Symbolic Cleansing

Symbolic Cleansing

Exodus 19: ¹⁰ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. ¹¹ And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. ¹² You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. ¹³ Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.”

 

¹⁴ So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. ¹⁵ And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.”

 

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GOD told Moses to tell the people to wash their clothes and get ready for HIM to come down on the third day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be symbolically preparing the people to represent the cleansing of sin by having them wash their clothes.
• GOD seemed to be announcing that JESUS would come down from the cross in three days in this parallel number of days.
• GOD warned the people that they should not take HIS presence lightly otherwise they would be put to death.

 

Clean clothes represent spiritual purification, forgiveness and redemption through JESUS CHRIST. In the book of Revelation, we see the people who have cleaned their clothe4s in the blood of the LAMB. The three-day delay from the time Moses had the conversation with GOD until the time HE would arrive, parallels the time JESUS was crucified and when HE arose from the dead.

 

GOD does not seem to be addressing a mindset in this passage; rather, HE was demonstrating what JESUS would do. No one was allowed to touch the mountain when GOD was on it. While GOD is everywhere, there are specific places where HE declares boundaries for a specified time.

 

GOD declared this symbolic act as holy and reverence of HIM was HIS expectation. HE even told them not to procreate during this holy time, possibly because JESUS was to be the new life. This was all about GOD and HIS plan to redeem mankind.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the washing of the clothes?
• What symbolic gestures can you do to signify what GOD has done for you?
• Have you forgotten who GOD is and what HE has done by limiting beliefs?

Obedience During Abundance

Obedience During Abundance

Genesis 41: ⁴⁶ Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁷ Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. ⁴⁸ So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. ⁴⁹ Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable.

 

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Joseph was seventeen when GOD gave him the dreams of his family bowing down to him. But now he was thirty. Thirteen years had passed since he had the dreams. Joseph went out into various parts of Egypt and made guarded storehouses for grain to make bread and feed animals.

 

My Observations:

• It was GOD that made the crops of Egypt produce in a supernatural abundance.
• Joseph did not really know if GOD would do what HE said, but he was obedient because he believed what GOD told him in the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream.
• GOD’s abundance was so great, they could not count how much food they had.

 

GOD was preparing everyone for what HE was about to do. HE was going to cut the abundance off for seven years. Joseph was only told that there would be a famine. He used his administrative gift, coupled with the skill he had with flocks to save up what would be needed to sustain people through the famine.

 

“GOD told me to save up because of the impending famine” would sound like strange words to someone when abundance was flowing. But these words would save people all over the world. Egypt would become famous, not because of Pharaoh, but because of HIS promise to Joseph. Obedience during abundance would save the people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Joseph’s actions with the abundance HE supplied?
• What do you do when GOD gives you plenty?
• How is GOD preparing you during this season of your life?

Preparing for Change

Preparing for Change

Genesis 35: ² And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, and change your garments. ³ Then let us arise and go up to Bethel; and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone.” ⁴ So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree which was by Shechem.

 

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Jacob was told to go to Bethel, the place where GOD showed him a great ladder where angels were descending and ascending. Over the years, Jacob picked up many people as servants, who had varying beliefs. He told everyone, including Rachel, to get rid of the foreign gods.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob had finally placed all of his trust in the LORD.
• Jacob saw the power of GOD’s protection in the past and did not want to do anything to upset the balance.
• Jacob finally saw value in purifying, getting rid of foreign gods and cleaning up to see GOD.

 

As if to say “You can’t just show up any old way,” Jacob told everyone to prepare to meet GOD. He did not want a single person to show any kind of opposition to GOD. He had been in distress before and was facing a larger problem.

 

He ran from one person before. He ran from Esau and ran from Laban, but this time he could not run from a reputation of being a murderer and a thief of an entire city. This label would need GOD’s intervention. He prepared his group to be as reverent, outwardly, as possible.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s instructions to his entire household?
• What preparation have you done to turn to GOD?
• Is this a time that you should purify yourself to hear GOD’s pending instructions for your next steps?

 

Clean Shining Linen

Clean Shining Linen

Revelation 19: ⁵ Then there came from the throne the sound of a voice, saying, “Praise our God, all his servants and all people, both great and small, who have reverence for him!” ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a crowd, like the sound of a roaring waterfall, like loud peals of thunder. I heard them say, “Praise God! For the Lord, our Almighty God, is King! ⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad; let us praise his greatness! For the time has come for the wedding of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself for it. ⁸ She has been given clean shining linen to wear.” (The linen is the good deeds of God's people.)

 

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Feeling pretty hungry, I decided to leave work and go to lunch. I looked in my wallet and had just enough money to buy my lunch. Yes, I said money and not a debit card. I knew of a place that I could get a full meal for the amount I had. I ran into a person who asked me for some money.

 

• I had to decide if I was going to eat or help this person eat.
• I had only enough money for one person to eat.
• I missed lunch that day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw an amazing sight. He witnessed every person who believed in and served the living GOD, wearing “clean shining linen.” He then was given where the clothes came from. “The linen is the good deeds of GOD’s people.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to be one of “HIS people” so I can enjoy an eternal relationship with HIM.
• GOD sees every deed I did and will do, and HE turns the good ones into “clean shining linen.”
• I sometimes question why do good, when I have problems that need a good deed.

 

“What about me?” is the question I sometimes ask GOD. I mean, it seems like when I have the least amount of money, someone comes up to me and asks for my last dollar. “Come on GOD, can’t YOU plan a little better?” I question HIM in frustration. BUT GOD is gentle with HIS response with me.

 

HE gently says to me “Do it this time and trust that I have much more for you.” I sigh and obey HIS leading. Every time I have done this, HE blesses me here on earth and in heaven. I then feel foolish that I did not want to serve in the first place. I am glad GOD gives me many opportunities to do HIS good deeds.

 

Challenge

• Does it seem like the writer was having a hard time describing what he saw and heard?
• Have you ever been faced with the dilemma of doing something good for someone versus taking care of your own dire need?
• Will you continue to seek doing GOD’s good deeds, knowing HE sees you and loves every good deed you do in JESUS name today?

Disaster Training

Disaster Training

Revelation 9: ⁷ The locusts looked like horses ready for battle; on their heads they had what seemed to be crowns of gold, and their faces were like human faces. ⁸ Their hair was like women's hair, their teeth were like lions' teeth. ⁹ Their chests were covered with what looked like iron breastplates, and the sound made by their wings was like the noise of many horse-drawn chariots rushing into battle. ¹⁰ They have tails and stings like those of a scorpion, and it is with their tails that they have the power to hurt people for five months. ¹¹ They have a king ruling over them, who is the angel in charge of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon; in Greek the name is Apollyon (meaning “The Destroyer”).

 

¹² The first horror is over; after this there are still two more horrors to come.

 

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Working in a building with several floors came with its challenges. One challenge was addressing “What would happen if a storm hit the building?” We were given instructions to follow by the disaster leaders.

 

• We had to understand what to do and where to go during a disaster.
• Somehow, the disaster leaders needed to recognize when a disaster hit and know what to do.
• Knowing how long the disaster drill would take, helped me plan the rest of my day.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, continued his description of the horror that would take place after the fifth angel blew his trumpet. He went into detail, describing the locusts as best he could because he had never seen anything like it. He also was given the duration that the locusts would be able to cause pain.

 

My Observations:

• It seems like GOD is preparing the people HE gave a seal on their foreheads, to recognize a supernatural disaster and to also know how long it will last.
• It also seems like those who are sealed by GOD will have an important role during the supernatural disaster.
• As with all disasters, this supernatural disaster could not be averted, rather prepared for.

 

Preparation helps. I mean, when I can prepare for difficult times, it makes it easier for me to go through the unpleasant situation. GOD seems to love preparing you and me for what HE is going to do. The problem is believing HE will do what HE says.

 

GOD has told us HE loves faith. JESUS got excited when faith was shown, even in its smallest way. HE also said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” HE means these words to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior from the judgement HE “will” do on Satan’s kingdom. Those who believe can find comfort, knowing they will not have to experience GOD’s wrath.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer seem overwhelmed by what was shown?
• Have you ever been in a disaster drill?
• Have you ever been in a situation that was devastating and were not prepared for it?
• Will you read what GOD has revealed so you can be prepared for the remainder of your life by surrendering your life to JESUS today?

Facing Forward

 

Facing Forward

Hebrews 11: ¹³ It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth. ¹⁴ Those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵ They did not keep thinking about the country they had left; if they had, they would have had the chance to return. ¹⁶ Instead, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.

 

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As I dug through a box of stuff, I found trophies, ribbons and paper awards from a previous job. “All of these achievements and I am out of work!” I said with anger. More and more thoughts played through my mind that day. I got nothing done.

 

• I loved the kingdom “I” had built for myself.
• I thought I had already “achieved” the most that I could.
• I did not consider that there could possibly be anything better than the past.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, summarizes his first list of faith examples. He implied that these people did things in faith of a promise by GOD, never once hoping for the old way. They stopped looking for a better place here on earth, to seek a better relationship with GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD heals me from past wounds so I can look forward to HIS kingdom.
• GOD opens my eyes to HIS promises, so I can keep moving forward, away from the old.
• GOD renews my strength by showing me there is a better place ahead.

 

Looking forward is scary sometimes. I mean, the future sometimes does not have any answers, but a lot of questions. When I begin to ask questions, I get nervous and want to run back to the past where it was comfortable. BUT GOD has something else in mind.

 

HE wants me to leave the past kingdom with a definitive “thanks.” I can say to HIM “Thank YOU for what YOU have done!” and move on. I can then say “Thank YOU for what YOU are going to do”, not knowing if I will receive HIS promise or not. I am glad HE puts me on a new path and always keeps HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• What did the people in the writer’s example long for?
• Have you ever started something and someone else finished it?
• Will you say “Thank You” for the past and move on to facing  forward so you can allow GOD to place you on HIS path to HIS promise in HIS timing today?

More Prepared Than You Think

 

More Prepared Than You Think

1 Timothy 4: ¹¹ Give them these instructions and these teachings. ¹² Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. ¹³ Until I come, give your time and effort to the public reading of the Scriptures and to preaching and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift that is in you, which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things and devote yourself to them, in order that your progress may be seen by all. ¹⁶ Watch yourself and watch your teaching. Keep on doing these things, because if you do, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

 

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Worried about my young age and lack of experience, I stayed awake at night preparing for the class I had to teach. I was going to be in front of experienced people and I only had training. The person who was training me must have seen the look of dread on my face. “Just be yourself” were the words used to help me calm down.

 

• I was nervous about what I would say.
• I didn’t want to mess up.
• I felt that everyone was “above” me and I was inexperienced.

 

Paul gives Timothy words of encouragement. Timothy may have felt nervous about his age or experience teaching. He was about to teach a very controversial subject and had a right to be nervous. Paul gives him advice to keep him focused on the primary goal, salvation.

 

My Observations

• I may get nervous when GOD calls me to do something new that I do not have experience in.
• I may get tempted to talk myself out of doing what GOD wants me to do even when HE has gifted me in doing so,
• I must stay focused on the ultimate goal, namely salvation because my life and others depend on it.

 

Feeling unprepared and unworthy seem to go with the territory of speaking about JESUS. I mean, if I were to compare myself to experienced people who speak, teach and preach about JESUS, I would shy away from doing so. BUT GOD wants me to reach specific people with my style.

 

Practice makes perfect so I need to get out and “be an example”, sometimes making mistakes. Careful attention needs to be had with GOD’s word so I must watch myself and align my thinking to GOD’s Word. I am glad HE stretches me and overlooks my mistakes as I grow.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Timothy felt?
• Do you think the writer was trying to encourage him to keep going?
• Have you ever felt unprepared or unworthy to speak about JESUS?
• Will you be yourself and use the gifts GOD has given you to express the love of CHRIST today?

Internal Bootcamp

Internal Bootcamp

1 Timothy 3: ⁸ Church helpers must also have a good character and be sincere; they must not drink too much wine or be greedy for money; ⁹ they should hold to the revealed truth of the faith with a clear conscience. ¹⁰ They should be tested first, and then, if they pass the test, they are to serve. ¹¹ Their wives (or Women helpers) also must be of good character and must not gossip; they must be sober and honest in everything. ¹² A church helper must have only one wife,(or married once) and be able to manage his children and family well. ¹³ Those helpers who do their work well win for themselves a good standing and are able to speak boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

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Seeing the issues management faced, I thought of things that could have been done better.  I voiced my suggestions, only to have them be met with “maybe later.” But then I was put into management and as the fires raced at me, someone had a suggestion that had nothing to do with my current blaze. “Maybe later” was my response.

 

• I was not prepared for the problems.
• I was not prepared for the responsibility.
• I was not prepared for the issues that would suddenly arise while maintaining the day to day.

 

Paul gives Timothy a list to help people get prepared versus being judged or graded. Since no one was perfect and many people would fail the list, it was easier to point people towards areas to work on internally. If people were willing to do this, they would “do their work well.”

 

My Observations

• GOD doesn’t need me to be perfect before I give my life to HIM.
• I have to recognize that I am not perfect and I need to prepare for larger responsibilities.
• Being prepared may take sincerity, good character, a sober mind, lack of greed, no gossip, honesty, family management and holding to the revealed truth of JESUS with faith.

 

Is this a long list? Yes! But I believe it is not a list for one to observe and judge a person on the worthiness of servanthood, rather “get ready!” Get ready for the things that the enemy will throw at you when you say “Yes” to GOD’s calling. The Devil will throw temptation after temptation after temptation and will not relent. Test yourselves in areas you can easily fall to be ready. I am glad GOD prepares you and me.

 

Challenge

• Are you prepared for the next level of service?
• Have you faced the same temptations, issues or problems over and over?
• Will you accept GOD’s calling to serve and become prepared so you can help others become prepared today?

Preparation

Preparation

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁹ All those people speak about how you received us when we visited you, and how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the true and living God ¹⁰ and to wait for his Son to come from heaven—his Son Jesus, whom he raised from death and who rescues us from God's anger that is coming.

 

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Seeing the leaves change color, I could tell the season was fall. I could feel a crispness in the air that let me know winter was on its way. In the region where I live, winter meant snow and very cold temperatures I had to get prepared for.

 

• I had to be prepared for snow, ice and cold.
• I had to change my mindset from wearing shorts to wearing something that would protect me from the elements.
• I had to accept the change and get prepared because I knew it was coming.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy were excited about how the Thessalonians stopped worshipping idols to become dedicated followers of JESUS. They had stopped placing their hope in material things that were lifeless. When they heard the Good News, they “received” it and dedicated their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• GOD knows what is in my heart and is please when I choose HIM.
• People, food, clothes, jobs, addictions and other things can become idols that take my mind off of GOD.
• GOD wants to prepare me for JESUS’ return.

 

Wrath of GOD is a difficult but necessary topic. I mean, I try to make HIM a pushover, only forgiving my sins and giving me what I want. When I place GOD in the “Just give me my wish” bucket, I can get disappointed with HIS performance.

 

GOD is sovereign and sinless. HIS wrath can be poured out when I think and act like Satan who chose to try to “be GOD.” Satan was thrown from heaven and his fate was sealed. Sinless resurrected JESUS opened his fate and poured out HIS wrath on him and those who act like him. Confusing? It will happen. That’s what GOD is preparing us for. I am glad JESUS saved us from “GOD’s anger that is coming.”

 

Challenge

• What do you think the people of Thessalonica were searching for?
• Have you ever elevated a person or job or thing above your relationship with CHRIST?
• Will you allow GOD to prepare you for HIS purpose so HE can protect you from any wrath HE may have?

Driven

Driven

Acts 19: ²¹ After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” ²² He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

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Wanting to be better, I took class after class after class. I read about areas where I felt I was deficient. When I felt I was ready, I mustered up the confidence to ask for certain positions that allowed me to rise to higher levels. I did what it took to make things happen.

• There were times when I worked extremely hard to achieve “my” goal.
• There were times when I studied hard to fully understand how to reach “my” goal.
• There were times when I felt I just had to do something to satisfy “my” goal.

Paul traveled all over, spreading the gospel of JESUS. He felt led to also go to Rome. He knew this was going to be a very difficult place so he prepared himself and sent two of his younger helpers away to another location. He was driven to speak the truth about JESUS.

• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about JESUS at a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to be brave enough to speak about JESUS, not just imply HIM.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to speak about my relationship with JESUS as often as I can.

When JESUS placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, HE did not mean for me to remain silent and hide what HE did for me. HE wants me to speak about HIM, pray with people and show silent examples. Life is all about JESUS. I am grateful HE leads me and allows to speak about HIM.

• What are you trying to accomplish?
• Do you think your accomplishment will make you “better?”
• Will you add telling someone about JESUS to your purpose in life today?

Prepared for You

Prepared for You

Acts 18: ⁹ One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. ¹⁰ For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” ¹¹ So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

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“But I’m not a pastor” I said to the group. They were asking me to speak to a group of people in the country we were in at the time. One person said to me “I walked twenty miles to hear you speak.” I was thoroughly intimidated by those words. I spoke and many gave their life to CHRIST.

• There have been times when I was afraid to speak.
• There have been times when I felt overwhelmed by the crowd.
• There have been times when I saw a large crowd that I had to speak to and got nervous.

Paul had faced turmoil in many cities. One night the LORD spoke to him saying “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” This was a relief to Paul, so he stayed longer.

• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Keep on speaking.”
• GOD wants me to hear HIM say “Do not be silent.”

Sometimes GOD’s plan can seem quite intimidating, especially when I have tried and seemed to fail over and over. BUT GOD says different. HE sends me to places where there are plenty of hungry people willing to listen to HIS word. I will keep on speaking, thanks to the LORD’s encouragement.

• Are you stuck?
• Are you too scared or intimidated to speak about JESUS?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to open your heart and your mouth so you can speak about HIM today?

Being Prepared

Luke 22: ³⁵ Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’

‘Nothing,’ they answered.

³⁶ He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. ³⁷ It is written: “And he was numbered with the transgressors”; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.’

³⁸ The disciples said, ‘See, Lord, here are two swords.’

‘That’s enough!’ he replied.

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“Who is in charge?” the person entered the room flustered. The people pointed at me and I had to handle the situation. This was my convention and I was responsible for whatever happened. Days prior to the convention, I only prepared for what would go right. I was mistaken.

• Many times I have not been prepared for problems.
• Many times I thought life would be smooth with no rough edges.
• Many times I thought everything should go my way, not the other way.

JESUS brings reality to the disciples by telling them the situation was about to change drastically. HE knew HE was about to be handed over to the church leaders and the government. JESUS would no longer be right there physically to protect them and HE implores them to be prepared.

• GOD wants me to be ready to face difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to understand that life’s situations can be difficult.
• GOD wants me to know HE is still with me through the pains and troubles of life.

Pain, torture and death was JESUS’ destiny and HE wanted HIS disciples to be prepared to take over the message HE easily spoke. HE wants me to do the same. GOD knows that I will face the difficulties of life BUT HE wants me to face them with HIM as my guide. GOD is my protection.

• Are you prepared to face difficulty and trouble?
• Do you easily cave in to the troubles of life?
• Will you ask GOD for strength to go through difficulty so you won’t turn away from HIM today?

Ready

Luke 12: ³⁵ “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; ³⁶ and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. ³⁷ Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.³⁸ And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. ³⁹ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁰ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

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After the meeting I scheduled another meeting as a follow up to make sure I understood everything. I was being left “in charge” for the short period and I wanted to make sure I understood everything that was going on. During the follow-up meeting I was asked “Are you sure you are ready for this?” “Absolutely” I answered.

• Many times I had to prepare.
• Many times I had to sit and wait for the unknown.
• Many times I had to be confident that something may occur at a moment’s notice.

JESUS says some confusing words to HIS disciples. HE spoke in a parable like tone and told them to be ready for the master’s return. Ready for what? I mean what should I be doing?

• GOD says to me “Prepare yourself daily by speaking to ME.”
• GOD says to me “Seek the kingdom everyday and you will be prepared.”
• GOD says to me “Your life is mine so be prepared to be with ME eternally.”

More and more responsibility is what GOD wants to give me. HE understands my limits and will only give me as much as I can handle. If I as ready as a child then I may not be given much responsibility for GOD’s kingdom. But if I am growing in GOD then HE will help me prepare myself and others for what HE has in store. GOD wants me to be ready daily.

• What are you preparing for?
• Are you preparing to be accepted by humans more and more?
• Can you take some time to prepare yourself for GOD’s kingdom by seeking those HE wants you to seek today?

It’s Gonna Rain

Luke 6: ⁴⁶ “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷ As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. ⁴⁸ They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹ But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

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“I think it’s going to rain” I said to my parents. “Can I please wear my new raincoat?” I begged. They said “Yes” so I ran outside and prepared for the downpour. It was a sunny hot day and I was the only one wearing a bright yellow raincoat on the schoolyard. I took embarrassingly took it off when I was teased.  

When school was over, I “forgot” the coat. The next day it rained. “Where is your coat?” my parents asked.

• There have been times when I tried to follow the rules.
• There were times when I tried to play it safe.
• There were times when I tried to be prepared but was not.

JESUS gives a lesson that sounds a bit harsh, but was actually done in love. HE talks about being prepared for difficult times by following HIS words. Those who put them into action will be able to endure tough times, but those who do not will fall to pieces when the storms of life blow.

• GOD says to me “Follow MY Son because I AM please with HIM.”
• GOD says to me “Be strong and place your faith in ME.”
• GOD says to me “Be like a tree planted by the water’s edge.”

I can question GOD’s intent for having storms, but will be met with more questions than answers. HE does, however, tell me to be prepared for the storms. HE wants me to put on prayer, peace, faith, righteousness, salvation and the SPIRIT as my protection. I may fall to sin, but I am lifted up by the ONE who forgives me.

• Are you ready for the storms of life?
• Are you being blown around by the problems life brings?
• Can you stop trying human tactics and look to GOD to strengthen you “through” the storm of life?

In Control

Luke 3: Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, ² while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. ³ And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, ⁴ as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make His paths straight.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled
And every mountain and hill brought low;
The crooked places shall be made straight
And the rough ways smooth;
⁶ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”

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A friend of mine became a crossing guard. Ten minutes before the end of day school bell, he would get up and leave class. When I saw him get up, I started getting my stuff together and got up as well.

The teacher asked, “Where are you going?” “To help him” I replied. “Sit down” she replied. When the bell rang I raced to the corner to “help.” I stood there directing students and traffic.

• There were times when I wanted to feel important.
• There were times when I wanted to lead people.
• There were times when I wanted to be in control of something.

John spoke about JESUS in a mighty way. His compelling words resonate today as he spoke of trading in sin for belief in CHRIST. John taught people of the One who would truly be in control.

• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS power over the physical earth.
• JESUS wants me to speak about HIS return will changing the physical properties of the earth as well as the moral attitude of the world.
• JESUS wants me to prepare the way for HIS imminent return.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah” is what people say when people speak about JESUS’ return. They place people in the crazy category who speak of what seems to be a Hollywood tale of a higher being returning. BUT GOD wants me to speak about JESUS anyway, despite the labels.

HE is and will always be in control of the heavens and the earth. HE has the power over life and death and one day will show HIS face to all. I, like John must prepare as many people as GOD allows, to help people praise HIM the way HE should be praised.

• Are you ashamed of your calling?
• Do you fit in and look like everyone around you?
• Is GOD calling you to speak of HIS return, bringing life and peace to those who believe in HIM?  

Fill Up and Go

Luke 1: ⁷⁶ “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
⁷⁷ To give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins,
⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;
⁷⁹ To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

⁸⁰ So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

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“I have to go to the bathroom” I exclaimed. Not knowing if the time was convenient or not, the feeling just came over me. We had to pull over on the side of the dark unlit road. I was terrified! When we got back in the car and started going I said “I’m hungry, are we there yet?”

• There were times when I was not prepared to go down the road.
• There were times when I did not want to be on the road.
• There were times when I just wanted to be at the destination rather than going down the road.

Zacharias declared John would fill up on the knowledge of the LORD and go to those who ignored GOD’s grace. John would have a long road to travel so his preparation had to come from GOD directly. He grew and became strong in the SPIRIT so any obstruction in the road would not deter him.

• GOD says to me “Go before the face of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “Give knowledge of salvation to MY people.”
• GOD says to me “Give light to those who sit in darkness and guide everyone into the way of peace.”

Being unprepared for the twists and turns of life may put me in a dangerous situation, sitting on the side of a dark road cowering in fear. BUT GOD wants me to be prepared for life. HE wants me to seek HIS face and understand that I am not alone but HE is with me, guiding me to HE sends me to. HIS message is simple “MY mercy is tender and MY love endures forever.”

• Are you prepared for life?
• Do you still react to life’s difficulties with pouting like a child?
• Can you ask GOD to help you grow and to become strong in the SPIRIT?

Legacy Moment

Mark 14: ³ And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. ⁴ But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? ⁵ For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply.

⁶ But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. ⁷ For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. ⁸ She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. ⁹ Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

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Sitting in a sales pitch was my least favorite thing to do but I was there. As the sales person went on and on about how wonderful this this was, I yawned and glanced at my watch. He then said something memorable. “Don’t you want this as a legacy to your kids?”

• There were times I wanted to leave a legacy.
• There were times when I wanted people to remember “my” name.
• There were times when the thought crossed my mind to be as famous as the latest famous people.

Like the woman who previously gave the equivalent of two pennies, this woman possibly gave all she had. She poured, what some would say, a month or even a year’s worth of income over JESUS’s head. Nothing was expected of her yet she did it.

• GOD expects nothing of me but is delighted when I do even the tiniest thing for HIM.
• GOD has no expectations of me but is filled with gratitude when I mention HIS SON.
• GOD is not looking for gifts but loves when I give to HIM from my heart.

“She has done what she could” is what JESUS said about the woman. JESUS didn’t need any new clothes or a car or a house where HE was going. HE was headed to HIS destiny and she gave what she could. JESUS is returning and wants my all. HE wants my house, cars and clothes. The more I can give them to HIM the less I will stress over them. JESUS is my legacy I give to people.

• What are you striving for?
• Do you want to be known?
• Can you stop trying to be in the spotlight and put JESUS in front always?

Shut Door

Matthew 25: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

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“Where did I put my keys?” I asked myself frantically. It seemed like it took forever to find them! I sped off only to hit some unanticipated traffic near the parking lot. One novice in front of me could not figure out how to simply get the ticket to enter the lot. “Come on!” I screamed in my car. I ran to the gate only to see them shut the door of the plane. My boss was on that plane.

• There have been times I was not prepared.
• There have been days when I made costly mistake with my time.
• There have been situations that I did not anticipate and found out I was left behind.

Preparing for the next day got introduced to me the hard way when I missed that plane, but what about preparing for the “next life?” JESUS tells a story that implies HIS return would take a long time and many would “fall asleep” instead of being prepared.

• GOD wants me to be prepared to tell people about HIS SON on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to die and see HIS face every day.
• GOD wants me to be prepared for JESUS to return so I need to serve people on a daily basis.

“I will serve GOD after I ” is a crazy thought. I will never have enough money, time or health to serve GOD, so why not do it now! GOD wants me when I am busy, distracted and worried. HE wants me to see life’s delays as opportunities to pray for those around me. I should always be prepared!

• Are you prepared to see GOD today?
• Are you prepared to answer questions about JESUS if someone asked you about your relationship with HIM?
• Are you prepared to die and live an eternal life with, or worse, without GOD?

News Ahead of Time

Matthew 24: ¹⁵ “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— ¹⁶ then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁷ Let no one on the housetop go down to take anything out of the house. ¹⁸ Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. ¹⁹ How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! ²⁰ Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. ²¹ For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.

²² “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. ²³ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time.

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“You better make some calls” a friend told me. The company was about to go through a reorganization which is a fancy word for firing people at random. I was prepared. I made a few calls and secured a position!

• I have been blessed to have warnings I could react to in enough time.
• I have been blessed to see things coming that I could be prepared for.
• I have been blessed to hear the words of warning so I could ask for help before it was too late!

JESUS warns me about HIS imminent return but am I listening? I mean HIS description of HIS return does not sound too inviting if I were to actually read what HE is saying. False saviors, false prophets and the Anti-Christ were spoken about in JESUS’s message to the disciples and me. What should I be doing?

• GOD says to me “Have enough compassion for the world so they will not go through this horrible time.”
• GOD says to me “Prepare people for MY return on a daily basis.”
• GOD says to me “I have told you ahead of time so do the same for others.”

Instead of complaining about the leadership I need to pray for those around me to not be dullened by rhetoric of society. JESUS gives me full warning of the things that are to come. Its up to me to heed those warnings.

• What do you talk about daily?
• Do you find yourself in discussions that are about today’s leaders?
• Can you stop focusing on empty discussions and open your mouth for GOD today?