You ARE Special

You ARE Special

2 Thessalonians 1: ¹³ But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, ¹⁴ to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

 

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Feeling lonely, I sought out people who would be “friendly.” When I found a group, I was always welcome, but something was missing. Each group seemed similar, promoting “unity” and “service” But was there more.

 

• I felt there had to be more than being in a group.
• In some groups, I felt lonelier because something was missing.
• I noticed some people made the “group” their purpose in life, but there had to be more.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy express their gratitude for those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. They explain how GOD has called people for a purpose and set them apart for HIS own. They also urge the people to stay special by learning about JESUS.

 

My Observations

• Thankfulness for others stretches beyond any group I can get into.
• GOD chose me for salvation and set me apart by the SPIRIT and belief in the truth.
• Glory of our LORD JESUS CHRIST is given to me because GOD chose me.

 

GOD chose you and that is what makes you special. I mean, groups can make me feel special for a moment, but something will always be missing, namely GOD. I know I have to remain on this earth and live in the world, so GOD doesn’t mind me socializing. But that is not my purpose.

 

From the time I was born until the time JESUS returns, GOD gives me purpose. HE will examine every word and deed to see if HE is involved. All the things I thought were “special” may not be to HIM. HE will reward me for the things I truly did in HIS name. I am grateful GOD holds onto me even when I let go of HIM.

 

Challenge

• What is the calling the writers are speaking about?
• Have you ever been part of a group yet felt a higher calling?
• Will you fulfill your purpose by letting go of the world’s solutions and focus on what GOD has called you to do today?

Decision Making

Decision Making

2 Corinthians 6: ¹⁴ Do not try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? ¹⁵ How can Christ and the Devil agree? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? ¹⁶ How can God's temple come to terms with pagan idols? For we are the temple of the living God! As God himself has said,

 

“I will make my home with my people
    and live among them;
I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.”
¹⁷ And so the Lord says,
“You must leave them
    and separate yourselves from them.
Have nothing to do with what is unclean,
    and I will accept you.
¹⁸ I will be your father,
    and you shall be my sons and daughters,
    says the Lord Almighty.”

 

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Seeking advice from my colleagues seemed to be the right thing to do. When I asked them questions about how to live life, they had some great answers, or so I thought. Once, they suggested I sneak away from work to get drunk. Other times they would say, “just lie” or “borrow it from the store.” “Okay” was my reply. But something had to change.

 

• I was headed down a dark path.
• I was tired of trying to follow rules that did not seem to get me “ahead” in life.
• I stepped away from following GOD so I could do what “I” wanted to do.

 

Paul says something quite harsh. He warns the believers of JESUS not to be influenced by those who do not seek HIM as their Savior. He is not saying believers are perfect, rather their decision making goes through a different filter.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to make decisions with the best information I have, namely HIS word.
• GOD wants me to test my decisions by asking believers for prayer, guidance and inspiration.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS and live for HIM so I can make decisions based on a life that inspires others to do the same.

 

Political thieves and power hungry people have sought to steal the precious name of JESUS. I mean, there are many complaints of the use of the word “Christian” because it is coupled with intolerance, impatience, ignorance and insulting behavior. Yes, I have done all the above. BUT GOD still wants me to speak on HIS behalf by learning about HIS love and aligning the message to HIM.

 

HE uses imperfect people to speak about JESUS, who was and is perfection. We cannot separate ourselves out of the world. Huddling around a bunch of people who look and act the same seems dangerous. GOD wants me to be in the world but not influenced by it. HE provides others who seek HIS face to encourage me and guide me. I am glad HE has many who follow HIM in all walks of life.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the urgency of the writers words?
• What suggestions do you have for someone who is trying to make decisions?
• Will you seek a group of imperfect people who believe in JESUS as their Savior, to help you in your decision making or to help others live for HIM today? 

Not From Here

Not From Here

John 17: ¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁷ Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ¹⁸ As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

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“How do you get to the highway?” I asked. The local person politely replied with directions. “Is there a place to get a burger around here?” I asked. The person chuckled and said “You aren’t from around here, are you?” They pointed to the only diner in town then said, “We are know for our burgers!” I had never heard of them.

• Sometimes in life, I feel like “I’m not from around here.”
• Sometimes in life, I want directions.
• Sometimes in life, I desire to fit in, but wind up sticking out like a sore thumb.

JESUS continues in HIS prayer for HIS followers. HE asks the FATHER for protection of HIS followers from the evil one. HE states HE is not from this world, nor are HIS followers. HE knows navigating the world’s ways would be difficult.

• JESUS wants me to be set apart from the world, but be in the world to speak HIS truth.
• JESUS wants me to accept being sent into the world to proclaim HIS word.
• JESUS wants me to believe HIS word is from the FATHER, which holds all truth.

People can remember when I was born and they believe that was my inception. BUT GOD says something different. HE created me way before my parents were born. Sounds strange? Yes it does. However, JESUS makes it clear, that this world is not my home.

JESUS wants me to tell people there is another place where sickness, sadness and hatred do not exist. HE shows me that human efforts can only bring temporary pleasure or relief. This world was cursed by GOD when he threw the evil one out of heaven. Now HE sends me to the world to keep HIS created beings from being deceived. I am grateful for HIS protection.

• What are your desires?
• Do you ever want what GOD wants?
• Will you reduce thinking the world has more to offer than GOD by seeking HIS truth today?

Are you chosen?

Numbers 3: ¹¹ The Lord also said to Moses, ¹² “I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel. I have taken them in place of the oldest son who is born to each woman in Israel. The Levites belong to me. 

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Several times I have ignored any questions regarding “going” someplace to serve or “doing” something to help others.  It had gotten to the point where I didn’t want to attend church regularly because they seemed to always be asking for something.

• There were moments where I avoided people who are in need.
• There were moments where I didn’t want to hear any requests.
• There were moments where I literally crossed the street to avoid getting begged.

I actually don’t understand when people say they don’t hear GOD.  I actually hear HIM all the time.  HE usually speaks to me during inconvenient times, like when I don’t have much money and someone in need pops up; or when there is a request to serve and I have “my” project I have to complete.

• GOD asks me to serve someone each day it’s up to me to listen.
• GOD asks me to pray to HIM each day it’s up to me to desire to talk to HIM.
• GOD asks me to share HIS SON to many each day it’s up to me to seek those who will listen.

Just as GOD called the Levites HE has called me.  I don’t have to become a preacher or a title in the church to accept HIS calling.  HE provides all I need and will formulate the right words at the right time for the right person. GOD says I am chosen.

• Are you ignoring GOD’s call on you?
• Do you feel HE wants you to do something?
• Won’t you make yourself available to serve HIM in a deeper way?

At least make an effort

Leviticus 10: ⁴⁴ “‘I am the Lord your God. Set yourselves apart. Be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves “unclean” by eating any creatures that move around on the ground. ⁴⁵ I am the Lord. I brought you up out of Egypt to be your God. So be holy, because I am holy.

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There is absolutely no way for me to make myself holy! My very birth was sinful so every action I have, will have a sinful motive. CHRIST took my eternal punishment away and I believe this fact. I break HIS rules daily but I am Holy because HE is Holy! 

Am I setting myself apart for GOD?

Exodus 39: ³⁰ They made the plate out of pure gold. It was a sacred crown. They carved words on it as if it were a seal. They carved the words set apart for the Lord. 

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Scantily clad women walked around trying to get noticed and I wanted to join in. After lifting weights in my local gym, I adorned myself with tiny shorts and a ripped up shirt that I made myself. I mean, store bought shirts couldn’t accentuate my muscles enough.

• Self is difficult to dodge.
• Self usually wants to be noticed or rewarded now.
• Self points everyone to my efforts in a passive or overt way.

Usually when I want to be noticed, it isn’t going to end up in a positive way. Yes I may get a pat on the back, which isn’t bad, but sometimes I may fall into something I shouldn’t. I wonder if all the attention I seek is positive.

• GOD says “Be holy because I am holy” which means I will fail but HIS holiness makes me holy.
• GOD says “Set yourself apart” which means I still have to live with people and not exclude.
• GOD says “I will know MY people” which means HE has placed HIS seal of approval on me.

I have to realize that I am HIS.  This is hard to do when I’m blaming HIM for situations or trouble. I also have to realize “that” person belongs to HIM as well so I have to treat them like it. Being “Set Apart” means living with the purpose of GOD each day. The more I can let go of self the better I am. I will not always get this right but I’m on my way!

• Are you trying to get noticed?
• Do you use overt or passive aggressive ways to get noticed?
• Can you focus some of that attention on GOD?
• Won’t you point someone to CHRIST instead of pointing them to your opinion?