Chosen Anyway

 

Chosen Anyway

Hebrews 1: ⁷ But about the angels God said,

“God makes his angels winds,
    and his servants flames of fire.”

⁸ About the Son, however, God said:
“Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever!
    You rule over your people with justice.
⁹ You love what is right and hate what is wrong.
That is why God, your God, has chosen you
    and has given you the joy of an honor far greater
    than he gave to your companions.”

 

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Questioning GOD’s love for me became the norm. My sins had piled up and I wondered if GOD could love me at all. I figured HE was away from me doing good things for other people and holding me accountable for all the bad things I did.

 

• I had a negative view of a loving GOD.
• I thought that HE disliked me because HE disliked sin.
• I was missing something very important, namely HE loves me.

 

JESUS was placed way above powerful angels according to the revelation given to Paul. Because JESUS loves what Is right and hates what is wrong, HE chose to do something about it. Rather than lose humanity, HE died for it. HE gave up everything. GOD raised ZHIM from the dead and placed HIM above powerful angels.

 

My Observations

• GOD cannot stand sin, but chose me anyway.
• GOD decided to do something about my sin, namely die for me so I would not have to experience eternal pain.
• GOD loves me so much, that HE took my sins away from me as far as the east is from the west.

 

GOD loves me and you. I mean, sometimes I have a sinful view of GOD, especially when I am not getting my way. BUT GOD does not have that same view of me or you. HIS love is unfathomable.

 

HIS love cannot and will not be stopped by my sin or yours. HE hated sin so much, that HE did away with it by dying for it. HIS resurrection gives HIM the right to raise anyone who is thankful for HIS loving act, to live eternally. HIS love is wild and passionate. I am grateful for love that never diminishes.

 

Challenge

• What honor is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s love for you?
• Will you have a different view of GOD, knowing HE loves you and has forgiven you today?

Nobody Greater

Nobody Greater

Hebrews 1: ⁴ The Son was made greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave him is greater than theirs. ⁵ For God never said to any of his angels,
“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”
Nor did God say about any angel,
“I will be his Father,
    and he will be my Son.”
⁶ But when God was about to send his first-born Son into the world, he said,
“All of God's angels must worship him.”

 

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Worrying about my grades,  I assumed I would not graduate and felt like giving up. I turned to prayer and got the focus I needed to continue on to completion. Another time I worried about my health. “Maybe it was a sin I committed” I thought to myself. I prayed and was healed. Over time I noticed that whenever I worried about something I could pray about it.

 

• I used to think GOD had no power because I worried about “my” situation.
• I thought I was in control of “my” problems and solutions.
• I wondered if anyone even cared about what “I” was going through.

 

We assume the writer is Paul. He explains something revealed to him by the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS became a human to die for the sins of humanity. While JESUS was on earth, GOD said “This is MY beloved SON, with whom I am well pleased. Paul quotes the prophet Nathan, David and Moses and describes JESUS as having a name that is greater than any created being.

 

My Observations

• JESUS name holds all the power I need.
• JESUS, being raised from the dead because of my sins, shows me I am loved beyond what any human could ever show.
• JESUS is more powerful than any sin I have committed and any situation I could ever get into.

 

Placing my hope in the one who’s name is above all names gives me hope. I mean, when I think that Satan can simply have his way by tearing apart plans and placing obstacles in front of me, I can always remember that JESUS is above him and anything any one can throw at me. It sounds strange, but it is true.

 

This truth guides me to a peaceful place other people cannot find. Their hope is in the things of this world versus on HIM. I am glad I can place my hope in JESUS, for there is nobody greater than HIM.

 

Challenge

• What importance is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever met someone who had authority?
• Will you look at your situation differently and allow JESUS to decide what HE is going to do with your life so you can reduce your worry about your future?

Special Emphasis

Special Emphasis

Titus 3: I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in God may be concerned with giving their time to doing good deeds, which are good and useful for everyone. ⁹ But avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless. ¹⁰ Give at least two warnings to those who cause divisions, and then have nothing more to do with them. ¹¹ You know that such people are corrupt, and their sins prove that they are wrong.

 

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Doing research, I took time collecting facts to counter what someone said. It took a number of hours, but I collected “my” facts and was ready for the argument. I felt it was the right thing to do and I was ready for any “battle.”

 

• I was prepared to fight.
• I was looking to “win” the argument.
• I wanted to be declared the winner by my opponent.

 

Paul explains to Titus that arguing is “stupid.” He lists arguments, quarrels and fights as something to avoid. He labels this as a waste of time by saying “They are useless and worthless.” He does give the right thing to emphasize, namely doing good deeds.

 

My Observations

• Arguing over GOD’s word seems useless.
• Winning quarrels versus doing good seems worthless.
• Fighting over what is right is worthless and I should emphasize what is good and useful for everyone.

 

Arguing, quarreling and fighting takes precious time. I mean, when I fight, I lay awake thinking of my next move and the countermove from his or her next move. This time could have been spent doing something good for someone.

 

GOD has a plan that includes finding those who have been blinded from HIS love. HE wants all to return to HIM by leaving their selfish, combative ways. HE wants me to focus on doing what is right and leave useless, worthless arguments alone. I am glad GOD gives me the right path, namely to serve those HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer give these warnings?
• Have you ever wasted your time trying to convince someone about something versus simply living the example?
• Will you focus your time on doing good for others so you will be pleasing to GOD and remain on HIS path, seeking HIS kingdom today?

Above All

Above All

Ephesians 1:  ²¹ Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. ²² God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. ²³ The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.

 

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Above all seems unfathomable. Above every situation, every trial, above every thing that seems to go right or wrong? Yes. Above it all!

 

This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of JESUS who is GOD who became a human to allow HIMSELF to be murdered for the sins of the world. HE was raised by the SPIRIT and the FATHER placed all things under HIM.

 

HE now holds every situation, past, present and future. All hurts and celebrations belongs to HIM. All things are complete.

 

Enjoy this weekend of worshipping our LORD and Savior JESUS, who is the CHRIST!

One Place

One Place

1 Corinthians 8: ⁴ So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. ⁵ Even if there are so-called “gods,” whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these “gods” and “lords,” ⁶ yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

 

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Saying “Everything has its place” to me was the wrong statement at this time. I had lost my keys for the hundredth time and was exhausted looking for them. “Look in between the wall and the bed” was a soft quiet voice that came to me. There they were. “I need to put everything in its place” I finally decided.

 

• There have been times when I put my “hope” in finances.
• There have been times when I put my “faith” in “my” abilities.
• There have been times when I put my “trust” in following a celebrity.

 

Paul addresses food offered to idols. He describes an idol as “standing for something that does not exist.” Many people were holding onto “things” as reminders of their desires. These people were willing to put the entirety of their hope in something that would never come.

 

• GOD wants me to put my hope in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my faith in HIM.
• GOD wants me to put my trust in HIM.

 

Everything does have a place, one place, namely GOD. I mean, when I give GOD everything, I no longer have to worry about it. When I give GOD my family, friends, neighbors, worries, doubts, fears, excitement and praise; HE never disappoints.

 

Many humans try to be idols. The rich and the famous are followed by name. BUT GOD knows my name and that is all I need. Being known by GOD is far more important than being known by humans. I am glad I can place my everything in GOD as the one place I can trust.

 

• Are you looking for peace in your idols?
• Do you seek health from a famous idol?
• Will you turn your heart from following idols that stand for something and that do not really exist by putting your total trust in GOD who is the only one with true answers today?

Recognition

Recognition

John 12: ¹² The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out:

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”

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“Want to attend this event?” was a question posed to me by a co-worker. “Sure” I said, not knowing what the event was. When we arrived, there was a red carpet for us to walk on. People took pictures of me as I was walking into the entrance. “Who do they think I am?” I thought to myself. When I got in, there were stars and professional football players. It was one of the athlete’s birthday and he put on a star studded event.

• I have seen people who get a lot of attention.
• I have been in a position where people recognized me.
• I have attended events where only those who had “special” access could get in.

JESUS came into town after performing many miracles that were seen by huge crowds. There could be no denial, this was and is THE KING. People recognized HIM and made sure no mud would get on HIS feet. There were also some who waved the branches in celebration!

• JESUS wants me to recognize HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS wants me to make HIM the celebrity of my life.
• JESUS wants me to get excited about HIS presence, each and every day.

Focusing in on JESUS is something that should be done daily. But sometimes work, or worries or winsome things distract me from celebrating GOD. HE wants me to shout HIS name and say “Thank YOU!” JESUS deserves my praise. I am glad to give it to HIM.

• What celebrities are you following?
• Do you know more about them than you do about JESUS?
• Will you reduce your elevation of other humans and elevate JESUS to GOD of your life today?

Elevate

Elevate

John 8: ²³ And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. ²⁴ Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

²⁵ Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”

And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning. ²⁶ I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.”

²⁷ They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father.

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Looking for a promotion, I followed what was important to some of the higher-ups. I asked questions, listening for their concerns. I sat and thought of solutions to ensure they were successful. It worked! They promoted me to a higher level. Now, I had to do it again with the next level up.

• Many times I looked at people as being on a higher level.
• Many times I treated people with titles differently than others.
• Many times I assumed that people with certain titles were smarter, stronger and wiser than others.

JESUS puts the church leaders in their place by saying “You are from beneath; I AM from above.” HE then explains that HE is GOD and is not of this cursed world, but they were. HE doomed them to die eternally in their sins, but gave them a way to succeed… believe in HIM.

• JESUS wants me to believe that HE is GOD.
• JESUS wants me to believe that HE took care of all my problems.
• JESUS wants me to believe that birth was the beginning of eternity and my choice to believe in HIM guides where I will spend it.

Elevating JESUS is extremely important. HE chose to die for my sins as the ultimate demonstration of love. HE only asks that I believe I need HIM otherwise I would die in my sins. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live in me because I believe in HIM. The FATHER sends me because HE is pleased with the way HE cleaned me up. I am grateful HE is GOD and I elevate HIM.

• How do you view GOD?
• Is GOD very common to you?
• Do you easily blame GOD or treat HIM like HE only deserves a little attention?
• Will you give more of your life to HIM and elevate HIM to GOD versus placing the constraints you have on HIM today?

Starstruck

Starstruck

John 5: ⁴¹ “I do not receive honor from men. ⁴² But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. ⁴³ I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. ⁴⁴ How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? ⁴⁵ Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

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Nervously awaiting my meeting, all kinds of thoughts raced through my mind. “What will I say?”, “Am I dressed properly?” and “Should I impress this person?” were just a few questions that races through my mind. I entered the president’s office and started our meeting with “What advice do you have for me?”

The reply made me know I asked the wrong question. “What do you do here at the company?” I felt I blew it after staying awake waiting on this 15 minute meeting.

• There were times when I placed people on higher levels.
• There were times when I was very concerned with titles.
• There were times when I looked for popular people to follow and believed their words implicitly.

JESUS tells the church leaders “You believe in famous people who tell their own stories, yet you do not believe in ME, who the FATHER has sent.” JESUS then explains that the words they cherish will be used against them because Moses wrote them about HIM.

• GOD wants me to be excited about JESUS more than any human.
• GOD wants me to lose sleep over meeting with JESUS more than losing sleep over meeting a famous human.
• GOD wants me to trust in the entirety of the Bible and know that it is all about JESUS.

Today, humans use words like “higher-being” or “universe” to speak of actions that come from the Living GOD. Even church leaders place the Bible over GOD HIMSELF by quoting its words without conveying the heart of bringing mankind to JESUS.

Instead of getting excited about what a human is doing or not doing, GOD wants me to pay close attention to the heart of JESUS. I am glad HE sends me to seek those who seek HIM.

• Do you spend a huge amount of time reading about famous humans thinking they could make your life better?
• Do you spend a large amount of time complaining about humans who think they are in charge?
• Will you spend a small amount of time speaking about JESUS and learn how to do so more and more each day?

Common Treatment

Mark 9: ⁹ Now as they came down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one the things they had seen, till the Son of Man had risen from the dead. ¹⁰ So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

¹¹ And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

¹² Then He answered and told them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.”

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Relaxed, I responded with a hug to a person I recognized. I was interviewing to be fast-tracked and I did not know every step I took was being watched. Though I answered the questions well, I did not get the position.

• There were times when I treated the higher ups as common.
• There were times when I treated my boss’s boss as regular.
• There were times when I treated people with a higher level, with contempt.

JESUS warns HIS disciples not to tell that they saw Elijah and Moses. They kept their promise and questioned the scribes teaching that Elijah must come first as prophesied by Malachi. JESUS explained that Elijah had come and was treated as common, just like all to other prophets and JESUS HIMSELF.

• I should treat JESUS with reverence instead of commonplace.
• I should look at GOD as GOD, not as a genie or swear word.
• I should view what JESUS did as awesome incredible, not boring forgetful.

GOD becoming man is something that should be discussed daily. Sometimes I forget to even think of GOD due to my mind being pulled towards the worries of the world. BUT GOD reminds me of HIS presence and I appreciate what HE has done.

• Are you treating GOD as common?
• Do you use HIS name I vain?
• Can you talk to HIM with the reverence HE deserves today?

Never Take Credit

Judges 8: ²² The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”

²³ But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”

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Graduating with average to pitiful grades was not something to brag about, yet working at the only company that would accept me made me feel superior enough to become entitled. I did not leave when everyone else left because I was studying. Soon I became the best programmer in the department, or at least that is what people told me.

I felt I needed a raise and a promotion otherwise I would take my brilliant mind elsewhere. When I interviewed for another company I didn’t get the job and had to sit humbly at my desk.

• When I think too highly of myself I start comparing what I do to others.
• When I think too highly of myself I become deserving and entitled.
• When I think too highly of myself I forget where I came from.

Gideon knew where his strength came from. I mean 300 men fought and won battles against 150,000 or more. The odds were definitely not in his favor and upon return he rejected the Israelites request to become a ruler. This is a wonderful example to me.

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM rather than taking credit.
• GOD wants me to tell people about HIM rather than trying to subdue HIM and pretend HIS power is mine.
• GOD wants me to know where my strength comes from instead of thinking I have any power.

Low self-esteem is not what I’m shooting for. I believe GOD made me beautifully and wonderfully. HE loves me with my many flaws and accepts me as I am, but I should not get to the point where I think even the tiniest blessing comes from me. All good things come from GOD!

• Are you comparing yourself or your church or your group to others?
• Do you think “that person” or “that group” is the problem?
• Do you feel you can do or say “it” better?
• Can you reduce your focus on “you” and point your life to GOD today?