Endurance Choice

Endurance Choice

Revelation 14: ⁹ A third angel followed the first two, saying in a loud voice, “Those who worship the beast and its image and receive the mark on their forehead or on their hand ¹⁰ will themselves drink God's wine, the wine of his fury, which he has poured at full strength into the cup of his anger! All who do this will be tormented in fire and sulfur before the holy angels and the Lamb. ¹¹ The smoke of the fire that torments them goes up forever and ever. There is no relief day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, for anyone who has the mark of its name.”

¹² This calls for endurance on the part of God's people, those who obey God's commandments and are faithful to Jesus.

 

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Getting mad at the hypocrites in church, I decided to leave and do what “I” wanted to do. It was “fun” for a while, but soon I ran into problems that seemed overwhelming. I listened to advice from those who were struggling like me. After years, someone asked me if I believed in JESUS. I already had accepted HIM as my Savior, but my life did not remotely look like I believed.

 

• My choices in life were usually for my own pleasure.
• My choices in life were usually for my own protection.
• My choices in life were usually for “me” and not for GOD.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the third angel and heard a loud warning. Some people had gotten so desperate about their health and comfort and pleasure that they chose to get the mark of the beast, stating that they no longer belonged to GOD but would rather follow a human. The warning to those who worshiped the beast was eternal pain.

 

My Observations:

• GOD, amazingly, gave us free will to choose HIM or not.
• Free will is the only scenario that love can exist.
• Choosing GOD over the fears the world places in front of me, keeps me focused on HIS endurance.

 

When I want fame, pleasure, comfort and “my” desires, I am quick to leave GOD. I mean, when things are going well, my prayers drop off and sin picks up. After a while, no one can even recognize that I belong to CHRIST because I look like the world HE is trying to save me from.

 

GOD wants me to choose HIM and sometimes that means being uncomfortable. I may stand before the world and say JESUS is my LORD and Savior, only to be met with laughter and sometimes disgust. But HE wants me to endure the ridicule and pressures for more of the world. I place my hope in CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention endurance?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD?
• Will you know that HE will never give up on you and wants an eternal relationship with you, but it is your choice 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

Something to Strive For

 

Something to Strive For

1 Timothy 6: ¹¹ But you, man of God, avoid all these things. Strive for righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. ¹² Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. 

 

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Not fitting got old. I wanted to try what ”everyone else” was doing. I tried dating a lot, seeking the best grades, wealth and pleasure. All of these came up empty. I wanted to be noticed, so I made stuff up to look more exciting.  “Why can’t I be like ‘that’ person? I said with jealousy!.

 

• I wanted to be someone else.
• I got tired of being measured and coming up as average or worse.
• I considered how people became successful and I wanted to do “anything” to do so, even if it meant being immoral.

 

Paul gives Timothy another word of encouragement. He provides Timothy with a list of great behaviors that model what JESUS stands for. He urges Timothy to keep going with his faith because he professed it publicly and people would expect him to follow GOD without wavering.

 

My Observations

• I may not have it all together, but GOD gives me something to strive for.
• I may not be perfect, BUT GOD shows me what I can try to become.
• I may want to give up, or fall down, BUT GOD gives me a foundation to always come back to.

 

Sin stinks! I mean, because of my sin nature, I may think less of GOD and more of self. I may seek what I want, when I want it without regard to what GOD wants. BUT GOD understands.

 

HE picks me up and says “You can do this.” He showed me HIS righteousness, Godliness, faithfulness, love, everlasting endurance and premium gentleness. When I compare myself to HIM I think, “impossible.” BUT HE only says “strive” for it. Even when I get it wrong, HE is pleased because I am trying. I am glad GOD is pleased firmly with my attempts.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer stress striving for?
• Have you ever wanted something and worked hard to get it?
• Will you strive for a life that is pleasing to GOD by serving others and learning about HIM today?

Understanding and Endurance

 

Understanding and Endurance

2 Thessalonians 3: ³ But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One. ⁴ And the Lord gives us confidence in you, and we are sure that you are doing and will continue to do what we tell you.

 

⁵ May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God's love and the endurance that is given by Christ.

 

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“Oh no not this exercise” was my first thought. Being on the track team, we had to warm up with the basketball team by running the length of the basketball court and touching the floor on each side. This meant practice was going to be longer that day.

 

• I wondered why we had to go through all of those exercises.
• I could barely finish on the first day, but did better the next time.
• I did not have much endurance in the beginning, but over time it grew.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy provide some encouraging words for those who felt like giving up. People may have questioned if what they were doing was right in the eyes of the LORD. Attack after attack from the Evil One may have made them weary. BUT GOD kept them safe and provided strength.

 

My Observations

• Life’s trials are difficult, BUT GOD is faithful to me and gives me strength.
• Attacks from the Evil One may happen, BUT GOD is faithful to keep me safe from those attacks.
• Confusion, disappointments and pain may come, BUT GOD is faithful to give me greater understanding of HIS love and endurance to keep going.

 

Let me be honest, I do not like trials. I mean, it seems like peace comes in tiny waves, while trials come in larger torrents!  I may even cry out “GOD where are YOU!?” and seem to get no answer. BUT HE is there.

 

HE opens my eyes to the many times HE has pulled me out of troubled waters and placed me besides still waters. HE restores my soul. HE reminds me that HIS love endures forever! I am glad GOD is faithful to keep strengthening me and keeping me safe from the attacks of the Evil One.

 

Challenge

• What strength do the writers speak of?
• Have you ever felt weak or felt like giving up?
• Will you seek more understanding of GOD’s love for you so you can be strengthened to endure life’s challenges today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please strengthen this reader and keep him or her safe from the attacks of the Evil One. Please lead us into a greater understanding of YOUR love and give us similar endurance CHRIST had as HE approached death on the cross to provide us life everlasting through HIS resurrection. 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?

Stay Freed

Stay Freed

Colossians 2: ²⁰ You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as ²¹ “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”? ²² All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. ²³ Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

 

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Moving to a new city gave me a chance to start over. I’m going to leave my “old” ways and start fresh, I thought to myself. But after a while, I found myself lonely. I wonder if I should go back to my partying lifestyle, I thought.

 

• I had second thoughts about following CHRIST.
• I justified my thoughts by saying “This is boring.”
• I felt like I needed to return to something familiar than traverse the unknown with JESUS.

 

Paul addressed the problem of people worshiping angels, idols and food. Those who had bee set free by believing in JESUS were considering rules that would put them into a worse situation. These rules were “useless.”

 

My Observations

• When I am feeling lonely, I open myself up to the world’s ways, BUT GOD is always there for me.
• When I want to get ahead in life I am susceptible to deceptive ways, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT will not let me go to places I should not be.
• When I am too busy or harassed or frightened, I am vulnerable to accepting desperate solutions that put me in much worse situations, BUT GOD is there to pick up my brokenness.

 

Leaving JESUS to follow the world seems quick and easy, but can be detrimental. I mean, once I have been freed from the bondage of sin, I should not return to it, right? Of course not! But that’s what I want to do. I seek the comforts sin brings me and I find myself following the world’s very strong beliefs.

 

After a while, I look just like the world saying “Don’t eat that” or “Don’t handle that.” These rules are not of GOD. HE wants me to remain freed and preach the value of being forgiven. All my sins have been washed away. I have died with CHRIST. I am grateful for the new life HE has given me.

 

Challenge

• What question is the writer posing?
• Have you found yourself following human rules because you were frightened or ambitious or had a moment of weakness?
• Will you focus on the freedom CHRIST has given you so your decisions will not turn out disastrous from a spiritual perspective?

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?

Overlooked Credentials

Overlooked Credentials

2 Corinthians 11: ²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham's descendants? So am I. ²³ Are they Christ's servants? I sound like a madman—but I am a better servant than they are! I have worked much harder, I have been in prison more times, I have been whipped much more, and I have been near death more often. ²⁴ Five times I was given the thirty-nine lashes by the Jews; ²⁵ three times I was whipped by the Romans; and once I was stoned. I have been in three shipwrecks, and once I spent twenty-four hours in the water. ²⁶ In my many travels I have been in danger from floods and from robbers, in danger from my own people and from Gentiles; there have been dangers in the cities, dangers in the wilds, dangers on the high seas, and dangers from false friends. ²⁷ There has been work and toil; often I have gone without sleep; I have been hungry and thirsty; I have often been without enough food, shelter, or clothing. ²⁸ And not to mention other things, every day I am under the pressure of my concern for all the churches. ²⁹ When someone is weak, then I feel weak too; when someone is led into sin, I am filled with distress.

 

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Choosing people for the team became political. One person did not seem right for the job but was liked by the higher ups. Another person had done the hard work, but had a few arguments with the higher ups. I had to make a choice.

 

• It seemed like a good idea to go with the popular route.
• It seemed good for “my” career if I went with what people liked versus what they needed.
• It seemed “safe” to choose the route chosen by the higher ups because in reality I was afraid.

 

Paul was livid that the people had fallen away from the teachings of JESUS so easily. They listened to smooth talkers and probably chose actions that were fruitless. He lists what he went through to let everyone know it was not easy to follow CHRIST, but it was the highest priority.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to stand firm in the middle of difficulties.
• GOD wants me to be confident that HE will protect me especially from those who overtly and covertly try to harm me.
• GOD wants me to understand that life will not be easy and I am to use its difficulties as a testimony to JESUS.

 

The wide path that looks easy but is sometimes dangerous. I mean, JESUS took the narrowest path one could take. HE followed every rule HE made and never sinned. HE then released me and everyone else who believes in HIM, from needing to be perfect.

 

JESUS doesn’t expect me to achieve, nor does he expect me to be perfect. That is a human flaw. HE simply wants me to recognize HIS servants look and act different than the world’s servants. HE wants me to keep praise on my lips as I go through difficulties for HIM. I am glad HE opens my eyes to HIS servants who seek HIS face daily.

 

Challenge

• Why is the writer so passionate and what is he passionate about?
• Would you be upset if you worked extremely hard only to be passed over by someone who was not qualified, but liked?
• What credentials do you think GOD wants from HIS servants?
• Will you be brave enough to point your life to JESUS in spite of what naysayers speak about you? 

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?

Stay for the Opportunity

Stay for the Opportunity

1 Corinthians 16: ⁸ I will stay here in Ephesus until the day of Pentecost. ⁹ There is a real opportunity here for great and worthwhile work, even though there are many opponents.

 

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“Why don’t you just leave?” or “Why not just give up? were the answers given to me regarding  hard situations. On the surface the short term solution of giving up or leaving seemed like a great answer.

 

• I was thinking short term and throwing away the long term benefits.
• I was thinking of myself and not others.
• I was thinking how this situation affected me.

Paul knew his time in Ephesus was going to remain difficult, yet he chose to stay. He saw the “opportunity for a great and worthwhile work” even though he had many barriers and obstacles. Giving up would have been easy and he would have been justified.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to persevere during times of opposition.
• GOD wants me to keep going when I feel like quitting.
• GOD wants me to stay in places where I can bear fruit.

 

Whenever the Good News about JESUS is spread, there will be opposition. I mean, opposing forces do not want JESUS to be the ultimate authority in everyone’s lives. The simple message of love and surrender becomes a battle ground as it is spun into evil messages from those who speak HIS name, but do not know HIM.

 

Instead, hate messages and divisive, discouraging words are presented as obstacles to hearing “JESUS loves all who believe in HIM.” GOD wants me to remain encouraged so I can see the opportunity of presenting HIM as the only answer. I do not like the spiritual battle, but I am grateful the battle is GOD’s and not mine.

 Challenge

• Would you make the choice to stay somewhere that you are not welcomed by some in order to do something great?
• What oppositions are you facing that are trying to make you give up?
• Will you ask GOD to open your eyes to the opportunities versus the barriers to HIS success 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?

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?

Place to Place

Place to Place

Acts 14: ²¹ They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. ²³ Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. ²⁴ After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

²⁶ From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷ On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

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Rushing into the gas station bathroom, I held my breath as long as I could. I really had to go, so the super-disgusting surrounding would not deter my mission. Not knowing if I made up a saying or heard it along the way, I remembered “Leave a place better than you found it.” I wiped off the grimy sink.

• There have been some places I’ve been that were disgusting.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were difficult.
• There have been some places I’ve been that were downright disastrous.

Paul and Barnabas returned to the place where Paul was stoned. Their return brought on new life to those who remained. They encouraged the residents to remain true to the faith, explaining the hardships of a true follower of JESUS. They appointed elders, committing them to the LORD. This place was now better.

• GOD wants me to meet people wherever I go.
• GOD wants me to leave people better than I found them.
• GOD wants me to encourage people and prepare them to be strong during persecution.

Some people will remain stationary and reach others for CHRIST. Others, like me, will go from place to place with HIS encouraging message. No matter which of the two, GOD wants HIS kingdom to be encouraged.

Each encounter I have with another human is precious. GOD wants me to see what HE sees in people and encourage them rather than sending up yet another complaint about “that” person. GOD already has the accuser standing before HIM, complaining about each human. GOD wats me to stand firm and pray a blessing on people I meet. I am grateful GOD gives me purpose.

• Are you complaining about people?
• Are you being persecuted?
• If you are planning to leave a place, will you encourage the people before you leave so they can be strengthened in CHRIST?

Relieved and Excited

Relieved and Excited

Acts 12: ¹¹ And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

¹² So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵ But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

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“At least it’s not raining anymore” I said to the other long-faced campers. Moments later, the van rolled back to the campsite with the injured child all bandaged up. They had been gone for hours. I was relieved that the person was alright. I was more relieved to have our leader back. I mean we couldn’t do anything without him and we were bored!

• When the trial is over, I get relieved.
• When the trial is over, I get excited.
• When the trial is over, I want to tell everyone.

Rhoda answered the door, heard Peter’s voice and became so excited that she forgot to open the door. Everyone at the house was mourning the death or Mary’s son, James brother of John. It seemed like the little excitement of seeing the power of the HOLY SPIRIT was lost. But Peter arrived under impossible odds. The excitement grew.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of mourning.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the trial.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the pain.

It is not easy to praise GOD when it seems like all is lost. I mean, just when I start living my life for GOD, it seems like more problems occur. GOD knows the persecution will increase when I give my life to HIM. BUT GOD does provide relief and excitement that keeps me going. Some things cannot be fixed, but I put my trust in GOD to use them for HIS good.

• Are you in mourning?
• Does it seem like all is lost?
• Will you understand that it is alright to be in mourning and GOD loves you even though it may be difficult to hear that right now?

Dear LORD, please heal those hurting right now. Bless them with peace that only comes from you. amen

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?

Secret Mission

Secret Mission

John 19: ³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. ³⁹ And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰ Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. ⁴¹ Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ⁴² So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

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“Things have not been communicated, but we want you to run the division” were the words I was elated to hear. “But you cannot tell anyone” were the words I did not mind, but were rather constraining. I had to do everything covertly for fear of causing issues with the old leadership who was about to leave. It was very uncomfortable.

• Sometimes I had to operate secretly.
• Sometimes I had to keep the power given to me a secret.
• Sometimes I had to pretend I was one thing when I was really another thing.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were high ranking officials in the community. Their belief in JESUS was a higher calling so they had to serve HIM undercover. They got HS body and placed HIM in a tomb meant for a king. They secretly spent a lavish amount  in reverence for our LORD.

• There are times when JESUS wants me to secretly serve HIM.
• There are times when JESUS sends me on a mission that cannot be openly shared.
• There are times when JESUS guides me to people who need to hear, but in secret.

There are people all over the globe who are serving JESUS in secret. I mean they cannot say they believe in JESUS as their Savior out loud for fear of persecution. BUT GOD knows their heart. HE sees their every move and is excited to bless them with every prayer they silently say. For those who cannot boldly open their mouths, you are heard by GOD.

• Are you in a position where you cannot boldly speak about GOD because you will be persecuted?
• Are you losing your faith because no one around you can hear about your belief in GOD?
• Will you keep your faith strong, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and loves you dearly?