Harvest Time

Harvest Time

Revelation 14: ¹⁴ Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was what looked like a human being, with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. ¹⁵ Then another angel came out from the temple and cried out in a loud voice to the one who was sitting on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, because the time has come; the earth is ripe for the harvest!” ¹⁶ Then the one who sat on the cloud swung his sickle on the earth, and the earth's harvest was reaped.

 

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Seeing vegetables grow was something that excited me from my youth. It started when I planted some tomatoes and got so many, that we could not give them away!

 

• I planted seeds and watered the plants to make sure they were nourished.
• I removed weeds from the plants to keep them from overtaking my garden.
• When it was harvest time, it was very obvious, as fruit from my labor appeared.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw a figure that “looked like a human being” who was ready for a harvest. He also heard an angel explain that the “earth is ripe for the harvest. “

 

My Observations:

• JESUS said “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” meaning there are a lot of people who need to be served by those who believe in JESUS, but few believers will go out to serve.
• Lots and lots of believers will be harvested by GOD someday.
• Seeds of GOD’s message needs to grow in the hearts of believers and once ripe, will be ready to bear fruit.

 

Once fruit is bared, it requires to be harvested. That sounds obvious. But what about human fruit? Once GOD has seen the seeds of HIS word grow in the heart of humans, belief, faith, perseverance and fruit production is produced.

 

We are supposed to plant seeds of faith wherever we go. We may also hear what seeds someone else has put in the hears of humans and add our water to help that message grow. GOD adds the HOLY SPIRIT to produce fruit that HE will one day harvest.

 

Challenge

• What was difficult for the writer to describe?
• Have you ever tried to grow plants that bear fruits or vegetables?
• Will you take GOD’s commandment to heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself, so you can bear fruit today?

All Is Not Lost

All Is Not Lost

Revelation 5: I saw a scroll in the right hand of the one who sits on the throne; it was covered with writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a mighty angel, who announced in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” ³ But there was no one in heaven or on earth or in the world below who could open the scroll and look inside it. ⁴ I cried bitterly because no one could be found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside it. ⁵ Then one of the elders said to me, “Don't cry. Look! The Lion from Judah's tribe, the great descendant of David, has won the victory, and he can break the seven seals and open the scroll.”

 

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“My life is ruined” I thought to myself. I was told by the dean that I was no longer in school. I didn’t have a plan “B” so I felt I did not know what to do. Someone said, “Ask to get back in.” “What? You can do that?” I asked and they let me back in.

 

• I thought all was lost.
• I did not know there was a way, so I fell in despair.
• I was told there was a way and I felt relieved.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, sees the result of something not revealed to humans. A scroll of judgment was sealed by seven holy seals. He was not told why a sinless human was needed to open the scroll, but all he knew was no one was worthy. He wept bitterly. But then he was told that JESUS won the victory!

 

My Observations:

• Satan thought that he could become GOD by introducing sin into the first humans.
• No human was worthy to open the scroll because all were born into sin.
• JESUS had to become a human through a miraculous birth, live a sinless life, die in faith and be raised from the dead so HE could open the scroll that judged Satan and saved humans.

 

We do not understand the complexities of what JESUS did. We are not privy to the declaration that says Satan can have everything if the scroll could not be open. All we know is JESUS “did” open the scroll because HE is worthy! All is not lost! Hope is restored!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer weep bitterly?
• Have you ever felt that all was lost?
• Will you see that JESUS has won the victory, not only for eternal life but over your circumstance and all your situations you will ever, ever face?

Feeling Better

Feeling Better

James 1: ²² Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. ²³ If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. ²⁴ They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. ²⁵ But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.

 

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Life had gotten out of hand for me. I finally bowed my knees and resorted to prayer. I went to church for the first time in years. The messages were exactly what I needed to hear. I did not know much about the Bible, so I took classes. I felt better and my life got better, so much so that I wanted to hear more sermons and sit in more studies.

 

• I had become used to being in church.
• I felt better about myself and I thought church attendance would make me feel even better.
• I did not know that I was afraid of going back outside of church to put into practice what I learned.

 

James warns everyone not to fall into the habit of sitting around and merely listening to sermons and bible study participants. He knew people were afraid of the world, especially since they were scattered and chased by the religious leaders who sought to kill them. He spoke with a sense of urgency, telling everyone to learn and put into practice what was learned.

 

My Observations:

• Church gatherings felt safe to me and the world seemed unsafe and dangerous, BUT GOD wants me in the world.
• I thought I was growing in church simply by attending regularly and studying more, BUT GOD wants me putting HIS word into practice.
• I was so excited that I passed around sermons, thinking I had reached a higher “level” of belief, BUT GOD showed me I was afraid to face the world with HIS message of love.

 

“Outside of church, who have I encountered to bring the Good News about JESUS?” was my question to myself. I mean, sermons told me I should go out and tell many people, who look like me and who don’t’, about JESUS. But I was scared, so I followed the words of fear, “Just be an example without using words.”  I tried being good and found the world was better at helping those in need than the church.

 

GOD wants me to gather with believers to tell them my wounds, HE then wants me to be healed by the words of encouragement, brought on by hearing GOD’s word. Afterwards, GOD wants me to go back out into the world to seek those who are lost and serve those in need. I am glad GOD heals me and wants others healed through me as I take HIS message out to them.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer emphasize putting the “word” into practice?
• Outside of church and bible study groups, where are you having discussions specifically about the love of JESUS?
• Will you change your mind about spiritual growth and get out of your comfort zone to speak to people about JESUS so HIS kingdom will grow through you today?

An Appealing Plea

An Appealing Plea

2 Corinthians 5: ²⁰ Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf: let God change you from enemies into his friends! ²¹ Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.

 

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Speeding tickets seemed to be the norm for me until one day I got one too many. “You need a lawyer” was the suggestion of the judge. I was unable to speak on my behalf to overturn the latest violation.  I needed someone who could appeal to the judge in a way that could be heard. “How do you plea?” was the question The lawyer spoke for me and used words that could be heard by the judge.

 

• I was guilty but needed an advocate.
• I was clearly in the wrong but needed someone to make an appeal.
• I was on my way to being sentenced, but had someone make a plea to overturn the violation.

 

Paul is trying to make an appeal to overturn the thoughts of people who did not believe in JESUS. He spoke as though GOD HIMSELF were making an appeal. He then mentions how JESUS was without sin, but for our sake, HE was made sin so we could share in the righteousness of GOD.

 

My Observations

• An appeal was made to me to guide my thoughts to JESUS.
• When I believed that JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I became eternally saved.
• I plead with others to open their eyes to the one true Savior, which is CHRIST our LORD.

 

Usually a plea is seen as a way to get “my” way. BUT GOD sees it different. JESUS not only gave up HIS life, HE pursues each and every one of us, pleading to keep us from harm. The HOLY SPIRIT begs on our behalf and GOD sends people to plea to turn to HIS ways. I am grateful for the people who prayed for me and pleaded on my behalf.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the plea from the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and needed someone else to explain things on your behalf?
• Will you make a plea on someone else’s behalf to turn to JESUS for all answers today?

You Are Proof

 

You Are Proof

! Corinthians 9: Am I not a free man? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord? And aren't you the result of my work for the Lord? ² Even if others do not accept me as an apostle, surely you do! Because of your life in union with the Lord you yourselves are proof of the fact that I am an apostle.

 

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“I accept JESUS as my Savior” the man said to me. I was delighted as not many people had said those words directly in front of me, to me. When I went to check on him a few weeks later, a neighbor told me he had been killed. He was under house arrest.

 

• Life is very short.
• Life, for many, includes death.
• Life needs a solution.

 

Paul explains his relationship with CHRIST to everyone. He saw the resurrected JESUS and studied under HIM. He spoke to many and because he spoke with power and conviction. Many people came to know JESUS in a saving way. This group became proof of Paul’s calling as an apostle of JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to bear HIS fruit.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first.
• GOD wants me to know there is nothing more important than seeking the lost.

 

Living a life with purpose is highly important to GOD. I mean, JESUS said “bear fruit.” This fruit is loving one another for one single purpose, to believe that JESUS is the resurrected Savior. Worldly love will not cut it. GOD wants us to surrender our lives to seek HIM.

 

“You will know them by their fruits” JESUS says. A good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. I hope and pray GOD allows me to bear HIS good fruit.

 

• What kind of fruit are you bearing?
• Do you feel you need help or are you led to help others?
• Will you let go of the deep hidden things in your heart and allow GOD to own your life so you can bear HIS fruit of the SPIRIT today?

Find You Own Place

 

Find You Own Place

Romans 15: ¹⁸ I will be bold and speak only about what Christ has done through me to lead the Gentiles to obey God. He has done this by means of words and deeds, ¹⁹ by the power of miracles and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. And so, in traveling all the way from Jerusalem to Illyricum, I have proclaimed fully the Good News about Christ. ²⁰ My ambition has always been to proclaim the Good News in places where Christ has not been heard of, so as not to build on a foundation laid by someone else. ²¹ As the scripture says,

“Those who were not told about him will see,
    and those who have not heard will understand.”

 

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We sublet my roommates portion of the rent to someone we were familiar with. He, in turn invited a guy to live on the couch, rent free. After a week, He was eating food and placing demands. I did not appreciate this. “He has to find his own place” I discussed.

 

Later in life, I was invited into a social group. I had a business and wanted everyone in the group to “buy my stuff.” I started making demands on the group. Someone came to me and asked politely “Why don’t you start your own group?”

 

• There have been times when I was annoyed at someone who took over “my” place.
• There have been times when I was bothered when someone hijacked “my” foundation.
• There have been times when I was the culprit, attempting to hijack someone else’s group.

 

Paul stated that he would use only his own examples to speak to the Gentiles. He had enough examples as GOD did many miracles through him. Paul proclaimed the Good News wherever he went. He stated that his ambition was to go to places where the Good News was not being preached so he would not mess up someone else’s foundation.

 

• GOD wants me to be bold about what HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to speak about the many great things HE has done in my life.
• GOD wants me to have “my own place” to speak about JESUS.

 

 

Having a church on every corner was not the intent from Paul’s writing, or so I believe. I mean, GOD’s message is so much bigger than a stationary building. HE wants everyone to hear about HIS SON and there are plenty of people who still need to do so.

 

How do I know? GOD is waiting “until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.”  In other words, there are still people who need to accept CHRIST before GOD does HIS next huge thing. I gladly go out and seek those HE sends me to so they may believe in JESUS as the Savior.

 

• Do you have a message GOD wants you to tell?
• Are you waiting on your church to tell the message?
• Will you be sent and go find the people GOD wants you to find that only you can reach and use your own examples today?

Cause an Investigation

 

Cause an Investigation

Acts 25: ¹³ A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. ¹⁴ Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner. ¹⁵ When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him and asked that he be condemned.

 

¹⁶ “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. ¹⁷ When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in. ¹⁸ When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. ¹⁹ Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. ²⁰ I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges. ²¹ But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

 

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“How did he get promoted?” I questioned. I mean, this guy was not leadership material. Now I was curious. I asked him what changed. He said I needed to attend a specific leadership class offered at the company. I took the class and was promoted five times afterwards.

 

• When I want something, I look into it.
• When I seek something, I ask questions.
• When I desire something I investigate it.

 

Festus had company arrive. King Agrippa and Bernice came to pay their respects to him. He discussed this high profile case, telling them what Paul had done. He was shocked to learn what the dispute was about. The Jews claimed JESUS was dead and Paul told the truth about HIS resurrection. Festus did not know how to investigate the matter.

 

• GOD wants me to stand firm for HIS truth.
• GOD wants me to tell people about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to live a life that causes people to investigate JESUS.

 

People seek something meaningful in their lives. GOD has shown me that HE is the most meaningful pursuit I could ever chase. No matter where I go, GOD wants me to be ready to explain that JESUS is the Savior and anyone who believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. I hope my life points people to JESUS.

 

• Are you living your life for GOD?
• Are you pointing people to HIM so they can investigate JESUS for themselves?
• Will you let go of trying to control people to GOD and allow them to seek HIM for themselves today?

Seeker Help

Seeker Help

Acts 17: ²⁴ “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. ²⁶ From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

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“Ready or not here I come” I exclaimed. We were playing Hide and Go Seek, and I was the person seeking. I saw a pair of legs behind some bushes. I quietly caught the hider. Now I had some help. This was a fun day!

• I enjoyed looking for the hidden.
• I enjoyed seeking those who needed to be found.
• I enjoyed finding those who were hidden and getting some help to find others.

Paul explained that GOD does not live in manmade buildings, nor does HE need humans to ‘do’ anything for HIM. HE gives everyone life, breath and everything. HE did all of this so humans would seek HIM and perhaps reach out to HIM and find HIM. GOD is always easy to find.

• GOD wants me to be thankful for everything HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for the life HE breaths through me.
• GOD wants me to be thankful for JESUS who died for me and is alive providing salvation to those who believe in HIM.

When I complain that someone is not doing their part or are not serving enough, I may not be showing GOD enough appreciation. I mean, when I am thankful, praise comes from my lips. I realize how futile my service really is when I try to serve GOD who needs nothing from me or any human.

GOD is complete. I am thankful that HE takes care of everything. My belief in JESUS makes me complete. Since I am thankful for being complete I seek others who have a sense of emptiness only JESUS can fill. I am grateful GOD allows me to seek HIS sheep.

• What are you thankful for?
• Are you seeking inner peace through certain foods, rituals or buildings?
• Will you seek the Living GOD who provides everything you need to seek others who need HIM?

Spiritual Family

Spiritual Family

John 19: ²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

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“Come in and have something to eat” a friend’s mother said to me. “Wow!” I thought. “You mean I’m having fun AND I get a meal?” Great! Another friend’s mother did the same and another. Soon I had a few mother’s throughout the neighborhood who blessed me with a simple meal.

• My family are those who GOD has brought into my life.
• My family are those who GOD has brought into HIS family.
• My family are those who GOD has declared HIS family.

JESUS, dying an agonizing death, sees HIS mother Mary and two other Mary’s who were close to HIM. HE gave one of HIS disciples HIS mother and asked the disciple to be her son. He accepted and took care of Mary from then on. This was a spiritual family.

• JESUS wants me to treat others as HIS family.
• JESUS wants me to see others as family when they believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to treat those who seek HIM as family because HIS blessings are on those who truly believe in HIM.

GOD’s currency is people. HE wants me to seek people as I would a lost coin. I can only find people who desire to be found. HE blesses me when HE brings people to me or me to people. We are then made a spiritual family that will last for eternity. JESUS is my bond to a wonderful family!

• Do you need a family?
• Would you like to have love that supersedes blood relatives?
• Will you come into a family with the bond of love, namely JESUS?

A Prayer for All

A Prayer for All

John 17: ²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

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Searching for a church became a task. “This one is too political” I said about one church. “This one has a terrible singing group” I said about another. “This one is too hypocritical” I said about another. On my way to visit a church, I passed about twenty churches within two miles. “What are we saying to each other? I wondered.

• Sometimes I wonder if we can have unity.
• Sometimes I wonder if we can work together.
• Sometimes I wonder if we will settle for one person going to hell because we found our crowd and “that” person did not.

JESUS prays for everyone who believes in HIM. HE shows HIS heart and love for all of HIS creation by saying a prayer for them.

• JESUS wants me to speak unity in HIM to everyone I meet.
• JESUS wants me to believe HE was sent to save me and the rest of the world.
• JESUS wants me to receive the glory HE has given me.

Be as one, believe the FATHER sent JESUS and receive the glory JESUS gave to us, is the simple request JESUS gives. Working together to bring people to JESUS sounds simple, but I find this very difficult. I mean, JESUS did warn us about manipulators who use HIS name to get what they want, yet bear no fruit. This can be confusing. How can we “Be one?”

JESUS wants me to start by having unity with HIM. HIS peace will enable me to reach others with HIS love, not “my program or my offering.” JESUS wants my love to be pure and solely focused on raising HIS reputation as the one and only cure for every ill to humanity.

Though this task may be overwhelming in a society where belief in JESUS is only done as a club, HE wants me to press on, seeking those HE sends me to and sends to me. I am grateful HE is in me and I in HIM.

• Will you join JESUS in bringing HIS lost people back to HIM?
• Will you believe JESUS was sent to bring back those who left HIM?
• Will you accept the glory JESUS has given you so you can reach those only you can reach today?

Joy Connection

Joy Connection

John 15: ¹¹ “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. ¹² This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

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During the aquarium school trip, I encountered a machine that made wax figurines. I was given an allowance but did not have enough. I had a talent for finding abandoned coins so I looked around.

I did find enough money to purchase my trophy. I was happy. I guarded it all the way home. After playing with it outside, I came in, leaving it on the grass. My neighbor’s dog ate it. I was not happy about that!

• Over the years I have lost a lot of trophies.
• Over the years I have had things that have broken.
• Over the years I have had  stuff stolen from me, lost stuff or missed out on getting stuff.

JESUS wanted HIS disciples to be whole. HE knew the things of this world would result in disappointment and sorrow. Not having enough would inspire a pursuit of getting more. BUT HE had another plan.

• GOD wants me to have joy even when I am not happy.
• GOD wants me to be filled with HIS joy even when things seem to go wrong.
• GOD wants me to have joy so I can overcome any issue that I face.

Joy is very different than happiness. Joy is permanent, whereas happiness is temporary and sometimes fleeting. The joy of CHRIST is to bring back those who have lost their way to HIM. HE wants me to show HIS love. But why were people lost in the first place?

One being decided he would be GOD. This being was thrown out of heaven to this world. After tempting the first human to sin, in an effort to destroy GOD’s prize, he thought he had won. All humans were lost. BUT JESUS lived a sinless life and took the punishment for humans. My fight is no longer against GOD. I have joy for HIS salvation!

• Are you sad, lonely and depressed?
• Does your outlook on life look bad?
• Will you seek the joy of JESUS to get through the unhappy times?

Lost and Found

John 1: ⁴³ The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’

⁴⁴ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’

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“Have you seen my mitten?” I inquired to the teacher. “Have you tried the lost and found?” she replied. “What’s that?” I asked. “Go to the office and ask for what you lost” she directed. They showed me the lost and found room. It was a treasure of hats, gloves, shoes, combs and my mitten. “There it is!” I said with excitement.

• It is exciting to find something that I lost.
• It is a relief to find something I lost.
• I can’t rest unless I find something that is lost.

JESUS found Philip and told him to become HIS follower. Philip’s immediate response was “Yes!” Now that Philip was found by JESUS, Philip went to find his brother, probably looking in his usual places. When he found Nathaniel he said “We have found the ONE Moses and the prophets wrote about!”

• JESUS was looking for me when I found HIM.
• JESUS was waiting for my return from being lost.
• JESUS was searching for me, even when I wasn’t looking for HIM.

“You will fill your life with something” someone told me. I tried friends, sin and fun, but none of those quite filled the hole that was in my heart. When I found JESUS, who had been looking for me, my heart was finally filled. I was finally content. I am grateful GOD wants me as much as I need HIM.

• Are you searching for something?
• Are you looking for something to fill the void in your heart, but nothing is working?
• Will you stop drowning out the voice of GOD that is calling you to serve HIM with all your heart today?

Can’t Pay Back

Luke 14: ¹² Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. ¹³ But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.¹⁴ And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

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“Here are a pair of shoes” a person said to me. I had worn my shoes down to the point where I had holes in my soles. “Thank you” was all I had to give him in return.

• There were times when I was given a lot and could not repay.
• There were times when people gave me a lot but I had nothing to give them.
• There were times when I stood around with no gift to give yet I was invited to the party.

JESUS tries HIS best to guide the church leaders onto a different path. HE explains that inviting people who can easily repay is not the goal, instead invite those who cannot repay.

• GOD says to me, “Go. Seek those who cannot do for themselves.”
• GOD says to me, “Give. Do not seek repayment for money given to those in need.”
• GOD says to me, “Grow. Be strong enough to leave the rich and support those I want you to serve.”

Help the poor, maimed, lame and blind is what GOD wants me to do. But what about my problems? GOD says “I have sent you help and I desire to make you whole.” My wholeness comes from GOD and HE desires to share HIS healing to those who will accept HIM. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborer’s are few. HE wants me to seek those who cannot repay.

• Are you in a position where you can celebrate with those in need?
• Can you take a little of your blessing and give it to someone in need today?
• Are you the one in need and do not feel like asking for help?
• Will you ask GOD to deliver people who can supply your need today?

Treasure Map

Luke 12: ²⁹ “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. ³⁰ For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. ³¹ But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

³² “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Standing in the outfield I hoped no one would hit a ball to me. Unfortunately they did, over and over. Finally the coach pulled me in and said “Maybe next year.” This was the annual tryouts for the best little league team in the neighborhood and since my friends were doing it, I figured I would too even though I couldn’t hit, catch or run.

• Many times I did things without really wanting to do them.
• Many times I participated, but could not wait for the activity to be over.
• Many times I joined in but really did not enjoy what I was doing.

The FATHER’s heart is expressed by JESUS to the disciples. “HE knows that you need these things” was JESUS’s statement when it came to worrying about what you will eat and drink. JESUS tries to clear up any misconception that I may have regarding the FATHER’s love for me.

• JESUS says to me “The FATHER know your needs.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not fear for it is your FATHER’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek the kingdom of GOD and the FATHER will meet your needs.”

But how can I seek the kingdom? What does that mean? GOD wants me to change the desires of my heart to focus on giving directly to those who are in need. HE wants my heart to be excited about seeing people grow towards HIM and to look for opportunities to serve my neighbors rather than complaining about them.

GOD wants me to have an abundant life and that abundance means people turning their face towards HIM because of the love HE has shown me. HE guides my heart to serve HIM daily.

• What is your heart set on?
• Do you feel sorry for yourself and your situation?
• Can you change your focus from you and add the desire to have people grow in CHRIST on a daily basis?
• Will you give a little of what you have to someone in need today?

Accepted or Rejected

Luke 10: ⁸ Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. ⁹ And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹ ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ ¹² But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.

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Street witnessing was a scary challenge that I accepted. As I sat in the class and learned an approach, I felt a little more comfortable about the task. “These people need to hear this” was my thought.

When I went out and approached someone in the neighborhood the person said, “Get away from me with that church .” “This is going to be a lot harder than I thought” I said to myself.

• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with the wrong attitude.
• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with a chip on my shoulder.
• There were times when I went out to speak about CHRIST with a “holier than thou” attitude.

JESUS gives HIS final instructions to those HE sent to spread HIS wonderful message. HE let’s them know what to do if they were accepted and more importantly, if they were rejected. HE sent them with a purpose.

• GOD tells me “When you speak about ME, let MY grace be the center of attention.”
• GOD says to me “When you go to and speak to people about ME, have true compassion for them.”
• GOD informs me “Even when you speak humbly about ME, you will be rejected by some.”

“Expect to be rejected just like MY SON was rejected” are the words that one could take away from this passage. But there is more. HE sends me out seeking those who will listen. My attitude for going out needs to be one with compassion and determination.

At the first sign of rejection, I can’t just give up and say “Too bad that person is going to hell.” GOD wants me to view all people around me as a part of “me.” When someone rejects HIS message, it should hurt as much as cutting off a finger. When HE says, “move on” it should feel devastating, yet I must obey. GOD wants me to seek the lost just like HE sought me.

• What is your attitude towards helping people understand who CHRIST is?
• Do you think only a select people “deserve” hearing about the Gospel of JESUS?
• Are you willing to go out and be rejected by some and accepted by others when speaking about GOD’s wonderful grace?

Willingness

Luke 10: After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. ² Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

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With the proposal due in a very short time, I decided to stay at work until I finished. Hour after hour passed and before I knew it people were showing up for work again. It was the next day and I had not left work. I worked 36 hours straight.

There have been many times when I have put a lot of effort into work.

There have been many times when I put work first and everything else second.

There have been many times when I was willing to use all of my thoughts on work.

JESUS  appointed seventy people who were willing to put their mind and efforts into telling people about HIS kingdom. HE knew there were plenty of people who needed to hear HIS message, but so many people were focused on protecting their lifestyle, they would never help HIS cause.

JESUS wants me to take some time to tell people about CHRIST.

JESUS wants me to use some of my thoughts to let people know how wonderful CHRIST is.

JESUS wants me to be willing to give my life to grow HIS kingdom.

Willingness to say “JESUS is LORD of my life” is what GOD desires from me. HE doesn’t make it hard or weird. HE wants me to be willing to seek those who have lost their way back to HIM. HE says “There are plenty of people who need to hear MY message, but very few people willing to tell people about ME.”

When I ask “What does GOD want from me” the answer is very clear. “Tell people about the sacrifice MY SON made for you” is all I want from you, nothing more.

Are you waiting on GOD to give you direction?

Do you think obtaining human titles and human affirmation will prove GOD’s love for you?

Will you start believing the truth that GOD loves you and drop the lie of meeting human expectations today?

Acting Removed

Luke5: ²⁷ After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” ²⁸ So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

²⁹ Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them. ³⁰ And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

³¹ Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ³² I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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Jumping in my luxury car, I sped off to my office. Mulling through the projects of the day, I finally organized what I was going to accomplish. I attended numerous meetings, filled out reports and then went home to do this again and again. I never once noticed the people I passed on the street.

• There were times when work was the focus.
• There were times when most of my thoughts were on the job.
• There were times when I placed a large amount of esteem in my career.

The scribes and Pharisees had the “job” of telling people about GOD and they did it with a judgmental attitude. “Why do YOU eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” was their question to JESUS. They thought they were so far removed from their sins that they no longer considered themselves sinners.

• JESUS wants me to seek the lost.
• JESUS wants me to fill up some of my time for HIM.
• JESUS wants me to think of HIS kingdom each and every day.

Being far removed from poor, hurt and overtly sinful people doesn’t make me a better follower of GOD. In fact, the more removed I am from the more highly I think of myself. After a while I speak in “those people” terms instead of saying “us people.”

Being busy is also an exclusionary tactic. If I do not purposefully stop and look for the poor, lost and the hurt I can easily forget that I am one of them. JESUS wants me to be part of the crowd that seeks HIM in need of a Savior. I am sick and need GOD daily.

• Do you think you are better than someone?
• When is the last time you personally went out and sought after the sick, poor and lost?
• Can you plan on spending some of your time speaking on behalf of GOD in an inclusive way?

Habitual Parenting

Luke 2: ⁴¹ His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. ⁴³ When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; ⁴⁴ but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. ⁴⁵ So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. ⁴⁶ Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. ⁴⁸ So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

⁴⁹ And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.

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“Wait, I’m forgetting something” I said to myself. I ran back into the house and found my brief case and computer sitting right there on the kitchen floor. I remembered the diaper bag and formula but lost track of other things. I got in the car, started it up and another thought popped in my head. “I’m forgetting something.” I had left my daughter in her bassinette.

• As a parent I have been distracted.
• As a parent I have lost track of things.
• As a parent I have had so many things on my mind that it got overloaded.

Joseph and Mary may have tried a little harder to follow GOD’s rules because of their miracle child. They obediently went to Jerusalem and probably meticulously did everything they were supposed to. They lost track of JESUS in the middle of all of their checklists. BUT JESUS was not lost.

• JESUS says to me “Do not be overwhelmed for I AM with you.”
• JESUS says to me “Quiet your heart and hear ME.”
• JESUS says to me “Allow ME to lead you to still waters.”

Peace and tranquility is a gift GOD wants me to have each day. HE says “Here, have a dose of peace” each day, but sometimes I refuse to take it. I look at the problems of the day and grab those instead. GOD can provide peace so I can hear HIM, all I have to do is listen and accept it.

• Are you in turmoil?
• Is someone in your family distracting you from the peace GOD wants you to have each day?
• Can you slow down for a moment and allow GOD to give you the peace that only comes from HIM?