Waiting to Rejoice

Waiting to Rejoice

Revelation 18: All the ships' captains and passengers, the sailors and all others who earn their living on the sea, stood a long way off, ¹⁸ and cried out as they saw the smoke from the flames that consumed her: “There never has been another city like this great city!” ¹⁹ They threw dust on their heads, they cried and mourned, saying, “How terrible! How awful for the great city! She is the city where all who have ships sailing the seas became rich on her wealth! And in one hour she has lost everything!”

²⁰ Be glad, heaven, because of her destruction! Be glad, God's people and the apostles and prophets! For God has condemned her for what she did to you!

 

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As the teacher separated the thug from the rest of the class, I felt relieved. It seemed like she allowed the thug to torment us forever without doing something about it. Before she left with the thug to go to the principal’s office, she gave a warning. “Do not celebrate, because this could be you.”

 

• She put a damper on my celebration.
• I wanted to get excited because justice had finally been served.
• I was told to hold back on my celebration, which was kind of a letdown.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw world trade and ocean travel come to an end. The great city that made it possible for goods to be sold around the world, and for luxury cruises to make people rich, had come to an end. This was the final piece of demolition that GOD put in place.

 

My Observations:

• Wealth without GOD can lead to my destruction.
• Luxury without GOD can cause me to move further away from hear HIM and seeing HIM.
• One day, the rich, powerful and arrogant leaders will mourn over the fall that GOD has planned.

 

Wealth is a touchy subject that can cause highly charged conversations. I mean, one person preaches prosperity, the other preaches poverty, in terms of being close to GOD. JESUS said “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the SON of man does not have a place to lay HIS head” while HE walked on earth. HE owned everything, yet chose to be the poorest among HIS people.

 

To HIM, worldly wealth was not a thing to be obtained because HE owned it all anyway. But what was HE after? HE wanted to save all HIS humans HE created, from destruction. One day, JESUS will judge the world for stealing people away from following HIM. I gladly seek HIS kingdom, which are the lost people HE wants me to find.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer give a sense of urgency?
• Have you ever wanted to be rich or follow those who are?
• What is GOD’s plan for your life and why do you think HE has you where you are today?

Old Friends

Old Friends

Philippians 4: ¹⁰ In my life in union with the Lord it is a great joy to me that after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me. I don't mean that you had stopped caring for me—you just had no chance to show it. ¹¹ And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have.

 

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Returning to the country, I was told things had changed in only two years. An evasive attitude of “self” had began to penetrate this once pristine group of people who would give their last when I met them before. But then I ran into a person I met before. He was warm and friendly. We picked up where we left off.

 

• I was thankful to see him.
• I was served by him and I felt welcome.
• I felt cared for, even though I had not been there in two years.

 

Paul expresses his joy over those who served him again after a long period of being apart. He was excited about their reason for serving him, namely their union with the LORD. He was not seeking to be served because he was satisfied with what he had. But it did feel great.

 

My Observations

• Old friends who are united because of CHRIST can pick up where they left off.
• Satisfaction with what I have can enable me to have joy with or without someone serving me.
• GOD wants me to care for those who pop in and out of my life.

 

“Friends of the road” is a term I heard years ago that meant we meet people who are fast friends, but drift apart as life goes on. This does not mean we did not care for one another, rather life’s circumstances may keep us from directly serving one another.

 

Whenever we reunite, GOD wants joy. HE loves when I pick up where we left off and express care for one another rather than disappointment. I am glad GOD gives me a path to be an old friend to those who come and go in and out of my life.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the thankfulness of the writer?
• Have you ever reunited with someone who you could pick up where you left off?
• Are you satisfied with your life?
• Will you point your satisfaction in life to CHRIST to reduce expectations of others so joy can be the bond of your friendships today?

Supported

Supported

Philippians 4: ² Euodia and Syntyche, please, I beg you, try to agree as sisters in the Lord. ³ And you too, my faithful partner, I want you to help these women; for they have worked hard with me to spread the gospel, together with Clement and all my other fellow workers, whose names are in God's book of the living.

 

⁴ May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

 

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Not knowing what I was doing, I stayed up late trying to understand my next move. I had never led anything, and now it was my turn to lead a group. Someone must have saw my struggles so he or she paired me up with a more experienced person.

 

• I was glad to have the help.
• I did not know what I was doing and felt overwhelmed.
• I was relieved to be supported.

 

Paul begs two women to agree. He, himself had disagreements that he regretted. He later saw that agreeing with a variety of approaches is far better than everyone doing things the same way. He then requests support for the two women who had a disagreement because they were passionate about the LORD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be passionate about spreading the Gospel.
• GOD wants my passion to be focused with discernment and agreement with a variety of approaches.
• GOD wants me to appreciate many styles so I can support versus debate.

 

“There is the right way and there is your way” is most people’s approach. I mean, when it comes to GOD, it seems like worship is the most segregated, gender and age biased thing we can do. Disagreements over music types, racial examples and “young” or “old” thinking keep us separated and weak. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

Unity with the LORD breaks down arguments about GOD. When I unite with the LORD, HE is the center of attention, not me. HE gets presented in the way that is best for all and I can rejoice even when it is not sung or said the way I would expect. I am glad to be supported and I will support the efforts of those who seek the spreading of the Gospel of our LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer wants these two women to agree?
• Have you ever been passionate about something and were met with someone who was just as passionate about an opposing, yet correct, view of the Savior?
• Will you unite under CHRIST and figure out how to support one another’s views so “more” people can be reached for HIM today?

Celebration

 

Celebration

Philippians 3:  In conclusion, my friends, be joyful in your union with the Lord. I don't mind repeating what I have written before, and you will be safer if I do so. ² Watch out for those who do evil things, those dogs, those who insist on cutting the body. ³ It is we, not they, who have received the true circumcision, for we worship God by means of his Spirit and rejoice in our life in union with Christ Jesus. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies. 

 

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Preparing for the celebration was hard work. Lists were made, lots of things were prioritized and budgets were blown. Large groups of people were involved in this frenzied experience. Lost sleep, meetings and stress ensued. “It’s tradition” someone said, trying to make sense out of the madness.

 

• We had placed high value on ceremonies.
• We placed a lot of trust in the tradition.
• We made sure the photo opportunities looked like everyone was enjoying themselves.

 

Paul repeats himself by saying “Be joyful in your union with the LORD.” He then warns everyone about trusting in “external ceremonies” versus simply trusting in the union with CHRIST JESUS. He knew that looking holy did not make a person holy.

 

My Observations

• My external actions may look good to people, BUT GOD rates my righteousness as filthy.
• GOD saw my sinful actions and saved me anyway.
• Only my union with CHRIST JESUS can save me.

 

Celebrating special days or people may have its value, but can sometimes be prioritized over the One who deserves celebration, namely JESUS. I mean, it is alright to recognize leaders or to be circumcised or to celebrate accomplishments, but placing trust in these ceremonies could make us think that we holier than we are.

 

Being “joyful” in union with the LORD can happen every day. No special day or moment is needed. GOD made it possible for me to celebrate the LORD each and every day. Traditions are nice, but I am glad I can recognize CHRIST without the need for anyone to see it.

 

Challenge

• Who is the writer warning everyone about?
• What is the “true circumcision?”
• Will you celebrate your relationship with CHRIST as often as you can without the need for a special day or person triggering an event?

Rejoicing Capabilities

Rejoicing Capabilities

2 Corinthians 3: ⁴ We say this because we have confidence in God through Christ. ⁵ There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; ⁶ it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant, which consists not of a written law but of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

 

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Pride had set in as I thought the promotion I received was merited. It turned out that the person on the rise needed someone he knew in the position rather than looking at my glorious accomplishments. In fact, some of the things I accomplished caused problems amongst the higher ups. I was chosen and deemed capable just because I knew the person.

 

• I was taught to be “self-made.”
• I was taught to “pull myself up.”
• I was taught to “self-promote”, “self-teach” and “self-praise” in order to get ahead.

 

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work” are shocking words from Paul. He was a Pharisee of Pharisees. In other words, he was the leader of church leaders. He knew his stuff! But he recognized that knowing doesn’t make a person capable of serving the SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that HE did “everything” for me.
• GOD wants me to let go of any pride I may have, thinking I deserve more or I am capable of achievements.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM for giving me capabilities that only came from HIM.

 

After assessing my own capabilities, I see nothing worthy of speaking about GOD. I mean, years of sinful decisions does not quite make me the top of the list for a godly person award in my book. Who then is capable? No one.

 

BUT GOD made us capable! HE decided to do something about this huge problem and saw my flaws, and died for me anyway. HE saw that I would never choose HIM and volunteered to die and be raised from the dead. Yes, this is JESUS I am speaking of! HE chose me and gave me capabilities that only came from HIM and through HIM. I am thankful for what JESUS did for me.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever felt less than capable?
• Do you assess other people’s capabilities and reject them?
• What do you observe in the writer’s statement about capabilities and where they come from?
• Will you rejoice the capabilities you and other people have by seeing what GOD is doing in everyone’s life today?

Adversity Cheer

Adversity Cheer

Acts 5: ⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

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“You” the chooser said as they pointed at me. I could not believe it. I was chosen early to participate by the star. The game required a lot of running and catching people and I was scrawny. “Go” someone shouted to start the festivities.

I caught someone immediately but this person was pretty strong and flung me to the asphalt. I hit my head and started bleeding, a little. I got up and my teammates cheered. Wanting to cry, I grimaced and then smiled. What a delightful game.

• Some pain doesn’t feel as painful when I am on the right side.
• Some pain feels worth it when I am on the winning side.
• Some pain seems like it will not go away, but bearable because I’m on the side that has the glory.

The church leaders had the apostles beaten thinking this would discourage them. But something very different happened. The apostles cheered, rejoicing they were associated with CHRIST and worthy of suffering because of HIM. They knew everything JESUS said would come true.

• GOD wants me to know HE loves me dearly.
• GOD wants me to understand that adversity comes from the enemy, who tries to make me blame GOD.
• GOD wants me to use wisdom and face adversity with cheer, knowing JESUS has already won.

Being beaten feels horrible. In fact, all pain is not welcome. BUT GOD shows me a different way to look at some pain. When the pain is caused because I am standing firm for JESUS, it feels more like honor. It almost feels like GOD is cheering when I get back up and not blame HIM but rejoice that I went through a little of what JESUS went through.

GOD wants my comfort. HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside of me. HE also knows there is a real and active spiritual battle that happens daily. JESUS has already won the war. I am grateful to be in the battles that are HIS.

• Are you going through something?
• Do you feel like you have been beat up because of your belief in JESUS?
• It may be hard, but will you rejoice, knowing GOD sees you and hears you and is cheering because you got back up and stood firm for HIM?

Taught, Peace, Rejoice

Taught, Peace, Rejoice

John 14: ²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ²⁸ You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.

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When a thug punched my frail stature, I nearly passed out. “What did I do to deserve that?” I thought to myself. When someone broke out my window and stole all of my music, I wondered, “Why did this happen to me?” When I was told “You no longer work here” after years of dedication, I felt lost and said “Why me?”

• What am I supposed to do when things seem to go wrong?
• What am I supposed to do when the situation seems bad?
• What am I supposed to do when I am in pain or I am suffering or I do not have direction?

JESUS knew HIS followers would face difficulty. HE also knew that leaving would make HIS followers feel abandoned. HE gives words of comfort that can only be heard by those who love HIM.

• JESUS says to me “I gave you the HOLY SPIRIT who will bring MY words to memory when you are in trouble.”
• JESUS says to me “Peace will be your weapon against the things that will try to distract you from the purpose I gave you.”
• JESUS says to me “Rejoice that I go to the FATHER because I AM alive and HE is greater than ME.”

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” are not easy words to hear when my heart is troubled and I am afraid. BUT GOD took care of that. HE sent someone to be with me, namely the HOLY SPIRIT.

HE teaches me and makes me remember all the things I have been brought through. HE gives me a strange “peace” when I should be troubled because I dare to trust that HE will work everything out. As for JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT, teaches me the HE went to prepare a place just for me and HE will return, soon. I rejoice over what I am taught so I have peace.

• Do you have peace?
• Do you feel lost or abandoned?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you to a place of peace today?

Not What it Seems

Luke 6: ²⁰ Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
²² Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

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Phone call after phone call, the creditors relentlessly pressed me for my debts. Also, some of my peers were beginning to slander me. On top of that, the door that the insurance paid for on my car was rusting. When I tried to roll the window down, it fell into the door. And to top it all off, I stepped in some poop. “What else?” I screamed!

• There were times when I felt like I was drowning.
• There were times when life seemed to come at me too fast.
• There were times when I felt like giving up.

JESUS looked at HIS disciples and could see their hearts. HE knew just what to say at the right time. HE let them know that things are not what they may seem.

• GOD says to me when you are poor or in debt, I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are hungry, hurt or crying I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are slandered and thrown out because you follow ME, I AM with you.

Following GOD means problems. When GOD threw the devil to the earth from heaven, HE allowed him to keep the ability to tempt, confuse and hurt humans for a short period of time. As confusing as that may seem, it shows me HIS love for even the devil.

This adversary tries to devour me daily. BUT GOD fills me up with HIS power. HE tells me that life is not what it may seem. HE says, “Just keep going and you will receive the MY kingdom, you will be filled, you will laugh and you will receive a great reward in heaven.” This fills me with hope.

• Are you facing issues?
• Does it seem like problem after problem?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful words of hope and turn to HIM today?

Triumphant

Revelation 12: ¹⁰ Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

¹¹ They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

¹² Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!

But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”

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• Just when I think I’m losing GOD says HE already won.
• Just when I thought everything is lost GOD said HE already won.
• Just when I was about to give up GOD said HE already won.

GOD revealed exactly what happened to the accuser. GOD used HIS might to ban the accuser and reserved a place for me. HIS love has already conquered every sin I have committed and all who believe in HIS SON!

When anxiety calls

Philippians 4: ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Three O’clock in the morning seemed to be my usual time to wake up with many things on my mind. It seemed like the pressing matters of yesterday would always spill into today, ruining my tomorrow.

I knew I would have only a couple of hours before I needed to get up so maybe if I would just get “this one thing” done I could put my mind to rest. Funny, I seemed to never just do “one” thing. Where is my rest?

• When I set unattainable expectations I place pressure on myself which leads to anxiety.
• When I try to please everyone I place pressure on myself which leads to anxiety.
• When I look at my circumstance as something I have to fix I place pressure on myself which leads to anxiety.

Many sleepless nights I wondered about “what if.” What if I fail, what if they do something to me, what if I’m not good enough were all questions that added turmoil to my countenance. Then when someone tells me that I shouldn’t be anxious, I get more anxious because I’m anxious.  How can I let it go?

• GOD wants me to rejoice when I am anxious so I can focus on HIS greatness instead of my issues.
• GOD wants me to pray when I am anxious so I can have a frank conversation with HIM letting HIM know my fears, worries, doubts.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for handling the situation even before I see the solution so I can let it go.

Once I let GOD handle people, things and situations I actually don’t have much to worry about. In the middle of the storm HE provides me with peace that doesn’t make since. I mean I should be hysterical and yet I can feel rest. GOD is the keep of my heart.

• Are you anxious?
• What are you worried about?
• Can you let just a little of your worries go?
• Will you stop trying to control the situation a moment and praise GOD for the things HE has done?

What kind of party would GOD throw?

Luke 15: ⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

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Quasars blow up with enormous power. Wind not only gusts up to one hundred miles per hour on this planet but ten thousand planets, yet GOD who is in control of everything, is concerned about me, a sinner.

• When I gave up my will to GOD there was a party in heaven you wouldn’t believe!
• When I gave up my will to GOD angels and relatives who passed away got excited!
• Before I gave up my will to GOD there was a huge audience waiting and waiting until I said the words “JESUS thank you for taking my punishment for my sins by dying in my place.”

GOD seems to have an extreme concern for HIS humans. HE doesn’t want a single human to be lost but HE cannot go against what HE put in place, namely free will. I have the choice to believe of reject GOD. Unfortunately the wrong choice, according to what I read, has eternal consequences.

There must be something extreme at stake for an audience who no one can number to rejoice like that. I mean what do they see that I don’t? Do they see the turmoil of those who rejected GOD or have they experienced GOD’s “full, Intense” love and want any and every one to experience HIS grace?

GOD only wants those who want and desire to be with HIM. HE created choice and those who choose to believe JESUS is GOD who became a human to live a perfect sinless life and allow HIMSELF to be murdered to atone for the sins of all, will be saved. HE did not create robots that had no choice but to believe in HIM.

I choose to believe and now I am adopted into the most powerful family!

• What are you fighting?
• Are you looking for something more fulfilling in your life?
• Can you give up your will to GOD today?
• Will you believe GOD is seeking “you” today?

I found peace this weekend

Philippians 4: ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 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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My mind was filled with excitement as I thought of expansion of my business. On my way to one of my business solution partners, I felt the urge to call my mother to check on her, this was last Monday. “The nursing home just called me” she said in a very somber tone. The inevitable had come and grandma was home with my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST.

I have to admit the dread that came over me was not because I will miss her, even though that is true, it was because I wondered how my aunts, uncles, mother and father would take the news. Would there be infighting or blame or would there be a passive aggressive tolerance for one another? What should I do?

• Peace is what GOD is made of.
• Peace comes from GOD in the middle of anxiety.
• Peace from GOD rests my mind.

Grandma truly loved JESUS and wanted her children which included grand children, great grand children, spouses, friends and neighbors, to believe in HIM and this weekend I found out why… PEACE.

• GOD wants me to rejoice in the LORD always in spite of what’s going on.
• GOD wants me to be gentle so everyone will see GOD’s face with my actions.
• GOD wants me to pray and petition HIM so HE can give me wisdom and peace.

Grandma loved. You would think I would have to write more but that sums it up and this is what she would want me to do.

• In the middle of my fears, think about JESUS who is the “true” savior.
• When I feel like arguing, think about what HE has done and mimic the “noble” efforts.
• Instead of always being right, think about JESUS and truly act “right” according to his standards.
• When faced with the world’s temptations, think about HIM and HE will give “pure” thoughts.
• During my disgust of the ugliness of the world, think about JESUS who is “lovely” in action.
• While lusting over worldly items think about HIM and “admire” HIS merciful qualities.
• When I judge and hold someone to my measure, think about JESUS and HIS “excellent and praiseworthy” personality.

Grandma and JESUS want me to spread unity to my family, which gives me peace.