Immeasurable Love

 

Immeasurable Love

1 John 3: See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. ² My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

 

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Teased about my hair, clothes, body size and lack of money, I felt unlovable. There were enough people telling me about what was wrong with me, that soon I wondered if I could ever be “fixed.” “GOD loves you, just as you are” were the words that resonated with me.

 

• I was relieved that I could be loved.
• I did not feel I could be loved until I understood what real love looked like.
• After being rejected by the world, it felt great to be part of a family.

 

John gets excited about telling about GOD’s love. He implies that GOD’s love is so great, that HE can forgive sins and repair broken people by placing them in HIS family. We are then called HIS children.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love is greater than any human love.
• GOD’s love is so great that HE wiped away my sins even though I did nothing to deserve HIS grace.
• GOD’s love is the foundation for human love, because the world’s idea of love is tainted.

 

Measurable love falls short of GOD’s love. I mean, when I say “Remember the time I did…” I am measuring and this falls short of the type of love I really need. GOD’s love is much different. HE saw that I was in trouble and the only way out of my trouble was to die to let me live.

 

JESUS thought nothing of making HIMSELF a human to feel every pain I feel. HE felt the pain of rejection and was murdered, just for me. When HE rose from the dead HE forgave me and adopted me in HIS family., I am glad GOD is not finished with me, but is making me into something great like JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer so excited about?
• Have you ever felt like you do not quite fit in this place or that place?
• Will you accept JESUS as your personal Savior, so you can be adopted into HIS family and experience immeasurable love today?

Difficult Things Explained

Difficult Things Explained

2 Peter 3: ¹⁴ And so, my friends, as you wait for that Day, do your best to be pure and faultless in God's sight and to be at peace with him. ¹⁵ Look on our Lord's patience as the opportunity he is giving you to be saved, just as our dear friend Paul wrote to you, using the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ This is what he says in all his letters when he writes on the subject. There are some difficult things in his letters which ignorant and unstable people explain falsely, as they do with other passages of the Scriptures. So they bring on their own destruction.

 

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Sitting in class I was absolutely perplexed. We hit a point where the professor was explaining, at light speed, the derivation of the heat equation. Many symbols were written that I did not understand. I went to his teachers aid to translate.

 

• I had missed some foundational information that I needed to help me understand this difficult thing.
• I needed help just understanding the basics, let alone the more difficult things.
• There was no way I could explain this difficult thing without some help.

 

Peter continued his explanation of the Day of the LORD. He knew it was a difficult topic to discuss, so he refers to Paul, who wrote many letters on the subject. He then gave a warning that some people who may not have grasped foundational truths, were trying to explain difficult things without “revealed” knowledge.

 

My Observations:

• Scripture was “GOD-breathed” and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
• GOD chose to reveal  truths that, to this day, confound the wisest people.
• The HOLY SPIRIT is willing to guide anyone who seeks understanding of GOD.

 

Talking about the imminent destruction of the world is difficult. I mean, during the last days, there will be groups of people who truly believe humans have the power to stop something GOD said HE would do. Trying to explain that JESUS will return some day to those who do not believe HE would destroy HIS own creation is hard, if not impossible. BUT GOD made a way.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to those who seek HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT works at the pace of the reader, helping explain difficult things so the reader will be comforted. Patience is highlighted versus focusing in on the Day JESUS will return. I am glad GOD gave me a chance to accept HIS SON as my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What difficult thing is the writer pointing out?
• Have you ever run into something difficult that needed explaining?
• Will you ask GOD to reveal the difficult things so HE will strengthen you faith in HIM today?

Strangers and Refugees

Strangers and Refugees

1 Peter 2: ¹¹ I appeal to you, my friends, as strangers and refugees in this world! Do not give in to bodily passions, which are always at war against the soul. ¹² Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

 

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Trying to fit in again, I listened to the crowd. They suggested the type of “fun” I should have by getting people drunk enough to have sex. I thought this was a good idea. My words sounded better when everyone was drunk.

 

• I thought I was having “fun.”
• I felt I was fitting in.
• I did not know I was damaging the way people viewed me and the way GOD viewed me.

 

Peter gives a very stern warning to not give in to bodily passions. He then gives a reason, namely reputation. He knew that people would lie and accuse the followers of JESUS of doing evil. One day they will recognize.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to enjoy life by following HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to have an abundant life by seeking what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to reduce the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life, trading them in for the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control.

 

Following GOD has to be intentional. I mean, when I fall to temptation, I do nothing but harm. I harm myself and possibly others. BUT GOD has a remedy. Follow HIS ways. GOD knows I feel guilty when I fall into sin. HE also knows HIS forgiveness is important.

 

GOD not only forgives me, HE provides a plan that includes a life of actively pursuing people to bring them back to HIM. HE gives me the right words at the right time. I am grateful GOD is willing to guide me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer sound so serious?
• Have you ever desired to do something that your heart is telling you “this is wrong?”
• Will you seek GOD and ask HIM to reveal the awesome plan HE has for you today?

Un-trapped

Un-trapped

James 1: ¹² Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

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Having a mountain of homework made me a bit nervous. But seeing the naked girls had me distracted the rest of the day. The boys locker room was connected to the girls locker room by a double wooden door. Some smart-aleck fashioned a hole between the doors from which we could see. Taking turns, we ogled and commented.

 

• I had work to do, but I could not do it because I was distracted.
• Instead of thinking of solutions for the work I was supposed to be doing I dreamed of ways to beat they guys and get in front of the line.
• My mind was trapped and I got caught by a teacher because I did not notice him standing behind me.

 

James gets rid of the blame game humans play with GOD. He mentions that during difficult times, humans have a tendency towards sin. He tried his best to paint a picture of how acting on our own temptation can cause us to justify our own sin which leaves us trapped.

 

My Observations:

• Temptation comes from the enemy to take me off the path of solutions for GOD.
• Remaining focused to what GOD wants me to do helps me stay out of the traps of my own desires.
• GOD does not tempt me BUT HE does guide me back to HIM if and when I fall.

 

Temptations can be tough. I mean, food, gambling, hoarding, substance and sex are all sticky temptations humans can fall into. When stressful times arise, the temptation can rear its head as a temporary solution. Unfortunately this only brings on more pain and problems. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS provides a different path. HE not only saved me from the consequences of sin, which is death; he also gave me things to think on to pursue HIS Kingdom. When my mind is focused on what HE wants me to do, I can reduce the pressure of the trial and focus on GOD’s voice. I am glad GOD forgives me when I fall and is willing to pick me up and place me on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain temptation?
• Have you ever been under pressure and done something regretful?
• Will you take the pressure off yourself by knowing JESUS forgives you if you fall to temptation, so you can hear HIS love enough to choose HIS path versus sin next time?

Dirty Hands, Dirty Feet

Dirty Hands, Dirty Feet

Hebrews 10: ¹⁹ We have, then, my friends, complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place by means of the death of Jesus. ²⁰ He opened for us a new way, a living way, through the curtain—that is, through his own body. ²¹ We have a great priest in charge of the house of God. ²² So let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, with hearts that have been purified from a guilty conscience and with bodies washed with clean water. ²³ Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. ²⁴ Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. ²⁵ Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

 

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After playing outside, a neighbor invited us into their house. It was a strange invitation, because we really had never been inside this particular home. “Take off your shoes” was the first statement. “Sit on the plastic covered furniture” was the next statement. The walls were white and so wase the carpet.

 

• I felt like I was dirty.
• I felt uneasy being around something clean while I was dirty.
• I felt I could not touch anything or do anything because I would make the clean stuff dirty.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone that, through JESUS, there is “complete freedom to go into the Most Holy Place.” This is the sanctuary of GOD and no sin is allowed. He implies that we have freedom to walk around because JESUS made us clean.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is holy enough to clean me up to be in HIS presence.
• JESUS died for my sins so I could become holy enough to into into the Most Holy Place.
• Since I am in the Most Holy Place, GOD wants me to use it well.

 

Bam, “you are clean, now what?”” is the tone of the message. I mean, as dirty as I have been, JESUS cleaned me up. I don’t even know the areas I am dirty. HE sees my entire being and cleans areas of me that would not be allowed to enter into the Holy Place.

 

I can now come near to GOD with a purified heart, clean body, firm hope concern for others and a desire to meet with others. The HOLY SPIRIT provides the ability to do go and show love. I am glad GOD allows me to be cleaned of all unrighteousness.

 

Challenge

• What is “The Most Holy Place” the writer speaks about?
• Have you ever felt that you have sinned too much to be loved and forgiven by GOD?
• Has someone made you feel less than clean?
• Will you turn your life to JESUS so HE can truly cleanse you and give you access to GOD who has great things planned for you today? 

Purified Conscience

Purified Conscience

Hebrews 9: ¹¹ But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. ¹² When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. ¹³ The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. ¹⁴ Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

 

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Wanting to serve the LORD was met with “Look at all the sinning you have been doing.” This battle was in my head and in my heart. I was trying to return to the LORD, but I felt my sins were too great.

 

• I did not feel “good” enough to serve the LORD.
• I did not feel “worthy” to serve the LORD in any way.
• I did not feel “secure” enough to know I am a sinner who is saved, therefore I let “my” sin get in the way.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives everyone some great news. “CHRIST has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here.” He then goes on to explain how JESUS was the perfect sacrifice, unlike “useless rituals” that would temporarily cleanse until the person sinned again.

 

My Observations:

• The Good News about JESUS has to remain “Good News” without the need for trying so hard.
• JESUS died for my sins and that makes my relationship with HIM permanent.
• By adding “useless rituals” onto JESUS’ death burial and resurrection, I am enslaving myself rather than being freed.

 

Feeling “not good enough” to serve the LORD is a major problem. I mean, believing that JESUS forgave me of all my sins should be enough, but sometimes I think there should be more. Perhaps I did something to make GOD mad or perhaps I said or did something wrong are the false thoughts that run through my mind. BUT GOD knows about this too.

 

HE took into account the fact that I would doubt HIS power to save me ultimately. HE knew I would try to jump in and start doing stuff to “prove” my worthiness to HIM. JESUS died for my doubt and for my trying to take control from HIM. HIS resurrection clears my conscience, knowing I am a sinner who serves the living GOD. I am glad JESUS took care of it “all!”

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use the words “useless rituals?”
• Have you ever felt not good enough to serve GOD or to ask HIM for something?
• Will you consider that you are being lied to and that JESUS was raised from the dead and that is all you and I need for a perfect relationship that is full of power and authority because JESUS has it today?

Outward Appearance

 

Outward Appearance

Hebrews 9: ⁶ This is how those things have been arranged. The priests go into the outer tent every day to perform their duties, ⁷ but only the high priest goes into the inner tent, and he does so only once a year. He takes with him blood which he offers to God on behalf of himself and for the sins which the people have committed without knowing they were sinning. ⁸ The Holy Spirit clearly teaches from all these arrangements that the way into the Most Holy Place has not yet been opened as long as the outer tent still stands. ⁹ This is a symbol which points to the present time. It means that the offerings and animal sacrifices presented to God cannot make the worshiper's heart perfect, ¹⁰ since they have to do only with food, drink, and various purification ceremonies. These are all outward rules, which apply only until the time when God will establish the new order.

 

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“You’re too skinny” were the cutting words I did not like. “Your hair is nappy” and “Your glasses look like professor glasses.”  At the time I felt I could do nothing about my appearance, but really wanted to change.

 

• I found myself insecure about my appearance.
• I wished that people would have looked on the inside instead of focusing on the outside.
• I thought that if I focused on the outer appearance, then maybe people would investigate the inner me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer,  discussed the “outer” and “inner” tents that were used by priests and the high priest for sin offerings. Special rituals were performed to atone for sin, but this atonement was temporary. They could never truly cleanse the heart.

 

My Observations:

• Following the Law temporarily gives me relief from the enemy, but following GOD gives me eternal relief.
• Trying to do what the Law says makes me look good in front of people, BUT GOD knows my inner heart and is the only one who can cleanse it.
• JESUS became the sin offering for me and the HOLY SPIRIT dwells in me to protect the inner sanctuary.

 

Trying to be perfect only appeals to the outer appearance. I mean, when I try to look good in front o everyone, yet I carry sin that he or she does not know about, my righteous appearance carries an odor of stench to the LORD. BUT GOD has a way to cleanse me.

 

Through JESUS, I am cleansed. HE does not look at my outer appearance, rather searches deep in my heart. HE then sends the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell in me and cleanse me of all my sins. HE even protects the inner sanctuary from the enemy. I am glad I do not have to look good to GOD for HIM to love me.

 

Challenge

• What futility is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever tried to be “good” or look “good” in front of people?
• If you are focused on your outer appearance, will you begin to ask GOD to cleanse your inner appearance that is naked before HIM anyway?

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?

Control Lessons

Control Lessons

1 Thessalonians 4: ³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 

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Stumbling onto a magazine filled with nudity, something inside me caught fire. “This is great!” I thought to myself. I told a friend what I saw and he got excited! His parents had a subscription channel, way back in the day, that sent a somewhat scrambled signal, but you could still make out the distorted images. It was “R” rated and we celebrated the brief moments of nudity.

 

• I did not want to control myself.
• Something inside me wanted to see the real thing.
• When I saw the real thing, I wanted to see and do more and more.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy gave some difficult news to a group of people who may have been exposed to sex in ways that were not pleasing to the LORD. They do not condemn the people, rather urge the to “learn to control” themselves. This control would help in GOD’s calling.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s calling on my life includes self-control.
• The LORD is the one who sees what I do in secret.
• GOD gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and wants me to feed HIM with things that are pleasing to HIM.

 

Self-control is a learned skill. I mean, when I really, really like something that is not good for me, I need specific ways to reduce or avoid that thing. Whether it be food, drugs or sex, addictions can be difficult to stop. BUT GOD provides help.

 

HE does not want me to fail, rather HE provides ways to help me live a life that is pure and holy for HIM. HE guides me away from harmful things that cause insatiable desires and focuses my attention on HIM. I am glad GOD is the one who provides a way.

 

Challenge

• What is the will of GOD the writers spoke of?
• Have you ever gotten into a crowd that said “It is okay” to do what you are doing, yet something inside you says it is not?
• Will you ask GOD for self-control so HE can guide you to live a life that is pleasing and purposeful from HIM today?

Friend for Purpose

Friend for Purpose

Colossians 1: ²¹ At one time you were far away from God and were his enemies because of the evil things you did and thought. ²² But now, by means of the physical death of his Son, God has made you his friends, in order to bring you, holy, pure, and faultless, into his presence.

 

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Desiring to move up in the company, I asked a bold statement. “What is wrong with how I do things?” Fortunately I asked the right person and soon I was surrounded by a few mentors who could nudge my decision making from a “doer” role into a “leader.” The transition was difficult.

 

• I wasn’t even thinking like a leader.
• I thought I was supposed to tell people what to do and they would do it.
• I was far from a “leader” because my thoughts were not on the same track as theirs.

 

Paul makes it clear that everyone’s thoughts and actions were far from GOD. Constant thought of evil and actions that were not of GOD, made everyone HIS enemy. BUT GOD had a remedy. HE made up with HIS creation through HIS SON.

 

My Observations

• My thoughts and actions were far away from GOD.
• By believing in JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection, I can learn a new way of thinking that is not on self.
• My past, present and future sins are all forgiven only because of what GOD did.

 

GOD made up with HIS creation on purpose. If HE did not do what HE did, we would all be lost. HE made a way for us to be holy, pure and faultless so we can be in HIS presence. HE cannot stand even the slightest sin, and needed a way to make us clean. JESUS is that way.

 

When JESUS volunteered to die for the sins of humanity, I can’t imagine the pain of GOD. But somehow, it was accepted and the deed was done. We became friends on purpose so was could have a relationship with GOD that is everlasting. I am glad GOD made me HIS friend.

 

Challenge

• Do you see yourself in the writer’s words?
• Have you ever thought that your sin is too large or repetitious for GOD to forgive?
• Will you praise GOD for what HE has done so HE can be your friend, guiding you into holiness, purity and faultlessness today?

Repairing Self-Destruction

2 Corinthians 7:1 All these promises are made to us, my dear friends. So then, let us purify ourselves from everything that makes body or soul unclean, and let us be completely holy by living in awe of God.

 

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Feeling like a failure, I needed some “fun.” With a mountain of debt, a broken down car, kicked out of school again and being dumped, I wanted to feel good for a moment. I went to a convention and there were wild parties everywhere. But for some reason, I could not get into it this particular time.

 

• I thought I could relieve myself if I did some things that I could hide.
• I felt like I was already low, so sinning wouldn’t make me any lower.
• I wondered if there was an alternative to the self-destructive path I was on.

 

Paul speaks softly regarding purity. He doesn’t rant or yell, rather tries to convince everyone that JESUS made promises that were everlasting. These eternal promises should be recognized, but sin blinds us to that well deserved recognition. Paul give a better way of looking at purity. Be in awe of GOD.

 

My Observations

• JESUS did an amazing thing by volunteering to die and be raised from the dead, just for me.
• GOD’s mercy is amazing because HE sees the sin I hold onto tightly and still forgives me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT amazingly lives in my body, seeing every thought and action and pleads on my behalf for forgiveness.

 

“Stop sinning” is easy to say when everything is going right. I mean, when the world seems to be falling apart, sin seems to knock on the door of my heart with its grimy hands at my most vulnerable time. BUT GOD sees all and loves me when I’m low.

 

HE understands every situation and cleanses me of all unrighteousness when I ask. But what if I ask and sin again? HE forgives me and cleanses me over and over and over and over and over again. He fills me with another chance each day and gives me a better path to walk on. I am in awe that GOD’s grace “is” sufficient.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer limit the boundaries of purity?
• Is there any difference between using slanderous words and sexual sin?
• What do you notice about the individual walk implied in this passage?
• Will you remain in awe of GOD’s forgiveness and allow HIM to cleanses you of all unrighteousness today and again tomorrow?

Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

2 Corinthians 6: ³ We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so we try not to put obstacles in anyone's way. ⁴ Instead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties. ⁵ We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food. ⁶ By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants—by the Holy Spirit, by our true love, ⁷ by our message of truth, and by the power of God. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

 

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Tired of bullies and being a goody, goody, I decided to get into body building. This way I could be attractive and be ready to fight. The bigger I got, the more I realized there was always a bully who was bigger and stronger than me. I was preparing to fight the wrong battle.

 

• I wanted to overcome frustrations by venting or fighting.
• I wanted to fulfil my lusts.
• I wanted to be seen as a strong leader based on the world’s definition.

 

Paul describes a life that is less desirable to many. It is a life dedicated to GOD’s service. He mentions that he was beaten, jailed, mobbed, sleepless and starving all for the sake of being a servant of GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to patiently endure troubles, hardships and difficulties.
• GOD wants me to focus on purity, knowledge, patience and kindness to be HIS example.
• GOD wants me to show the love of the HOLY SPIRIT with the message of truth.

 

Being a pushover is not where GOD wants me. I mean, HE doesn’t want me gullible or unwise. HE knows the ways of the world require that I understand it, but not follow it. GOD’s kingdom is the only kingdom worth building.

 

HE loves when I surrender parts of my life solely for HIS purpose. HE then gives me HIS righteousness to attack injustice with peace and fight bullying, whether passive or overt, with love and truth. I gladly take on being a servant of GOD so HE may bring many back to HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever viewed your hardship, difficulty or trouble as the ministry GOD wants you to use as your ministry?
• What do you notice about what the writer went through?
• As a child, were you ever scared to do something so you asked an adult to help you?
• Will you be that adult to someone and share how GOD is keeping your trial today?

Dare to Be Abnormal

 Dare to Be Abnormal

1 Corinthians 6: ¹⁸ Avoid immorality. Any other sin a man commits does not affect his body; but the man who is guilty of sexual immorality sins against his own body. ¹⁹ Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves but to God; ²⁰ he bought you for a price. So use your bodies for God's glory.

 

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Trying to follow the “rules” became harder and harder when others were bending them or had abandoned them all together. Sex and how it is supposed to be performed is one of those rules that raises debates all the way up to law makers. I had decided not to look at porn or have sex outside of marriage. This also meant removing sexual TV shows. People thought I was acting extreme. I sat in my apartment, alone.

 

• When I gave into what “everyone else” was doing, I seemed to fit in.
• When I stopped doing what “everyone else” was doing, I was looked at like I was strange.
• When I told people I wanted to follow GOD’s rules I was treated like something was wrong with me.

 

Paul tried to change how we value sex. He attempted to raise it from being cheap and tawdry to its proper use. He doesn’t explain sex, rather the sin. He tried to educate everyone that the HOLY SPIRIT lives inside us, so we are supposed to care and feed HIM with the things HE desires.

 

• GOD wants me to avoid immorality.
• GOD wants me to know that my body is the temple of the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to use my body for HIS glory.

 

When I invite something into my mind, I affect the HOLY SPIRIT positively or negatively. I mean, when I lust, I am the one waging war against the HOLY SPIRIT who wants me to love instead. GOD wants me to surrender the war. But society may scoff at this.

 

So what is the answer to the scoff. Avoiding immorality these days will make me unpopular and seemingly weird. I am grateful GOD has forgiven me for my sexual sins and appreciates when I follow HIS rules.

 

• Are you fighting GOD with your views on sex?
• Do you think you can do things your way and remain pleasing to HIM?
• Will you reduce your habits, little by little, knowing each time you do, GOD is pleased with you?
• Will you also focus your mind on serving GOD and feeding the HOLY SPIRIT, who lives inside you, today?

Body Parts

Body Parts

1 Corinthians 6: ¹⁵ You know that your bodies are parts of the body of Christ. Shall I take a part of Christ's body and make it part of the body of a prostitute? Impossible! ¹⁶ Or perhaps you don't know that the man who joins his body to a prostitute becomes physically one with her? The scripture says quite plainly, “The two will become one body.” ¹⁷ But he who joins himself to the Lord becomes spiritually one with him.

 

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“Look at that ‘insert body part’ on her” we said in an ogling fashion. Our focus was on the physical appearance. This lit the fire inside me to stop searching for GOD inside each person and settle for fulfilling my lusts.

 

• There have been times when I settled for looking at body parts.
• There have been times when I treated GOD’s children as common “things” to be used by me.
• There have been times when I wanted to misuse a part of CHRIST’s body for “my” own purposes.

 

Paul explains that my body is part of CHRIST’s body. In other words, the total number of people who believe in JESUS make up a single “body” under CHRIST. We are “spiritually one” with HIM. Paul also appeals to everyone to rethink how our physical bodies are to be used as a sacrifice to serve JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to search for HIS SPIRIT in each person.
• GOD wants me to see beyond the physical and remain spiritually connected to HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat HIS body as holy.

 

Downplaying how GOD sees sex does not make my sentence any lighter. Sin is still sin. If I think in a way that is not repentant, then maybe I need to rethink my relationship with JESUS. Am I just mouthing the words or living them?

 

GOD is very serious about bringing all people back to HIM so they can be saved. When I ogle over one, I may be part of the problem and cause others to fall away from HIM. The hidden or overt lust will be seen by onlookers. I am grateful GOD does provide grace and opens my eyes to HIS children.

 

• Are you ogling over someone’s body parts?
• Do you mistreat the body of CHRIST and think there will be no repercussion?
• Will you seek GOD’s kingdom first and look for the need for salvation in “that” person instead of fulfilling your lusts today?

Joy Connection

Joy Connection

John 15: ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

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During the aquarium school trip, I encountered a machine that made wax figurines. I was given an allowance but did not have enough. I had a talent for finding abandoned coins so I looked around.

I did find enough money to purchase my trophy. I was happy. I guarded it all the way home. After playing with it outside, I came in, leaving it on the grass. My neighbor’s dog ate it. I was not happy about that!

• Over the years I have lost a lot of trophies.
• Over the years I have had things that have broken.
• Over the years I have had  stuff stolen from me, lost stuff or missed out on getting stuff.

JESUS wanted HIS disciples to be whole. HE knew the things of this world would result in disappointment and sorrow. Not having enough would inspire a pursuit of getting more. BUT HE had another plan.

• GOD wants me to have joy even when I am not happy.
• GOD wants me to be filled with HIS joy even when things seem to go wrong.
• GOD wants me to have joy so I can overcome any issue that I face.

Joy is very different than happiness. Joy is permanent, whereas happiness is temporary and sometimes fleeting. The joy of CHRIST is to bring back those who have lost their way to HIM. HE wants me to show HIS love. But why were people lost in the first place?

One being decided he would be GOD. This being was thrown out of heaven to this world. After tempting the first human to sin, in an effort to destroy GOD’s prize, he thought he had won. All humans were lost. BUT JESUS lived a sinless life and took the punishment for humans. My fight is no longer against GOD. I have joy for HIS salvation!

• Are you sad, lonely and depressed?
• Does your outlook on life look bad?
• Will you seek the joy of JESUS to get through the unhappy times?

Stumbling

Matthew 18: ⁶ “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. ⁷ Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! ⁸ If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. ⁹ And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

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Sexual purity was the last thing on my mind when I was hanging out at the clubs. Admiration turned into action as I sought after short term fulfillment. The problem was the next day. Riddled with guilt and shame I did not feel like I had followed CHRIST and I’m sure I could not talk to my lustful companion about HIM.

• There were times I have been controlled by lust.
• There have been times when I said, “I deserve a little sin.”
• There were times I caused people to stumble.

Dragging someone into my mess is a real problem to GOD. Not only am I harming me, I am harming someone else. GOD wanted my behavior to change.

• GOD said to me “I want your mind, body and soul.”
• GOD said to me “I want you to keep the temple I have given you pure and clean.”
• GOD said to me “Watch carefully what you put in your heart.”

The passage doesn’t just talk about sexual purity. It speaks about character. If I am stealing, lying, cheating, complaining or threatening, I may have caused myself and others to stumble in their faith. GOD wants me to speak and act with HIS motives so others can be drawn to HIM.

• Are you building people up or tearing them down?
• Are you fulfilling your lusts and causing yourself and others to stumble?
• Can you stop focusing on yourself for a moment and focus on others long enough to tell them about JESUS?

Going Through the Fire

Zechariah 13: ⁹ This third I will put into the fire;
    I will refine them like silver
    and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
    and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
    and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’

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What a year! I mean I have seen so much happen and many days I spent on my knees praying. I can truly say “The LORD is our GOD!”

• GOD takes me through fire in order to refine me.
• GOD takes me through fire in order to test me.
• GOD takes me through fire in order to burn away the impurities.

I can understand these words when the writer thanks GOD for various trials, because they make me stronger and stronger. GOD’s test never feels good. I squirm and ask “Can the test be over now?” BUT GOD has a much better plan. HE holds me in the fire a little longer until HE can see the gold of HIS fruit shining through.

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?

Get off the sex boat

Romans 1: ²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ²⁵ They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

 ²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ²⁷ In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

 ²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

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Alcohol, teenage years and dorm rooms are not a good mix for sexual purity. I can attest to this because I fell in the grips of this specific sin. Amongst the guys it seemed like some sort of contest or a conquest of women and the institution was no help as they passed out bags of contraceptives. I guess sexual purity wasn’t so important, right? Wrong!

• To GOD sex is pure to Satan sex is wild.
• To GOD sex is reserved for marriage between a man and women to Satan it’s “anything goes.”
• To GOD sex is special to Satan sex is common.

I tried to justify my actions by having a “girlfriend.” I mean maybe I was going to marry this one or that one but that doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to following GOD. HE wants me to have pure thoughts, deeds and actions which include controlling sexuality.

• When I follow GOD’s plan sex is special between me and my wife.
• When I follow GOD’s plan sex is a gift not a sensual pleasure.
• When I follow GOD’s plan sex is not considered filthy and HE will keep me focused on HIS will.

GOD will allow my mind to become as depraved as I want it to be which is quite surprising. The more I disobey HIM, the more HE will “help” me disobey HIM. After a while I would find myself in a place where my witness was no longer real or accepted. There is something special about sex to GOD and Satan knows it. Maybe that’s why sex is Satan’s biggest assault on GOD’s people.

• Are you following GOD’s “sexual” plan for you?
• Are you deep into sensuality and sexuality and feel you cannot change your lifestyle?
• Do you think pornography or a gay lifestyle or adultery or even “flirting” is alright with GOD?
• GOD is forgiving to anyone for any sin, won’t you give your sexuality over to HIM?

Watch your mouth!

Matthew 15: ¹⁰ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

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Anatomy was the favorite topic of the guys. You would think they were doctors by their bold description of a woman’s body. Some of their jokes became funny to me and soon I joined in on the humor.

After a while I could weave together a tapestry of obscenities that would make a pig blush. I was the center of attention and GOD didn’t like it!

• When my heart has evil in it, my mouth will soon follow.
• When my heart has evil in it, my words will be filthy.
• When my heart has evil in it, my actions will match my words.

Fitting in or following GOD is always the difficult choice. I chose to fit in and wound up on a very lonely road.  When problems arose, the crowd left because I hadn’t served anyone but myself.  How did I get here?

• GOD says plant “whatever is true” in my heart and I will have great results.
• GOD says plant “whatever is noble: in my heart and I will always take the high road.
• GOD says plant “whatever is right” in my heart and my lips will not house lies.
• GOD says plant “whatever is pure” in my heart and my words will honestly be clean.

If garbage goes in my eyes and ears, then that’s what comes out.  The more I hang around the wrong conversations, the more I spit out the filth and poison I’ve planted in my heart. I’ll try to justify by saying all people sin, but GOD wants more. HE wants me to clean up my act and follow HIS ways.

• Are your words filthy?
• Do your words have a touch of poison in them towards “that” person?
• How many times have you complained today?
• Can you stay away from the gossipy, lustful, greedy, complain filled poisonous conversations today?
• Will you speak about GOD’s greatness instead?