Priorities

Priorities

Revelation 22: ¹² “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done. ¹³ I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 

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When the new leader arrived, we were asked “What are the problems you are facing?” We gave a list of thing, large and small. Each of us were assigned to deal with various problems. When the year was up, we were rewarded for our accomplishments.

 

• We had no time for frivolous activities.
• We had to focus on the main problems and develop action plans to address them.
• After we fixed many problems, we received rewards based on what we did.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard HIM reiterate something important. JESUS said again “Listen!” HE then said “I AM coming soon!” John had just finished a conversation with an angel about what he was writing and after the conversation, JESUS emphasizes HIS return.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
• JESUS holds all time in HIS hands, so when HE puts emphasis on coming soon, I should listen.
• JESUS will reward me for the service I do in belief in HIS words.

 

When something is said twice, emphatically, it must be important. Once I was working for a company that provided food for first responders of forest fires. As I was taking the food out, I was warned that fire was not in control. They emphasized the danger and would only allow me to go through because food was needed on the front lines. Same with GOD.

 

JESUS emphasizes the need for us to prioritize our lives for HIM. HE has been risen and provided a prophecy of HIS return. Whatever problem we think is a priority, JESUS says, “Listen, I AM coming soon!” I gladly live my life as if today were my last.

 

Challenge

• Why did JESUS emphasize what HE already said to the writer?
• Have you ever been told to do something and did not prioritize it high enough?
• Have you assessed your priorities and aligned them with CHRIST’s so you can do what HE wants versus trying to get HIM to do what you want today?

Timing

Timing

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now God's salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. ¹¹ They won the victory over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the truth which they proclaimed; and they were willing to give up their lives and die. ¹² And so be glad, you heavens, and all you that live there! But how terrible for the earth and the sea! For the Devil has come down to you, and he is filled with rage, because he knows that he has only a little time left.”

 

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After giving up my desire to leave, I was resolved that I would spend the rest of my days in the town I moved to. I decided that I needed GOD in my life rather than the party scene I was known for. One day I got a phone call at my desk. “We would like for you to come work for us” were the words I was waiting on for months.

 

• I was stunned and didn’t believe it at first.
• I had been waiting for so long, that after a while I stopped thinking it would happen.
• I was filled with new energy, knowing that it was finally time!

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a voice in heaven talking about the arrival of the Messiah! John spoke about the timing being “Now” meaning there would be no more waiting and all that needed to be done was done. He also said that those who were accused by Satan “won the victory!”

 

My Observations:

• Waiting on GOD with my own expectations can make me feel disappointed sometimes.
• When GOD arrives with HIS solution, I can sometimes be a bit stunned.
• JESUS has already won the victory, so I can celebrate “now!”

 

Being glad in the middle of a storm seems hard. I mean, when the time is tumultuous and it seems like nothing is going right, it doesn’t seem like a good time to celebrate. BUT GOD wants me to see beyond the storm.

 

JESUS won the victory over yours and my circumstances. While we cannot see it, HE has taken care of everything, even “that” thing that looks impossible to you. GOD formally declared that all was right so all we have to do is proclaim HIS victory until JESUS returns. I gladly am willing to speak about JESUS, even unto death.

 

Challenge

• What timing does the writer mention?
• Have you ever been waiting on something to happen for so long, that you just gave up?
• Will you continue to proclaim GOD’s message of love and salvation even though your circumstance may not have cleared up today?

No Opposition

No Opposition

Revelation 11: ⁴ The two witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lamps that stand before the Lord of the earth. ⁵ If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes out of their mouths and destroys their enemies; and in this way whoever tries to harm them will be killed. ⁶ They have authority to shut up the sky so that there will be no rain during the time they proclaim God's message. They have authority also over the springs of water, to turn them into blood; they have authority also to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.

 

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Trying to watch a TV show, I got my food ready because I did not want to miss a moment. Just when it got to the “good part”, the doorbell rang. “Would you like to buy my stuff?” was the unimportant interruption. I got back to my program and an important moment had passed.

 

• I was interrupted.
• The salesperson was trying to get me to hear a different message than the one I wanted to hear.
• My peace was opposed.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the two witnesses of the “LORD of the earth.” They will be sent to “proclaim GOD’s message.” Any opposition to this message will be met with severe retaliation, leading to destruction.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the two witnesses the authority to speak on HIS behalf.
• GOD also gave the two witnesses the authority over earth, water and fire.
• GOD’s message is so important that human messages will not oppose HIM.

 

No message will oppose GOD’s message. I mean, in these days of bad news, political posturing, and overt or covert hyper-individualism GOD’s message of love can be lost. To some humans, HE can be viewed as a weakling, who allows bad things and randomly gives the lottery to people. BUT GOD sees all hearts.

 

GOD is patient versus weak. Unfortunately one day, HIS patience will end on the Day the LORD returns. HE told us what HE would do and it is up to us to heed HIS warning. The Gospel is available for anyone to accept, right now.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to describe?
• Have you ever tried to hear an important message and were interrupted?
• Will you seek to understand that GOD is trying to reach many people and is being patient, so while HE is, will you proclaim HIS message today?

Until

Until

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations:

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Keep That Message

Keep That Message

1 John 2: ²⁴ Be sure, then, to keep in your hearts the message you heard from the beginning. If you keep that message, then you will always live in union with the Son and the Father. ²⁵ And this is what Christ himself promised to give us—eternal life.

 

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On the way to the game, we shouted chants handed down from years past. It was something to see everyone dressed in the school colors When the players took the field, we shouted in excitement! But when the team started losing, our excitement died down. It went back up when we won the game!

 

• For a while we got pretty quiet.
• When it seemed like we were going to lose, we stopped chanting.
• When our expectations of winning all the time were not being met, we quickly went into complain mode.

 

John tried to address the “fair weather fan” of JESUS. In other words, he tried to give encouragement to those who followed JESUS, but things were not going as well as they expected. They had given their lives over to CHRIST, only to be met with persecution from those who did not believe.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s message of love is that JESUS died for you and me to save us from eternal destruction that HE will enforce.
• GOD’s message of love is to be spread to as many people as possible.
• GOD’s message of love should transcend any problem I face or trouble I find.

 

Life can be difficult. I mean, there seems to always be something to worry about. Whether it is an ailment, finances or broken relationships, there always seems to be something difficult going on. Even the wealthiest people get sick and die. What chance do we have? GOD has a remedy.

 

HIS message of love and eternal life confounds those who seek answers form the world. JESUS loved us so much that HE was willing to die in our place. By keeping that message in my heart, I can look at the current situation and say , “I am loved!” I am so grateful to JESUS for this great message!

 

Challenge

• What does the writer want everyone to “be sure” of?
• Have you ever lost heart about something?
• Will you keep GOD’s message of love in your heart by returning to it regularly, on purpose, so you can face life’s difficulties with everlasting hope today?

Silent Work

Silent Work

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹³ And there is another reason why we always give thanks to God. When we brought you God's message, you heard it and accepted it, not as a message from human beings but as God's message, which indeed it is. For God is at work in you who believe.

 

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After receiving some bad news, all of us seemed to be down. We sat around in a low mood, brooding over the bleak future. “Everything is terrible” were the thoughts that ran through my mind. Then someone came into the room with a smile. Not saying a word, the person walked in with a calmness that made me calm.

 

• I was uneasy about the future.
• I was feeling like Things would not get better.
• I instantly felt better when a genuine person exuded peace in the middle of the storm.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy felt thankful for something special. Not only did the people of Thessalonica listen to the message that JESUS as their Savior, they believed with all their hearts. GOD could now, work in them.

 

My Observations

• One reason I can give thanks to GOD is that HE is at work in me.
• Another reason I can give thanks to GOD is that I don’t have to try so hard because HE is doing the work.
• Yet another reason I can give thanks to GOD is that HE chose me to live for HIS purpose.

 

GOD’s power is unstoppable. It cannot be diminished, restrained or deterred in any way. Yet HE chooses to live inside those who yield their beliefs to HIM. As frail and fragile as you and I are, HE stores HIS power inside us.

 

Even a smile in the middle of a storm can help tame a torrent. GOD provides peace, love, and grace that is unimaginable. HIS work in you and me is great. I am thankful GOD has chosen us.

 

Challenge

• What reasons do you think the writers gave their thanks to GOD?
• What reasons do you have to be thankful?
• Will you believe in JESUS as your LORD and Savior beyond salvation, rather so GOD can work in you to do amazing things unknown to you?

Important Task

Important Task

Colossians 1: ²⁵ And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, ²⁶ which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people.

 

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When given a project to do, I accepted it, not knowing others were available. But when I found out there were more glamorous projects that were higher visibility to those in power, I questioned my menial project.

 

• I wanted something “I” could be known for.
• I wanted those in power to desire “my” expertise.
• I wanted to eventually move “up” so I needed to work on important

 

Paul speaks of GOD’s highly important task of spreading the Gospel. This message was hidden for a long time and has been revealed to HIS people. Paul accepted this task to perform.

 

My Observations

• Spreading the Gospel is not glamorous, but is the most important thing I can do for GOD.
• Telling people that our sins have been forgiven by JESUS who loves us, may seem less important, but is the utmost importance to GOD.
• Providing eternal hope to people may seem like a waste of time, But GOD wants every one of HIS creation’s to believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

Let’s face it, serving GOD is not glamorous. I mean, if it were, then you would have more celebrities doing it. Instead, the world tries to determine what messages are “important.” GOD sees when HIS message has been spread and rewards those who do so.

 

HE and all of heaven cheer when one person gives his or her heart to GOD. Eternity with GOD through the belief in JESUS is the most important message I could ever proclaim. I gladly accept this task.

 

Challenge

• What task is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever felt your gift or talent was mundane or not so glamorous?
• Will you speak about JESUS and know you are extremely important to GOD today?

Message Received

Message Received

Galatians 4: ¹² I beg you, my friends, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong. ¹³ You remember why I preached the gospel to you the first time; it was because I was sick. ¹⁴ But even though my physical condition was a great trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you received me as you would an angel from heaven; you received me as you would Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

 

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Communication was getting messy. I would say something but the other person would hear it differently than what was in my heart. Somehow the message that I sent was not the message that was received.

 

• I felt like giving up on communicating.
• I felt like my words would be twisted no matter what was said.
• I felt a strong concern for those I sent a message to.

 

At one point the people of Galatia could hear the words of CHRIST through Paul. But over time, they turned away from the message and started following those who spoke of the latest trend. Paul begs for them to return to their first love, namely CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• It is understandable to want out of my trials so GOD is patient with me.
• I have a tendency to want plans to go “my” way so GOD speaks softly to me until I hear HIM.
• Even in the middle of my pain, suffering or agony GOD can be my purpose.

 

No one likes to suffer so when someone speaks about relief, it is instantly accepted by the masses. “Just take one of these” or “Simply do this and your problems will clear up” are the fallacies the world wants me to believe. BUT GOD says something different.

 

In the middle of my pain, GOD wants me to say “JESUS is LORD of my life, the rock of my salvation, whom shall I fear.” HE knows Satan introduces me to strange personalities named “Fear of my future” and “I don’t want to be sick” and “Be comfortable at all costs.”  All are okay when they include CHRIST as the provider, but sometimes I leave HIM and follow them. I am glad GOD reminds me HE is in control.

 

Challenge

• Do you hear the appeal from the writer?
• What is the writer trying to get everyone to do?
• Will you look beyond your fears, worries and doubts and turn back to CHRIST as the only answer today?

Learn and Be Encouraged

 

Learn and Be Encouraged

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁹ Two or three who are given God's message should speak, while the others are to judge what they say. ³⁰ But if someone sitting in the meeting receives a message from God, the one who is speaking should stop. ³¹ All of you may proclaim God's message, one by one, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. ³² The gift of proclaiming God's message should be under the speaker's control, ³³ because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace.

 

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My learning style requires a hands on approach. I have to do the thing I am learning, then the explanations make sense. I can watch someone, but there is nothing better than doing it. Sometimes I get nervous when I have to do something hard or unfamiliar. But wonderful people help stretch me into doing more.

 

• Speaking about the love of GOD is for everyone.
• Encouraging people helps me learn about GOD.
• Proclaiming GOD’s message is not a solo activity.

 

Paul expresses the need for order in gatherings. He urges speakers to tell the truth, otherwise the group will judge what is said. But then he says something I am not familiar with. He suggests that “everyone” proclaim GOD’s message to personally learn and be encouraged.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to practice proclaiming HIS message.
• GOD wants me to learn about HIM by experiencing explaining HIS love.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged so HE allows me to speak about JESUS even though I am a sinner.

 

Explaining how JESUS loves me in spite of my sins encourages me and the person or people I am speaking to. I bet I could chart when I was discouraged and I would see that I was not speaking about JESUS’ love during those times.

 

Proclaiming GOD’s message is not only about HIM. HE is so full of love that all who speak about HIM or receive HIS Word, will be encouraged and grow in love. I am glad that I am adopted into the family and now I can learn and be encouraged about the love of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the statement “all of you may proclaim GOD’s message?”
• Do you feel it is someone else’s job to proclaim the message of GOD?
• If you are nervous about speaking about JESUS, can you start small and speak to one person?
• Will you accept the challenge of learning about JESUS and proclaiming HIS love as a way to become encouraged the rest of your life?

Balanced Structure

Balanced Structure

! Corinthians 14: ²⁶ This is what I mean, my friends. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church. ²⁷ If someone is going to speak in strange tongues, two or three at the most should speak, one after the other, and someone else must explain what is being said. ²⁸ But if no one is there who can explain, then the one who speaks in strange tongues must be quiet and speak only to himself and to God.

 

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Nervous, I answered the interviewers’ question with a very long statement. As I remembered something, I would say “Oh, I forgot to mention…” in my disjointed rambling. Needless to say, I did not get that job. I asked someone for advice and got organized. The next time, however, I was so focused on my new structure that I was thrown off when the interview did not go as planned.

 

• I was unorganized and confused the person I was supposed to be explaining things to.
• I was then too organized and not ready for meeting a different need.
• I wanted to find a balance in my organization for something spontaneous.

 

Paul provides a suggestion rather than a command. He tried to get people to understand the real purpose of meeting together is to help people understand who JESUS is through song, teaching, testimonies and spontaneous speaking that would require interpretation. He wants everyone to think about the recipient versus those who are delivering.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to be organized because people need structure.
• GOD wants me to be flexible because HE cannot be contained to a certain hour or duration.
• GOD wants me to be ready for HIM to reveal HIMSELF at any moment but have control over wanting the spotlight.

 

Order in church is important, especially to someone who has never attended a church service. But has order replaced reaching people? I mean, sometimes when church meets “my” expectation as a believer, I look around and do not see the fruit of hearing from a new person who freshly gave their life to CHRIST.

 

While order is important, purpose is more important. GOD doesn’t seem to be this repetitive lifeless being, rather one who is alive and working things out in a variety of lives. Out gatherings probably will not change overnight, but I can provide a balance of structure and spontaneity to my life to bring people to CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Have you had the urge to bring in new people to your gathering?
• When is the last time you reviewed your order or your service?
• Are you driven by meeting the expectations of those who are regular church goers?
• Will you consider a balance that provides structure and spontaneity in your own life with the purpose of easing the concerns of someone who has not yet accepted JESUS as their Savior?

Convinced, Judged and Opened

 

Convinced, Judged and Opened

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁰ Do not be like children in your thinking, my friends; be children so far as evil is concerned, but be grown up in your thinking. ²¹ In the Scriptures it is written,

 

“By means of people speaking strange languages
    I will speak to my people, says the Lord.
I will speak through lips of foreigners,
    but even then my people will not listen to me.”

 

²² So then, the gift of speaking in strange tongues is proof for unbelievers, not for believers, while the gift of proclaiming God's message is proof for believers, not for unbelievers.

²³ If, then, the whole church meets together and everyone starts speaking in strange tongues—and if some ordinary people or unbelievers come in, won't they say that you are all crazy? ²⁴ But if everyone is proclaiming God's message when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear. They will be judged by all they hear, ²⁵ their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, “Truly God is here among you!”

 

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Walking into a church, I noticed everyone was dressed nicely, the place was neat and clean and everyone had a smile on their face. It felt weird, almost like a group of aliens from another planet had taken over. They spoke to each other in Bible verses that I was unfamiliar with and made me stand up and introduce myself, as if I wasn’t already uncomfortable enough.

 

• I felt like I was on the outside of the group.
• I felt like I was not “clean” enough for this group.
• I felt like I was more of a burden than a willing participant so I left and never came back.

 

Paul concludes addressing the use of speaking in tongues. He mentions this gift is valuable, but can be disruptive to those who are not believers. He tries to explain the purpose of saying anything needs to be for GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to share my testimony which includes my sins.
• GOD wants me to be free to share how I am forgiven for all my sins.
• GOD wants me to want others to be free to see JESUS as the solution, versus HIM being the problem.

 

Making JESUS the problem is usually not done on purpose. I mean, well-meaning people, who may have gone through a lot, try to explain that JESUS is the answer to every problem, and HE is. But sometimes this group can forget they are “still” sinners who need guidance by the HOLY SPIRIT daily.

 

GOD wants me to see people different. It is not “us” who are believers versus “them” who are unbelievers. It is “us” who are all sinners. No one sin is greater than another and anyone who confesses their sins and believes that JESUS is the one and only forgiver, will be saved eternally. I am convinced I am a sinner, judged by my wrongs and open to saying JESUS forgave me for my past, current and future sins.

 

Challenge

 

• How do you think salvation should be spoken to someone you know who may not believe in JESUS?
• If you attend church regularly, what do you notice about testimonies?
• Will you take baby steps in telling people about your deepest sins so they will be willing to turn their life to JESUS today?

Usefulness Adjustment

Usefulness Adjustment

1 Corinthians 14: ⁵ I would like for all of you to speak in strange tongues; but I would rather that you had the gift of proclaiming God's message. For the person who proclaims God's message is of greater value than the one who speaks in strange tongues—unless there is someone present who can explain what is said, so that the whole church may be helped. ⁶ So when I come to you, my friends, what use will I be to you if I speak in strange tongues? Not a bit, unless I bring you some revelation from God or some knowledge or some inspired message or some teaching.

 

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After being assigned to a group, I quickly felt inadequate. It seemed that each person was smarter than me and knew what they were doing. Meanwhile, I didn’t know what I was doing so I sat quietly waiting for the time to pass by. I dreaded the next time we would get together again.

 

• There have been times when I felt useless.
• There have been times when I felt I was not talented.
• There have been times when I felt like I was on the outside of usefulness.

 

Paul implores the people to focus the use of their GOD given gifts to proclaim GOD’s message. In his example, he mentions the gift of speaking in strange tongues. He compared this gift to proclaiming GOD’s message and said one had “greater” value than another. But Paul used the word “unless” to bring equilibrium to both talents.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to know HE gave me a gift that is special.
• GOD wants me to use my gift to “Proclaim HIS message.”
• GOD wants me to value the gifts other people have so they too can “Proclaim GOD’s message.”

 

Moving the spotlight on “me” is the problem. I mean when I can’t do something well or I feel inadequate, I want to shrink away and be silent. BUT GOD doesn’t want me to feel inadequate. HE wants me and everyone HE made to feel useful.

 

This requires me to move the spotlight on HIM. When I focus everyone’s attention on CHRIST, everything else falls in place. My gift then becomes useful.

 

Challenge

• What do you observe about the comparison of the two gifts mentioned?
• What do you notice about Paul’s preference versus the opening desire?
• How does this apply to your GOD given gift?
• Will you seek to proclaim GOD’s message more and more and know your gift is useful to HIM?

Heartfelt Love Help

 

Heartfelt Love Help

1 Corinthians 14: It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. ² Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. ³ But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. ⁴ Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

 

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Feeling rotten, I must have had a disgusted look on my face because people kept asking me “Is everything alright?” Usually I was the one asking that question but this particular day was the exception. Finally, someone approached me and said “It will be alright. GOD is with you.” I guess I just needed to hear that at the time.

 

• Many people have given me encouragement when I was down.
• Many people have provided comfort for me when I was feeling low.
• Many people have used their gifts to help me in time of need.

 

Paul mentions a special act of love we are all supposed to share in. He attempts to convince everyone to use their GOD given spiritual gifts as often as possible. One gift to acquire is proclaiming GOD’s message.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to set my heart on helping others.
• GOD wants me to encourage, comfort and help others in their time of need.

 

We all need help, comfort and encouragement at some point. No one is above pain. BUT GOD put people around me to ease the pain and encourage me to keep going. HE knows life would be a challenge so HE not only provided the HOLY SPIRIT to me for comfort, HE provided HIM to those who believe in JESUS.

 

HE has given many people comfort and they in turn provide that comfort to others. I am grateful people have used their gifts to share GOD’s encouragement and comfort to me and others.

 

Challenge

• Have you looked at your gifts and talents lately?
• What do you feel when you hear the words “help” and “encouragement” and “comfort?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts to provide help, encouragement and comfort to someone today?

Find You Own Place

 

Find You Own Place

Romans 15: ¹⁸ I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds, ¹⁹ by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in traveling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed fully the Good News about Christ. ²⁰ My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else. ²¹ As the scripture says,

“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”

 

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We sublet my roommates portion of the rent to someone we were familiar with. He, in turn invited a guy to live on the couch, rent free. After a week, He was eating food and placing demands. I did not appreciate this. “He has to find his own place” I discussed.

 

Later in life, I was invited into a social group. I had a business and wanted everyone in the group to “buy my stuff.” I started making demands on the group. Someone came to me and asked politely “Why don’t you start your own group?”

 

• There have been times when I was annoyed at someone who took over “my” place.
• There have been times when I was bothered when someone hijacked “my” foundation.
• There have been times when I was the culprit, attempting to hijack someone else’s group.

 

Paul stated that he would use only his own examples to speak to the Gentiles. He had enough examples as GOD did many miracles through him. Paul proclaimed the Good News wherever he went. He stated that his ambition was to go to places where the Good News was not being preached so he would not mess up someone else’s foundation.

 

• GOD wants me to be bold about what HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to speak about the many great things HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to have “my own place” to speak about JESUS.

 

 

Having a church on every corner was not the intent from Paul’s writing, or so I believe. I mean, GOD’s message is so much bigger than a stationary building. HE wants everyone to hear about HIS SON and there are plenty of people who still need to do so.

 

How do I know? GOD is waiting “until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”  In other words, there are still people who need to accept CHRIST before GOD does HIS next huge thing. I gladly go out and seek those HE sends me to so they may believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

• Do you have a message GOD wants you to tell?
• Are you waiting on your church to tell the message?
• Will you be sent and go find the people GOD wants you to find that only you can reach and use your own examples today?

No Coincidence

Luke 4: ¹⁶ So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
¹⁹ To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

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 “How in the world am I going to get out of this mess?” I said to myself. This time when the car stopped working, it felt final. I was stuck on the side of the road, in the dark in a place that I suspected was not friendly. After a long time of sitting on my trunk, a couple stopped to give me a ride. I was nervous about them because they did not look or sound like me. “Do you know the LORD?’ was one of their questions. I was relieved.

• I used to think things just happened by chance.
• I used to think things happened randomly.
• I used to think I could make things happen.

JESUS went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day and was handed the scroll written by the prophet Isaiah. The timing could not have been more perfect because the verses HE read was about HIM and they described HIS purpose undeniably. Was this a coincidence? No!

• GOD says to me “MY encounters with you are no coincidence.”
• GOD says to me “I knew you before I laid the foundations of the world.”
• GOD says to me “I chose you because of MY SON.”

I may think there are coincidences, but there really are not. Even a dust speck flying in my eye distracting me for a moment is part of GOD’s incredible plan. HE knows my sin and HE knows when I serve HIM with a filled heart.

HE sends people to me to speak about HIM and sometimes HE sends me to people so I can be filled up by them. Dry seasons and seasons of plenty are not flukes but are carefully placed in my life to enable me to be a better ambassador for GOD.

• Do you wish things happened differently in your life?
• Do you think situations happen by chance?
• Will you stop trying to control your life and believe that GOD’s plan for you is a solid well thought out plan?

Making Announcements

Luke 2: ⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

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“Ball return on 15” were the words everyone in the place could hear. I finally got my chance to get on the bowling alley’s sound system and tell everyone that a bowling ball was stuck on lane 15 and someone other than me was to go and rectify the situation. I felt cool!

• There were times when I wanted to be heard.
• There were times when I wanted everyone’s attention.
• There were times when I wanted to speak in a forum where everyone could hear me.

The angel appeared for the third time with a wonderful announcement. He went to the working class shepherds who were on duty watching over sheep. There the announcement was made that GOD, born as a child, would be found in a dirty feeding trough.

Though they were terrified, he announced that they should not be afraid, rather proclaim joy because THE SAVIOR had been born.

• GOD says to me “Go and tell everyone about MY SON.”
• GOD says to me “Proclaim the great news that salvation is for all people.”
• GOD says to me “Announce JESUS as the world’s only hope.”

Being heard by people is great when I have something important to say. GOD wants the message to be about HIM rather than pointing out how great “I” think I am. HE doesn’t want me to have a crowd rather HE deserves the crowd and sometimes HE uses words through me to announce HIS greatness.

• Do you wish to be heard?
• Are you upset at something and want to tell everyone about it?
• Can you tell everyone about the Great News about JESUS today?

Obedience Told

Mark 5: ¹¹ Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. ¹² So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” ¹³ And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

¹⁴ So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. ¹⁵ Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. ¹⁶ And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. ¹⁷ Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.

¹⁸ And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. ¹⁹ However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” ²⁰ And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

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“Take this test” were the instructions given to me by a teacher. I obeyed and when I got the results, I actually got into the school I desired. I had no fallback plan had I not passed. I ran to my small circle of friends and family to tell them the great news!

• When I have obeyed in the past, great things have happened.
• When I have trusted in the past, wonderful results were achieved.
• When I have followed something that I did not understand in the past, I was put on a road of amazement.

Obedience to JESUS was clearly told in this passage. The demons begged HIM for permission and HE granted their wish. The herders begged JESUS to leave, so HE did. But the demon possessed man begged JESUS to allow him to come along and JESUS gave him another task. HE says the same to me.

• JESUS says to me “Go home to your friends and tell them about ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Tell people about the great things the LORD has done for you.”
• JESUS says to me “Proclaim the message of compassion to as many as you can tell.”

When the man obeyed CHRIST, he went and told everyone he knew about JESUS. Everyone marveled at the power of GOD. JESUS is quite amazing! HE wants me to tell everyone about HIS amazing compassion.

• Are you telling people about JESUS?
• Will you obey HIS command and tell others about HIS compassion for you and everyone?
• Can you trust and obey JESUS today?

Making it Clear

Matthew 20: ¹⁷ Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them, ¹⁸ “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death ¹⁹ and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!”

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How much more clear could JESUS have made it. I mean HE specifically said church people would kill him. Regular attendees of church would hate HIM so much that they would desire to get rid of the nuisance!

• GOD wants me to see HIM as the solution not the problem.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS love not human hate.
• GOD wants me to speak life not death.

JESUS is the primary conversation I should have on my lips daily. HE said HE would be raised from the dead and was. Only GOD could say this and do it. HE was very clear about saying who HE “is” and what HE did. JESUS is my savior.

• Are you looking for something and are lost?
• Do you find yourself empty?
• Can you look to JESUS as the one who can fill your life with glorious excitement?

Not Holding Back

Matthew 10: ⁷ As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ ⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

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Safe is how I felt when I attended Bible study. Everyone in the room was eager to learn and we enjoyed each other’s time and company. I did not get a sense of competition, back-stabbing or slander from anyone. I could relax.

 

• Being around those who believe in CHRIST is safe.
• Being around those who believe in CHRIST the way I do is safer.
• Being around those who believe in CHRIST and looks like me and acts like me, is safest.

After a while I noticed I was hanging very safe people. None of these people resembled any danger whatsoever. No one hurt me or called me names… safe. BUT GOD wanted something else.

• GOD wants me to take a risk and proclaim this message “The kingdom of heaven is near.”
• GOD wants me to leave “safety” and go where there is turmoil.
• GOD wants me to give freely the gift of salvation that HE has graciously bestowed on me.

When I was around all of the “good” people I noticed I stopped confessing my ills and only focused on learning. Don’t get me wrong, learning about CHRIST is noble, however, why learn? GOD wants me to be balanced. HE desires that I not only learn of HIM, but put it into action.

GOD sends me to people every single day. If I cannot speak directly to them, I can pray for them from a distance. HE has given me gifts and talents that HE expects me to use so HIS message can be heard. I should not hold anything back when I “go.”

• Are you proclaiming GOD’s message to safe people?
• Have you been hurt by the world and are scared to go proclaim GOD’s message to those who need it?
• Can you stop playing it safe and go spread GOD’s message today?