Trying to Understand Life

Trying to Understand Life

2 Peter 1: ¹⁹ So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. ²¹ For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

 

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Going through difficult circumstances, I asked GOD “Why?” I did not get an audible answer and wondered if I was being punished or possibly forgotten. But then I read the scriptures and an example in the bible gave me peace that I wasn’t the only one going through difficulty and there is an enemy orchestrating war against believers.

 

• I did not like having to face difficulty again, but I felt inspired by reading the Bible.
• My situation had not changed, but something inside me felt at peace.
• Each word I read changed something inside me.

 

Peter explains that all scripture originated by the HOLY SPIRIT and can only be understood by explanation from the HOLY SPIRIT. He implicitly urged people to believe in CHRIST so they would receive the HOLY SPIRIT who would in turn be a guide to life.

 

My Observations:

• Humans can lie to me to get their own way, BUT GOD gave mankind scripture that revealed HIS love through HIS SON.
• I can believe scripture will guide me in making large and small decisions in life.
• Each example I read in scripture parallels a foundation in scripture.

 

Skeptics would say that scripture was written to enslave people to do work, or that scripture is no longer valid because technology has provided new ways of thinking. BUT GOD is in control and has provided a way to cope with life to this very day.

 

HE spoke to various men and women and had each carefully document their encounter with GOD. As unbelievable as each encounter was, there were several people who were eyewitnesses to the experiences. These experiences still hold true to this very day and can provide me with direction to keep moving forward. I am glad GOD said “I will never leave you nor forsake you, because I can hold onto this truth in the middle of a storm.

 

Challenge

• What gave the writer confidence?
• Have you ever wanted to ask GOD “Why?”
• Will you “lean not unto your own understanding” and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you through the difficult time so you can give GOD the praise HE deserves today?

Fulfilling the Plan

Fulfilling the Plan

Acts 1: ¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, ¹⁶ “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; ¹⁷ for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.”

¹⁸ (Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)

²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

‘Let his dwelling place be desolate,

And let no one live in it’;

and,

‘Let another take his office.’

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“Come up on stage” were the words I was shocked to hear. The leadership team had acknowledged the efforts of business owners, because it was a convention specifically for them. I was an employee, yet they recognized my efforts. My part of the plan helped.

• Sometimes I think I am insignificant.
• Sometimes I think my tiny part does not matter.
• Sometimes I think I am not part of a large plan.

Peter spoke about replacing Judas but was careful with his words. It wasn’t just about getting another person, but getting the right person. How were they going to choose when GOD was the one who chose everyone else? He relied on the scripture.

• GOD’s plan includes me.
• GOD’s plan has a part in it for me.
• GOD’s plan is laid out for me to read daily.

“What do you want from me?” is usually cried out from those who wants something and are not getting it. GOD says clearly that HE wants everyone to believe in HIS SON for salvation. HE also says the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.

Forcing GOD into my plan usually does not work. I mean, usually I want to stay the same and let GOD clean up my mess. BUT GOD wants me to be part of HIS plan, which requires me to change, giving it all to HIM. I am glad HE is gracious enough to keep me in HIS plan.

• Are you trying to make GOD do something and have not yielded your life to HIM?
• Are you praying to get something and have not given your all to HIM?
• Will you join GOD’s plan for you by giving HIM all the things you hold onto so HE can multiply it?

Amazed

Amazed

John 19: ³¹ Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ³² Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ³⁵ And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. ³⁶ For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

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“Wow look at that!” were my words of amazement. I was so amazed that I went and told other people. I mean, who knew that if you folded the tips of the wings on a paper airplane, it would do loops.

• Many things have amazed me.
• Many things have made me say “wow!”
• Many things have been brought to my attention that I got excited about.

John, the writer, speaks about something that was truly amazing. He verified that even the tiniest of prophecy was fulfilled by JESUS. The guards went from one body, breaking the bones ensuring death, then went around JESUS to the other body to do the same. John was amazed that all scriptures were fulfilled by JESUS.

• GOD wants me to be amazed by HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is working out the situation, without my help.
• GOD wants me to know HE has everything taken care of through HIS awesome power.

When JESUS said “It is finished” HE truly meant salvation is accomplished. Everything said about HIM was done and completed. HE has said much more. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. HE said HE would return for me and those who believe in HIM. I am amazed HE loves me.

• Are you amazed by GOD?
• Have you noticed HE cares for you?
• Will you seek HIS amazing love, grace and mercy today?