Favor Recognized

Favor Recognized

Genesis 23: ⁵ And the sons of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, ⁶ “Hear us, my lord: You are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our burial places. None of us will withhold from you his burial place, that you may bury your dead.”

 

⁷ Then Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, the sons of Heth. ⁸ And he spoke with them, saying, “If it is your wish that I bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and meet with Ephron the son of Zohar for me, ⁹ that he may give me the cave of Machpelah which he has, which is at the end of his field. Let him give it to me at the full price, as property for a burial place among you.”

 

¹⁰ Now Ephron dwelt among the sons of Heth; and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the presence of the sons of Heth, all who entered at the gate of his city, saying, ¹¹ “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field and the cave that is in it; I give it to you in the presence of the sons of my people. I give it to you. Bury your dead!”

 

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Sarah had come to the end of her life. Abraham wanted to bury her some place special. Ephron had a cave that would have been suited for a ruler of that day. Abraham offered to pay for the cave, but Ephron wanted to give it to him.

 

My Observations:

• Ephron recognized the favor GOD had on Abraham.
• Even in a land of people who did not follow GOD’s ways, Abraham was seen as special.
• Abraham and Sarah were feared because of the many supernatural things that happened in their lives.

 

The Hittites were powerful from a human perspective. They probably took what they wanted, when they wanted it. But Abraham did not want a gift from Ephron, probably for the same reason he did not want money from the king of Sodom.

 

Ephron and the other Hittites saw Abraham as someone who could bring on destruction to their city and respected GOD’s power, but only out of fear. They still did not follow GOD. Abraham’s relationship with GOD seemed known, even by those who did not believe in HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about these conversations?
• Have you ever been in a place where you were the only follower of CHRIST?
• Do you realize that when JESUS called you light, you brighten up dark places just by being present?

Light and Feeling Good

Light and Feeling Good

Revelation 16: ¹⁰ Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast. Darkness fell over the beast's kingdom, and people bit their tongues because of their pain, ¹¹ and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores. But they did not turn from their evil ways.

 

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After saying the words “Rain, rain, go away, come again another day” I looked outside to see if it worked. It seemed to rain harder. There would be no outside activity that day.

 

• I placed my hope in a song.
• I thought I could control the weather by saying some words.
• I really wanted “my” way so I placed my hope in something that I thought would get “my” way.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the fifth angel pour out the fifth bowl filled with GOD’s anger. The beast, who got his power from Satan, had established a throne and had claimed to take over the world. This bowl caused darkness, more pain and sores. The people knew this plague was from GOD, yet they refused to turn from their evil ways.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is light and wants me to take HIS light into a dark world.
• JESUS is life and wants me to be salt to spread HIS life.
• JESUS is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and wants me to bring people to HIS one and only path.

 

To avoid darkness, pain and sores, there is only one road, JESUS. I mean, I may have problems, pain and persecution right now, but they will not match what will come when GOD’s full anger is poured out. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

For those who believe in JESUS as the Savior from GOD’s anger, HE will provide light, no more pain and no more suffering. HE will keep every word HE has spoken and HE promises believers will live in light with HIM forever. This calls for endurance. I gladly endure!

 

Challenge

• What message was the writer conveying that was similar to the verses before this one?
• Have you ever been stubborn and refused to change your ways, knowing GOD would heal you?
• If you find yourself unable, or unwilling to change for GOD, will you ask HIM to help you in the areas of your life you refuse to surrender to HIM, so HE will guide you to light and no pain today?

In the Light

In the Light

1 John 2: ⁹ If we say that we are in the light, yet hate others, we are in the darkness to this very hour. ¹⁰ If we love others, we live in the light, and so there is nothing in us that will cause someone else to sin. ¹¹ But if we hate others, we are in the darkness; we walk in it and do not know where we are going, because the darkness has made us blind.

 

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Walking down the dorm hallway, a guy stuck his head out and yelled out a racial slur directed solely at me. This caused me to react, however I was scrawny. I needed help. I found a my 300 pound friend to “help” me with this situation. We pounded on the room door until they opened it.

 

• I had rage in my heart.
• I had retaliation in my heart.
• I wanted to fight to show people, you can’t do this to me or anyone else!

 

John does a masterful job at addressing hatred. He has been with JESUS and watched HIM love every race, age and gender. He saw love at its purest. He gives a reminder to self-examine in order to determine if there is hatred in wounded hearts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD loves people that I don’t like.
• GOD wants me to desire that all humans, even people I don’t like, go to heaven.
• GOD sees any hatred I may harbor in my heart, even if someone has cause me pain through his or her hatred.

 

Hatred brings on more hatred. I mean, when someone has performed an act of overt or passive hatred, I store it in my mind and plan my retaliation. This has never, ever worked! GOD wants me to “chose” a different way.

 

JESUS created humans. They wanted an earthly king who sounded and acted like them. When they found someone who was generous, kind and broke, they could not believe HE was the Messiah that would save the entire world, so they killed HIM out of hatred. HE was raised from the dead out of love. I am glad JESUS is my example and reminder that hatred is a choice. I choose love.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever been hurt by a person and wanted to get back at their entire race, age or gender?
• Will you examine your motives and see if there is even the smallest kernel of masked hatred so you can ask GOD to remove it and fill your heart with HIS love today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, our world is filled with hatred for one another today. Please help this reader self-examine any hatred he or she may harbor towards even one person so love can enter the heart and YOUR forgiveness can enter. amen

Real Light

Real Light

1 John 2: ⁷ My dear friends, this command I am writing you is not new; it is the old command, the one you have had from the very beginning. The old command is the message you have already heard. ⁸ However, the command I now write you is new, because its truth is seen in Christ and also in you. For the darkness is passing away, and the real light is already shining.

 

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Chasing dreams of titles made me think I was heading in the right direction. I got promoted again and again, thinking I was on the right track. I was placed over the nation, but that wasn’t enough. I could see the “light” at the end of the tunnel to obtaining the title that ran the “world” at that company.

 

• I did not achieve the title and I lost my identity in the chase.
• I thought being on top was the “light.”
• I was in darkness, thinking I was chasing the light.

 

John begins a complicated explanation of “real light.” In passages to follow he will go into what JESUS revealed to him. He opens with the introduction of the contrast between fake light and “real light.”

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the “Way the Truth and the Life” so I should follow HIM with all my heart.
• Darkness equates to the ways of the world that cause me to lose sight of the “real light.”
• In spite of what I can see or cannot see, JESUS is already shining HIS light in the world.

 

The bad news is, darkness exists. I mean, unfortunately for humans, sin was introduced into the world that blinds us from seeing, hearing and loving GOD. The Good News is that JESUS overcame this breach in the relationship by dying for all of our sins.

 

HIS resurrection reopened the door of communication to GOD and humanity now has hope. HE is willing to open the eyes of the lost and wants the best for all who truly seek HIM. I am glad JESUS is the Light of the world and I gratefully will follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• What fake light does the writer imply?
• Have you ever tried some ways that were not above the level, like lying or doubting, or slandering?
• Will you seek the “real light” which is the way of JESUS, who showed HIS love for you and me?

Called Out of Darkness

Called Out of Darkness

1 Peter 2: ⁹ But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. ¹⁰ At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

 

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Desiring to be “on my own”, I pursued “fun” the way others defined it. “Come on, it’s not so bad” was the statement before doing everything I tried. Soon I found myself in trouble because of the “fun” I was having. Everyone who was having “fun” did not provide any help.

 

• I did not know how I ended up where I was.
• I did not know that I was stepping into darkness a little step at a time.
• I did not know that when trouble hit, those who were in the dark would not help me.

 

Peter provides a pep talk to those chosen by GOD. HE stated that being called out of darkness is equivalent to being enlightened in the knowledge of JESUS and HIS wonderful acts. He also said the chosen were supposed to proclaim these wonderful acts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose us to come out of darkness so we can proclaim JESUS as the Savior.
• GOD chose us to have abundant life while we proclaim JESUS as LORD of the living.
• GOD chose us to follow HIS ways so others can be saved.

 

Darkness seems innocent. I mean, when I am asked why I did something people would consider “bad” or “wrong”. My childish response was usually “I don’t know.” This means I was doing things without knowing if there were any consequences to my actions. BUT GOD wanted me enlightened.

 

HE called me out of ways that seem innocent, yet carry consequences among humans and HIM. HE wanted me to see that I was on the wrong path and gently nudged me back to HIS path, namely following JESUS’s examples. I am glad JESUS called you and me out of darkness.

 

Challenge

• What darkness is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to do what “everyone else” is doing, yet felt there was something wrong with it?
• Have you lost your sense of consequence?
• Will you seek to follow GOD’s ways by learning what they are today?

Bright Side

Bright Side

Philippians 2: ¹⁴ Do everything without complaining or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, ¹⁶ as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted.

 

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“The problem with this place is…” was my normal statement. I could spot what was “wrong” a mile away. I also had fallen into a habit of complaining about “bad” service. I had experienced “good” service and compared it to those who could not roll out the red carpet to me. This gave me ground to “argue” about payment or even getting more out the deal.

 

• I had become a habitual complainer.
• I had become combative and argumentative.
• I could not tell my adversaries about CHRIST, but I won the argument, or so I thought.

 

Complaints and arguments dim the light CHRIST wants us to shine, according to Paul. As we navigate this world full of combative, demanding and selfish people, complaints and arguments go unnoticed. Only GOD’s light will show up different.

 

My Observations

• Growing up to walk in GOD’s light is hard for me but necessary.
• Reducing complaints so GOD can be seen is much better path for me, and is not easy to do, but necessary.
• Reducing arguments so GOD can be heard provides a rich environment for all, which is not always easy but necessary.

 

Protecting myself from bullies of all kind, overt and passive, led me to shameful tactics that included complaining about people and arguing against them. This combative approach toughened me up to face those who attacked me. BUT GOD’s light shining through me was dimmed at each “win.’ Someone has to lose win “I” win.

 

Also, the enemy found a way to perpetuate his complaints about each person. He doesn’t have to go before GOD complaining about a person when he has enlisted people to complain about each other. GOD’s light requires peace, love, joy, patience, and gentleness, to name a few. I am glad HE helps me reduce complaints and arguments, and hope someday they will be extinguished.

 

Challenge

• What stands out about the writers warning?
• Have you ever assessed how much you complain about people or “that” person?
• Is it easy for you to argue or to help someone see a “better” way?
• Will you seek to show GOD’s light by reducing your combat and looking for ways to help everyone “win” versus someone losing his or her life for eternity?

Found Out

 

Found Out

Acts 22: ²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

 

³⁰ The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.

 

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Not wanting people to be “offended”, I hid my relationship with JESUS at work. I mean, I worked with people who worshipped other things than the LORD of my life. I hid the relationship so well, I acted like everyone else. When they were mean, lying, undermining, and slanderous, I figured that was just part of “the game.”

 

• There were times when I hid who GOD wanted me to be.
• There were times when I denied my relationship with GOD so I would not “offend” anyone.
• There were times when I felt my godly actions would speak for themselves, but my actions were like everyone else.

 

When the commander found out Paul was a Roman citizen, he put a stop to the interrogation. The soldiers were about to beat Paul, possibly trying to see if he were a spy from some other nation. When the commander found out Paul’s citizenship, he wanted to find out why the leaders of the Jews were accusing him.

 

• GOD wants people to find out my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be overt with my relationship with JESUS so people can find out what salvation means.
• GOD wants me to be ready with an answer about salvation at a moment’s notice.

 

Shining my “light” and adding “salt” are terms used to mean “let people know.” Light is very distinct when it is dark and salt is very distinct when placed on food. When I hide GOD’s light the darkness prevails around me. When I do not add GOD’s salt, the other flavors of philosophies permeate the meal of life.

 

Fortunately, I only need a little light and salt to make a point. JESUS is my Savior, in HIM I believe. I am glad that is all the light and salt I need.

 

• Are you hiding your relationship with JESUS?
• Are you trying to be covert with your relationship with JESUS so you will not “offend” someone?
• Will you allow people to find out who you really are by telling them your sins and about JESUS who forgave you for your sins today?

Rejection Direction

Rejection Direction

Acts 13: ⁴⁴ On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵ When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.

⁴⁶ Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
    that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

⁴⁸ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

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Feeling down about not getting the position, I sat brooding at the latest rejection. “I really wanted that last one”, I thought to myself. I mean it had everything I wanted, or so I thought. After a couple of weeks, the sting of the rejection was no longer there. About three months later, another company called and mad an offer.

• There have been many times I have been rejected.
• There have been many times I questioned the direction of the rejection.
• There have been many times I kept revisiting what it would be like if I had gotten the thing I had been rejected from.

Paul and Barnabas were rejected by the Jews, who contradicted them at every turn. This probably caused confusion and their leadership would no longer be effective. Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly saying they would preach salvation to people who would not reject them, namely the Gentiles. Cheers came from the Gentiles, who were probably made to feel like an outcast.

• GOD made me a light for people HE sends me to.
• GOD made me a light to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
• GOD made me a light for those who can hear HIS message of love.

Rejection doesn’t feel good, but it definitely changes direction. No longer is that person, place or thing available. GOD does this to provide new opportunities that I would not have thought of. The HOLY SPIRIT patches the wounds of the rejection and guides me to where I was supposed to be in the first place. I am grateful GOD cares for me to guide me to a better place.

• Have you been rejected?
• Is your message still valid but people refused to hear it?
• Will you stop looking back and see the new direction GOD wants you to go on today?

Salt is Good for You

Mark 9: ⁴⁹ “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. ⁵⁰ Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

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“Boring, sneaky and money hungry” were just a few labels I applied to church-goers. I mean they don’t help “me” when “I” need it. I left the church to strike it out on my own.

• There have been times when I labeled people quickly.
• There have been times when I was going through a trial I caused myself and wanted to blame others.
• There have been times when I looked at what was good as bad and what was bad for me as good.

I was no good to anyone during this period. Mad at the world, I had lost my perspective. JESUS warns everyone of losing perspective.

• GOD says to me “Salt is good.”
• GOD says to me “I will season you with fiery circumstances and preserve your sacrifices through them.”
• GOD says to me “Have peace with those who want to pick fights with you.”

Salt is a preservative. Salt stings. Sale penetrates. Salt adds flavor. JESUS says “Be salt” and I take it to mean preserve people and give them HIS messages with may sting me and them and penetrate our hearts with HIS goodness. My flavor on each relationship brings a taste that GOD has given me. Having salt in me helps me have peace with others.

• Have you given up on people?
• Have you given up period?
• Will you seek GOD and ask for restoration?
• Will you become HIS servant again and follow HIM with your heart?