Great Words, Difficult Crowd

 

Great Words, Difficult Crowd

Revelation 10: ⁸ Then the voice that I had heard speaking from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go and take the open scroll which is in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.”
⁹ I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will turn sour in your stomach, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.”
¹⁰ I took the little scroll from his hand and ate it, and it tasted sweet as honey in my mouth. But after I swallowed it, it turned sour in my stomach. ¹¹ Then I was told, “Once again you must proclaim God's message about many nations, races, languages, and kings.”

 

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Being invited to speak at a high school was an honor to me. I was excited, so I prepared my words carefully. When I got to the room I was supposed to speak in, I was met with a classroom full of students similar to a comedy movie where no one wanted to pay attention. The class was forty minutes and it took the teacher 20 minutes just to get things quiet.

 

• At first I felt discouraged that I was not going to be able to motivate anyone like the invitation warranted.
• I had to keep my composure and keep the main message top of mind.
• I used the motivational words in hopes that at least one person would hear and go on to do some wonderful things!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was told by the voice, perhaps JESUS, to eat the little scroll from the angel who stood on the land and the sea. The scroll tasted sweet, but turned his stomach. The voice then told him to proclaim GOD’s message about “nations, races, languages, and kings.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s message of love is sweet, but difficult to deliver because of disbelief.
• Racial and country tension can prevent people from hearing a sweet message from GOD, because of someone who does not look like him or her.
• GOD wants you and me to proclaim HIS message to all nations, not just one.

 

Saying “GOD loves people from every nation” is unpopular. I mean, it is easy to make excuses to not love someone who GOD loves. The way “they” act or look or eat or live can cause a sense of pause when it comes to treating people with the love GOD expects from us. Fortunately GOD has a remedy.

 

GOD tells us to not be ashamed of the gospel and for us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything HE has commanded us. GOD will reward you and me for preaching HIS message, even to a world that may scoff at the words.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the scroll was sweet as honey but turned the writer’s stomach?
• Do you think GOD knows HIS message is difficult to hear?
• Will you preach GOD’s message to people, even if they are unwilling to listen, so you will be rewarded by GOD for doing so?

Love Cover

Love Cover

1 Peter 4: ⁷ The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray. ⁸ Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. ⁹ Open your homes to each other without complaining. ¹⁰ Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. ¹¹ Those who preach must preach God's messages; those who serve must serve with the strength that God gives them, so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Tired of living a lie, I decided to tell the truth. I did not have much work experience and I lied to a person about my age so perhaps, I could gain more respect. But that would lead to other lies that I could not back up. I told the truth and the person said. “I knew how old you are and I want you on my team. I appreciate you telling me the truth”

 

• My lie was excused.
• My lie was noticed and addressed.
• My lie was forgiven, but I could not move forward on the path of lying.

 

Peter continues with some deep doctrine, but makes it practical. He starts off with a very shocking statement, “The end of all things is near.” JESUS had fulfilled all of the prophecies and there was none left, other than the statement that JESUS would return. Until then, Peter provides a practical approach to living.

 

My Observations

• Approaching family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances with love covers my sins and theirs.
• Opening up my home to help people should be done without me complaining.
• Leveraging the “special gift” GOD has given me should be used for the good of others.

 

Sin causes problems in my life. I mean, when I lied, cheated and stole, I did not get far. In fact I found myself with more problems that required more lying, cheating and stealing. I needed help. Fortunately for me, JESUS covered my sins. Like a heavy cover over a flame, the sting of sin is doused out by the shed blood of JESUS.

 

Since I believe in HIM being raised from the dead, I am saved from eternal separation from GOD’s love. This is Good News! I can now use my GOD given gifts to speak about GOD and live for HIM with excitement and power. I praise GOD in all thing.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention being “self-controlled and alert?”
• Have you ever gotten so worried that you were unable to pray?
• Will you relook at your current situation with love to see where you can cover for someone or where you need to be covered?
• Will you praise GOD after showing love today?

Given Responsibility

Given Responsibility

Titus 1: ⁵ I left you in Crete, so that you could put in order the things that still needed doing and appoint church elders in every town. Remember my instructions: ⁶ an elder must be without fault; he must have only one wife, and his children must be believers and not have the reputation of being wild or disobedient. 

 

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When a person left the company, suddenly my coworkers were asking me for direction. I was used to someone else telling me what to do! The confusion and direction had to be handled, so I took a deep breath and dove in.

 

• I was scared of having responsibility.
• I was not ready for leadership
• I did not know what I was supposed to be doing.

 

Paul gives Titus specific responsibility so there would be no confusion. In case Titus was wondering, Paul tells him the reason for leaving him in Crete. Maybe Titus was wondering what he was supposed to be doing or why he was in Crete in the first place. That is a question for us all.

 

My Observations

• GOD has given humans the responsibility for spreading the Gospel.
• It us up to me to take that responsibility seriously.
• GOD wants HIS SON known throughout the world.

 

Spreading the Gospel seems passe these days. I mean, during times of turmoil where it seems like humans are ready to tear each other apart, GOD’s ultimate plan still holds strong. HE wants each of us to simply mention HIS SON as the living Savior. Why is this so hard?

 

Personally it is sometimes scary to be responsible for the task of telling a world about JESUS who seems to want to fight against HIM at every turn. Fighting is tiring! GOD wants me to see HIS plan as spreading love versus fighting. I gladly take on the responsibility of spreading GOD’s love and lay aside my fears to do so.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of the writer?
• What is your purpose in life?
• Will you take a deep breath and participate in seeking GOD’s Kingdom today?

It is About You

 

It is About You

Romans 10: ⁵ Moses wrote this about being put right with God by obeying the Law: “Whoever obeys the commands of the Law will live.” ⁶ But what the scripture says about being put right with God through faith is this: “You are not to ask yourself, Who will go up into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down). ⁷ “Nor are you to ask, Who will go down into the world below?” (that is, to bring Christ up from death). ⁸ What it says is this: “God's message is near you, on your lips and in your heart”—that is, the message of faith that we preach. 

 

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Cruising at a very nice speed, I was beating everybody on the road. When I was pulled over, I quickly thought of my defense. “What about them?” I asked, not knowing where I was going with that argument. “Yes, they are speeding, but it is you who was caught speeding.”

 

• When I am in trouble I want other people to go down with me.
• When I am caught doing wrong, I want a group to be caught with me.
• When I want something that someone else has, I question, “Why them and not me?”

 

Paul tries to address a seriously diseased way of thinking. “Will that person go to heaven or hell?”” was the type of questioning that could get any human in trouble. Paul then gives the best alternative. Speak for yourself.

 

• GOD wants me to hear HIS message and place it in my heart.
• GOD wants me to speak HIS message to anyone who will hear.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIS message so I will continue to speak about HIM.

 

Looking around at others, trying to decide if they believe in JESUS or not is impossible for any human. I mean, many people who speak and preach HIS name weekly may not know HIM in a saving way, but a greedy way.

 

On the other hand, that person who is a regular sinner, known by the community as a liar and a thief, may be GOD’s greatest example. Ask the thief on the cross. The only assignment GOD gives me is to speak about HIS SON, who took care of all my sins. I am grateful HE is gracious enough to give HIS message to me.

 

• Are you looking at “those” poor lost people?
• Do “they” need to be saved because of something ”you” saw them do?
• Will you stop judging others and include yourself by saying “I” am a sinner who needs salvation today?

Preach Imprisoned

Preach Imprisoned

Acts 24: ²² Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” ²³ He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.

 

²⁴ Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶ At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

 

²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

 

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After surviving the slander, those who spoke negatively about me wanted to keep me around to get information from me. They would speak cordially in the meetings I attended, but reported something made up to people behind my back. They wanted to look like heroes, taking credit for my work. This felt like prison.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to expose the liars.
• There were many times when I wanted to tell people about those who were acting sneaky.
• There were many times when I wanted people to know the truth about what was going on.

 

Felix knew about “the Way.” In other words, he had heard about the followers of JESUS. He gave Paul a lighter sentence, but Paul still had to remain in jail. Felix came with his Jewish wife to listen to Paul. Instead of letting Paul go, he kept him imprisoned and listened to the faith in CHRIST.

 

• GOD wants me to not get weary in the place that feels like prison.
• GOD wants me to remain vigilant in preaching HIS word, even to those who do wrong to me.
• GOD wants me to speak about love and demonstrate it to those who could care less about me.

 

Rage is usually want I want to show when sneaky people are doing wrong. I mean, I get tired of people, who try to cover themselves, spinning their words to make me look bad and themselves look good. BUT GOD wants me to remain calm and let HIM handle the situation. GOD wants me to choose peace.

 

When I am peaceful, the opportunity to speak about JESUS is more likely to happen than when I am acting out in rage. I place, looking forward to speaking about JESUS while in prison, over being free and not talking about HIM. I am grateful JESUS is there with me every step.

 

• Are you, or do you feel like you are, in prison?
• Do you feel like someone is acting sneaky and making themselves look good at your expense?
• Will you ask GOD to help you not grow weary and keep speaking about JESUS anyway?

So Much to Say

So Much to Say

Acts 20: ⁷ On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. ⁸ There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. ⁹ Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. ¹⁰ Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” ¹¹ Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. ¹² The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

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After returning from the day at the amusement park, I was elated. This was my first time visiting the wonderful, fun-filled location. The next day I went over a friend’s house. I had so much to say. Somehow I spoke on the subject for hours because we shared our varied experiences.

• There have been times when I was so excited about something, that I could speak for hours.
• There have been times when I sat with a group of people who were just as excited about the thing I was excited about.
• There have been times when I talked for hours on a subject simply because I was amazed.

Paul was about to leave so a group of people ate with him while he spoke. By now, Paul had been rescued by GOD on many occasions, so he had a lot to say. Eutychus, may have been excited, but was extremely tired.

While tragedy happened when he fell out the window and died, Paul proved the power of GOD by raising him from the dead. The humorous part of the story is Paul now had even more to say.

• GOD wants me to have an abundant life.
• GOD wants me to speak about past experiences I’ve had with HIM.
• GOD wants me to seek new experiences with HIM, telling people about JESUS along the way.

Believing in JESUS is a wonderful start to an abundant life. I mean, it is the belief that changed my life into a person who seeks GOD daily. The rotten situations that I go through turn into testimonies of GOD’s power. I have nothing to brag about, only praise for JESUS who gave me purpose.

• Do you have an abundant life with GOD?
• What experiences have you had that people need to hear about?
• Will you tell people about the situations GOD has brought you through so they can do the same with others?

Foretold

Foretold

Acts 13: ²⁰ “After that He gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. ²¹ And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. ²² And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ ²³ From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus— ²⁴ after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. ²⁵ And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’

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Arriving early, I saw a man sitting in the conference room. He was polite with his greeting to me. Later someone asked me how I did that. “Did what?” I asked. “How did you just walk up to the new CEO and talk to him?” The succession plan had been announced all over the news but I did not recognize him.

• I have met many celebrities.
• I have met many people who took over the lead from their successors.
• I have met many leaders who were next in line to take over.

Paul continues with expressing history, but had a special destination. He told everyone that JESUS’ arrival was foretold by judges and prophets. He then explain that JESUS is the Savior that John spoke of. He referenced John’s humility in even speaking about JESUS saying there is One who comes after him whose sandals he is not worthy to loose.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to understand the prophecies about JESUS and know all of them have been fulfilled.
• GOD wants me to reverence JESUS as the Savior from the seed of David.

For centuries, JESUS was talked about. When HE arrived, not many understood HIM because they expected someone to be a political leader. JESUS was the leader, but not the way humans expected. HE was and is GOD. HE fulfilled HIS promise to wipe away all my sins. I am excited to tell people HE did this, just for me.

• Are you focused on predicting leaders?
• Do you try to predict leaders based on the past?
• Will you take a moment to pay attention to JESUS, who has been there for you always?

Something to Say

Something to Say

Acts 13: ¹³ Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. ¹⁵ And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”

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“Stop right there” a leader said to me in the middle of my long list of complaints. “If you have a complaint, you must also have three solutions.” All of a sudden, I had nothing to say.

• Sometimes I want to complain.
• Sometimes I want to spout out negative words.
• Sometimes I want to say what’s on my mind and that thing may be bad for others.

Paul has now emerged as the leader of the group. When they arrived in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, the normal order of church service went on. A request came up. “Does anyone have any words of exhortation for the people?” Fortunately, Paul was available.

• GOD wants me to be ready to say something about HIS love.
• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS at any time.
• GOD wants me to be available to say a word of encouragement to people who need it.

Having something to say is one thing, but being available to say it is another. My heart will speak what is in it. I had to do an experiment. I paid attention to how many negative discussions I started or was part of and then I counted the number of positive conversations I had and the times I mentioned GOD. I found out I spoke negatively most of the time.

GOD wants me to have something to say. I am grateful for HIS love, grace and mercy. HE include me in HIS plans.

• What are you saying?
• Are your words mostly negative or do you have anything positive to say?
• Will you start practicing speaking about JESUS, not just saying ”GOD” to people?

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?

New Life Start

New Life Start

Acts 9: ²⁰ Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

²¹ Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

²² But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

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Wanting to start over, I stopped doing the things that made me popular. I gave up a bunch of sins and started learning about GOD. With this being fresh and new, some friends invited me to participate in the old habits. “Should I try to convert them?”  I thought. I didn’t know what to say. I was scared.

• When I started over I was not bold with the words of CHRIST.
• When I started over I wanted to learn first before I spoke to anyone about JESUS.
• When I started over I felt compelled to tell others but felt too embarrassed at my old actions.

Saul was healed of blindness and filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. He was so excited about what happened, that everything he learned about the prophecies made sense. He replaced the word GOD with JESUS and could speak with fervor. But there were many who were confused by the sudden change.

• GOD understands when I immediately follow HIM.
• GOD loves when I obey HIM immediately.
• GOD enjoys my immediate belief, trust and faith in HIM.

Starting a new life in GOD can be difficult. I mean, the old friends and colleagues remember what was done last week, or maybe even last night. Family members may question “Why the sudden change?”

BUT GOD loves it. HE gives strength to those who put their hope in HIM. No shame or embarrassment comes from GOD. HE delights when I say “L love YOU LORD.” I am grateful for HIS acceptance.

• Are you new to believing in GOD?
• Are your old friends trying to keep you doing things that you know is wrong and harmful?
• Will you let go of the old ways and allow GOD to direct you to where HE wants you to go, giving your life an everlasting purpose?

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

Acts 8: ³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

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Sitting on the trunk of my broken down car, a couple stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Cautiously I said “yes” to the elderly couple. They convinced me that a rest stop was not too far away and they could drop me there.

“Do you believe in GOD and JESUS, the SON of GOD?” they asked me. I answered “Yes” without too much explanation as I had not been worshiping or even acting like I knew GOD.

• There have been many people sent to me to rescue me.
• There have been many people sent to me to bring me back to GOD.
• There have been many people sent to me to tell me about the great news of JESUS.

Philip was sent to the desert and he went without question. When he arrived he met a eunuch who was studying the prophet Isaiah, reading specifically about JESUS. When the eunuch heard Philip explain who JESUS was and is, he wanted to be baptized. Philip’s mission had been fulfilled.

• GOD wants me to be open to be sent where HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to be open to speak about HIS SON wherever HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be sent to the next place so HE can speak through me again and again.

“Do not grow weary” is the request of JESUS because the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. GOD wants me to continue to speak to many people about JESUS so they will believe in HIM and do the same. When HE sends me and I speak, the mission is accomplished.

• Are you being used by GOD?
• Is GOD guiding you wo speak about HIS grace?
• Will you accept HIS mission for you and speak about JESUS today?

What to Say

What to Say

Acts 8: ³² The place in the Scripture which he read was this:

“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
³³ In His humiliation His justice was taken away,
And who will declare His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.”

³⁴ So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. ³⁶ Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”

³⁷ Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

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Sitting in the lunchroom a friend brought strangers to our table. Our usual game time was interrupted by a question. “Does JESUS exist?” I had not encountered that question before. I could not quote any scripture because I had not read the Bible yet. I stammered over the first words but came up with my answer. “Yes! And I believe HE died for my sins and is alive?”

• There were times when I did not know much about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not read about GOD, but I knew JESUS.
• There were times when I did not have an eloquent, elaborate answer, but I knew JESUS.

The Ethiopian eunuch read from the words of the prophet Isaiah that spoke about JESUS. Philip explained who JESUS was and is. The eunuch got so excited that he requested to be baptized. Philip explained the criteria. “Believe with all your heart.” The eunuch believe in JESUS.

• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS, the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to be ready to share my belief in JESUS who died for me and is no alive.
• GOD wants me to help others understand that JESUS became a human, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead.

Speaking the words of life means talking about JESUS. Philip did not give the eunuch money or rake his lawn or fix his chariot. He shared JESUS with him. GOD wants a simple message to come from me.

Believe in the LORD JESUS, who is GOD, who became a human to die for our sins, and was raised from the dead. By believing in JESUS and what HE did, you will have everlasting life. I believe in JESUS.

• What is stopping you from believing in JESUS?
• Are you more concerned with current situations than what will happen to you after you die?
• Will you believe in JESUS today?

Excited Witness

John 1: ⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 

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Watching a car speed down an alley, I saw someone throw something out of the window. The car was chased by a police car. “How cool!” I thought to myself as I envisioned being in one of the cop shows I watched regularly on TV. As I continued walking home, a police car pulled along side of me. “Did you see what happened?” they asked. “Yes!” I said excited. I was a witness. I wondered if I would be able to help them crack the case.

• I remember wanting to help solve crime.
• I remember wanting to help figure out problems.
• I remember wanting to be a witness to something big.

John was a “man sent from GOD” as a witness to the LIGHT. John would provide to everyone he encountered, incredible information about the LIGHT that would save the world. He would do this with thorough excitement.

• GOD wants me to be excited about HIM.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to what HE is doing in my life.
• GOD wants me to tell as many people about HIM as possible so HE can bring people back to HIM.

Being sent by GOD gives me a daily purpose. I mean the person who irritates me or is upsetting me may be GOD’s chosen to spread HIS gospel so maybe I should act differently towards “that” person. GOD wants me to tell people of HIS incredible power to heal, protect and save those who believe in the LIGHT. I am grateful for HIM choosing me to spread HIS message of grace.

• Does your life have a purpose outside of school and work?
• Have you gotten caught up in being excited about something other than GOD?
• Will you get excited about GOD enough to tell people about the miracles HE does daily?

Being Without

Luke 23: ²⁷ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. ²⁸ Jesus turned and said to them, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the time will come when you will say, “Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!” ³⁰ Then

‘“they will say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’
    and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’”

³¹ For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?’

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Recently another one of my “fathers” passed away. This reminded me of my aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who proceeded him. Each of them left a spouse or children or other relatives who remain on this planet. As I attended the funeral, a tear caressed my cheek, not for the person who died, but for those who remain alive, now without.

• Many people I have known have passed away.
• Many people I enjoyed are now gone.
• Many people I walked with, laughed with and cried with are now transitioned.

JESUS redirects the tears of the women who were crying for HIM. They felt sorry for JESUS but HE told them to feel sorry for themselves. HE knew where HE was going and how difficult life would be without HIM.

• JESUS wants me to know that no matter how difficult life may be, HE is still there.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS love for me runs deeper than any loved one who has passed away.
• JESUS wants me to know that while HE is away, the HOLY SPIRIT will dwell inside of me, providing comfort in times of bereavement.

Finality of death is difficult to swallow. BUT GOD says to me, “Do not fear death for I will provide you with eternal life.” How can I have eternal life? Through belief in the ONE who holds life and death in HIS hands, namely JESUS.

HE wrote my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life when HE caused me to believe in HIS wonderful gift. HE scrubbed my sins away and made me whole. Yes, I may miss those who pass away, BUT GOD has given me purpose to usher those who fall away from HIM back to HIS loving arms.

• Has someone you loved died?
• Do you miss those who have passed away?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose for you to bring people eternal life through JESUS so you will one day see them again?

In memory of Sherman Todd

Signs of Passion

Mark 16: ¹⁹ So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. ²⁰ And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

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“Why am I doing this?” was my question as I continued doing the thankless job. It seemed like no one cared about what I was doing at the time so each time I did what I was doing, it became more of a chore. One day someone said, “I have been watching you for years. What makes you do what you do?” “Wow!” I thought to myself. “What should I say?”

• There were times when I wanted a sign that I was doing the right thing.
• There were times when I wanted to give up because I did not have a sign.
• There were times when I wanted someone to at least thank me for what I was doing.

After seeing JESUS absorbed into heaven and witnessed HIM sitting at the right hand of GOD, the disciples had passion like you would never believe. They went everywhere and told everyone they could meet that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  JESUS did not just let them go alone. HE went with them confirming everything they said about HIM. HE gave signs so that others may believe.

• JESUS wants me to go out and speak about HIM with passion.
• JESUS wants me to have passion without the need for signs.
• JESUS wants me to be excited about HIM and HE will provide the right words at the right time.

GOD wants passion from me. HE doesn’t require much from me at all, but when I show passion for HIM, HE gives me evidence that HE is working through me by drawing many people to HIM. JESUS rewards my passion for HIM and that is all I need.

• Are you looking for signs?
• Do you feel discouraged because you haven’t seen what you are looking for from HIM?
• Can you renew your passion about JESUS by simply telling people about HIM today?

Feel Sorry for the Rich and Powerful

Ezekiel 32: ² “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
    you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
    churning the water with your feet
    and muddying the streams.

³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘With a great throng of people
    I will cast my net over you,
    and they will haul you up in my net.

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GOD sees. GOD Hears. GOD knows. Sometimes I wondered if HE does. I mean those who are in power seem to flaunt it recklessly, meanwhile “I’m sitting on this bus next to the man smelling like who knows what”, I thought to myself. “Is this fair?” I would exclaim to GOD!

• There have been times I have compared my life to those who are extremely rich.
• There have been times I have pointed at the rich and powerful as being the problem.
• There have been times I have wondered why those who possibly lie and cheat their way to the top seem to get away with everything and I have count my bus fare.

Back then I thought it was appropriate to wish the rich to fall and the poor to rise, but then they would become rich and the cycle would continue with bad attitudes in different people. GOD wants me to lament over what is coming.

• GOD says to me “Lament over those in power today for if they do not turn to ME they will fall.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be envious over those in power today for I will hold every word against them if they do not turn to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Every action, every penny is being held accountable for all, turn to ME before it is too late.

JESUS did not have a dime as HE walked the earth. HE was the poorest of the poor, yet HE was rich in that HE owned everything. Monetary wealth can bring blindness to the fact that I am related to the ONE who owns everything, namely JESUS. HE wants me to focus on HIM in the times of trouble rather than pointing at the rich and becoming jealous. HE wants me to see that HE is the Sovereign LORD.

• Are you holding multiple conversations about the rich and powerful?
• Do you get disturbed about what the wealthy are doing?
• What happen if you held this many conversations about JESUS with the same amount of passion?
• Can you speak about GOD to someone today as freely as you speak about the rich and powerful?