Ready for Soon

Ready for Soon

Revelation 22: ⁶ Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.”

⁷ “Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

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Waiting on the bus in the cold seemed like a bad idea to me. We were on the corner of a fast food restaurant. I heard someone say “The bus is coming soon.” But I figured I would go inside the restaurant to warm up. I got distracted and was not looking as attentively. The bus came and went and I was left waiting.

 

• I did not believe I would miss the bus.
• I figured that I had been miserable long enough, so I took matters in my own hands.
• I made a mistake by looking for temporary comfort when I should have remained ready.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard directly from HIM. “Listen!” JESUS said with urgency. “I AM coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS said HE will return soon so I should act like it could be any day now.
• JESUS said to obey the prophecies shown to John which should change my actions.
• JESUS wants me to have a blessing, so HE told all of us what HE is going to do.

 

Hatred makes me not ready. I mean, when I am busy hating other people, I miss the bus of serving GOD’s people with love. I may get distracted by trying to prove his or her wrong, justifying my sinful activity. BUT GOD wants me ready.

 

But what does ready look like? Ready means believing that I need a Savior to confess my sins to. HE will then give me the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me, to guide me to serve those HE is seeking to redeem. I look forward to JESUS return, but until then I will serve those HE sends me to or sends to me.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the angel said “These words are true and can be trusted” to the writer?
• Have you ever missed out on something because you stopped waiting?
• Will you refocus your thinking so you can remain ready for CHRIST by serving those HE is seeking to redeem?

Ready At All Times

Ready At All Times

1 Peter 3: Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, ¹⁶ but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. 

 

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Furious at the people who “attacked” me at work, I thought of ways to fight back. A thought crossed my mind to ask GOD to beat my enemies up. I had the justification because the attack was unprovoked.

 

• All I could think about was “getting even.”
• My performance started slipping because I wanted to fight.
• I lost sleep due to thinking of the actions of other people.

 

Peter provided some necessary words to those who were being chased by their religious leaders who wanted to kill them because of their belief in CHRIST. Petr suggested that they “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience.

 

My Observations:

• Thinking of evil retaliation can grow hatred and bitterness in my heart.
• Getting back at someone makes me “not ready” to explain the Gospel.
• Practicing GOD’s love and peace makes me “ready to answer” questions about HIS love.

 

Retaliation is not my job, BUT GOD’s. I mean, HE said “Vengeance is min, I will repay.” When HE used these words, HE did not include me in the “how” part of the method of repaying. So where does that leave me?

 

HE want my heart to “be ready” to show HIS love. HE desires that I explain the love of HIS SON in a non-combative respectful way. This way I can keep my conscience clear and let go of any hatred that may be growing in my heart. I am glad GOD gives me a way to let go of bitterness and to “be ready” when HE sends someone to me.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever had a chance to show peace but you lost your patience and showed frustration or complaints?
• Would you listen to the Gospel from someone who is complaining or combative?
• Will you consider walking more in peace so you can “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness and respect today?

Not Afraid of Anyone

Not Afraid of Anyone

1 Peter 3: ¹³ Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. ¹⁵ But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,

 

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Afraid of bullies, I planned my route to school. I could avoid specific people if I went down certain blocks. But as I grew up, I was more confident to tell one of them about CHRIST. “Would you send out a message of faith-based encouragement?” was the question posed to me later in life. “No” was the answer. In the back of my mind I wondered “What would the higher ups, who don’t believe in GOD, think?”

 

• I was afraid to show my relationship with CHRIST because I wanted a title.
• I was trying to keep powerful bullies, who eventually lost their positions, pleased so I could get ahead.
• I was willing to hide my relationship with CHRIST to appease people who could care less about GOD.

 

Peter attempted to give encouragement to those “Chosen” believers who were scattered to many countries because of their belief in JESUS. They were ousted and sought after to be killed because of their belief. He tells all believers to “be ready.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to not be ashamed of my relationship with JESUS.
• Overcoming fear of relating to JESUS was a huge hurdle I needed to cross so I could be honest in what I do.
• Being ready to explain hope should be top of mind each day.

 

Perception is a friend or a foe. I mean, trying to be one way in front of people to please them when I should be bold for JESUS causes me to live in an unfruitful way. But the problem is when I try to be bold for CHRIST, worldly people get mad and may even try to harm me.

 

GOD sees all situations and rewards me when I am bold for HIM. HE doesn’t put me in bad situations all the time. HE simply wants me to “do what is good” so people who do not believe in JESUS, will ask. “why do you have so much hope?” I gladly am ready with an answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer urge the readers to “be ready?”
• Has anyone approached you about hope?
• Have you lost hope and are not showing the light and salt GOD has given you?
• Will you ask GOD for that bold hope that brings people back to HIM so you can be used for HIS purpose today?

Ready for Action

Ready for Action

1 Peter 1: ¹³ So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴ Be obedient to God, and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were still ignorant. ¹⁵ Instead, be holy in all that you do, just as God who called you is holy. ¹⁶ The scripture says, “Be holy because I am holy.”

 

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Feeling that I needed some “relief” from the pressures of work, I decided to go to the party. After that decision, I decided to do other things that wound up being more distractions from life. When I woke up on Monday, I realized, I had not studied at all for the quiz.

 

• I was not ready.
• I blamed the quiz on not being ready.
• I felt worse because I was not ready and now I had more pressure that required “relief.”

 

Peter tried to get everyone off a vicious cycle of not being ready. He provides a path of “readiness” that includes hope, blessing, obedience and holiness. These actions will provide rewards from CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• Sin distracts me away from the peace of GOD, and I start to lose hope
• Disobedience causes me to challenge GOD which in turn blinds me from HIS blessings.
• Various desires stay top of mind, causing me to remain ignorant of who GOD really is.

 

Spiritual blindness and deafness are the result of not listening to GOD. I mean, when I go too long doing things “my” way, I stop listening to GOD, who has a better way. HE allows me to commit as many sins as I would like. HE warns me of the consequences and is just to bring judgment on me if I disobey. BUT GOD has grace that I do not understand.

 

HE gives me a better path that I can follow. JESUS lived a perfect life. HE is my example. HE lived in “holiness” and suggests that I do the same. The enemy wants me to act contrary to JESUS. I am glad HE gave me many examples of how to live an abundant life.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the mind?
• Have you ever thought of a plan to give yourself pleasure or “relief” from the pressures of this world?
• Have you considered that not every plan you think of is good for you?
• Will you consider placing all of you plans, thoughts and desires before the LORD and allow HIM to guide you to a better path today?

 

Readiness

 

Readiness

Ephesians 6: ¹⁴ So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, ¹⁵ and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.

 

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“Where is the rest of the presentation?” was the question that caught me by surprise. A senior leader was practicing and my part was incomplete. I had to make up something to keep the situation from boiling over. I blamed it on the technology and said I will try to “recover” it soon.

 

• I was not ready with the truth.
• I was not ready with what I was supposed to be doing.
• I was not ready to take on responsibility and I flew by the seat of my pants.

 

“Stand ready” were the words of inspiration Paul gave everyone. Life had become hard for many, and people were getting discouraged. They turned to exaggerations, faking it until they made it and would no longer speak about JESUS, rather their own pursuits.

 

My Observations

• Life’s situations can take me away from GOD’s truth when I am not ready.
• I will turn to ways that are unrighteous unless I get ready.
• My own pursuits, desires and dreams can keep me too busy to open my mouth for the “Good News of peace.”

 

“Stand ready” means I have gotten into a position where I am ready. I mean, I needed to have already changed my mind to serve GOD before life’s storms hit. When life comes at me, then I can “Stand ready” versus falling down.

 

GOD wants me to stay away from the world’s manipulations so I can accept HIS righteousness, and so HE can put me in places where I can speak the “Good News of peace.” I am glad GOD puts me on HIS path to “Stand Ready” versus getting ready someday.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means by “readiness?”
• Is there another path to self-preservation in this passage?
• Will you protect yourself against life’s challenges by becoming more prepared to speak about the “Good News of peace” which is the salvation through belief in JESUS today?

No Obligation

No Obligation

2 Corinthians 9: ⁴ However, if the people from Macedonia should come with me and find out that you are not ready, how ashamed we would be—not to speak of your shame—for feeling so sure of you! ⁵ So I thought it was necessary to urge these believers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to.

 

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“Aw, do I have to?” were my words of discontent to an uncomfortable request that would fill a need but require me to stop doing my leisure activities for the moment. “Yes, you have to” was the reply.

 

• I was mad the rest of the time after meeting the need.
• I did the task but not with my heart.
• I could not enjoy my leisure after I finished the task.

 

Paul continues to speak about the excitement he had over those who volunteered their time and treasures to help other people. Some people had pledged their help, and now it was time to act on that pledge. Some were sent ahead to make sure everything was ready and those who pledged were willing versus obligated.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to serve HIM willingly.
• GOD wants me to give to others willingly.
• GOD wants me to pray for others, cry with others and give HIS word to others willingly.

 

Free will is confusing. I mean, on one hand I would love to be able to do what I want to do. On the other hand, I want GOD to simply show me exactly what HE wants me to do so I will not make a mistake. GOD sees things differently.

 

HE created humans with free will to choose HIM and HIS SON, who is the only way to salvation. People can reject HIM and pick and choose which portions of HIS revealed word they want to. JESUS loves HIS creation so much that HE allowed us to kill HIM. HE then provides an opportunity to make it up by having a no obligation relationship with HIM. I am glad HE loves me and I am willing to serve.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer urging the believers to do?
• Have you ever promised something, but circumstances prevented you from fulfilling your obligation?
• If GOD sent people to you to hear about HIS SON, would you be ready to speak joyfully even in the middle of your current circumstances?
• Will you look at your relationship with GOD differently and remove all obligations and simply love HIM today?

Ready and Willing

Ready and Willing

2 Corinthians 9: There is really no need for me to write you about the help being sent to God's people in Judea. ² I know that you are willing to help, and I have boasted of you to the people in Macedonia. “The believers in Achaia,” I said, “have been ready to help since last year.” Your eagerness has stirred up most of them. ³ Now I am sending these believers, so that our boasting about you in this matter may not turn out to be empty words. But, just as I said, you will be ready with your help. 

 

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It was time for the missions trip. We drove to the area and when we arrived I noticed a certain flag that represented hatred on a few of the houses. “I don’t know how effective I will be here” I thought to myself. That week we redid a broken down house. I had to pick the couple up who owned the house, so I prayed with them. I was glad to leave but I was also glad I went.

 

• I was very concerned about being in an unwelcome place.
• I questioned “Why me” instead of someone else being sent to this place of sneers.
• I went, but did not go back.

 

Paul spoke about the willingness of many people who went to serve. He went through some very difficult times and knew those who were called to go and serve others for the LORD would face similar issues. He was excited to talk about their willingness to serve.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be ready to speak about HIS SON to whoever HE sends me to.
• GOD wants me to be willing to serve others to bring them to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be able to put my fears to the side to speak about JESUS in strange places.

 

Speaking about JESUS is not always comfortable. I mean, there are many settings where I can’t seem to bring up HIS name. GOD seems to want people who are willing to mention the love of JESUS in spite of criticism, or social conditions.

 

Politicians may try to steal the name of JESUS and people may even mention HIS name. BUT GOD stirs the heart of those who are HIS and sends them to spread the Good News about JESUS. It may not be comfortable, but I am willing to press forward to bring people back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Do you see what the writer is excited about in this passage?
• What help do you think the writer is speaking about?
• What do you think the ultimate goal is when being sent?
• Will you accept your calling to be sent by GOD to speak on behalf of JESUS today?

Strange Reliability

Strange Reliability

2 Corinthians 8: ²² So we are sending our brother with them; we have tested him many times and found him always very eager to help. And now that he has so much confidence in you, he is all the more eager to help. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and works with me to help you; as for the other brothers who are going with him, they represent the churches and bring glory to Christ. ²⁴ Show your love to them, so that all the churches will be sure of it and know that we are right in boasting about you.

 

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“Sorry I am late, I had car troubles” were the words of a volunteer I overheard. She was determined to help and would not let any obstacle ruin her service to those in need. On the other hand, when things were not going my way, I wanted to quit.

 

• I wondered what made her keep going.
• I pondered what it was about her situation that made her persevere.
• I looked at my situation and thought, “maybe I can keep going too.”

 

Paul writes about several people who were called to serve over and over. These people were “tested” to be reliable when it came to serving GOD’s people. They were so eager in their service, they noticed the excitement of others. Their reliability was strange.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be eager to help HIS people.
• GOD wants me to place my confidence in other people who serve GOD with fervor.
• GOD wants me to give my interests, skills and talent to HIM so HE can use them to bring other people back to HIM.

 

Bringing glory to CHRIST seems difficult at times. I mean, when I accepted JESUS as my Savior, I expected things to go smoothly all of my life. BUT GOD saw different. HE knew I would face difficult days where I felt like giving up.

 

GOD’s grace is truly sufficient. Without it, I would not be here. HE is the one who deserves attention and calls people to be reliable to HIS purpose. Each day HE wants people to get back up when they are knocked down by the world. I am glad GOD has called many to be reliable in HIS sight.

 

Challenge

• What examples of reliability have you seen in your life?
• Do you feel the excitement the writer states about people?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• Will you surrender your life to GOD so HE can entrust HIS purpose to you today?

Ready, Willing and Able

Ready, Willing and Able

1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. ⁵ There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. ⁶ There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. ⁷ The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.

 

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Learning how to drive seemed like something that took a long time, even though the class was only a semester. I was willing to drive people anywhere they wanted to go, but I did not know the rules of the road, nor did I own a car. I also was not old enough. “When will I ever be able to drive?!” I wondered impatiently.

 

• I really wanted something I was not ready for.
• I was willing but not able.
• I felt I had the potential, but I needed to wait to use it.

 

Paul begins to explain spiritual gifts. The beginning of the lesson shows where the gifts come from, namely the HOLY SPIRIT. Each person is given their own gift which makes him or her ready to serve the LORD. But he says something strange. He says “GOD gives ability to all for their particular service.” Timing is everything.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave me a special gift, by the HOLY SPIRIT, that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to be willing to use my special gift to serve the LORD by serving HIS people.
• GOD wants me to be patient when HE says wait, for it is HE who provides the opportunities.

 

Being willing to serve the LORD is a wonderful, yet confusing thing. I mean, sometimes our desire to serve the LORD may be sincere, but how we think we should serve HIM may not align with HIS timing or audience. I may be willing right now, but HE has a particular person in mind who is not ready to hear a message from me.

 

HE also has my needs in HIS plan. I may not be ready to serve but HE will provide me with the right gift and audience at HIS time. This requires patience. I gladly wait on HIS audience, in HIS timing to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.

 

Challenge

• Are you willing to serve the LORD?
• What do you notice about where the spiritual gifts come from?
• What do you notice about the word ‘different’ spoken here?
• Will you seek to use your gifts and talents “for the good of all” today?

Something to Say

Something to Say

Acts 21: ³⁷ As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”

 

“Do you speak Greek?” he replied. ³⁸ “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

 

³⁹ Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”

 

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“We need you to go on stage and tell everyone about the new service” one of the higher-ups said. Up until this point I had a lot of opinions about it and voiced them regularly. Now that I had to speak about the new service, I felt speechless.

 

• There were times when I had to prepare myself with something to say.
• There were times when I had to study to have something to say.
• There were times when I had to be forced to have something to say.

 

Paul asked the commander “May I say something to you?” He had an explanation on his mind that he was prepared for. Paul had no idea he would be in this situation, so how could he be prepared? He probably remembered the other beatings and imprisonments and knew if he’d ever got into this position again he would be ready with something to say.

 

• GOD wants me to always be prepared to say something on HIS behalf.
• GOD wants me ready to speak about JESUS in a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to place HIS love in my heart so I can always speak from the heart versus thinking of what to say.

 

Experiencing GOD’s grace gives me something to say all the time. I mean, when I open my eyes to what GOD has done today, I can say something about HIS grace that I may not have seen yesterday.

 

GOD wants me to accept HIS life of purpose in teaching people about JESUS as the only Savior. This may cause turmoil to some and eternal comfort to others. BUT GOD is please when I have something to say about JESUS. I am glad HE gives me something to say.

 

• What would your last words be?
• Would you continue with trying to get your way or hold onto that argument if you were on your death bed?
• Will you practice your last words with everyone, teaching others about the love of JESUS being the solution to all issues today?

Ready to Go

Ready to Go

Acts 13: Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

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“LORD, what do YOU want me to do ?” was finally a sincere question I had asked. Up until then, I wanted raises and promotions and new cars. Within a week, the reorg was announced. Days later I was told I would be moving to another state.

• There were times when I had to get in the right mind to serve.
• There were times when I had to clear my thoughts in order to hear GOD.
• There were times when I had to be ready for anything in order to be used by GOD.

As the group gathered in Antioch were fasting and ministering to the LORD, the HOLY SPIRIT called Barnabas and Saul for a special work. The group obeyed so they fasted, prayed, laid hands on them and sent them. Fasting may have taken days but they were ready right away.

• GOD wants me to be ready to go where HE wants me to go at a moment’s notice.
• GOD wants me to know that I am sent versus complacent.
• GOD wants me to prepare for HIS journey when HE calls me to a work.

“Preparation” is the action GOD wants when HE calls. Rather than a fight for complacency, HE wants readiness to touch other lives through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. GOD is always ready to send harvesters, but knows  the laborers are few.

GOD wants me to sincerely ask “LORD, what do YOU want me to do ?” so HE can decide where and when HE wants me to go and plant HIS seeds. Other people are waiting on my gifts and talents. I am glad GOD includes me in HIS plans.

• Are you being sent?
• Does GOD want you to meet new people so you can fast and pray for them?
• Will you accept GOD’s calling and prepare for where HE is sending you to do HIS work?

Ready and Willing

Luke 19: ²⁸ After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. ²⁹ As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ³⁰ ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³¹ If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’

³² Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. ³³ As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’

³⁴ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’

³⁵ They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

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“Can I borrow your van” was the question. “No, it is leased” was my answer, trying to avoid more expensive mileage. “Can I borrow your van” was the question from another person. “No, it needs brakes and tires” was my answer. Both were true at that time.

• There were times when I held back.
• There were times when I put something to the side for myself.
• There were times when I could have given but was afraid to.

The owners of the donkey may have been preserving it for something special or they may have thought the donkey wasn’t ready. But when JESUS requested the donkey through HIS disciples, they let it go, not knowing when or if they would get it back.

• GOD wants me to be generous.
• GOD wants me to let stuff go.
• GOD wants me to see that people are more special than my stuff.

It never will be a convenient time for someone to borrow something or need something. In fact, the needs seem to come when I have the least amount to give. BUT GOD seems to enjoy stretching me in this area. Maybe it is because I am holding onto things a little too tight in the first place.

GOD wants me to be generous with everything. While it is a long journey to truly being generous, I can start small and work my way up. GOD is generous to me.

• Are you holding onto stuff that someone else can use?
• Is GOD calling you to give to someone who needs your last dollar?
• Will you allow GOD to use your possessions today to grow HIS kingdom?