Blessed Up Plan

Blessed Up Plan

Genesis 16: ⁷ Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸ And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

 

She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

 

⁹ The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ¹⁰ Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” ¹¹ And the Angel of the Lord said to her:

 

“Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your affliction.
¹² He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

 

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Hagar fled into the wilderness from Sarai. Abram heard from the LORD that he would have countless descendants. Sarai was barren and made Abram marry her maid Hagar so she would confiscate her child. But she got jealous and began to abuse Hagar.  Having nowhere to go, Hagar sat by a spring.

 

JESUS came to her and asked her questions HE knew the answers to. She did not tell HIM the full story, rather an abbreviated version. HE told her to go back. HE then said HE would make her have countless descendants.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS knew the mess Sarai made and blessed the plan anyway.
• JESUS saw Hagar, who never bowed to HIM before, and came to her because she was part of a larger plan.
• JESUS sent her back to a hostile place, but gave her a new spark of life, knowing she would be the mother of a great multitude of people.

 

What a messed-up plan. Sarai introduced dysfunction that would remain for years. Hagar may have feared for her life. BUT GOD told her HIS plan of protection. She could then, go back and face the harsh treatment. Despite the trouble, Hagar would become the mother of countless people.

 

Challenge

• Why does JESUS tell Moses about HIS conversation with Hagar?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wanted to escape?
• Even if it is difficult, will you continue on the journey with JESUS as your teacher and guide?

Safely Through

Safely Through

Revelation 7: ¹³ One of the elders asked me, “Who are these people dressed in white robes, and where do they come from?”
¹⁴ “I don't know, sir. You do,” I answered.
He said to me, “These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ That is why they stand before God's throne and serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. ¹⁶ Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, ¹⁷ because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 

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Hearing the announcement did not put my mind at ease. “This is your captain speaking. We will be experiencing some turbulence. Fasten your seatbelts.” The message came suddenly and the flight attendants scurried to their seats. A few minutes later, the plane shook violently and did a sudden dip!

 

• I was alarmed a little when I heard the warning.
• I was more alarmed when I saw how fast the flight attendants ran to their seats.
• I was even more alarmed when the plane went through the turbulence, but afterwards things got calm.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is asked a rhetorical question from one of the twenty-four elders who sits before GOD’s throne. “Who are these people dressed in white robes, and where do they come from?” He is given an unexpected answer. “These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is with me when I am persecuted.
• Persecution for preaching JESUS is seen by GOD and HE allows me to go through it, not around it.
• Coming safely through persecution means I can receive the benefits of GOD’s protection.

 

Going through difficult times stinks! I mean, who wants to face persecution from people who could care less about GOD? Unfortunately, this is a reality that believers must face. Persecution cannot be prayed away or wished away, because even JESUS went through it.

 

HE faced persecution from HIS own creation who murdered HIM for HIS love and kindness. HE sent a COMFORTER, because HE knew we would need comfort from persecution. The HOLY SPIRIT is there to stand with me when I face turbulent times.

 

Challenge

• What encouraging message did the writer get from the conversation?
• Have you ever felt like asking “Why me?” when facing a difficult time?
• Will you know that GOD is going through the difficult time with you and is giving you the strength to hold on so you can make it “safely through” the turbulence of life today?

Until

Until

Revelation 6: ⁹ Then the Lamb broke open the fifth seal. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they had proclaimed God's word and had been faithful in their witnessing. ¹⁰ They shouted in a loud voice, “Almighty Lord, holy and true! How long will it be until you judge the people on earth and punish them for killing us?” ¹¹ Each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the complete number of other servants and believers were killed, as they had been.

 

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Waiting to go have some fun, I looked at the time and wondered why we hadn’t left. “We are waiting on the rest of the people to get here before we leave” was the statement I did not want to hear.

 

• I wanted to go have some fun right then and there.
• I wanted to start the enjoyment.
• I could not resolve waiting on people who I had no idea when they would arrive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, witnessed the fifth seal being broken open by the LAMB. This time he saw the souls of people who had been killed because they proclaimed GOD’s word and were faithful in their witnessing. “How long?” was the question, not of impatience, but possibly out of weariness.

 

My Observations:

• Persecution from the world can make believers of CHRIST weary.
• GOD is protecting those who have been persecuted because of their belief in JESUS.
• GOD has extreme mercy, so HE is waiting until the last person who will believe in JESUS to be saved, before HE pours out HIS judgment.

 

When will all of this be resolved? Is my question I ask GOD. I mean, I know HE is sovereign, so asking “why?” will usually be met with silence. But asking “How long?” is a question that aligns me to HIS will, knowing HE can and will take care of the mess the world is in.

 

GOD sees and cares, despite our disbelief. HE knows who belongs to HIM and who will persecute HIS believers. HE is not concerned about death because it does not stop HIM from having an eternal relationship with you and me. How long? Until we find the last person to be saved.

 

Challenge

• What conversation is the writer listening in on?
• Have you ever thought that GOD is not in control because of all the things going on in the world?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, because HE knows what is going on and is in total control of your situation today?

Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

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Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

Dangers and Troubles

Dangers and Troubles

Hebrews 11: ²⁷ It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. ²⁸ It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites.

 

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Driving in a neighborhood that was known for its dangers, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a dead end street, similar to those seen in movies. I panicked as I looked in my rear view mirror to see who was converging on me. No one was around. I simply backed up and drove away.

 

• I brought worry and fear into the situation.
• I worried about what could happen instead of seeing what was happening.
• I thought the worst, instead of thinking of the best.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his faith examples with another aspect from Moses. Danger would not stop Moses from doing what the LORD said to do. He boldly left Egypt after GOD sent plagues, making Pharoah desire to send the slaves away. GOD also protected those who believed in placing blood on their doors from the final plague, namely Angel of Death.

 

My Observations:

• My fears can diminish my faith in GOD.
• GOD loves when I face my fears by turning to HIM for the answers.
• GOD specializes in protection and deliverance, even when things seem bleak.

 

In the middle of danger and trouble, GOD wants me to take a deep breath and keep moving towards HIM. I mean, things may seem impossible with no way out and no solution at hand. GOD steps in and provides when I stay the course.

 

HE knows I am still afraid. BUT HE also knows how to provide for me when I get nervous and need HIM to show me the way. I am glad GOD takes care of my deepest fears and addresses all situations with HIS loving power.

 

Challenge

• How do the two examples of the writer relate to each other?
• Have you ever faced danger or trouble and panicked?
• Will you take faith into your next encounter with danger or trouble so you can calm down enough to hear GOD, and be delivered from evil that day?

Expect It

Expect It

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁰ But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, ¹¹ my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. ¹² Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; ¹³ and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

 

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Walking a certain route home was the norm, but I deviated this particular day. I ran into some thugs who summoned me over. I ignored their request and started walking faster. I could hear then say “didn’t you hear me? Get over here!” my walk turned into a trot. I then heard someone say “Leave him alone!” It was a tough kid I knew who protected me.

 

• I did not expect to be ambushed.
• I did not expect any problems that day.
• I did not expect anything different to happen just by doing something innocent.

 

Paul warns Timothy that he will be persecuted. He then tells Timothy to remember all the times he personally had been persecuted. Paul recalls the suffering he went through and gives Timothy these harsh words. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted;”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to expect persecution in this life.
• Persecution will come from nowhere and I should be ready.
• Deceit is the norm for those who do not follow the LORD.

 

Following JESUS is tough. I mean, when I declared publicly that I follow JESUS, I thought life would be so much better. It sometimes got worse. Those who pretended to know HIM used deceit to gain my trust and proceeded to pour out their harm.

 

GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. In other words, I should expect life to have deceitful people who pretend to follow GOD but really are deceiving themselves and others. I accept the fact that life will bring persecution and I am glad GOD gives me strength to endure.

 

Challenge

• What persecution do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever tried to follow JESUS and things went wrong?
• Will you expect trouble in life and ask GOD for strength to endure today?

Purposeful Perseverance

 

Purposeful Perseverance

2 Timothy 1: ¹¹ God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, ¹² and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. ¹³ Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.

 

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Quitting the track team was easy. I simply told the coach, I would not be back the next year. Years later, I found myself doing other things that were stressful or unfulfilling. I quit those things too. And when I did not get my way, I quit GOD.

 

• I wanted life to be a certain way and it wasn’t.
• I made excuses for not following GOD because it seemed like HE wasn’t listening to me.
• I prayed about things and they did not go “my” way so I felt “Why serve GOD?”

 

Paul impressed on Timothy the importance of perseverance. He used himself as an example of how things could get in life, but to persevere  because of purpose. HE mentioned his appointed position as an apostle and teacher of the Good News. Because of this, he suffered, yet persevered.

 

My Observations

• There is a part of following JESUS that I don’t like, but know I have to accept, namely suffering.
• When I feel like giving up on GOD I am reminded that HE never, ever, ever gives up on me.
• Having purpose within CHRIST makes me endure.

 

Perseverance is a necessary component of following JESUS. I mean, true belief in HIM leads to a fight directed by Satan. He wants to be GOD and wants you and me to want the same, so he turns up the heat of feeling stressed out, haggard and worn. After a while, I get so tired, that I murmur the words “I feel like giving up.” BUT GOD says otherwise.

 

HE sent HIS SPIRIT to live inside me to pick me up when I am down. HE protects me and keep me :safe” until the Day of our LORD. Humans redefine the word “safe” to fit his or her likes and wants versus understanding their relationship with GOD will never be severed. I am “full of confidence” that my life, in union with CHRIST is worth persevering.

 

Challenge

• How many ways does the writer imply “keep going?”
• Have you ever stopped trusting in GOD because you haven’t seen a situation get any better?
• Be honest, is there a part of you the trusts human ingenuity more than prayer?
• Will you place your hope and trust back in the LORD who works all life situations out in ways that are far beyond our understanding, yet keeps a solid relationship with you eternally?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please keep this reader through difficult times. Let him or her know your love and provide perseverance through difficult circumstances. Pour out YOUR blessings in ways unimaginable. amen

Better Than You Think

Better Than You Think

2 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our friends, we must thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the others is becoming greater. ⁴ That is why we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God. We boast about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you are experiencing.

 

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After a while, the trials I was going through could no longer be hidden. I would pretend everything was fine, but it really was not fine. When I told people what I was going through, they said “I was going through that same thing! I’m sorry you are going through this, but it’s good to know it’s not just me.”

 

• I just wanted the problem to be cleared up before I told people.
• I just wanted the trial to be over without people knowing.
• I did not want to be an example.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expresses their gratitude to the everyone who belonged to GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They knew this group of people would be persecuted and suffer many painful experiences. While no one likes trials, they spoke highly of this group because of how they kept their belief through the trials.

 

My Observations

• GOD does not make me suffer, but knows I will go through trials.
• GOD wants me to hold onto hope and belief in the middle of my persecution and suffering.
• GOD wants me to know that other people need to hear what I am going through so he or she can understand they are not alone.

 

Suffering stinks! Who wants to go through persecution? No one. BUT GOD seems to allow us to go through things, not around them. When I go through something, I find it amazing that many others are going through something similar.  The enemy, Satan, wants me to isolate, blame or fall into a hole of despair. BUT GOD has a different plan.

 

HE wants me to just simply be. I do  not have to be anything special or do anything courageous. HE wants me to know I am not alone and tell others about my trial. To some, it will fall on deaf ears, but to the right person, GOD will use the message to heal me and him or her. I just want you to know that you are doing better than you think.

 

Challenge

• Why are the writers thankful for a group of people who are enduring persecution?
• Have you ever suffered persecution and do not see it ending any time soon?
• Will you endure against Satan’s lies and know that you are doing better than you think because of your faith in JESUS, our LORD and Savior?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with YOUR protection during this trial. Open his or her heart to YOU so HE or she can hold fast to YOUR faith. Thank YOU for endurance, belief and hope. amen

Check In

Check In

1 Thessalonians 3: ⁴ For while we were still with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to be persecuted; and as you well know, that is exactly what happened. ⁵ That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out about your faith. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!

 

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As the storm loomed closer, the news about the hurricane became more and more prevalent. My relatives were in this particular area that was in the path of devastation. I had no idea what was going on.

 

• I had many questions.
• I wondered about their safety.
• I could not bear not knowing, so I checked in on them.

 

Timothy was sent to check in on the Thessalonians. They heard about the persecution and needed someone to go to Thessalonica to help out and to encourage them to remain faithful.

 

My Observations

• Many people may be going through storms, so GOD wants me to check in on them.
• I may not have the answer to the situation, BUT GOD wants me to show I am with those HE sends me to.
• “Does GOD care?” is the question that gets an affirmative answer by me when I check in.

 

Trial and tribulations are not desirable! In fact, they stink! Unfortunately, there is a being who wants to cause problems at every turn, namely the Devil. His torrent of storms causes people to become discouraged and give up. BUT GOD has an answer. “You and me.”

 

“Wait, what can I do?” you may ask. Simply check in on someone. “But I need to be checked in on” you may say. Yes, when you need to be checked in on, someone else is in the same difficult spot and may just need you. I am not telling those who cannot muster up energy to just try harder. I am saying if someone comes to mind, check in on him or her.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers mention their persecution?
• What trial and tribulations have you gone through that you wished someone would have checked in on you?
• Will you check in on someone so you can pray for him or her and encourage people to keep their faith in CHRIST?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader to remain firm in YOUR path. Bless this reader to be filled with encouragement that YOU have all situations under YOUR control. amen

No Turning Back

 

No Turning Back

1 Thessalonians 3: Finally, we could not bear it any longer. So we decided to stay on alone in Athens ² while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and help your faith, ³ so that none of you should turn back because of these persecutions. You yourselves know that such persecutions are part of God's will for us. 

 

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Walking into the sports arena felt wonderful! All the trophies glistened. I thought to myself, I am going to get one of those!” During the orientation the coach explained that anyone could walk onto the team. Morning run would begin at 5 AM, breakfast was with the team, so was study and practice was after study, then bed. I immediately turned around and walked away!

 

• I did not want to go through all of that.
• I wanted things to be a little easier.
• I desired the prize, but not the work.

 

Timothy was sent to the people of Thessalonica to strengthen them. They had gone through persecution and some people felt like turning back from following JESUS. Life must have been hard as they contemplated leaving GOD and doing what everyone else is doing. Timothy was sent to help them in their faith.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult so GOD gave me a COMFORTER.
• Persecutions can be plentiful, BUT GOD helps me go through the persecution.
• Difficulties can be massive, so I need a place where I can put my hope, namely JESUS.

 

Sometimes the trial seems bigger than the solutions I can dream up. I mean, it seems like “I” have to come up with the solution because GOD won’t get me out of the trial. This is a lie. GOD has the trial mixed in with HIS plan for my life.

 

When I go through trials, I gain a ministry that is unique to me. I can now reach others that are going through similar trials. GOD does not want me to suffer, but knows I will. HE is there to strengthen me and sends others to me to help me not turn back. I am glad GOD has many people to surround me in trials.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers could not bear it any longer?
• What persecutions have you gone through because of your beliefs in the LORD?
• Will you hang in there and not turn back even when it gets hard so GOD can show HIS power over your situation HIS way and in HIS time?

Keep Going

Keep Going

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁴ Our friends, the same things happened to you that happened to the churches of God in Judea, to the people there who belong to Christ Jesus. You suffered the same persecutions from your own people that they suffered from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted us. How displeasing they are to God! How hostile they are to everyone! ¹⁶ They even tried to stop us from preaching to the Gentiles the message that would bring them salvation. In this way they have brought to completion all the sins they have always committed. And now God's anger has at last come down on them!

 

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It seemed like the trial would never end. Problem after problem, more situations kept coming. But after a while everything got better. I looked around and there were no trials that could not be handled easily. That’s when bigger trials happened and persecution became the norm.

 

• I was attacked for speaking about JESUS.
• I was labeled “the problem” while trying to bring the solution.
• I was confused and wondered why GOD would allow me to suffer even though I spoke about HIM.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke empathetically to the people of Thessalonica. They mentioned that other churches have suffered persecution for speaking about JESUS as the one and only Savior. Church leaders, who did not believe in JESUS being GOD, caused many trials on those who believed.

 

My Observations

• JESUS said I would suffer in this life, but my suffering would be worth it.
• GOD does not want me to suffer, but knows I will because I believe in HIS SON as the solution for everything.
• Those who do not believe in JESUS will label me, causing persecution.

 

Trials and persecution are not fun. I mean who wants to go through rage, hatred or attacks? I sure don’t!. BUT GOD allows this for some reason. The strangest thing is that JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to become a human and suffer.

 

HE was ridiculed, slandered, lied on and murdered by HIS own creation. Unknown to them, JESUS rose from the dead. The church leaders could not stand to bow down to JESUS even after HIS resurrection.

 

They made people suffer and threw them out of the cushy communities. Fortunately GOD saw this and encouraged all to keep going. I don’t like trials from unbelievers, but I will stand firm and keep going.

 

Challenge

• What suffering do you think the writers spoke about?
• Have you ever suffered because of your beliefs in JESUS?
• Will you keep going even though your love for CHRIST may not make you popular, knowing HE loves you dearly?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

Mislabeled

Mislabeled

2 Corinthians 12: ¹⁶ You will agree, then, that I was not a burden to you. But someone will say that I was tricky, and trapped you with lies. ¹⁷ How? Did I take advantage of you through any of the messengers I sent? ¹⁸ I begged Titus to go, and I sent the other believer with him. Would you say that Titus took advantage of you? Do not he and I act from the very same motives and behave in the same way?

 

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After working extremely hard I overheard someone say that I was not a “hard worker” as that guy over there. This statement was very confusing. I had done similar quantities of work with the same quality. This angered me so I spent my time trying to prove them wrong!

 

• I felt I was mislabeled.
• I wanted to get rid of the label because I was now insecure.
• I thought I had something to prove or needed to act different even though I was doing what I was supposed to do.

 

Paul addressed divisiveness. Some people saw the obvious servanthood he brought, while others labeled him a liar. This angered Paul and he had to address the murmurs of those who wanted to say he took advantage of the people.

 

My Observations

• GOD says to me “You will be hated by all for MY name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
• GOD says to me “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

 

Following what GOD says is not easy. I mean, HIS message of true love is met with opposition at every turn. JESUS died for all humans. All we have to do is believe that we need a Savior. Sounds simple. But this simple message is twisted by people who want financial gain or power.

 

They steal the message in hopes to gain power or influence. Mentioning JESUS name is sacred and is to be used to invoke a display of a relationship of surrender. Those who choose to not believe in HIS power may mention HIS name in vain and maybe even use persecuting labels to get their way. I am grateful JESUS makes me secure and allows me to abide in HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you sense the hurt and disappointment from the writer?
• Have you ever been mislabeled, devalued or brushed off?
• If you are living for CHRIST, do you expect to be persecuted by those who are not living for HIM?
• Will you persevere through the mislabels and allow GOD to draw who HE pleases to HIM in HIS way and HIS timing? 

Strange Reliability

Strange Reliability

2 Corinthians 8: ²² So we are sending our brother with them; we have tested him many times and found him always very eager to help. And now that he has so much confidence in you, he is all the more eager to help. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and works with me to help you; as for the other brothers who are going with him, they represent the churches and bring glory to Christ. ²⁴ Show your love to them, so that all the churches will be sure of it and know that we are right in boasting about you.

 

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“Sorry I am late, I had car troubles” were the words of a volunteer I overheard. She was determined to help and would not let any obstacle ruin her service to those in need. On the other hand, when things were not going my way, I wanted to quit.

 

• I wondered what made her keep going.
• I pondered what it was about her situation that made her persevere.
• I looked at my situation and thought, “maybe I can keep going too.”

 

Paul writes about several people who were called to serve over and over. These people were “tested” to be reliable when it came to serving GOD’s people. They were so eager in their service, they noticed the excitement of others. Their reliability was strange.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be eager to help HIS people.
• GOD wants me to place my confidence in other people who serve GOD with fervor.
• GOD wants me to give my interests, skills and talent to HIM so HE can use them to bring other people back to HIM.

 

Bringing glory to CHRIST seems difficult at times. I mean, when I accepted JESUS as my Savior, I expected things to go smoothly all of my life. BUT GOD saw different. HE knew I would face difficult days where I felt like giving up.

 

GOD’s grace is truly sufficient. Without it, I would not be here. HE is the one who deserves attention and calls people to be reliable to HIS purpose. Each day HE wants people to get back up when they are knocked down by the world. I am glad GOD has called many to be reliable in HIS sight.

 

Challenge

• What examples of reliability have you seen in your life?
• Do you feel the excitement the writer states about people?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can entrust HIS purpose to you today?

Adversity

 

Adversity

Acts 27: ⁴ From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. ⁵ When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. ⁶ There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. ⁷ We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. ⁸ We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

 

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After waking up, I noticed it was brighter than usual. I looked outside and to my dread, it was snowing very hard. I quickly cleaned up, collected my things and plodded through the snow in hopes of catching the early bus. The snow was so deep that it hindered my effort.

 

I missed the bus so I walked a mile to the next bus only to have that one pull off without me. After many delays, I finally arrived at school after two hours, only to be told all schools were closed due to the blizzard. It took longer to get back home.

 

• There have been many times when it seemed like everything was against me.
• There have been many times when the journey seemed treacherous and difficult.
• There have been many times when I arrived at the destination only to find yet another barrier.

 

Doctor Luke is the assumed writer of the book of Acts. He continues his observations as he writes to Theophilus  again. Luke wrote about the adversity they faced as he, Paul and others tried to get to Rome. The winds were against them every step of the way. They continued anyway.

 

• GOD wants me to know there will be problems in life.
• GOD wants me to know I will face difficult times.
• GOD wants me to know HE is with me even when I feel HE is not.

 

When difficult times arise, I sometimes ask “Why?” I mean as a believer in JESUS, shouldn’t every day be easy and problem free? It seems like the more I believe in JESUS, the more difficult life becomes. GOD assures me I am on the right path.

 

JESUS faced adversity and said I would too. HE said “You will be hated by all for MY name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” JESUS faced hatred, lies and being misunderstood. HE continued anyway. I am grateful JESUS faced adversity for me.

 

• Is life difficult for you?
• Are you facing adversity and it does not seem to end?
• Will you believe GOD is with you even when you cannot see what HE is doing today?

Carried by Enemies

 

Carried by Enemies

Acts 21: ³³ The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done. ³⁴ Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another, and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks. ³⁵ When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. ³⁶ The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”

 

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Working for a person who did not like me was challenging. I mean he did not like my suggestions, solutions or unfortunately, my skin. I smiled at work daily, but hurt inside. “I’m going to wipe that smile off your face” he said to me one day. It seemed like I had no one in my corner.

 

There were times when it felt like everyone was against me.

There were times when it felt like the crowd was making things up about me.

There were times when it felt like I was being carried by those who hated me.

 

Paul was in a very difficult situation. The Jews, who did not believe JESUS was and is GOD, stirred up the crowd so much that guards had to come. They arrested Paul, but the crowd became even more violent. Paul had to be carried by soldiers to keep him safe.

 

GOD wants me to know HE is the one who is carrying me.

GOD wants me to believe HE is the one who protects me.

GOD wants me to trust in HIM and HIM alone.

 

Being carried by a job or a relative or a business becomes problematic at some point. I mean each of them will fail or have someone in them who will disappoint me. BUT GOD never disappoints me. HE raises my joy in spite of trouble.

 

HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul. HE leads me in the paths of righteousness for HIS namesake. Even when my enemies, think they are carrying me, HE prepares a table for me that is plentiful. I am glad GOD shows me love. I am now willing to do the same for those who hate me.

 

Do you have people around you who hate you?

Do you feel like you are by yourself even in the crowd?

Will you turn your life over to JESUS so HE will always be with you, so you can begin to pray for those who persecute you today?

Blamed

Blamed

Acts 17: ⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. ⁶ But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, ⁷ and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” ⁸ When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

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Confused by the questions I asked “What is going on?” A group of people were stirring up anger at work and were not thinking rationally, rather they were acting with strong emotion. They wanted to vent their frustrations and decided to take them out on me.

• There have been times when I have been blamed.
• There have been times when I have been deemed guilty by association.
• There have been times when I have been confused because people were angry with me because I supported someone else.

Jason and other believers were dragged before the city officials by angry Jews. The angry mob did not believe JESUS was and is King of kings and Lord of lords. They made Jason and the believers post bond. They were blamed in public.

• GOD knows when people blame me because of my relationship with HIM.
• GOD expects me to be persecuted because of my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD understands my confusion when I am blamed and gives me peace beyond all understanding.

Being blamed or persecuted is never fun. No one wants to be the recipient of persecution, especially from an angry mob. BUT GOD knows this will happen to those who truly believe in the LORD.

JESUS said “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” I do not like the blame but I endure it by looking forward to GOD’s reward.

• Are you being blamed?
• Are you being persecuted because of your relationship with JESUS.
• Will you hold onto the peace, provided by the HOLY SPIRIT, that surpasses all understanding today?

Expect Backlash

Expect Backlash

Acts 12: Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. ² Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

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It felt pretty good to see this person get reprimanded. I mean the lies this guy told were phenomenal. I had enough. I caught this person his lies and told our bosses. They did act on what I told them. Little did I know, one of them was his friend. Life started getting hard for me thereafter.

There were times when I received backlash for doing something I thought was right.

There were times when I received backlash and I did not expect it.

There were times when I received backlash and I did not know how to handle it.

Saying “JESUS is GOD who died and was raised for the sins of mankind” seems harmless. But there was another force at work that wanted this message to be stopped. Herod, a political leader, decided to show his power by killing people who believe in those words. Political church leaders agreed, so Herod went after the biggest threats, namely the disciples.

• GOD wants me to expect trouble because I believe in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to know people will question HIS power because they do not know HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE can and will protect me, but I am not to fear speaking about HIM.

Believing in JESUS is somewhat easy in certain areas. I mean, there are places in the world where I can hand out a bible and hear “thank you” as a response. But there are other places where just the mention of JESUS could get me killed.

GOD knows the battle I face is supernatural. The harder part of belief is knowing there is a demonic force that tries to stop me from saying “JESUS is LORD” to everyone I meet. The fear of ridicule over believing in demonic forces may keep me from preaching about the enemy, Satan, who at every turn tries to use misdirection to fool even those who are chosen. I am grateful GOD protects me and opens my eyes to the battle.

• Are you helping GOD’s kingdom or hurting it with your messages?
• Are you experiencing backlash for speaking the truth?
• Will you continue listening to GOD and speaking the truth about JESUS to as many as HE sends you to, expecting backlash for doing so?