Building Materials

 Building Materials

Revelation 21: ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself was made of pure gold, as clear as glass. ¹⁹ The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation stone was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh yellow quartz, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chalcedony, the eleventh turquoise, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each gate was made from a single pearl. The street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass.

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After following the instructions, I finally finished putting together the furniture. I had to force the shelves to align, but finally got everything to fit. I accidentally spilled some water on an exposed end and the wood began to swell in one spot.

• The furniture was made of particle board which could not withstand water.
• The machining of the furniture was not done well, so I had to force things together.
• The furniture was flimsy and broke easily when it was moved.

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was given the list of materials the city’s foundation was made of. Each foundation stone was a “precious” stone that was probably rarely seen, even in the new earth. The city and streets were made of pure gold as clear as glass. The wall was another precious stone and the gates were made from a single pearl.

My Observations:

• GOD wants us to have something special.
• GOD can create rare things that are precious.
• GOD made you and me and there is no one like us.

Precious things cannot be found everywhere. I mean, when something is rare, it is not only hard to find, it is impossible to replicate. GOD used precious stones for the city that HE made for HIS precious people.

No one is exactly alike. GOD spent time thinking about the building materials of your entire existence. Nothing was a mistake. HE made you and me and was delighted. Your very existence pleases GOD immensely! I am glad GOD thinks of you and me in a precious way!

Challenge

• Why does the writer give this detail?
• Have you ever seen precious stones or something valuable?
• Can you believe that GOD values you as precious to HIM and was excited when HE made you?

New Identity

New Identity

Revelation 2: ¹² “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

 

“This is the message from the one who has the sharp two-edged sword. ¹³ I know where you live, there where Satan has his throne. You are true to me, and you did not abandon your faith in me even during the time when Antipas, my faithful witness, was killed there where Satan lives. ¹⁴ But there are a few things I have against you: there are some among you who follow the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak how to lead the people of Israel into sin by persuading them to eat food that had been offered to idols and to practice sexual immorality. ¹⁵ In the same way you have people among you who follow the teaching of the Nicolaitans. ¹⁶ Now turn from your sins! If you don't, I will come to you soon and fight against those people with the sword that comes out of my mouth.

 

¹⁷ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“To those who win the victory I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone on which is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.

 

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Wanting to fit in, I decided that humor would be my entrance into the in-crowd. I learned how to insult people to make others laugh. But after a while, I was known as a clown and was not taken seriously when I desired it.

 

• I created an identity that I thought was funny, but had an edge of meanness.
• I thought people would gravitate to the identity I created for myself.
• I did not consider the unintended consequences of my hurtful words.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote to believers in Pergamum that all believers can gain wisdom. The warning from JESUS was about being wishy-washy and allowing any philosophy to be spoken and followed. JESUS then warns to turn away from identifying with those who speak against HIM otherwise HE would speak judgment on them.

 

My Observations:

• At some point I had to realize that I am a creation of GOD and I need HIM for everything.
• My identity should clearly point to GOD.
• JESUS will give me a new identity that only HIM and I know.

 

Identifying with JESUS may cause the world to fight instead of joining in. I mean, as soon as I say “JESUS is my LORD and Savior”, the enemy wants to fight against me. Pressures to fit into the world that hates JESUS would grow more intense. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

JESUS wants me to give up my identity so I can say “I belong to HIM.” Instead of making a name for myself, HE wants me to point to HIS name which has all the power. I no longer seek the accolades from the crowd.

 

Challenge

• What following does the writer speak about?
• Have you ever wanted to fit into a group that was possibly against CHRIST?
• Will you seek to identify with CHRIST so HE can use you to being many people back to HIM?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Special Meeting

Special Meeting

Hebrews 2: ¹¹ He purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his family. ¹² He says to God,

“I will tell my people what you have done;
    I will praise you in their meeting.”

¹³ He also says, “I will put my trust in God.” And he also says, “Here I am with the children that God has given me.”

 

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“All meetings should be cancelled” was the message received. Something big must have happened, was the first thing on my mind. There was a major announcement that the entire company had to hear. We all gathered to hear the announcement.

 

• I couldn’t wait to hear what was about to be said.
• I wondered what was going on.
• I had many thoughts, good and bad, run through my mind so I discussed them with others.

 

Paul, the assumed author, writes about a great gathering that will happen someday. This gathering of those who believe in JESUS will have an announcement. JESUS will tell everyone the great things GOD has done. This meeting is also a great presentation, praising GOD for the “children that GOD has given” JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Unimaginable great things are being done by GOD.
• JESUS will need to explain these great things to everyone.
• One day I will value GOD for what and who HE is.

 

Walking through life blindly can be difficult. I mean, it seems like there are difficult decisions that need to be made that require GOD’s intervention daily. It gets tiring. But one day GOD will reveal all that has been done.

 

Those who value GOD for salvation will one day hear what the great plan HE has had for each since before the beginning. Everything done, good or bad, will be revealed in front of everyone and GOD’s grace and mercy will also be revealed. I look forward to the great meeting someday.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer refer to family?
• Have you ever gathered with a group of people to hear some good news?
• Did you celebrate?
• Will you look forward to gathering with those who love JESUS by celebrating HIM today?

Even and Pure

Even and Pure

1 Timothy 5: ²¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the holy angels I solemnly call upon you to obey these instructions without showing any prejudice or favor to anyone in anything you do. ²² Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

 

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Writing ideas on a pad helped me keep track of the things I wanted to come back to. But one day I caught a boss “snooping” around my desk, reading my idea pad. I didn’t say anything and I noticed he mentioned an idea in a meeting. I figured I would get him back by writing absurd ideas that seemed like good ones.

 

• I wasted so much time trying to trip him up that I did not do my job.
• I wanted to keep him and people like him away from me.
• I thought it would be easier to simply meet with likeminded people and share my ideas there and never have to deal with people like him.

 

Paul gives Timothy some sage advice regarding treating people with respect. He knew Timothy would run into people who did not look or act like him. He suggests that Timothy treat everyone “even.” No prejudice and no favor; this way his actions will be without sin or retaliation or deception.

 

My Observations

• In my “mind”, people can do some things that make me want to sin.
• GOD wants me to get control of my “mind” and treat people with HIS love and respect.
• My “mind” is controlled by what is in my heart, so GOD wants me to keep my heart pure.

 

Seeds get planted and grow into trees. The seed of hatred seems to grow faster than the seed of love. My heart is the soil in which the seed can grow. Each seed affects the way I see things. Instead of me asking my snooping boss how I could help him, I tried to hurt him. GOD is the remedy.

 

HE sees people differently than you and me. HE wants “everyone” to be saved and went through great lengths to do so. HE loves, loves, loves the person you may dislike or even hate. HE wants me to treat everyone the same and keep my motives pure. I am glad HE treats me with love.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention GOD and JESUS in his urge?
• Have you ever treated someone one way and treated someone else another way and tried to justify this inconsistent action?
• Will you add pure love to your heart by accepting the HOLY SPIRIT inside so HE can guide your motives to pure love and to treat everyone with the respect GOD wants you to show today?

Arouse the Love

Arouse the Love

! Timothy 1: ³ I want you to stay in Ephesus, just as I urged you when I was on my way to Macedonia. Some people there are teaching false doctrines, and you must order them to stop. ⁴ Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. ⁵ The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith. 

 

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Angered by the driver darting in front of me, I yelled out in fury. “You can’t do that!” was my outburst. But words were not enough. I darted into the next lane, hoping to pass the reckless driver, but traffic did not allow me to “win the prize” of getting in front. I drove angrily the rest of the trip.

 

• I was affected by something out of my control.
• I was easily taken away from peace to rage.
• I wanted to “teach” the driver a lesson, but this lesson had the wrong motive.

 

Paul warns Timothy about those who were practicing false teaching. He sent an order to stop their practice of arguing over lineage. He also told them to focus on faith in JESUS. Lastly, he presents Timothy with purpose.

 

My Observations

• A pure heart can only be provided by GOD when HE dwells inside me.
• A clear conscience can only be obtain when GOD forgives me.
• A genuine faith can only be fostered when it is placed in JESUS.

 

Believing that I am better than someone else because of my ancestors is a lie. I mean, every human is a sinner, so no one is better than the next. JESUS deserves the praise and that should be my focus. HIS love should be aroused in my purpose.

 

HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT who cleanse my heart when I soil it. HE helps me forgive myself when I fail. HE guides me to the truth which is JESUS, upon which I can place my faith. I am glad GOD’s love is aroused towards me and you.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer give the recipient this warning?
• Have you ever wanted to feel superior to someone else?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose for your life and arouse HIS love today?

Urging

Urging

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁰ You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault. ¹¹ You know that we treated each one of you just as parents treat their own children. ¹² We encouraged you, we comforted you, and we kept urging you to live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.

 

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“You should do it!” was the message of the dare. As more people joined in, the dare became more appealing. “I bet you won’t” were the words of the final straw! There was no turning back!

 

• I had to do what people were urging me to do.
• I did not want to be embarrassed so I did it.
• Now that I did it, people urged me to do some other dare that made no sense.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spent a tremendous amount of time with the people of Thessalonica. They made sure their conduct and motives were pure, right and without fault. They were very careful with the people, just like parents are with their children.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat HIS children carefully.
• Encouragement is a gift GOD wants me to give in generous doses.
• Comfort is needed when GOD delivers someone to me who is going through things.

 

Sharing in GOD’s Kingdom is the goal. HE has better stuff, a better place and no worries. HE wants everyone to have a better life. Unfortunately there are times when I think that life can be obtained here on earth. I try to scrape as much money together to pretend I am living a great life. BUT GOD has a better way.

 

HE wants me to live my life with HIS purpose. This means I should govern myself in a way that is pleasing to HIM. Encouragement and comfort should not be held back from anyone, friend or foe. I am glad GOD calls me and you to share in HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• How did the writers treat the people?
• How would you like to be treated?
• Will you seek to share GOD’s kingdom with everyone and live a life that is pleasing to HIM today?

Good Thoughts

Good Thoughts

Philippians 4: ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

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“Would you go with me?” was my fear filled question. I was scared to go in the basement of our house because I thought there was a scary man living down there. Back then we called this “the Boogey Man.” Eventually I could go downstairs by myself, but I needed the lights to be on. Some people tried to “fix” my fear by having me go downstairs. They turned off the lights. I screamed!

 

• My fear was real to me.
• My fear caused me to be unable to go places or do things.
• My fear guided my decision making.

 

Paul attempts to address, fear, anxiety, doubt and worry. He provides a way out of the deep holes negative thinking can cause. Instead of worrying about what will happen in the future, “think on these things.”

 

My Observations

• When I think on true, noble and just things, GOD brings clarity to my thinking.
• When I think on pure, lovely and good report things, GOD pulls me out of temptation that takes me off HIS plan.
• When I think on virtuous and praiseworthy things, GOD fills my heart with thankfulness and gives me HIS peace which will not make senses to anyone around me.

 

Let’s face it, life can be scary. I mean, someone will always have scary news which can fill the mind with fear. This fear , when handled alone, can open the mind to the enemy’s discouraging tactics. Suddenly the words, “You’ll never…” or “You will always…” grow stronger while faith grows weaker. BUT GOD has this covered.

 

HE places great examples of those who have overcome scary situations in the Bible and in my life. HE then reminds me, through the HOLY SPIRIT, of the many times HE has brought me through things. A battle surges and I want to give into negative memories. “Yeah, but remember this negative thing?” GOD says. “I got that.” I am glad HE gives me a way to control my thoughts and place them on HIM.

 

Challenge

• What are the opposite of the things listed by the writer?
• Have you ever had negative thoughts because of a negative report or are afraid to go down a very scary path?
• Will you remember that GOD is with you and has brought you through many circumstances?
• Will you fight your mind and allow GOD to put “good report” thoughts in your mind so you can stay on HIS path today?

Quality or Kindling

Quality or Kindling

1 Corinthians 3: You are also God's building. ¹⁰ Using the gift that God gave me, I did the work of an expert builder and laid the foundation, and someone else is building on it. But each of you must be careful how you build. ¹¹ For God has already placed Jesus Christ as the one and only foundation, and no other foundation can be laid. ¹² Some will use gold or silver or precious stones in building on the foundation; others will use wood or grass or straw. ¹³ And the quality of each person's work will be seen when the Day of Christ exposes it. For on that Day fire will reveal everyone's work; the fire will test it and show its real quality. ¹⁴ If what was built on the foundation survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ But if your work is burnt up, then you will lose it; but you yourself will be saved, as if you had escaped through the fire.

 

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Hearing a polished orator made me feel insignificant. I would hear about their audiences of millions of people and look at my numbers only to hold my head down in shame. I panicked and tried to be like famous people as quickly as I could. I went away from quality and started putting out irrelevant information. The few who I spoke to soon left.

 

• There were many times when I wanted to be seen and heard.
• There were many times when I served people so “I” could get noticed.
• There were many times when I got involved so I could be with the crowd that looked good.

 

Paul uses a different analogy. He switched from plants in a field to that of a building. JESUS CHRIST is the one and only foundation to build anything, Paul explains. Some people use money and others use security or health, but those who truly follow GOD need the right foundation.

 

• GOD wants me to continually question my motives to see if I am speaking about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to know I am susceptible to seeking selfish motives, so I should be careful how I build.
• GOD wants me to seek sincerity when I serve otherwise HE will burn up my work.

 

“Did you see me give?” is a question that could point to a work that may be burned up by GOD. I mean, HE said “Give in secret.” HE also gave guidelines for prayer and fasting. HE just wants me to be sincere when serving HIM. Unfortunately, sin gets in the way and there are times when my motive is not aligned with HIS.

 

GOD forgives me and can tell the difference of when I am being sincere and when my motive is false. I am grateful HE forgives my false motive and loves me enough to serve HIM in Spirit and truth.

 

• Are you trying to impress people to get a large following?
• Do you want to look good in front of people and are not concerned how you look in front of GOD?
• Will you ask GOD to help you sincerely serve HIM and do what HE wants, especially when no one is looking?

It is Tempting

Matthew 4: ⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
    and they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

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“If YOU are GOD then heal my eyes” was my foolish prayer that was met with silence. The thought I had in my mind was to get a quick miracle so I would then dedicate myself back to GOD. Of course the choice was to keep doing what I wanted to do if GOD did not relent.

• There have been times I have put GOD to the test.
• There have been times I have put an “If” statement in front of GOD’s power.
• There have been times I have reduced GOD’s power to what I could “see”.

Tempting GOD to do my bidding is never a good idea. Forcing HIS hand or threatening HIM is the wrong way to serve the ONE who is trying to help me. When I say “If YOU are GOD…” I am really saying “YOU may not be so much of the GOD that YOU say YOU are.”

• GOD says to me “Do not put the LORD your GOD to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Worship the LORD your GOD, and serve HIM only.”

Fortunately for me, GOD knew I was immature and allowed me to rant foolishly. HE gently guided me back to HIS word and had me focus on HIS ways. The tantrum was over and HE allowed me back into HIS family to serve HIM.

One thing I noticed is the devil tried to use GOD’s word against JESUS. HE has been tempted in every way possible. HE empathizes with me and loves me more.

• Are you tempting GOD?
• Do you put false expectations on HIM?
• Will you stop threatening HIM and start serving HIM today?

Do what I say not what you see me do

Titus 1: ¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. ¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

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As I sought power I noticed I became very good at pointing out what another department leader was doing wrong and how our group could “fix” it. This skill of being critical enabled me to peer into the eyes of the “opponent”, discover their weakness and rapidly build a plan to counter their next move. My mind was blind.

• When I practice being disobedient I become very good at it.
• When I perfect being detestable I lose my direction.
• When I prepare for acting evil I forget the good I had in mind when I started my plan.

I heard the road to hell is paved with “good intentions” and I know what those philosophers mean. I thought I could do “more” wonderful things for people the higher I climbed. Truth is the way I sought power was through being opposite of GOD’s style.

• GOD wants my intentions to match my actions.
• GOD desires that I treat “ALL” humans the same and not “side” with one specific group.
• GOD loves when I focus on what HE calls pure, not the cause I am hiding behind to pretend I follow GOD.

So many times I want to tell people to straighten up but I would have to put a caveat on the message to not pay attention to what I’m doing. Don’t pay attention to the slander or the lust or the greed I’m displaying just follow my words. GOD isn’t buying that kind of act. HE doesn’t want people who “talk” about generosity or love or compassion, HE wants people who are.

• Are you talking more than being?
• What would others who are not in your circle say about you?
• Can you use your thoughts and statements about those people on yourself?
• What if GOD used your thoughts and statements as the measure of how HE would judge you?

Seven steps to peace

Philippians: ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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“Why is the sky so grey” and “why is there so much snow” and “why is that person driving so fast” and “who is this salesperson calling me” and “what is this slop they are serving for lunch.” This wintery day came to mind because I remember I had a lot of complaints. 

It seemed like everyone who was going crazy was aimed at me. In fact I think I had a problem with the way GOD was handling the situation that day.

• When I complain I can’t find peace.
• When I see everything that is wrong without seeing what is right I can’t find peace.
• When I set a selfish expectation of GOD I can’t find peace especially when HE acts like HE doesn’t hear me.

My idea of “peace” is a utopia that I dreamed up. It includes all my desires being filled without any consequence for my actions. BUT GOD doesn’t define “getting my way” as peace. In fact it seems quite the opposite.

• When I am falsely accused I can find peace in holding onto the truth.
• When I am tempted to use my gutter mouth I can find peace in using noble language.
• When I see an opportunity to get away with something I can find peace in doing what is right instead.
• When I have foul thought flash in my mind I can find peace in focusing on the pure.
• When I see someone acting ugly I can have peace seeing the person as lovely as GOD sees them.
• When I want to complain I can find peace when I look at what is admirable.
• When I feel like delivering something that isn’t “up to snuff” I can find peace when I am nudged to do it with excellence rather than cutting corners.

GOD is the holder of peace. HE leads me and guides me to much better places when my thinking is on HIM. I can truly find rest.

• What are you fighting about?
• Have you lost your peace?
• Can you stop thinking about negative things for a moment?
• Will you seek peace by thinking positively.