Addressing Celebration of Deliverance

 

Addressing Celebration of Deliverance

Exodus 23: ¹⁴ “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: ¹⁵ You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); ¹⁶ and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors from the field.

 

¹⁷ “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

¹⁸ “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor shall the fat of My ^[d]sacrifice remain until morning. ¹⁹ The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE addressed celebrations.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew people would forget how HE delivered them out of Egypt so HE instituted celebrating unleavened bread.
• GOD foreshadowed the Pentecost, where JESUS appeared to many people after HIS resurrection, by instituting a feast to remember spring, or new life.
• GOD desired to end the year with a celebration of the best of the harvest.

 

Remembering GOD seems to be very important to HIM. HE knows our sin nature will make us forget what HE does and our relationship with HIM will be viewed as secondary. Unleavened bread is symbolic for no sin. A sinless human could open the scroll. No sin, or no yeast was to be celebrated.

 

The next celebration was symbolic of the resurrection of JESUS. Spring shows new life and GOD made it easy for us to remember HIS SON’s resurrection and appearance to people afterwards.

 

The final celebration was a harvest feast that required the best of the harvest to be brought into the places of worship and sacrificed to GOD and given to people. These harvests were all about food and togetherness while remembering GOD.

 

Stopping work to intentionally remember GOD is a sign of surrender that the people needed to learn. Pharaoh had the people working seven days a week and had created a mindset that rest would cause problems with productivity. This mindset still lingers today as people try to overwork and under trust GOD. Food is needed to sustain life. GOD wanted to show HE is in control of sustaining life.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the celebrations HE instituted?
• How do you intentionally remember GOD?
• Is there an annual celebration that you can follow or institute to remember GOD’s greatness in your life?

Plans After the Problem

Plans After the Problem

Revelation 14: ¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!”

 

“Yes indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”

 

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Not knowing I could goof off, I kept working. I dumped ashtrays, wiped up spilled drinks, sprayed and arranged the bowling shoes and put away the bowling balls. I looked around and realized I was doing all the work and the other floor porters were outside, enjoying themselves.

 

• I wondered why I was working so hard when “everyone else” was having fun.
• I thought about not doing my job because “everyone else” was not doing theirs.
• I kept doing my job and was met with uncomfortable conversations like “You are making us look bad”, so I felt bad.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation. One voice told him to write down a blessing that was aimed at those who would die in service of the LORD. This statement would apply to those who were persecuted during the tribulation of GOD. The response to the statement to “Write this” was “Yes indeed!” by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

My Observations:

• Enjoyment was the plan after their death
• GOD sees hard work that is done in service of the LORD.
• Results of service of the LORD will be in the form of people who were the benefactors of the service.

 

Service of the LORD can seem lonely at times. I mean, if GOD sends you to a place that does not value HIM or any servant HE sends, it can seem lonely being the sent servant. BUT GOD sees every ounce of service done “of the LORD.”

 

In spite of how things may seem, “keep going” says GOD. HE has plans for this life and afterwards. Death has no power over those who reverence the LORD. Every word spoken for HIM and about HIM is accounted for. Every deed done in service of HIM will be blessed.

 

Challenge

• What is the mood of the conversation the writer records?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on the LORD?
• Will you persevere and remain faithful to the LORD even when it gets difficult or it may “seem” like you are the only one serving in an area?

Expectations Met

Expectations Met

1 John 5: ⁶ Jesus Christ is the one who came with the water of his baptism and the blood of his death. He came not only with the water, but with both the water and the blood. And the Spirit himself testifies that this is true, because the Spirit is truth. ⁷ There are three witnesses: ⁸ the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and all three give the same testimony. ⁹ We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son. 

 

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Sitting in driver’s school, I looked at my watch all day! It seemed like the hours moved as days as the instructor warned all of us speeders about the dangers of driving fast. I had to check in at the beginning of the class and then check out at the end.

 

• I was sentenced to serve eight hours for my speeding.
• I was required to take the driver’s class.
• I needed an official witness that I took the class in order for the speeding ticket to not count against me.

 

John addressed something that people are still looking for to this very day, namely a person who can fix the mess humans are in. Poverty, sickness, violence and other problems seemed to grow, removing all hope. John addressed the fact the JESUS is the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Humans witnessed HIS baptism, but only HE experienced death and the SPIRIT testifies that HE met the criteria, GOD was looking for.

 

My Observations:

• Satan’s pride caused him to get kicked out of heaven, and he introduced sin into the world by tricking Adam and Eve into performing an seemingly innocent sin.
• All of humanity became sinners through Adam and Eve and needed a sinless Savior.
• JESUS became a human, who never once sinned, who was baptized and murdered by HIS creation, but was raised from the dead by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

Human witnesses are good, BUT GOD’s witness is the ultimate. I mean, humans can provide a witness to something and still be wrong or possibly have a sinful motive behind his or her witness. BUT GOD’s witness is pure and contains no sin.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT witnessed JESUS’s death and raised HIM from the dead. This act redeemed all humans who believe in the need of salvation. HIS resurrection was enough to meet GOD’s expectations. I am glad GOD supplied everything I needed to remove my sentence and to become redeemed by HIS SON.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer point out about JESUS?
• Have you ever pondered why did HE have to go through all of the pain and suffering?
• Will you see GOD’s love in JESUS’s actions by surrendering your life to HIM and by knowing that all expectations of you have been met, simply by believing in what HE has done today?

Brought Back to the Right Place

Brought Back to the Right Place

1 Thessalonians 4: ¹³ Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. ¹⁴ We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.

 

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Driving around in circles, I asked for directions twice. I could not find my way to my destination. Finally I stopped a third time and asked for directions. “This place is confusing, but I will help you” were the comforting words I received from a stranger.

 

• I was lost and did not know how to get unlost.
• I was getting frustrated with being lost.
• I watched the time more intently as I drove around, seemingly aimlessly.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke about life after death. This confusing subject has been met with all sorts of philosophies, but they brought the truth. They spoke of eternal life through belief in the resurrection of JESUS.

 

My Observations

• This place is not my home, rather GOD’s kingdom is my desired home.
• Life can be confusing, BUT GOD is the only truth I can believe.
• JESUS was murdered, yet HE rose from the dead and now that I believe, I can have everlasting life.

 

GOD is in control. This statement is more difficult to say when things are going wrong or falling apart. Life can be confusing and directionless. BUT GOD made a way back to HIM, namely JESUS.

 

HE pursues us, knocks on us and asks us to surrender our lives to HIM. HE cares deeply for us, especially when we sin. HE provides for us and cannot wait to take us back to the place JESUS is building to this day. I a glad GOD has us in HIS hands and will never let go.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers opinion about death?
• What is your opinion about death and life after death?
• Will you surrender your life to CHRIST and seek JESUS as your Savior so you can be taken back when HE returns?

 

Called to Hope

Called to Hope

Ephesians 1: ¹⁸ I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, ¹⁹ and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 

 

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Needing cash, I thought of a plan. I would buy a lottery ticket, win and all my troubles would be over. I bought one ticket and waited for the weekly numbers to be announced. All of the numbers I selected were either one number higher or lower than the chosen. What are the odds?

 

• I had lost hope and wanted a quick fix.
• I prayed over the lottery ticket and did not win.
• I was reminded that my hope should be greater than money.

 

Paul writes a request to the LORD on behalf of the people . He wants everyone to have their mind opened by the HOLY SPIRIT to be enlightened to the “hope” GOD has called us to.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s hope is far greater than me being rich and powerful.
• Spreading GOD’s hope is valuable to HIM.
• Believing in JESUS gives me access to the same power that raised HIM from the dead.

 

Hope can be fleeting when placed in money, jobs, people or something other than GOD. I mean, even when I get money or a job or a group of people, all of these things change and sometimes have issues. BUT GOD is still there.

 

GOD is far greater than coping or getting a few dollars. HE has promises that can never be taken away. HIS power is unmatched and blessings are rich. HE opens the eyes to those who believe, so they may see HIS light and hope HE has called them to. I am grateful for HIS power and place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things is the writer asking for?
• Have you ever lost your hope?
• Will you know that it is alright to acknowledge how hurt you have been and ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS rich and wonderful blessings for you that are far greater than anything the world has to offer?

Predetermined Love

Predetermined Love

Ephesians 1: Because of his love ⁵ God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. ⁶ Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! ⁷ For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, ⁸ which he gave to us in such large measure!

 

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Living in an unforgiving world is sometimes difficult. My mistakes are placed in front of me and I place their mistakes in front of them. Mistakes were made all over. This sometimes makes me question if I am truly forgiven.

 

• I sometimes doubt GOD’s love so I try to control my actions to prevent more trials.
• I sometimes think my actions are greater than GOD’s, so I attempt to do “right” so HE will answer my prayers favorably.
• I sometimes question GOD’s love when I and others are met with trouble.

 

Paul is given some powerful words by GOD. He explains that it was GOD who decided to accept HIS SON’s proposal to save all of humanity. JESUS voluntarily stepped up and gave HIS life for all who would accept HIS gift. GOD decided this would serve HIS purpose of loving redemption, well. HE lost everything to save us.

 

My Observations

• It was not my actions that made GOD love me, rather HE loved me first.
• GOD saw all my sins and decided to save me anyway.
• My entire existence needs to praise GOD because of the incredible amount of grace HE has shown me.

 

It is impossible for me to mess up when I was chosen before I was born. I mean, GOD decided HE would make it easy for me to have a loving relationship with HIM by giving me a gift that is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately there is a war inside me and everyone, that fights against this precious gift.

 

Satan tainted all of humanity, causing each and every one of us to desire to be GOD. Our sin nature wants to be in “control” versus accepting the love GOD has poured out in large measure. BUT GOD did something extra. When I surrendered my life to JESUS, HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to fight that battle for me. I am eternally grateful for GOD’s great grace!

 

Challenge

• What actions do you see in this passage of scripture and who did them?
• Do you believe that all your sins are forgiven or just the ones you stopped doing?
• Have you ever felt that GOD is judging you versus loving you?
• Will you stop believing the lie about GOD’s love for you and believe HE loves you dearly and has given you a gift you can freely accept, namely JESUS who died for you and is alive today?

Internal Matters

Internal Matters

Galatians 6: ¹¹ See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! ¹² The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. ¹⁴ As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. ¹⁵ It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. ¹⁶ As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people!

 

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Hoping that he or she would act a certain way was making me lose sleep. I took classes on “working with different people” in hopes to make him or her do what “I” wanted. When this did not work, I became frustrated and thought something was wrong with “them.”

 

• I was busy looking at others and lost sight of myself.
• I thought other people were the problem and I was the solution.
• I believed the world had solutions that GOD did not.

 

Paul spoke sharply against those who were trying to get people to follow religious rituals versus simply believing JESUS took care of the consequences of the Law. He pointed out their guilt of murdering JESUS so they could keep their power, forcing people to do what the world expected.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart and knows it does not seek HIM.
• GOD chose me and when I believed in JESUS as my Savior, I was filled with HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD gave me the ability to examine myself, choose HIS way over mine and act like a new creature.

 

Worldly matters come and go. I mean, there will always be a problem that seems catastrophic. GOD sees how I respond to these matters and rewards me when I seek HIM for the solution. To the world, JESUS seems like a problem. BUT TO GOD JESUS is the only solution.

 

Becoming a new creature means I give myself to JESUS and follow HIM no matter the consequence of the world. When I live for HIM, HE gives me peace and mercy that I do not understand. I am thankful for HIS intervention in my life.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions how he wrote the letter?
• Can you feel the compassion and passion of the writer?
• If you are facing persecution over worldly matters, will you accept GOD’s gift of peace  and mercy today so you can sleep with a clean conscience?

Shared Power

Shared Power

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

My Observations

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

 

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

 

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

 

Challenge

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

Spiritual Beauty

Spiritual Beauty

1 Corinthians 15: ⁴⁰ And there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; the beauty that belongs to heavenly bodies is different from the beauty that belongs to earthly bodies. ⁴¹ The sun has its own beauty, the moon another beauty, and the stars a different beauty; and even among stars there are different kinds of beauty.

 

⁴² This is how it will be when the dead are raised to life. When the body is buried, it is mortal; when raised, it will be immortal. ⁴³ When buried, it is ugly and weak; when raised, it will be beautiful and strong. ⁴⁴ When buried, it is a physical body; when raised, it will be a spiritual body. There is, of course, a physical body, so there has to be a spiritual body.

 

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Driving vacations have been special to me when the destination was unknown. One memorable vacation was spent driving up the coast of one particular state. We left a familiar beautiful place and ran into unfamiliar beaches with sea lions sunbathing. Another place had tall cliffs with the ocean cascading a wonderous backdrop. Yet another place had tall wide trees and ferns adorning their feet. Each had its own beauty.

 

• I appreciate nature more and more.
• I like to look up and see the beauty way up in the sky.
• I enjoy experiencing beauty even if it is a creepy spiderweb spun with precision.

 

Paul speaks about beauty in nature, He talks about the unique beauty each area brings. Right outside, there is beauty in everything. He then spoke of how beautiful and strong each person will be when raised from the dead. No more weakness or decay, rather an everlasting beauty.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to see the beauty in HIS creation each day.
• GOD wants me to know that one day HE will transform my body into something beautiful and eternal.
• GOD wants me to know HIS definition of beauty is far above that of a human.

 

”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” as the saying goes. But the true beholder is GOD. HE seems to delight in unique things. He made every drop of water in the ocean and every grain of sand on a beach.

 

I can marvel at what HE made and know this pales in comparison to what HE has in store for those who believe in HIM. I am glad HE sees the beauty in me and other believers in JESUS.

 

Challenge

• When you look at nature and life, do you see GOD as the creator?
• What does seeing GOD in creation have to do with your resurrection?
• Do you know GOD is far more concerned about you than HE is about a planet?
• Can you see the inner beauty in you and others more and more today by being reminded by nature?

Evidence

Evidence

John 20: ³ Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. ⁴ So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. ⁵ And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. ⁹ For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

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“Seek proof” was the bad advice I took to heart. I listened to a suspicious person and became suspicious. From that moment on, I asked more questions, trying to get to the bottom of “this”, whatever “this” was.

• There were many times I did not believe.
• There were many times I sought after evidence.
• There were many times that I wasted time in disbelief only to find out later I should have believed all the time.

Two zealous disciples heard the news about JESUS’ missing body. They ran to the tomb, one outrunning the other, and observed the heavy bandages laying all over the place. The handkerchief that was on JESUS’s head was folded. One disciple immediately believed that JESUS had arose.

• GOD wants me to believe as a child with immediacy and without question.
• GOD wants my faith to grow so I do not need evidence to know HE has what’s best in mind for me.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge I do not know everything,  but HE definitely does.

Evidence of GOD can be seen just by using our senses. Every texture, odor, sound, flavor or observation screams GOD is right there with me. Unfortunately the world dullens my senses, stealing the glory from GOD, making me seek which human can get the trophy of discovery.

We seek evidence that GOD has already told us and reward humans for finding what is already there. BUT GOD enables pure belief and makes it available to anyone who wants it. HE rewards me for seeking HIM without the need for evidence. I drop my suspicions, little by little. One day I want pure belief.

• Are you a suspicious person?
• Do you thrive on evidence?
• Will you seek GOD today without needing as much evidence?

What’s Next

Luke 20: ²⁷ Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. ²⁸ ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. ²⁹ Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. ³⁰ The second ³¹ and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. ³² Finally, the woman died too. ³³ Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?’

³⁴ Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage.³⁵ But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, ³⁶ and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.³⁷ But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord “the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”. ³⁸ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’

³⁹ Some of the teachers of the law responded, ‘Well said, teacher!’ ⁴⁰ And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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“Can I go to school too?” I asked as I saw my siblings leave the house day after day. I had no concept of what “school” was. I only knew they went somewhere for what seemed like an eternity. I was too young to understand where they went.

• Many times I have not known what was coming.
• Many times I have faced the unknown with excitement.
• Many times I have looked forward to something people told me about that I wanted to experience.

The Sadducees were church leaders who did not believe in heaven or a life after death. They studied the Law of Moses and knew it well but never placed the words in their hearts. JESUS saw through their unlikely question about marriage and knew they were trying to use it as a façade for disproving life after death.

• GOD says to me “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the resurrection and the life. He who believes in ME, though he may die, he shall live.”
• GOD says to me “I will give eternal life to those who believe in ME.”

Only a few years are spent on this earth and the time should not be wasted. GOD protects me though difficult times and promises one day there will be no more pain. HE will wipe away all my tears as a forgiven sinner. What’s next for me is what I look forward to and have since I accepted JESUS as my savior.

• Do you think life stops when you die?
• Do you have purpose and hope in your life?
• Will you seek JESUS as the owner of your life and fulfill your purpose from now on?

Hated and Appalled

Isaiah 52: ¹³ See, my servant will act wisely;
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations,
    and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

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“Hey ” the crowd called out in a mocking fashion. “Not so powerful now are you?” they jeered. One person spit, then the next. Soon the crowd got comfortable and because everyone else was focused on this one person, they joined in. No spotlight on anyone in the mob, rather the beacon shined directly on one poor soul.

• It is easy to join in the crowd.
• It is easy to be part of the mob.
• It is easy to say what is wrong and become part of the problem rather than being part of the solution.

Mobs look for what is wrong and try to rally people to their cause. Labels are quickly put in place that everyone around agrees with and suddenly the mob can do what they want to do because “everyone else” is doing it. This is unfortunate for the mob.

• JESUS was appalled by HIS own creation.
• JESUS was beaten to the point of disfiguration.
• JESUS was marred beyond human likeness.

Which side of the mob would I have been on? Would I spit on JESUS or would I risk my life and step into help HIM. This test happens daily. The hard choice to follow GOD is placed in front of me on a daily basis. Will I hide my relationship with JESUS in order to get ahead? Will I slander “that” person in order to look right in everyone else’s eyes? Will I go against GOD’s word and sin anyway?

GOD has done far more that I can imagine for me. HE went out on a limb to save me and has faced far more than I have ever faced. HIS ridicule and defacement won’t last though. HE acted wisely and took on every human’s sins, even mine. HE is now raised and lifted up. HE IS highly exalted!

• Are you part of the mob?
• Do you try to rally people to “your” cause rather than spreading GOD’s word?
• Can you stop slandering and start spreading the GOOD NEWS?
• Will you recognize what JESUS has done for you today?

My Heart Leaps With Joy!

Psalm 28: ⁶ Praise be to the Lord,

    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
⁷ The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

⁸ The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
⁹ Save your people and bless your inheritance;
    be their shepherd and carry them forever.

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My heart is filled with joy as we approach the weekend where we celebrate the most significant murder on the planet. I can only imagine how HE felt as HE reached out to us and we misinterpreted HIS kindness because of our false view of who and what GOD “should” be.

• JESUS extended a hand to me and I misinterpreted it for punishment.
• JESUS tried to wipe away a tear from my face and I misinterpreted it for a slap.
• JESUS attempted to tell me “Have Courage” and “Do not be afraid” and I went away cowering even more!

It seems like this JESUS fellow messed up quite a bit. HE was misunderstood, lied on and beaten until the crowd got worked up into a frenzy to have HIM murdered. Then I looked at my blunders throughout life and nothing compares to HIS. HE said HE was GOD and the staunch church goers, who had specific ways GOD should act in their minds, killed HIM. Wow! JESUS must have been crazy to call HIMSELF GOD!

• But on Sunday JESUS rose from the dead just for me.
• But on Sunday JESUS got up from the grave and had all power and saved me.
• But on Sunday JESUS showed everyone HE is GOD and HE is alive!

Just because I look crazy sometimes or am embarrassed sometimes or fail sometimes doesn’t mean JESUS is out to get me or take me down! Quite the opposite, HE became a human to shoe me HE loves me and that even HE would be misunderstood. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” was and is HE plea to the FATHER for me.

• Are you ready to praise GOD for being there for you?
• Can you stop misinterpreting what GOD is taking you through and praise HIM!
• Will you begin filling your heart with joy by praising HIM today!

It’s going to be different this time!

Hebrews 9: ²⁷ Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, ²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

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When we finally arrived it was dark. Some had to pitch the tents in the dark while others gathered wood for a fire. I went over the packing list in my head and thought I was prepared for everything. As I worked on our tent, it started to rain and I wasn’t prepared.

It seemed like mud got on everything, even my soul! Most would never go camping again after that experience but I looked forward to the next time because I was going to be prepared.

• JESUS chose a single point in time to become a human and die for me.
• HE voluntarily sacrificed HIS blood since “blood” was required as the payment of sin.
• JESUS’s death, burial and resurrection cleanse all who believe.

After HIS resurrection, JESUS went away to create a new place for me. In six earthly days HE created the heavens and the earth. Imagine what 2000+ years of earthly days will bring. HE sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to remain with us while we are on earth to help us make GODLY decisions.

BUT one day our lives will change. JESUS will return and this time it will be different. HE has fulfilled all promises and is returning for those who believe in HIM. I am looking forward to HIS return so I am trying to prepare myself.

• GOD is looking for those who have been generous to others in need so I give.
• GOD is looking for those who love especially when they have been wronged, so I pray for my enemy’s.
• GOD is looking for any and everyone who will accept what the SON has done, so I travel trying to convince people not to reject the truth that’s already in their heart.

When JESUS returns, HE will not be looking to build great wealth, drive a nice car and obtain opulence. This time HE will gather those who believe with all their heart that HE is the salvation. Most nights, especially when it’s clear and starry, I look up waiting on HIS return. This time I am going to be prepared!

• Do you believe that JESUS will return?
• Since no one knows the day or the hour, are you ready for HIS return?
• Can you see the changes in the world point to HIS return?
• Are you “waiting” on JESUS?

I’m a work in progress!

Ephesians 2: ¹⁹Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, ²⁰built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. ²¹In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. ²²And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

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Morning was finally here and it was time to go search for some scrap wood. The kids in my neighborhood were extremely enterprising and we were no different. On our makeshift wagon we would tote wood and bent rusty nails back to our “jobsite” next to the garage.

Our building was a clubhouse and our foundation was the garage. Yes, we nailed our two story clubhouse to the garage to make sure it wouldn’t fall down. “Daddy, mommy, look what we did” we said in excitement! They looked frightened and excited at the same time. “It’s something” they said.

• GOD understands I will make mistakes.
• GOD understands I am not finished yet.
• GOD understands I stray off the road constantly.
• GOD understands I need HIM.

Human sin caused me to be separated from GOD eternally. Just being born was grounds to go to Hell because the flaw of sin is passed through birth. Something had to be done or all humans would be lost. GOD stepped up, became a human, accepted to be murdered by HIS humans and was raised to give me eternal life.

GOD saw every sin I would ever commit and said “I will die to save you anyway.” From birth to death, HE erased my sins, but HE had to tear me down in order to build a new structure. From the time I “accepted” JESUS and stopped rejecting HIM, HE started rebuilding me to focus on HIS kingdom instead of me.

• GOD is rebuilding me each time I love a person I don’t want to love.
• GOD is rebuilding me when I seek to know HIM more instead of constantly seeking human knowledge.
• GOD is rebuilding me when I trade judgment for compassion.
• GOD is rebuilding me each time I give up depression for praise.
• GOD is rebuilding me when my loneliness is traded for service to many.
• GOD is rebuilding me each time I say no to fulfilling my lusts.

It’s funny, humans expect me to be perfect, yet GOD doesn’t. HE knows my imperfections and says “perfect, you are just the right person to reach many.” This motivates me to please HIM more.

• Are you a mess?
• Do you understand GOD doesn’t expect you to be perfect?
• Can you talk openly about your imperfections to someone, letting them know GOD loves you anyway?

What are you looking for?

Luke 24:1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.

9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

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GOD has promised so many things to humans. HE promised peace, love food places to rest, and no more tears. HE also promised that HE would rise from the dead and become king. I know about HIS resurrection, but what about the other stuff? Where is my peace, prosperity, and pleasure?

When I looked at this scripture, I see that it's very clear that humans don't quite understand GOD. HE told HIS disciples that HE would be killed and rise from the dead but they had their heart set on HIM setting up a temporary kingdom where they could enjoy life here on this cursed earth.

I do the same thing. I look for GOD to give me temporary comfort with a few trinkets here and a pile of money there. Meanwhile, GOD is saying something totally different. HE has said to me over and over "focus on MY Kingdom!" Yet I find it difficult to "believe" this is the right course of action.

Peter got up to see for himself. When he arrived at the tomb he was confused. "What happened?", he asked himself. "What Happened?!", “how could he ask that question?” you say! I probably would have asked the same question.

• When I desire life’s comforts, I forget the kingdom.
• When I lose "stuff" and feel a sense of loss, I forget the kingdom.
• When I am miserable without the "stuff", I forget the kingdom.
• When I see humans as an inconvenience, I forget the kingdom.
• When I will do "anything" to get or keep my stuff, I forget the kingdom.

Easter will be here soon. This is the holiest celebration I could possibly observe. JESUS died for me so I would not go to Hell. HE took my place and rose from the dead. HE is preparing a place for me far better than any pleasure palace earth could ever produce.

This is the promise HE has told me. It is up to me to believe. Will I act like the disciples, confused and full of disbelief? Will I stand firm and say no matter what happens to me on this planet, I will hold onto my belief that JESUS is the only way, truth and the life? I chose to believe!

• Do you believe all humans deserve to die and go to Hell?
• Do you believe GOD became a human, was murdered by religious followers and was raised from the dead to keep you from going to Hell?
• Do you believe HE will place HIS HOLY SPIRIT in anyone who believes no matter what sin they have committed?
• Are you willing to spread this GREAT NEWS about CHRIST?