not know the language being spoken, those who use it will be foreigners to me and I will be a foreigner to them. ¹² Since you are eager to have the gifts of the Spirit, you must try above everything else to make greater use of those which help to build up the church.

 

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“Come help us” was the request. “But I don’t know how” was my response. “We’ll show you” was the response that made me feel comfortable enough to say “Yes I will help.” I was now part of the group.

 

• I wondered if I would add value.
• I wondered if I could handle the burden.
• I wondered if I should just back off and not help.

 

Paul continues his explanation of spiritual gifts. One gift in question was that of speaking in tongues. An earlier explanation states that tongue speech that no one understands only edifies the person speaking. But if the words are interpreted, many people will be blessed. He then implores that people be part of something bigger, namely building up the church.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to be part of helping build HIS church.
• GOD wants me to use my gifts to build as often as I can.
• GOD wants me to seek gifts that help be part of HIS solution.

 

Seeking to build GOD’s church is a privilege that is sometimes foreign. I mean, what good is building the church when I have problems of my own. GOD does something strange when I focus my attention on HIM.

 

In the middle of pain and weakness, GOD uses broken people to build one another up. HE loves when we come together to bring people to back to HIM. He provides me with a group that honors HIM and in turn, I become stronger even though my circumstance may remain. I gladly make myself available to seek any talent to help build GOD’s kingdom.

 

Challenge

• How do you feel when someone speaks to you in a language you do not understand?
• How do you think other people feel when you speak in a way they cannot understand?
• Will you seek gifts that help build the church, helping people understand the love of CHRIST today?

Detached

 

Detached

1 Corinthians 12: ²¹ So then, the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Nor can the head say to the feet, “Well, I don't need you!” ²² On the contrary, we cannot do without the parts of the body that seem to be weaker; ²³ and those parts that we think aren't worth very much are the ones which we treat with greater care; while the parts of the body which don't look very nice are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ which the more beautiful parts do not need. God himself has put the body together in such a way as to give greater honor to those parts that need it. ²⁵ And so there is no division in the body, but all its different parts have the same concern for one another. ²⁶ If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it; if one part is praised, all the other parts share its happiness.

 

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Walking into church, someone greeted me by name. I had no clue what his name was so I politely greeted him and kept going. This surface conversation was replicated with several people until service was over. I went home with no one knowing me or the circumstances I was going through.

 

• It was easy to be detached from other people’s problems.
• It was easy to smile in a group when everything was going wrong inside.
• It was easy to put up a front in church because others were doing the same.

 

Paul continues explaining the “body” of CHRIST. He flips from those who felt lesser than others to those who feel superior to people. “I don’t need you” is the mistake Paul is trying to correct. This brazen line of thinking is fostered by pride  and societal structures that naturally form hierarchies.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to break down hierarchies.
• GOD wants me to value what everyone brings to HIM.
• GOD wants me to know that when one person suffers, it is my obligation to suffer “with” him or her.

 

Detaching from people is easy and sometimes necessary. Carrying too many burdens can cause one to fall into despair. On the other hand, being detached puts up a façade that everything is alright, meanwhile life keeps getting messier and messier. GOD wants the “body” HE made to be there for one another.

 

No one is greater than another person. Only GOD is greater than all. We are made to share our hurts, pains, sins and point people to JESUS for salvation. Looking good in front of people is not the answer. Sharing JESUS as the healer, is the only way to truth. I am grateful for and need the body of CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel it is easier to do things by yourself?
• What do you notice about the term “I don’t need you” in this explanation?
• What are your thoughts on “division?
• ”Will you seek help or seek to be helpful to someone today?

Body Parts

Body Parts

1 Corinthians 6: ¹⁵ You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Shall I take a part of Christ's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossible! ¹⁶ Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, “The two will become one body.” ¹⁷ But he who joins himself to the Lord becomes spiritually one with him.

 

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“Look at that ‘insert body part’ on her” we said in an ogling fashion. Our focus was on the physical appearance. This lit the fire inside me to stop searching for GOD inside each person and settle for fulfilling my lusts.

 

• There have been times when I settled for looking at body parts.
• There have been times when I treated GOD’s children as common “things” to be used by me.
• There have been times when I wanted to misuse a part of CHRIST’s body for “my” own purposes.

 

Paul explains that my body is part of CHRIST’s body. In other words, the total number of people who believe in JESUS make up a single “body” under CHRIST. We are “spiritually one” with HIM. Paul also appeals to everyone to rethink how our physical bodies are to be used as a sacrifice to serve JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to search for HIS SPIRIT in each person.
• GOD wants me to see beyond the physical and remain spiritually connected to HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS body as holy.

 

Downplaying how GOD sees sex does not make my sentence any lighter. Sin is still sin. If I think in a way that is not repentant, then maybe I need to rethink my relationship with JESUS. Am I just mouthing the words or living them?

 

GOD is very serious about bringing all people back to HIM so they can be saved. When I ogle over one, I may be part of the problem and cause others to fall away from HIM. The hidden or overt lust will be seen by onlookers. I am grateful GOD does provide grace and opens my eyes to HIS children.

 

• Are you ogling over someone’s body parts?
• Do you mistreat the body of CHRIST and think there will be no repercussion?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom first and look for the need for salvation in “that” person instead of fulfilling your lusts today?

Called to Belong

 

Called to Belong

Romans 1: From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus and an apostle chosen and called by God to preach his Good News.

 

² The Good News was promised long ago by God through his prophets, as written in the Holy Scriptures. ³ It is about his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: as to his humanity, he was born a descendant of David; ⁴ as to his divine holiness, he was shown with great power to be the Son of God by being raised from death. ⁵ Through him God gave me the privilege of being an apostle for the sake of Christ, in order to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. ⁶ This also includes you who are in Rome, whom God has called to belong to Jesus Christ.

 

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Feeling out of place became the norm. Everywhere I went, I felt alone, even in the middle of a crowd. One day I sat in my apartment, grousing about my situation. “Why am I here in this place?” I cried out. “Where are the good parties and clubs? I don’t belong here!” Little did I know, it was the perfect place to get off a destructive path I could not see.

 

• Looking back, there were situations I went through that grew my patience.
• Looking back, there were situations I went through to change my path.
• Looking back, there were situations I went through that seemed painful, but opened my eyes to GOD.

 

Paul begins his letter to the Romans with a salutation that recognizes his purpose in life, namely to preach the Good News of JESUS. He spent his life trying to do what was right in his own eyes, but GOD arranged situations to blind him to what was wrong and open his eyes to JESUS. Paul now had a purpose that made sense.

 

• GOD wants me to preach the GOD News about JESUS being raised from the dead.
• GOD wants me to understand and “live” what the scriptures say about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be grateful enough for what JESUS did for me to lead people of all nations to believe and obey.

 

Before I knew it, I belonged. I no longer felt lonely in crowds because I saw a need versus being needy. The crowd was searching and GOD called me to point them to HIM. HE opened my eyes to the fact that HIS family is huge and full of love. I am grateful to belong to JESUS CHRIST.

 

• Are you lonely?
• Does it seem like your life’s purpose is your school, job, family or friends?
• Will you ask GOD to give you HIS purpose of telling those around you about being saved eternally by JESUS today?

Your Part

Your Part

Acts 6: Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. ² Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. ³ Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; ⁴ but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

⁵ And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, ⁶ whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

⁷ Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

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“Go clean the ashtrays” was the disgusting task given to me. But I was so happy to have a job, that I did it with fervor. I wiped tables and put bowling balls away. Years later, I got a high paying position, well it was high paying to me.

“Take notes in the meeting” someone said to me. “How dare they!” I grunted under my breath. I mean, I have a title and they want me to do this menial task?

• There were times when I wanted a title someone else had.
• There were times when I felt I was above certain tasks.
• There were times when I thought someone else’s part was more important than the part I had.

The apostles were preaching the word of GOD and many came to believe. Even some of the church leaders became believers in JESUS and were obedient. Everyone did their part in harmony.

• GOD wants me to do my part, knowing it is extremely important.
• GOD wants me to look at my part as being great no matter what other people think.
• GOD wants me to use my part as a service to HIM using wisdom and the HOLY SPIRIT as my guide.

Excitement to serve is what GOD is looking for. HE knows the titles are all the same. But when I look at how many followers a person has and get jealous, I may desire to stop doing my part and want to do theirs.

Back to the ashtrays. I was young and had freshly believed in the LORD. Someone asked me why I smiled as I picked up trash. I replied, “Because JESUS saved me and gave me this job” without worry of retribution. GOD wants me to be that person again. I am grateful HE gives me second, third and fiftieth chances.

• Are you jealous or complaining about what you are doing?
• Do you think your part is beneath you?
• Will you use the wisdom of GOD and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT to do your part to being people to the kingdom today?

Fulfilling the Plan

Fulfilling the Plan

Acts 1: ¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ¹⁶ “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; ¹⁷ for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

¹⁸ (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,

And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his office.’

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“Come up on stage” were the words I was shocked to hear. The leadership team had acknowledged the efforts of business owners, because it was a convention specifically for them. I was an employee, yet they recognized my efforts. My part of the plan helped.

• Sometimes I think I am insignificant.
• Sometimes I think my tiny part does not matter.
• Sometimes I think I am not part of a large plan.

Peter spoke about replacing Judas but was careful with his words. It wasn’t just about getting another person, but getting the right person. How were they going to choose when GOD was the one who chose everyone else? He relied on the scripture.

• GOD’s plan includes me.
• GOD’s plan has a part in it for me.
• GOD’s plan is laid out for me to read daily.

“What do you want from me?” is usually cried out from those who wants something and are not getting it. GOD says clearly that HE wants everyone to believe in HIS SON for salvation. HE also says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.

Forcing GOD into my plan usually does not work. I mean, usually I want to stay the same and let GOD clean up my mess. BUT GOD wants me to be part of HIS plan, which requires me to change, giving it all to HIM. I am glad HE is gracious enough to keep me in HIS plan.

• Are you trying to make GOD do something and have not yielded your life to HIM?
• Are you praying to get something and have not given your all to HIM?
• Will you join GOD’s plan for you by giving HIM all the things you hold onto so HE can multiply it?