Strange Graceful Conversation

Strange Graceful Conversation

Genesis 3: ²⁰ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

²¹ Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

²² Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— ²³ therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. ²⁴ So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

 

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After creating a place that had everything and people who could enjoy it, Satan tempted humans to sin, possibly to avoid the sealed up sentence of his demise. He was sentenced anyway but so was the man and woman. The ground would no longer respond the same and the garden was off limits to humans. The trees that brought life and knowledge were off limits. This portal to heaven was closed off.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS held a conversation with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT saying “Behold, the man has become like one of US.”
• JESUS sacrificed an animal to make clothes for the man and woman.
• JESUS drove them out of the garden and placed a cherubim, or a guardian angel, in the way of the entrance.

 

It seems harsh at first glance that humans had to leave the garden. BUT GOD could have immediately intensified the punishment with immediate death. BUT HE didn’t. Instead, HE showed grace by hiding their nakedness and providing, only in a way that would be more difficult.

 

The land would need more attention outside the garden. Humans would be different too. Knowledge of good and evil would prove to be a problem because now there was a war inside of every human ever born. This war is called free will. Choice between GOD’s way versus being GOD became the battle. Fortunately JESUS saw this and knew what HE was going to do.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation?
• Can you see the grace that HE showed to HIS creation, even thought the stakes were extremely high?
• Can you look back on your life to see where GOD has shown you incredible undeserved grace?

Not an Accomplice

Not an Accomplice

Revelation 19: ¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered to fight against the one who was riding the horse and against his army. ²⁰ The beast was taken prisoner, together with the false prophet who had performed miracles in his presence. (It was by those miracles that he had deceived those who had the mark of the beast and those who had worshiped the image of the beast.) The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. ²¹ Their armies were killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse; and all the birds ate all they could of their flesh.

 

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“Was he part of it?” asked the person rounding up troublemakers. “No” was the reply from a witness that cleared me of being questioned.

 

• I was relieved.
• I did not have to face the discipline ahead of those who caused problems.
• I was allowed to remain free.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw two parts of the unholy trinity thrown into the lake of fire. He then witnessed the armies that rose up against the one riding the horse, JESUS. The army was killed by the sword that comes out of the mouth of the one who was riding the horse.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Word” and will use the word to take down those who oppose HIM.
• Anything that mimics JESUS, tricking people to go away from HIM, will fall.
• Those who fight against the need for JESUS will be an accomplice to HIS murder and face HIS sentence.

 

Being declared “Not guilty” is a relief. I mean, I have stood before many judges and felt relieved each time my driving record was cleared. Yes, I got a lot of tickets! I deserved the sentence I faced. But I was released from any punishment. JESUS released me too.

 

HIS death, burial and resurrection showed me that HE was and is the true Savior, the Messiah. HE wiped away any guilt I had and said “I am HIS friend.” HE makes me part of HIS eternal family! I am grateful.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about those who seemed to be in power?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD because it seemed like the enemy was winning?
• Will you continue to follow JESUS through good times and difficult times?

Never Again!

Never Again!

Revelation 18: ²¹ Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “This is how the great city Babylon will be violently thrown down and will never be seen again. ²² The music of harps and of human voices, of players of the flute and the trumpet, will never be heard in you again! No workman in any trade will ever be found in you again; and the sound of the millstone will be heard no more! ²³ Never again will the light of a lamp be seen in you; no more will the voices of brides and grooms be heard in you. Your merchants were the most powerful in all the world, and with your false magic you deceived all the peoples of the world!”

 

²⁴ Babylon was punished because the blood of prophets and of God's people was found in the city; yes, the blood of all those who have been killed on earth.

 

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When the police arrived at the bowling alley, they asked me to identify one of the thugs who chased me. “Is this one of the people who were after you?” was the ludicrous question asked of me.

 

• I had just freshly ran away from danger and the police brought it back in my face!
• I worried that any jail time the thug would face would be short and I would have a problem later on.
• I did not believe the thug would permanently leave me alone.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown a mighty angel pick up a stone, throwing it into the sea, and said many declarations about how the great city would “never again” do the harm on humanity it once did.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s judgment is permanent and cannot be reversed.
• GOD will put an end to any torment HIS people faced throughout all of history.
• GOD sees any injustice done to anyone who believes in JESUS.

 

When GOD does away with evil, it will be permanent. I mean, there will be no retaliation, no pop up problems and no embarrassing confrontations with evil people who could cause future problems.

 

JESUS has been raised from the dead and that is not the end! HE went to build a new heaven and a new earth. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside those who believe, to protect and give purpose to tell others about our risen Savior. I am glad I will, one day, never face problems again!

 

Challenge

• What reason does the writer give for the punishment of the great city?
• Have you ever feared to tell on someone who harmed you or lied on you or stole from you?
• Have you considered believing in JESUS as your Savior and life support today?

I Ain ’t In It!

 

I Ain ’t In It!

Revelation 18: ⁹ The kings of the earth who took part in her immorality and lust will cry and weep over the city when they see the smoke from the flames that consume her. ¹⁰ They stand a long way off, because they are afraid of sharing in her suffering. They say, “How terrible! How awful! This great and mighty city Babylon! In just one hour you have been punished!”

 

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Getting caught in the act made me feel uncomfortable. I looked at others who were involved to speak up but no one stepped up. When I went to one guy, he said “My name is Bennet, I Ain ‘t  in it!” as if to say, I have nothing to do with your punishment! Ain ‘t is slang for “am not.”

 

• I wanted others to join in with me, so maybe my punishment would be milder.
• I wanted someone else to speak up so perhaps my punishment would go away.
• I actually did not know what I was expecting by asking guilty people for help to jump in when I was caught.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown the fall of the great city that caused people to sin. Those who had joined in sexual sin mourned over the great punishment imposed on the city. But they stood off in the distance, afraid of sharing in the suffering.

 

My Observations:

• There is strength in numbers until “I” get caught doing something.
• I feel comfortable when “everyone” else is doing the same bad thing that I want to do.
• My best path is to stay away from doing the thing in the first place.

 

Risking getting caught is not the problem, rather doing the thing I would get caught doing, in the first place is the problem. Did I say that right? I mean, I should fear doing the thing that upsets GOD in the first place rather than fearing the consequence of my sinful action.

 

Before I commit the act, I should ask myself, “Is this worth losing everything over this moment of pleasure or this act of hatred?” “NO!” should be the answer. GOD gives me a way out that the tempting great city does not offer. HE provides forgiveness where the tempting city provides death. I choose JESUS for my forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer include the distance of the guilty people from the great city?
• Have you ever gotten caught for something you did wrong?
• Will you learn from your mistakes and stay away from easy sin so you will not have to face consequences today?

Dead Right

 

Dead Right

Revelation 16: ⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to burn people with its fiery heat. ⁹ They were burned by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God, who has authority over these plagues. But they would not turn from their sins and praise his greatness.

 

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“You may not want to do what you are about to do” was the warning I received. But I felt strongly that “I” could do the thing I was trying to do. I did the thing and was able to complete what I set out to do, but the consequences of what I did were not accounted for.

 

• I was right, but ended up figuratively dead.
• I was able, but did not take into consideration the consequences of my actions.
• I did what I did and said what I said, but ended up in a worse situation than before the warning.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the fourth angel pour out the fourth bowl containing GOD’s anger out on the sun. People were burned and they knew this was a curse from GOD, yet they refused to turn from their sins. They may have figured that they would be in control by rebelling against GOD directly.

 

My Observations:

• My heart needs to be protected from getting cold and stony against GOD.
• Whatever is in my heart will come out in my words and actions.
• GOD sees my heart and want to change it to follow HIM in a loving way.

 

I can do anything, but is anything I do good for me? I mean, if I rebel against GOD, is that a good idea? No! Unfortunately, there are times when I don’t want to listen to the warnings or even the corrections sent by GOD.

 

Fortunately for me, HE sends HIS soft correction to me and allows me to come back to HIM. HE always accepts my ask for forgiveness and restores me fully. Anyone who refuses to ask GOD for forgiveness may experience the pain of HIS wrath.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer include who had the authority?
• Have you ever done something wrong and deserved to be corrected?
• Will you seek GOD’s correction in your life so HE can forgive you and set the wonderful plan HE has for you into action today?

Something to look forward to

Something to look forward to

Hebrews 12: ⁷ Endure what you suffer as being a father's punishment; your suffering shows that God is treating you as his children. Was there ever a child who was not punished by his father? ⁸ If you are not punished, as all his children are, it means you are not real children, but bastards. ⁹ In the case of our human fathers, they punished us and we respected them. How much more, then, should we submit to our spiritual Father and live! ¹⁰ Our human fathers punished us for a short time, as it seemed right to them; but God does it for our own good, so that we may share his holiness. ¹¹ When we are punished, it seems to us at the time something to make us sad, not glad. Later, however, those who have been disciplined by such punishment reap the peaceful reward of a righteous life.

 

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Ugh! “Punishment!? Really LORD?” was my first reaction when I read this. I cringed to think of GOD’s punishment. Who can withstand it? But as I read a little more I noticed what it was for.

 

• GOD could crush me, BUT HE chooses to lightly correct me when HE wants me to do something for HIM.
• GOD could make me suffer or allow pain in my life, BUT HE guides me back to HIM when I go astray.
• GOD could leave me forever, BUT HE chose to live with me and walk with me forever.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues to discuss punishment. Someone may have asked “Why does GOD allow difficulties?’ and he wanted to provide an answer. Or perhaps people felt discouraged and needed an answer. He gives one word, “Endure.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD loves me too much to let me sin without boundaries.
• GOD wants me to be successful rather than forgiven without change.
• GOD wants me to do some big things so HE corrects me to not besmudge HIS name.

 

When HE wants to do something big in your life, HE cannot couple HIMSELF to something that would allow others to ignore HIS SON. I mean, HE will correct those who HE invites into HIS family so they too can see what grace is really about.

 

Allowing us to do anything is not grace, rather gentle correction to guide us to HIS reward is true grace. I am glad GOD corrects me and guides me back to HIS way so HE can use me and provide peace.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about GOD’s punishment?
• When you hear punishment, what do you think of?
• Will you look to be corrected and allow GOD to guide you back to HIS path of peace today?

Expected to be Corrected

Expected to be Corrected

Hebrews 12: ³ Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up. ⁴ For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed. ⁵ Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children?

 

“My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you,
    and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you.
⁶ Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves,
    and punishes everyone he accepts as a child.”

 

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Hearing “No” as the final answer, I dreamed of ways to sneak out of the house. “Maybe I can leave out the back door while everyone was sleeping.” I thought to myself. But for some reason. Everyone stayed awake this particular night. My plans failed. Next I actually got the car and drove all over the city. The radiator leaked and I spent all my time and money repairing the car. “I can’t catch a break!”

 

• I was trying to be sneaky and my plans failed.
• I was trying to do something I was told not to do, yet I did it anyway.
• I was trying to get my way but “something” kept me from doing wrong.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, talks about a difficult subject, namely sin. He addresses the “struggle” all humans face. He reminds everyone that GOD will correct HIS children through punishment that is meant to be a guide back to the right path.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows there is a part of me that does not like HIS way, BUT HE gently corrects me to follow HIM.
• GOD sees when I do not want to be like HIM or follow HIM, AND HE corrects me when I rebel against HIM.
• GOD says to me “You are now in MY family so some of the things you do act against what I am trying to do.”

 

I can tell that GOD is speaking to me when I hear something I am supposed to do that would benefit HIS kingdom, yet I do not want to do it. I mean, when “that” person makes me mad and GOD says “reconcile even though it’s not your fault” I don’t want to do it. When I get punished for not reconciling, I question GOD.

 

HE then replies, “Because you are MINE and I expect you to act like you are in MY family.” GOD does not sin, is full of grace and tries to reach all people, not matter how horrible he or she is. GOD wants me to be filled with grace and sometimes HE uses mild punishment that does not kill me, to correct me. I reluctantly welcome GOD’s correction and I am glad when I get back on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• What children is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been corrected and been thankful for HIS correction?
• Will you accept GOD’s correction with encouragement, knowing HE loves you and wants you to grow in HIS truth and grace today?

Confident About You

Confident About You

Galatians 5: ⁷ You were doing so well! Who made you stop obeying the truth? How did he persuade you? ⁸ It was not done by God, who calls you. ⁹ “It takes only a little yeast to make the whole batch of dough rise,” as they say. ¹⁰ But I still feel confident about you. Our life in union with the Lord makes me confident that you will not take a different view and that whoever is upsetting you will be punished by God.

 

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After running over some glass, my car developed a slow leak in one of the tires. I could still drive as I pleased, but I was not confident I could go on a trip that was too far from a place to refill the tire. This little pinhole changed my trips for a while until I saved up to get it fixed.

 

• Something tiny changed my thinking.
• One little thing made a big difference in my life.
• A tiny problem added to my sorrow.

 

Paul questions everyone about how easily they could be persuaded to stop believing in JESUS as the truth. One person may have preached a message that countered the truth about JESUS being the one and only Savior. He may have even gone so far as to raise questions about the need to be saved. But Paul remained confident for a reason.

 

My Observations

• Little sins can cause me to feel unconfident in GOD’s power for me.
• My sins cannot stop GOD’s love for me.
• My confidence comes from being in union with CHRIST.

 

“But I still feel confident about you” are true words of surrender to GOD’s power. I mean, when I see someone struggling in life due to a lack of a relationship with JESUS, I want to jump in and convince him or her to choose HIS power. It does not always work that way, so I feel helpless.

 

GOD wants me to be confident in HIM that HE will draw everyone who belongs to JESUS back to HIM because of their belief. HE chose us before the foundations of the world and is in complete control. I am glad I can let go of situations and remain confident in the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT in my life and many others.

 

Challenge

• What is the concern being raised from the writer?
• Has there ever been a time when you received conflicting information regarding salvation?
• Will you remain confident that JESUS saved you for all eternity and is not mad at you rather is quite pleased with you today?

Shared Power

Shared Power

2 Corinthians 13: This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. “Any accusation must be upheld by the evidence of two or more witnesses”—as the scripture says. ² I want to tell those of you who have sinned in the past, and all the others; I said it before during my second visit to you, but I will say it again now that I am away: the next time I come nobody will escape punishment. ³ You will have all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. When he deals with you, he is not weak; instead, he shows his power among you. ⁴ For even though it was in weakness that he was put to death on the cross, it is by God's power that he lives. In union with him we also are weak; but in our relations with you we shall share God's power in his life.

 

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“Oooo, I’m telling!” were the words of dread from another kid’s mouth. My teasing had turned into vicious put downs, causing him to go and tell on me. Now I was in trouble!

 

• I dreaded having to face consequence.
• I only wanted to be forgiven without needing to endure any penalties.
• I was mad at being told on.

 

Paul clarifies that he doesn’t want twisted stories. Specific sin needed to have two or more witnesses. The sin needed to be clear and not manufactured by one and planted into others. Paul was given the power to cast out demons and do other miraculous things. He shared in the power of JESUS and wanted to be careful when dealing with blatant sin.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave HIS SON to us so we can share in the power that raised HIM from the dead.
• GOD allowed me to be saved and forgiven of all my sins.
• GOD allows other people to bring consequence on me when I blatantly sin against him or her.

 

Forgiveness is wonderful. I mean, all my sins are forgiven?! Wow! BUT GOD doesn’t like sin, not even the smallest. One bite of a piece of fruit took humanity down. That sin doesn’t compare to all the ones I ever committed.

 

GOD does forgive, and HE protects people. HE sees when I do wrong to others and allows consequence to fall on me. I do not like consequence but I understand when GOD wants me corrected. HE also give me the power to restore those who repent. I am glad HE corrects and restores me.

 

Challenge

• Do you feel the writer’s passion?
• What would you do in his situation?
• Do you feel good when someone gets punished?
• Will you seek restoration instead of punishment and allow GOD to own any vengeance today?

Offense Defense

Offense Defense

2 Corinthians 2: ⁵ Now, if anyone has made somebody sad, he has not done it to me but to all of you—in part, at least. (I say this because I do not want to be too hard on him.) ⁶ It is enough that this person has been punished in this way by most of you. ⁷ Now, however, you should forgive him and encourage him, in order to keep him from becoming so sad as to give up completely. ⁸ And so I beg you to let him know that you really do love him. ⁹ I wrote you that letter because I wanted to find out how well you had stood the test and whether you are always ready to obey my instructions. ¹⁰ When you forgive people for what they have done, I forgive them too. For when I forgive—if, indeed, I need to forgive anything—I do it in Christ's presence because of you, ¹¹ in order to keep Satan from getting the upper hand over us; for we know what his plans are.

 

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Seeing the car dart in front of me gave me offense. I couldn’t do anything about it, so I carried that offense down the road. I missed the light I usually made and when I got to the parking lot I could see a car slip into my usual spot. I was offended. In many meetings, people kept saying offensive things like asking for the day off when we had a lot of work to do. Everyone was pretty offensive that day.

 

• I had a day that I wanted to be angry.
• I had a day that I carried one offense to the next.
• I had a day that I was looking for fights and I easily found them.

 

Paul writes about a specific person who offended many. He did not justify the offenders actions, nor did he say the punishment given was too harsh. He did however limit the offense time for a greater purpose. He wants people to forgive to keep the offender from giving up completely after receiving reasonable punishment. Causing people to give up is a plan of Satan.

 

My Observations

• When I get offended, GOD wants me to take a moment to give it to HIM.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to see if it is a tactic of Satan to throw me off my praise.
• When I get offended, GOD wants me to understand that forgiveness is the only way from the bondage of hate to the freedom of love.

 

Love sets me free. I mean, when I set my prayers on the offender, I must realize that I am going to the thrown of GOD. I have two choices; “Hurt my offender” OR “Forgive my offender.” The latter of the two is the choice GOD wants me to make all the time, because HE did the same for me.

 

But this is not easy. It sometimes takes a little time and maturity to forgive. Quite honestly, sometimes it doesn’t happen. BUT GOD understands that too. The more I can forgive, the freer I can be. I am glad GOD can make my days stress free when I let go of offenses. HE also enables me to sleep by not being offended.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the offender in this passage?
• Have you ever messed up so bad that you needed to be forgiven?
• Does your offended state offend others?
• What offenses can you let go of so you can be free as CHRIST has set you free?

Another Path

 

Another Path

Romans 2: ⁶ For God will reward each of us according to what we have done. ⁷ Some people keep on doing good, and seek glory, honor, and immortal life; to them God will give eternal life. ⁸ Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury. ⁹ There will be suffering and pain for all those who do what is evil, for the Jews first and also for the Gentiles. ¹⁰ But God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good, to the Jews first and also to the Gentiles. ¹¹ For God judges everyone by the same standard.

 

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Lying, cheating and stealing wasn’t working. I was still in debt with a broken car, broken relationships and to top it off, I was cleaning toilets for people who seemed to care less about actually having the “waste” go “in” the commode. “There has got to be a better way!” I exclaimed.

 

• There were times when I felt like giving up.
• There were times when I felt that I was even bad at doing wrong.
• There were times when I felt I was on the wrong path, but did not know how to get on a good one.

 

Paul writes about GOD’s two rewards. One will be welcome, the other despised. He then writes about the way to get the rewards. Some people who are already doing what is right in GOD’s eyes, will get the reward that is welcome. Those who reject what GOD says is right will receive the reward that is punishment.

 

• GOD wants me to do what is good according to HIS way.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS glory and honor every day.
• GOD wants me to pursue immortal life based on the belief that JESUS died for my sins.

 

Good versus evil is usually a topic that is scoffed at. I mean some of the nicest people could end up being eternally tormented, simply because they reject JESUS being the Savior who died for mankind and was raised from the dead.

 

On the other hand a sinner like me, who believes in JESUS, will be saved and rewarded, simply by believing. GOD gives me another path that is not so glamorous. It is a path to serve people without being known. I am glad GOD is excited about placing me on HIS path.

 

• Are you on the wrong path and do not know how to get on the right one?
• Is your heart so hard that you cannot surrender your life to GOD, so you stubbornly seek your own path?
• Will you let go of your path and allow GOD to heal you so you can be used for HIS great and marvelous purpose today?

Trying to Lead You

 

Trying to Lead You

Romans 2: Do you, my friend, pass judgment on others? You have no excuse at all, whoever you are. For when you judge others and then do the same things which they do, you condemn yourself. ² We know that God is right when he judges the people who do such things as these. ³ But you, my friend, do those very things for which you pass judgment on others! Do you think you will escape God's judgment? ⁴ Or perhaps you despise his great kindness, tolerance, and patience. Surely you know that God is kind, because he is trying to lead you to repent. ⁵ But you have a hard and stubborn heart, and so you are making your own punishment even greater on the Day when God's anger and righteous judgments will be revealed.

 

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“I hate sneaky, deceptive people!” I said to myself in reference to my boss. He had a habit of snooping around my desk to get new ideas he could steal. I thought of a great plan. I left a terrible idea I heard from someone else on my desk.

 

I would then “hide” around the corner and peek on occasion to see if he took the bait. I wasn’t being sneaky because I was trying to catch him, right? Wrong.

 

• There were times when I justified my judgment of people and did the same things as them.
• There were times when I did worse things than others and needed grace when I was caught.
• There were times when I blamed other people, never once looking at myself.

 

Paul had just written about those who ignore GOD, substituting evil for what GOD says is right. But then he turns to those who call themselves “righteous” by following GOD’s rules. He asks a simple question. “Do you, my friend, pass judgment on others?” He then says, passing judgment on others brings condemnation on yourself.

 

• GOD wants me to turn away from the sins “I” commit.
• GOD wants me to recognize I deserve the judgment.
• GOD wants me to notice HE is trying to lead me to repent and stop doing the things I blame other people of doing.

 

Judging others is not my job. I mean, GOD is the only one who has a heaven and a hell to place those HE chooses. Yes, GOD does want me and other people to stand up for those being harmed. HE also wants me to protect people from those who want to do evil for their pleasure.

 

BUT GOD wants me to examine myself each day to see if I am judging others and acting the same way. HE has given me a generous helping of kindness, tolerance and patience. HE wants me to combat wrong with these wonderful weapons. I am glad GOD cares enough to try to lead me back to HIS ways.

 

• Are you mad at someone?
• Do you think of how wrong “that” person is?
• Do you talk about how wrong “that” person is with your friends or other family members?
• Will you examine your own heart to see if there is hatred, bitterness, anger or resentment in it so you can ask GOD to remove it and replace it with the same love HE has for you today?

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?

Dependence

Dependence

Acts 7: ³⁸ “This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the Angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, the one who received the living oracles to give to us, ³⁹ whom our fathers would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us; as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ ⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets:

‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
⁴³ You also took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of your god Remphan,
Images which you made to worship;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’

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Peering into the grass I saw a dollar, so I gleefully picked it up. “This is my lucky day!” I said. The next day nothing, but days later I found five dollars. Weeks later I found a necklace, combs, and a stick pin. “This is a lucky lawn” I said to myself. Though out of the way, I made a point to pass by daily.

• I used to believe in luck.
• I used to believe in coincidences.
• I used to believe in random circumstances supplied by the “universe.”

Stephen continues to explain what happened to Israel. Though protected, when Moses went to speak with GOD, they forced Aaron to make an idol to worship, like the good old slavery days back in Egypt. They were free yet dependent on a powerless hunk of metal. They were punished for doing so.

• GOD wants me to depend on HIS power alone.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS word to guide me.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIS love, faithfulness and plan for me.

Dependence on GOD does not mean I hold onto a portion of something while HE holds the rest. It means I cannot do something and HE takes care of one hundred percent. Very similar to being in a car with GOD, HE drives without me holding the steering wheel.

GOD wants credit for everything, especially salvation. HIS love is to be recognized and power awed. It is GOD who is my deliverer. I put my trust in HIM alone.

• What are you depending on?
• Do you think you can extend your life one second without GOD?
• Will you give your trust to GOD little by little so one day you will have full confidence in HIS power to bring you out of any circumstance?

Mindset

Luke 15: ¹⁷ “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ¹⁸ I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, ¹⁹ and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’

²⁰ “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. ²¹ And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants,  ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ²³ And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; ²⁴ for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

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“Aw man, am I going to get punished this time!” I thought to myself. I mean I had promised GOD I would not do this particular sin anymore, yet there I was. My mind started racing as I tried to come up with things to say to GOD. “Maybe I’ll start out with, ‘Remember that time I served those people’?” was the practice in my mind.

• There were many times when I thought about GOD as this ‘graceless’ being.
• There were many times when I looked at GOD as being the ‘ultimate punisher.’
• There were many times when I viewed GOD as an ‘unforgiving tyrant.’

JESUS continues with the illustration of the son who left his father to squander everything. The son was now homeless and worse off than before. When he reasoned that even the father’s servants had it better than him, he decided to practice begging, still having a very wrong view of who his father was.

• GOD wants to have a real relationship with me so I can truly see who HE is.
• GOD wants me to change my sinful view of HIM and stop blaming HIM for not doing enough for me.
• GOD wants me to humbly seek HIM, not demand or command HIM to do stuff for me.

Compassion and love are GOD’s strongest qualities to those who love HIS SON. Yes, HE does allow consequence to happen as part of HIS love, but HE forgives me in spite of my actions. HE has already seen all of my sins, so my temporary goodness is always mired with gunk.

JESUS tries to explain the love of the FATHER who sees my heart a long way off. HE can tell when I have truly given my life to HIM rather than doing life “my” way. HIS compassion is great to me.

• What is your view of GOD?
• Do you think HE has left you?
• Will you stop thinking of GOD negatively and ask GOD for compassion and love today?
• Will you allow GOD to be GOD in your life by confessing how much you are trying to control HIM?

Enough is enough

Zechariah 7: ¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the Lord Almighty, ¹⁵ “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. ¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; ¹⁷ do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.

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Being held after school was a strange feeling. The teacher knew my friend and I were nerds, but I just wanted to see what it would be like to be one of the “bad” kids for a change. She didn’t hold us there for very long. In fact when it was nearing the time to let us go, she helped us with the upcoming test!

• There were times that I was punished for my actions.
• There were times that I had to face the consequences of my misdemeanors.
• There were times that I experienced justice and I did not like it.

Being put on the right track was important to this teacher. She told us how disappointed she was in our actions, but showed us the right way to go. GOD does the same to me.

• GOD says to me “I have determined to do good again.”
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD says to me “Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely.”

I actually knew I deserved to be where I was, in detention. I did not beg to be released or to have my sentence shortened. The same goes with GOD. I mean sometimes GOD sees me trying to go down the wrong path and HE allows consequences to flow in my life. Then HE says “Enough is enough!” and stops the disaster.

GOD shows me HIS mercy and puts me on the right path. HE tells me “Now that I have your attention, treat people with truth, sound judgment and plans for good not evil.” GOD hates liars who try to trap people with twisted words and does not want me to go down that path. HE brings me back to HIM and promises to be the “Faithful and Righteous GOD.”

• Are you being punished for something you have done?
• Have you angered GOD?
• Can you stop trying to hide and confess to GOD today?
• Will you say “I deserve what GOD has dished out” instead of trying to squirm out of HIS grasp?
• Will you look forward to HIS mercy and deliverance?